Buying own locks

Well, training before orientation makes sense since you need to obtain the CDL before they can hire you. As far as the driving thing, not sure, since I went to an independent school less than a half hour from where I live. When I got hired, I did get my own ride, but that was my choice . . . I don't like buses.

The king pin lock and related locks are SOP for many companies. Those things are not cheap, and it is for rig security.

Just about every company out there reimburses for lumper fees, etc as long as you follow their procedures for getting reimbursed.

 

OK, that is a bit odd. Usually orientation is before they send you out with a trainer, and then have another short one after training before they put you in your own truck.

 

King pin locks are about 25.00 plus tax.

Master Lock padlocks 3 for 12.00.

Unless they have a special lock which I doubt, I believe they are over charging.

 

He said door locks . That may mean they change the locks on the tractor doors and charge for labor installing them . That's the only way it would make sense (but not really ). If they were worried about former drivers getting in trucks they could swap locks on tractors that recently lost drivers .

 

If they want me to use their special locks, they better provide them free of charge.

 

Lots of companies require things like "meat locks" and king pin locks.. If you buy them then you are more liable to take care of them, not loose the key and have to have someone cut it off the truck.. If $160 seems too high, try and see for yourself what kind of lock they require and buy your own?? I bet that is reasonable.. Those master locks 3 for $12 I bet arn't the locks they are talking about.. It sounds like a case hardened meat lock, they run about $90 - $125.. They wrap around both door rods.. The king pin lock.. depends.. some are aluminum, others are steel..

 

Yes, it is much more so after 9-11. Before 9-11 only some did that, now almost ALL do that. I worked for Heartland for over 3 years and they would FIRE you for dropping your trailer, didn't matter about a lock. And, I mean dropping it to eat, go home, etc., not at a company, of course. So, YOU take the cost, these billions dollar companies don't have the money to pay for locks, you know!

 

Granted, your description could be. But I still stand where I am.

I have seen companies that require a lock on the door. I know drivers have bought their 30.00 lock and found that it was no more than a master lock.

The problem with these deals is that when you leave they do not buy back the locks but expect them returned.