Can a company make a company driver pay for maintenance?

Discussion in 'Trucker Legal Advice' started by Massey999, Apr 4, 2017.

  1. Massey999

    Massey999 Bobtail Member

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    Currently driving for a company for a whole 2 days now. About 20 miles into my first trip, the emergency stop engine light came on and the truck shut off at top speed on the interstate about 20 seconds later. This happened once more a few minutes later while I was trying to find a safe place to stop. A company mechanic was sent out and replaced the fuel filter, looked everything over and gave me the okay. It was fine until the next day and happened twice more in the same manner. All of this has been communicated through proper channels and documented on the Qualcomm. Breakdown dept. advised me to roll the dice and get back on the road since the truck wasn't actively throwing the stop engine signal while parked. They also threatened to make me pay any associated shop bills in the event that nothing wrong was found. I've told them my obvious safety concerns.

    What are the legalities here? Can they legally charge me and advise me to run the truck? Advice would be nice. Thanks
     
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  3. HiLoSapien

    HiLoSapien Light Load Member

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    I know what I'd do. Put out triangles, take pictures of the Qualcomm communications, tell them to call a wrecker for their POS, make my own arrangements to get home, report them to DOT for "rolling the dice" with public safety, and look for another job. Laugh at their threats.
     
  4. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    You have bad fuel, or algae in your tanks.

    Getting past that, I'd take the truck back to the terminal as soon as possible, and find another place to work.

    Don't do it under load, wait until your empty. Ask to be routed back to the terminal.
     
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  5. Massey999

    Massey999 Bobtail Member

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    I've told them I'm not moving the truck. Supposed to be going to a shop in the morning. I'm wondering mostly if it's legal to charge me. If nothing is found due to incompetence or something else. I won't be here much longer thats for sure.
     
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  6. Massey999

    Massey999 Bobtail Member

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    That's pretty much the plan at this point. Might let em pay for my hotel and kick back for a few days first though
     
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  7. tk40176

    tk40176 Light Load Member

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    Unless it was deliberate damage by you and they have proof. No. Bad fuel, bad fuel line, etc...Not your fault.
     
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  8. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    deleted wrong thread
     
  9. Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    Their truck, their responsibility to fix and maintain it. If they try to say it was your fault and deduct pay get in touch with the labor board in your state and an attorney. They'll have to prove in court the damage was your fault. Otherwise they are responsible. Unless, of course, you signed a contract to the contrary.
     
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  10. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Ask em if they ever tried to get blood out of a turnip.
     
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  11. Rocknroller4

    Rocknroller4 Road Train Member

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    I hope this isn't a mega company telling you to roll the dice.
     
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