Can truckers record dispatch conversations?

As a company driver it's best not to get into peeing matches with your carrier. However, if it is something really concerning and you're not getting anywhere talking, you can just send a message (on your Qualcomm, by text or email, etc.) that says something like, "As per directions given by [name], [action]." It is what is known as a contemporaneous record (which I have successfully used in legal action, although not suggesting you would normally get to that point). In the absence of any immediate rebuttal, for someone to come back later and object to what was written just looks like they're trying to deny it.

I do this for every phone call where we discuss issues of importance. I just send a quick "summary" email outlining what we discussed. I'm not actually looking for a response, I'm just creating a written record of that moment in time.

Of course the most important thing to remember is that no one can force you to do anything you aren't willing to do and if you undertake an unsafe action it is most likely that you will bear all of the liability. If it is truly unsafe or could cost you your license, don't do it.

 

Good way to get on Fleet Managers @#$% list , or not hired.

 

If you have to record phone conversations with dispatchers your working at the wrong place. As far as it causing you a problem finding a job I don’t think it would be a barrier. For every company that won’t hire you there are a half dozen that will. If you can’t get a job with a cdl there is something else going on.

 

Some states it is a felony to record a phone call with out the persons knowledge. But if you had that recording notifying them it would be legal.

 

My friend does that exactly. He let's brokers & such that this conversation is being recorded.

 

No problem with that. You just have to let them know they are being recorded.

 

You have to take everything that is in this forum with a grain of salt. Some drivers are just a pain in the ### and difficult to deal with end of story. Some carriers are difficult to deal with same as brokers.
I have never been a company driver. So can’t speak to that aspect.
Like they say, your experience may differ

 

If you tell the other party that you are recording the call and they hang up, do you really want to deal with them? What do they have to hide?

 

I dont speak with employer. Text or email only and save file. Have for years, it keeps them honest while weeding out the complete idiots.

Terminal manager to me during heated discussion ..”well not all our trucks are fit to go down the highway”

 

Thanks everyone. Just got my permit today.

I'm just going to go in under the presumption of good faith and fair dealings unless I sense or they show me otherwise. Won't hurt to do a little homework and if I can get away with it without stepping on anyone's toes I will and if by chance I do, I'll probably be looking to work elsewhere.