Chain Pay?

Hello folks. I was wondering if you can answer a stupid question. I am fairly new to driving in the Pacific Northwest, especially in the winter. So, I have never had to chain up (yet). Now, when I was with Stevens Transport, we would carry chains in the truck during the season because of the requirement. We weren't allowed to use them because Stevens had a separate crew that specialized in chain driving. They were a pretty small group called the "chain gang". Basically, if one of the company drivers was stranded or needed to chain up, these boys would come in and repower the load from us.

So now, in light of this crazy weather we are having, I am willing to bet that I will have to chain up at some point. So, the question is: Is it customary to get paid if you have to chain up? We all know that cpm is the biggest scam in trucking. And when I was with Melton, we had tarp pay to help compensate us for the time we put in with the manual labor. Is it the same with chaining? Right now, my company has not mentioned it. So, I want to make sure I am not getting screwed on this.

Looking forward to your replies.

 

I don't think it's that. Stevens is very big into safety. They don't let first-year drivers on I-70 between Denver and SLC, regardless if it's summer or winter. I think it's a good policy, actually. Don't we all wish that the Cuban kid who killed 4 in Denver would have started with Stevens?

 

I UNDERSTAND it's part of the job. Tarping is part of a flat-bedder's job. They get paid. Detention and layover is part of a company driver's job. They get paid. Do you know what I mean, Bodean?

 

That is exactly why I asked this question. Chaining 3 or 4 times a day, which HAS to be done, really adds a little "spice" to the trip. I just don't see how chaining and tarping is any different.