CSA 2010: How will the Driver Rating System affect you?

You are probably good for the rest of the year now.It seems inspections come in spurts.What I was pointing out that when trucking was regulated we all made money,and the companies were not allowed to cut rates under posted minimum.In order to keep equiptment maintained these companies have to have a break even point and most are operating under that.csa does have a lot to do with freight rates as the companies that are hurting now will find new ways to cut costs-driver wages and perks.Also they will probably have to downsize their fleets to stay compliant.

 

Are put out of service, will they have a problem with the new 2010 program ??

 

Naaah, there's no CSA 2011! Just an eye-catcher as a opener!

Do you have nutty thoughts when you wake up in the morning? I do. Sadly, nutty thoughts pretty much are a way of life for me. I've been profoundly affected by a host of zany family members, at least by the ones who have remained at-large.....despite the best efforts of the nice little men in white suits.

Well, my thoughts this morning turned to CSA 2010 AGAIN! (Sick of that bad boy, I am!) And hey, I'm not even a driver yet! What I'm thinking, though, is that there's a better way to get carriers and drivers more focused on safety issues. (Let me say right here that I firmly believe that "professional" drivers have been focused on safety from the get-go. CSA 2010 "ain't no step for a stepper", right?) My theory, borne out of the wacky, caffeine deprived thoughts of this morning is this.....REWARD carriers and drivers, openly, with points for exhibiting professionalism in safety. Why do most new regulations have "punishment" for offenses as the main thrust of the regulation. The purists among us would say, "CSA is not about punishment, it's about prevention." Others would contend that regulations have to have "teeth" in them to be effective. I agree, to an extent, but, I maintain that human beings and human corporations would respond more favorably to a system or regulation that, openly, rewards behavior consistent with professional safety management and professional safety practices behind the wheel. I'm not talking about "Safe Driver of the Year" awards. Those are great, but (the almighty but), if there can be only one winner out of 2,000 drivers, for instance, then where's the motivation. Am I really gonna strive for that award? Maybe so, maybe not!
I guess what I want here is.......when I finally get on the road, I WANT SOME FRIGGIN' MONEY for doing a good, safe job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a nice day!

P.S. I forgot, I think CSA 2010 an "initiative", not a regulation. Now I feel better!

 

They already have a reward system for carriers and drivers . Be compliant and they'll let you keep your authority and they'll let you keep driving .
People get rewards for doing things above and beyond what is required . Is being a safe , professional driver with proper equipment something that should be considered exceptional ? Apparently it is by bottom feeder companies that give appropriate wages to their unprofessional temporary drivers .

 

They said that in 1985 with the advent of the CDL..with the TWIC card I've never used..the list goes on and on, it's all about revenue and some Senators BIL or relative getting rich. i.e. You have to go to a third party for fingerprints, a third party for the TWIC card and now a third party if you care to see your "record". Tell me again how the rate structure will "have" to change, please...

 

Good morning "PP" (you know what I mean), I was hoping you'd weigh in here! Not negative, "just the facts, ma'am". I read your posts carefully, RG. They ain't always pretty, but they're pretty much right on! Thanks!

 

Excellent question! But as you see there will be some that want to shoot down that idea saying you are already paid to be safe and comply with all the regs, but why not a bonus???
After all, some shippers pay a bonus to the company for consistent on time deliveries, some companies pay a bonus to dispatchers for productivity or no missed loads, why shouldnt we be paid a bonus for playing by the rules? The things I mentioned are all requirements of that respective job, yet the driver gets NOTHING??? Typical!!!
I have worked for a carrier that has discontinued the policy, but they gave a driver a brand new motor carrier atlas for a clean Level 1 inspection, $50 for a level 2, and $100 for a level 3. It was a nice "thank you" from the company for doing my job. But it was very much appreciated and I didnt mind getting pulled around back, I actually looked forward to it. (most of the time anyway)

 

You want a bonus for doing your job the way you're supposed to do it in the first place?

Why is there an expectation of getting something for nothing? You do your job, You get paid!
The problem is that so many people do such a crappy job that companies have felt the need to give them perks for just being avaerage, Just getting the job done!
Of course the worst among us think that it's a great idea...

I work for a carrier...Me, That doesn't believe in stupid perks for performing the job that you were hired to do in a satisfactory manner.
I don't look forward to getting "pulled around back" because it's a waste of my time (and theirs) I have never been pulled around and not left with a sticker because I keep my equipment in perfect condition!
Not because someone tells me I have to but because, That's the way it should be.

The way some people stand around with their hand out all the time...You'd think it was kindergarten instead of grown men working!

 

Why would a company discontinue a policy if it was effective ?
Many companies pay for passing inspections but they should because of the time consumed , not because the driver wasn't in violation .
A new road atlas ? . A while back my carrier discontinued a safety bonus . Every month they had a drawing based on safety points and gave away a new Ford pickup every month . We still get shirts , watches , coffee mugs , etc . but that has no effect on the way I drive .

 

I'd like to believe that most folks that work, in whatever field, think and act like you and BlackW! But it just ain't so. Many do work and think that way, but the majority don't. If they did, then the forum would be full of threads and posts relating wonderful little stories of how lovely everything was today.....every driver was courteous, drove safely, and was a shining example for all.
I guess what I'm getting at is this....maybe a man or woman doesn't need a pat on the back, in whatever form, be it $$$, extra time off, even atlases, but, why not accept the rewards for effort beyond "honest pay for an honest days work". Some of us get a real "buzz" from simply bustin' it and getting the job done. Some of us don't! We need an extra kick.