Driver damaged company trailer - Canada

I think it is clear it is the drivers fault. The scraper is not adjustable just because some fifth wheels are at different heights, but also because there will be snow under it.

Where do you think the snow it scraped off that last trailer would be?

Do you expect them to have a plow truck standing by that thing to clean the pavement off after each truck goes under it?

He should have stopped short and set the height he wanted it at.

 

ice falls off the top of trailers hitting windshields, haven't had a chunk do any damage yet but it's wonder it doesn't. what's the law on trailers rolling down the road with xx amounts on top?

is it a hazard?

could this driver have waitied until the scraper had the clearance required?

detention pay?

 

Scrapers are down this way too, I dont use them unless im instructed to do so.

I crossed paths with a driver picking up a load in the state of Washington, the shipper wouldn't let him take it off the property until the snow was cleaned off the roof, state law. his company sent out a road service crew to clean off the snow. the shipper doesn't use or have a scraper.

 

In every jurisdiction I am aware of, it is illegal to drive on the highway with snow on top of the trailer. It is most frequently cited as an unsecured load. Having said that, unless there is an excessive amount, or there have been complaints, most enforcement officers seem to give it a pass. Part of the issue is the difficulty of cleaning the trailer roof safely. It does seem to be an issue that is getting more attention though... from both the industry and enforcement.

Yes, it is a hazard.

The scraper is height adjustable, so he could have raised it. Or, he could have likely asked for help from the customer in either raising it or getting the snow cleared.

You raise a good point about detention pay. Perhaps part of the reason the driver had this incident is that he was in a hurry. Does the OP pay for the driver to take the time to get the trailer roof clean (as well as other non-driving tasks)? We paid our drivers percentage, but for something like this we paid $25/hour.

 

GOAL. Not just for backing. My truck only comes in at 11' and I still get out and look if I don't think I'm going to fit under something.

 

The carrier should have insurance, o/o should pay the deductible , why should the customer pay anything?