Equipment issues/when to refuse equipment

The one thing that absolutely gets the truck in the shop is faulty cruise control.

 

Problem is new drivers don't really know what's "safe" and what isn't yet.

His tread depth wear is a good example. He thinks they're too low but can't tell us what their measurements are because he hasn't stuck them with a gauge.

I also bet he doesn't know what the minimum tread depth is for tires on any given axle (trailer nor tractor.)

He needs to spend time reading that little green book before making equipment safety calls so early in his career.

 

That's true, but even the most novice of drivers should know when something looks unsafe. Tires are the most obvious, but actually driving the truck is a much better way of knowing, sometimes it's too late, and trying to keep a schedule, you put up with the hazards. I still say, as a driver, those defects should be noted, but you aren't expected to correct them, I don't think.

 

Found the illiterate newb who doesn't understand tread depth criteria for the FMCSA. The equipment belongs to your employer and the safety requirements for equipment are ultimately determined by the FMCSA and then your boss. You will have a very short career, my friend.

 

So, of all the things you've specifically mentioned, 2 of them are things that I would refuse to drive:

Low-beam out: This will get you pulled-over randomly and put out-of-service, plus give you an equipment violation.

Tire with belt showing: Ain't no way this is safe. You are driving a ticking time-bomb there.

 

Have any of your coworkers been stopped on a regional run and cited for violations?

 

In that case, it sounds like you're probably right to worry. I'd start looking for other work. I wouldn't recommend quitting immediately, but also don't put yourself in a position to get points on your license. If you get a POS for a regional run, don't drive it. You've probably got a few times you can refuse to drive before management will really take notice. You don't even necessarily have to refuse a truck outright. A lot of things can go wrong shortly after leaving the terminal that can force you to return for repairs, if you catch my drift. As long as it's not a regular occurrence, and it shouldn't be since you don't get regional runs every day, you can buy yourself some time.