Getting stuck, reported as accident

I have heard that from a couple of drivers. They followed the company route down dirt/mud roads and got stuck then got charged preventable accidents when the tow truck had to come out.

 

I've not gotten into a situation requiring tow, but for clarification for future readers ... are we talking about a law enforcement "accident" ticket or the carrier's safety department labeling the incident an "accident"? or both? A lot would depend on the real circumstances involved and context of the situation. There are a lot of ways a driver can get a rig stuck, some more understandable than others from the company safety supervisor's perspective.

 

I get stuck at least weekly! That's normal right? LOL I would think for it to be considered an accident there would have to be some sort of damage claim filed with an insurance company or a police report filed.

 

I always carry a chain mainly to help others in winter. But I have got stuck twice in the past.

Once at the house parked on flat grass. The frame was twisted just enough it couldn't get traction even locked in. Remedy: called my friend with a dump truck and he pulled me out.

Second time was at a shipper getting loaded. You had to drop your trailer and park in a bobtail lot. The lot was raised about two foot from the rest of the surrounding area. My truck literally slid sidewards into a snow bank. Remedy: Had the yard dog pull me out.

Simple stuff you can try and take care of yourself before you go calling.

This is the FMCSA's definition of an accident.

 

Were the police involved? Called? Filled out an accident report? If that's the case, it might be a problem because it will be on his drivers license.

If not, Schneider is a big carrier, perhaps the biggest, so they'll probably use HireRight DAC. If he wants to get another job, he'll have to get one at a company that doesn't use DAC. If he likes his job, great! They didn't fire him, right? Tell him to stick with it for another 3 years or so.

 

what do you haul? I get stuck weekly also, nothing a chain wont fix though.

 

I call BS. Schneider handles all calls to outside vendors. Tires, tow trucks, etc.....


I think its safe to say BF needs to pay more attention to how he makes his turns.
Or go back to trucking school.


Heres what I think happened. He cut his turn short, went in the ditch. Then he called a tow truck to try and hide the fact. Got caught.

One thing I would hope is he is learning something from all this to improve as a driver. Cuz it sounds to me like theres a LOT of room for growth here.