I got backed into at the truck stop - is it my fault?

I am backed into a legal parking space in Salt Lake, the truck stop is half full, and Im outside talking to another driver.

We watch as a driver backs up BEHIND me, and hits my trailer. I’m not impressed. The Manac can take a beating so I’m not too concerned.

The driver gets out of the truck, around to the side of the truck we’re on, and starts the ‘hand waving’ WTF routine.

He’s saying “ Look - I’m out HERE! , you back up too FAR! “

He’s dead right. I’m 18 inches over the rear stop line. I oughta turn in my CDL.

So, I walk about 80 feet towards him, without saying a word, get 10 inches from his face and say very softly . . .

“So, you’re telling me that you just hit my equipment with yours, . . . But it’s all my fault”.

He tells me he’s not here to cause problems, he’s out here to make friends. I advise him to get close and look - not back up till you hit something.

Sheesh.

 

So did you get out and look or just keep going past that line?

 

Oh SNAP.

 

I thought it was pretty good for high range reverse and jake braking to a stop, headset on, stereo on 11.

 

It aint the dummy that tore off my front end with me in the tractor riding it out.

It's the shop manager I have to be worried about once he starts yelling.

That is just a beginning before the dispatcher starts yelling along with safety.

He hit you, it's preventable and it's on him. Hes not going to have very many friends when he keeps backing and backing really close and closer without stopping to walk back and check once in a while.

 

At that point I would say...
OK. Let's call the cops because you just backed into my trailer. I need to file a proper report for my company.

 

I considered it for a second, but not being the guy that calls 888-SUE-TRUCK, I let it go.

And I needed a nap.

 

Pretty sure it doesn't really matter where you're parked if someone backs into you, kind of like pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way even if not in a crooswalk, but that's just me.

 

Sure it was you fault, you people with long trucks take up all the room.

 

Reason for the post was a week full of this crap.

I'm referring to "Lack of personal responsibility".

It's OK to err. It's human. But when you do - the best approach is humility. More often these days, I see people pointing the finger as quickly as possible, and blaming their behavior or mistakes on anything or anyone else but themselves.

Here's another example - last week.

Picked up a load - they want to load it from a loading dock, right next to a ramp. Sure, some product can be driven out on to the deck, but the majority of it needs loading from the side.

Forklift guy drives at an angle back up the ramp, forklift with clamp attatchment, putting one wheel through the deck. Well off the frame rails, and he wasn't being even close to gentle with the process. Punches a hole through the deck. It's 9 years old - Apitong has a lifespan of 8-15 years. The deck is (or was) just fine for normal wear and tear.






Here's the supervisors response. Now - through this whole process I'm cool as cucumbers. I even said to him as I patted him on the shoulder "No use crying over spilt milk".

This is his copy of the email after the fact . . .




He contacted the shipper of the product - tried to have them pay for it - note in the email "heavy boxes" - like, it's the MANUFACTURERS fault.

They told him to pound sand.

Then - "Note to flooring was worn out, to some extent" - like, "Yeah - it's the TRUCKERS fault, he's got cruddy worn out equipment"

Never - "Our employee needs some training as to correct and damage free loading procedures, and we will re-imburse the owner of the equipment his full cost in repair and down-time associated"

The rest of the story involving their concerns in tarping the load, well - concerns for THEIR employees, and complete disregard for me, is another flatbed story.

The more I know people, the more I like my pets.