Melton Truck Lines

"Flatbed'ers are not the most efficient drivers"

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard that. It's always van drivers that say that. Here's an FYI for those that say that.

You cannot jackknife a flatbed with split axles the way you can a van. You'll flat spot the tires at a minimum and can even peel the tire off the rim with not much effort. And, frankly speaking, you shouldn't jack knife a van the way I see some drivers do.

 

Sure you was,alot of truth to kidding,better start carrying a few gallons of honker fluid,lol.

 

Why do you suppose the insurance company gives them that discount?

 

Because they think it's funny when the back up alarms wake up drivers at truck stops.

 

So they got a discount. Isn't that the name of the game, to save money where ever they can? The last company I worked for issued us fifth wheel pullers. When I asked one of the owners, who also ran our shop, why and his response was "I spent $15 each for 50 fifth wheel pullers, the insurance gave us a $2500 PER YEAR discount on our insurance premiums because they supposedly reduce rotator cuff injuries. If I have to replace every one every year, we are still money ahead". That was just a smart business decision.

 

Why would a insurance company give a discount on premiums for back up alarms, SAFETY!

 

How many people, per year, are killed or injured by OTR trucks backing up in a truckstop?

Put me down as another driver that absolutely HATES back up beepers.

 

I can recall three people killed here in Cincinnati over the past twenty years. They were all at loading docks though not truck stops. Truck backed up and pinned them.

They are meant for safety and in general make the area around the back of the vehicle safer than without the alarms.
The insurance companies give the discounts because in theory they are safer but companies don't care about that, it's the huge discount/ bottom line that counts. Snitch stickers and GPS on company trucks add another huge discount.

 

Actually there is some truth to that as I am currently at UPS package (seasonal feeder driver) and anyone who has worked there before or currently works there knows that you honk your horn for everything (backing up going around blind corners, etc)