newbie with a million questions.....

You may want to read http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/ask-an-owner-operator/70022-load-boards.html.

And also why did you come here asking questions then you debunk all the
answers they gave you and acted like you know it all? Just an observation.

 

The problem is liability . What if they just let him continue and the son was killed or injured in an accident ? The same with that recent article stating drivers without valid medical cards were allowed to drive on . I doubt that.

 

Maybe you should be a consultant to Pacer they posted a 177 million loss 1st quarter, or Con-Way they lost 144 million 1st Q, rates are at a 5 year low and Chrysler has 52 plants closed. If it's so easy why are all the trucking companies losing money right now? Google up trucking first quarter report and see how much everyone is making. I mean losing, this is not the time.

Do you have a CDL?

 

I understand the liability of it. But to my understanding, a secretary or legal department could quickly type and print up a liability waiver that would take any responsibility off of them in the event of something bad happening. It's been that way with a few companies I've driven for.

 

You cannot sign away the rights of minor children. When they turn 18 they can sue, even though a parent signed a liabilty waver. That is the reason most companies do not want children in trucks.

 

Where would the liability be if your wife was injured if or when she was riding with you without the authorization and you were in an accident no matter who was at fault? Who would she sue in civil court, your company? Then you would lose your job and have a bad DAC report for the next 7-years & who would hire you then? Or would she sue you? Either way you would be the loser. And you said it all when you stated "it is my understanding" because your understanding is not all that conversant.

FYI: this rule is enforced by all state enforcement people, or does she merely hide in the sleeper when you go through the coups?

 

The only person who rides with me is my girlfriend from time to time. It's allowed by the company and it's my truck.

And as I stated in an earlier post, the rider should sign a waiver of liability. But my original point was, it was a dick move on the DOT for them to do that to the man. They set him up to lose either way. My way is not right or wrong, it's just my opinion. Not everything is black and white.

 

If you're operating under the companies operating authority then you must have the written permission even if the passenger signs a waiver of responsibility i don't care who owns the truck because the rule CLEARLY states the authorization must come from the carrier (whoever owns the operating authority). It's not that hard with which to comply.....all it takes is a letter from the carrier. If the carrier doesn't wish their insurance premiums to be higher then they won't issue the authorization. Without the authorization even with a waiver of responsibility it becomes illegal. And do you know what lawyers do to waivers? They eat them for breakfast because they are almost worthless because as you said everything is not black & white.

Moan and complain if you will, but it's the rule and with the rule you must comply. Failure to comply and who loses money? The answer is you, not the carrier.

 

Gettin' back to the original topic.

Hey Cowboysfan76, I don't mean to rain on your parade or dampen your dreams, but this industry is one "TOUGH-NUT-TO-CRACK"!!!!

If ya got plenty of money, and money is no object, and ya wannna go "play trucks", then by all means, knock yourself out and have fun.

But, if ya got a small nest egg that you want to invest for the future, then STOP!!!!!

Don't invest a single penny of your money until you "thoroughly" investigate this industry. ( And that'll take a considerable amount of time and effort ). In fact, I would recommend that you become a company driver for a year or two, just so ya can find out whether or not ya even like it. ( Plus gain some very valuable experience )

Seasoned Pro's are have difficulty "MAKIN' IT" right now!!!!! That should give you fair warning of the challenges you'll be faced with as a "rookie"!!!!!

I mean no disrespect.... BUT..... another title for this thread could be "A FOOL AND HIS MONEY".