Odd that a truck driver is responsible for finding sabotage but a pilot isn't

Discussion in 'Trucker Legal Advice' started by drivingmissdaisy, Oct 24, 2023.

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  1. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I know that many drivers today just don't care enough to make sure their equipment is safe and stays that way. Myself, if I stop, I usually at least walk around an bump my tires. If I stop and my truck is out of my sight like when I go in to eat or use the can, I am inspecting the truck as i approach and do a walk around checking tires and yes, definitely, the fifth wheel. Rain or shine or snow or whatever. Every time.
    @drivingmissdaisy Whether or not it is required or should be required, it's a lot easier to spend five seconds looking at your fifth wheel then it is cranking up a loaded trailer so you can get back under it. And it only took one time many years ago for me to realize this.
     
    kemosabi49, Oct 25, 2023
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  2. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    In the US Army,1970's ,in AIT,the instructor said its a good practice to start inspecting your vehicle,truck or piece of equipment,as you are walking up to it.Do a walk around before getting in and starting it up.
    It takes me about an hour to pretrip when I get a new trailer and head out from the terminal.Run 2300 miles to deliver the trailer so pretrips are quicker after that.Canada requires post trip inspections also so they are completed and logged.
    Our trucks and trailers are maintained very well and the only issues I've ever found are tires and a few lights.
     
    North Pole Nightmare, Oct 25, 2023
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  3. Aamcotrans

    Aamcotrans Road Train Member

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    Stop taking a shower in the fuel island and they’ll stop pulling your pin
     
    Aamcotrans, Oct 25, 2023
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  4. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    I made it a habit to back up against the trailer at every stop. Part of the tug test. I can say in all my years, i never had someone pull my fifth wheel lock.
     
    buzzarddriver, Oct 25, 2023
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  5. Willy Wonty

    Willy Wonty Light Load Member

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    Every stop during the day: bump tires with the winch bar while checking the winches, feel hubs with bare hands, check lights with 4 ways on, listen for air leaks and wiggle gladhands, tug test, etc. NOBODY gets hurt if I can help it.
    Poor cops are busy enough, leave them alone!
     
    Willy Wonty, Nov 1, 2023
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  6. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    Put tension on the pin before you set both brake valves so nobody will be able to pull it in the first place. Or be more courteous and less selfish I bet nobody will want to pull your pin at all.
     
    Iamoverit, Nov 3, 2023
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  7. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    Most of the times from what I’ve heard when someone pulls a pin on a truck it’s a past disgruntled employee, so it probably has nothing to do with you individually as a driver. It’s someone thinking they’re getting back at the company. Pretty childish but that’s usually why it happens.
     
    Lennythedriver, Nov 3, 2023
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  8. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    That hasn't been my experience at all.
     
    Iamoverit, Nov 3, 2023
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  9. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    In operations with a boat load of politics and favoritism like the LTL world, coworkers have a funny way of learning to despise each other.
     
    MACK E-6, Nov 3, 2023
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  10. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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    Personally believe some of the best drivers are in open deck. When it comes to courtesy, load, securement, walk around etiquette, you name it…. well, maybe not backing up, but I’ll take all the things above over a few extra pull ups.
     
    Short Fuse EOD, Nov 3, 2023
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