Road Unworthy

I forgot to add to my last post.... That works as long as you do know what you're looking for!

 

We all had to take a pre-trip test to get our CDL's and therefore should know what we're looking for. I suppose the trick is learning what's ok-for-now and what's "sound the alarms, we got a catastrophe!"

 

No joke lol! It's fun working on the trucks and getting to know your way around too. Last year we had to install a new gear box, twin screw,etc. I sure can't name them all but know how it works now

 

Shoot, you know more than me then.

 

You are lucky that your trainer allowed you to do this. Most trainees aren't given any decision-making duties.

 

I highly doubt that. We're just expected to work on our own trucks and if we don't know then help and learn lol

 

Leanna, my trainer got fired within days of me geting off his truck. A variety of reasons led to that decision but mostly his lack of professionalism, his disregard for safety in general, his complete lack of decency and certainly his drinking habits came into play as well. He didnt let me make that decision.....he wasnt given a choice. With or without that drunk dangerous jerk's permission I will inspect whatever I drive and make certain I feel it is safe to operate. No offense to you there, but he didnt offer any training at all, therefore what his opinions were meant absolutely nothing to me.

 

I think this depends more on your dispatcher than on your company. Some dispatchers want to push you harder than others. Personally, I've found that by using any combination of words involving safety..... That get's them to listen better.
Sometimes getting your truck fixed is like pulling teeth, but if they think that the saftey department might get involved in any shape form, or fashion, and in effect their ### is going to get chewed out if you keep running before getting it fixed..... then they will comply.

 

I think the problem lies with the drivers and pay. When I worked for a major carrier most drivers didn't care. I watched many drivers hook a trailer and not even walk to the back of the trailer to inspect anything. When I first started I wanted to get everything fixed but I spent most of my time in the shop and not getting paid. After a while I would let stuff go if it could be safely hauled. With my current job I have an assigned tracker and TRAILER. We are also to small to have a safety lane, it is up to the driver to ensure his truck is in proper working order. I really prefer this because I can keep my equipment in proper condition and I don't have any worries when I pull into the scales. Since I am the only person who inspects my truck and trailer, if I do get cited they know exactly who to blame.

 

i work for a small company, the way i see it. they are going to let you drive anything, as long as you will scrape by. any safety problem, they will fix, if you will call about it. if you are unknowlegeble, a risk taker, or stupid, then you may drive on. they won't know if you don't call, and that is what they will tell the accident investigaters, he should have known better, we don't drive trucks with safety problems. i must say if i have a problem with my rig my dispatcher will get it fixed, she will also reem the shop manager if and when he needs it, and don't mind at all.she wants those trucks fit to haul.lol on the other hand she don't have a problem with putting a long day into short form if it will work and you will do it. that is the only thing i don't like about driving, they are a little reckless with my responcibilities as a driver. and they think as much of me or any other driver as they do a shovel or any tool. if it don't work or breaks, just get another one.