Rules..Rules... and fines!?

To be honest, I'm not even sure that's legal. I wouldn't work for them just because of this. Having said that, you have to understand, and I'm sure you do, that every violation a driver receives goes against the company so I get why they do it I just don't agree with it.

 

I know that my company does not fine anyone for a violation, but does pay a $100.00 bonus for all violation free inspections.

 

I'm an O/O and the carrier I am leased on to fines drivers $500 for each and any DOT inspection violation.

Means if you get pulled in and everything goes fine, but Johnny Law sees a small nick in my strap and writes me up for an equipment violation. Well,.. I just coughed up $500.

I knew it was there,.. I decided to use it anyway.

I preach this over and over. If you do something wrong,.. dont get angry or upset when you get caught. Deal with the consequences like a man. You know the rules and the law. If you dont, you better read up and learn them.

I have a 53' trailer. There is no over hang allowed off the rear of a 53' trailer. Officer told me,.. "The law is 53',.. not 53'6". Period". What can I do? Nothing,.. he is right.

To expect a company to continuously pay for fines due to driver negligence is absurd.

Hurst

 

keep your stuff legal and no worries.

but, I wouldn't work there, even though I haven't had a violation in yrs.

 

And when a headlight or tail light goes out on you as you make your way down the road is that fair that you have to pay the company for the violation? I don't think so. The word "violation" or "legal" gets shaded more and more everyday because as all of you know, Johnny Law can find violations on a new truck and trailer. There's a "cost to doing business" and the carriers attitude of fining drivers is wrong. If a driver cannot stay out of trouble they should be terminated, not fined, end of story.

 

It depends on what you agreed to in the contract you signed when you leased to them. If you agree to the terms then you are bound by them. Having violations can greatly impact the income a carrier makes. Shippers and brokers do check safety scores and every violation increases your points and hurts their safety score. A bad safety score can have a huge impact on a carrier and prevent them from getting business and could even cause them to be shut down. Personally, I would never agree to paying a fine for any reason.

 

as i counted 13 headlights out going across 80 in wy one night
companies just trying to find a way to make steering wheel holders care enough to become truck drivers


oh and yes i have had headlights go out on the road too
even not had a spare
but always had a high beam to switch with until i got to a TS

was the first thing my grandfather taught me about driving
dont give the cops a reason to look at you

 

It is strictly illegal. Even if you sign an agreement most states have a law that will not allow you to sign away your rights,Michigan. The first tie they deduct money from you check file a complaint with you state hours and wags department, I believe you will get your money back and they will require the company to stop the practice. I worked a part time job for a small company they started that practice and I told them to stuff their job.

 

If a headlight goes out, you should pull into a truck stop and replace the bulb. I keep spares for every light on my truck.

I wouldnt expect a company driver to do what I do I suppose, but I keep cut to fit hoses for everything from coolant to air line. I keep couplers and patch kits to repair lines. I mean what do you guys do at a rest area if your tire is low? I air mine back up.

A good driver should take the initiative to do the right thing,.. not because he is forced to,.. but because its the right thing to do.

When you do your pre-trip you are responsible for the safety of that truck. If any driver thinks they are above changing a bulb, they should go home. Thats my personal opinion. No offense meant.

Hurst