With most trucks, we can see when the key has been turned on or off, and when it is in gear or not. There are ways, I am sure, to find out so much more, but I really have no use for those. But we dont get an alert or anything, its just on a tracking screen when looking at your truck. I use the "in" gear method to determine when a drivers break is over, so I know when to make sure they are rolling on one of my hot loads
It costs a lot of money to hire and train drivers. If we can keep drivers that know how Swift works, that we know are good drivers and can do the job, then we want to keep them. You would think that it would be easy for a driver to be a good driver, but apparently it is harder than that. Otherwise, I would not see so many loads late because drivers accepted preplans, but then could not make the delivery on time, and really had no intention of making it on time. The last company I worked for, if a driver, or anyone, messed up 3 times and was at fault, they were made available to the industry. If Swift did that, we would lose quite a few drivers. I'm not saying the number of bad drivers is that high, with any company, you have the bottom 10% of employees, always. The 10% that you would probably see increased productivity if you lost them. Trust me, it is cheaper to keep drivers than hire and train them.
As far as I know, isnt the speedo required to be working. In fact, I believe all gauges must work. I would make them fix it or get you another truck. This is a safety issue.
Those of us over 40 years old like and use those old-fashioned words. Remember -groovy, cool, duuuude? lol The slang those 30 and under use - Oh, Snap!; "It's the bomb" (huh?); etc. - not so much.
You are correct. Without the speedo and odometer (same cable I believe) you cannot log accurate mile which mean you are signing an innaccurate federal document (log book). Also how can the truck be safely operated without seeing oil pressure, temp etc? Use that and you have a strong case for nearest shop repair instead of next time you're at a terminal.
Think about the DOT inspection at a scale...the only gauge they look at and require it to work is the air gauges...the "audible alarm" must sound and the handles must "pop" at prescribed pressure points. When the truck is sitting in the bay, wheels chalked...can't get a "reading" on the speed or mileage being accurate. Oil pressure fluctuates when at idle, alternator should be showing "14"...but they are only interested in the air gauges and their functioning. They also tend to ignore that pesky yellow..excuse me amber light...on the drivers side of the trailer announcing to all that the ABS system has a problem....who'd a thunk!?
I got a message the other nite at 2 am bout the new speed policy--which i have already signed off on--is this neccessary? Aren't most trying to sleep at this hour--is it not common sense to send these during the day?
