Why ------

This is the nature of going to this drop & hook system a lot of the carriers now do. Drivers drop their problems off and leave. In this day of CSA-2010 and all the other things, it is somewhat ignorant to operate with defects. I have been on the receiving end so many times I have almost quit several times. I'm having a brain fart on the location, I think it was in Kansas City I picked up a load and the trailer was in real bad shape. The reefer was throwing codes, there was a flat tire and I had 2 slick tires. For some reason, I want to remember one of the tandem locking pins would not engage. The company wanted me to drive the trailer first to TK (reefer) then on to a place to get the tires and locking pins fixed. I simply said no. Then told my FM I was refusing the load and would have someone to pick me up where do you want me to park the tractor? You might not get paid, but if you place a defective trailer on the road it might cost you an OOS and maybe a fine. I can almost promise a company driver will also get a call to come over and have a chat with a safety critter. Not worth it. My main point is you are not going to have a choice when on that end of the deal. You either hang around till the equipment is fixed, or quit. This was my main point. I can't tell you how many times I have been sent into a drop yard to pick up a trailer and take to TK or a tire shop. made some money doing so. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that (redacted) any longer!

 

This is not the first time I have heard that comment or read it. I wish it was that simple. I refused to place a trailer on the road I picked up in Indy several years ago. They sent out for service, but the roadside guy waited close to 3 hours before making the call. I heard that the director of maintenance and our safety critter could both be heard screaming at this guy after I made my call to safety. AND I got paid for my delay because of the vindictive way that roadside service guy did me. I agree most of the better carriers won't do this. The thing is if you drive for a carrier that has junk on the road like this they are way more likely to hang you out to dry!