Comments By Brian M.

So if I understand correctly they are not running ELDs until Saturday?

Nope, not in the 3 newly leased tractors. Was told that Saturday was the earliest they could get the company out to install them. So now those drivers are running backroads avoiding scales. Just a matter of time before they get busted again.

I’d recommend both you and the other driver leave that circus pronto.

Well from what I can find on the internet the other driver may be done for awhile!

My point exactly. Did the company suddenly shut down after they screwed over their employee? Did they give a hoot that they were the leading cause? Will they do it again?

Company fully operational and all trucks on road. Even the driver that was busted Friday. Company did however sent up for ELD installation on Saturday. But all trucks will be running the full week.

I’d recommend both you and the other driver leave that circus pronto.

Well from what I can find on the internet the other driver may be done for awhile!

I would strongly advise you to not drive any truck for your company that is not ELD compliant, if something happens you could end up in jail.

Same goes for all the other maintenance issues they seem to have.

Oh don’t worry! Just wondering about the fate and this other driver who was busted Friday. I can’t afford to do anything to lose mine. Thanks!

I was just wondering how many points come off your CDL license if you have a ELD violation? And how many points can you lose before you lose your CDL license?

Brian. Matthew 6:24. "No man can serve two masters ..."

I knew a man who was in your position. He was able to drive day cab and be home every night. Are you in such a remote location that you can't do that?

And it doesn't matter if your company has all the riches in the trucking world. If they don't keep up maintenance and FMCSA compliance, it doesn't matter. It's a bad company.

I get it and I completely understand. I have just about contacted every trucking in a 75-100 mile radius from my location virtually all of them can’t get me home for midweek services. Weekends yes, unless weather or break downs prevents this. And contrary to what most see and think about ministry I cannot live on ministry pay only. In fact, before I started driving this truck I was driving a school bus for the county and working construction jobs. But now I am able to cut it down to 2 jobs and still make more money. Perhaps the handwriting is on the wall! Thanks everyone for the great advice!

Sounds like your (so-called) Fleet Manager has no issues placing his vehicles and drivers at risk - it's time to RUN FOREST - RUN! If the company is so broke they can't deal with a windshield or keeping trucks ELD compliant, I can't imagine what other maintenance issues are being neglected, or you being out of town and having a costly repair that downs the truck and leaves you jammed up somewhere on the road.

Rick-I’m not faulting the DOT officer or even advocating for no ELD. I understand the regulation and am in full agreement with the regulation. I agree the trucks should have never been put out on the road without them. In fact, all 3 trucks will be on the road Monday morning, which is completely stupid.

The company isn’t a broke company which cannot pay for repairs or ELDs. In fact, I know for a fact that if this company didn’t take in another order we have enough orders for deliver till this time next year. I drive for a steel company and we make deliveries everyday. This company is a multimillion dollar company. I’m a dedicated driver that is able to be home every evening and every weekend, which is perfect for the ministry. My point is this company has the money but not the leadership and management for this fleet manager/supervisor. This is why I butt heads with our so-called fleet manager so much.

I have a passion to drive and love being on the road. I love seeing the scenery and love talking to the customers and always on the go. I love being able to be in control of the truck. I love the challenges the loads bring and the lessons that I learn everyday. I thought I would never ever say this but I love trucking but I also love the ministry. And where I am located, the mountains of southwest VA., there aren’t a lot of trucking companies who can get me home for at least Wednesday nights and weekends. Weekends yes, but not for midweek services. I would love to do both works but I guess if I can’t make this work with this company then perhaps I’m not meant to be a trucker and on the road. Sorry for the sob story.

ALSO - the driver would have had to have the 7 previous days of completed/signed paper logs to be legal in that circumstance.

Rick-this driver had the 7 days of previous hour of service which were not only up to date but also accurate. DOT officer refused to accept because of the absence of an ELD not being present in the truck. He said if an ELD was present and not working or malfunctioning then only can paper logs be accepted.

This is the same fleet manager that has been proven to be a liar and refuses to do his job. Right now I am currently driving a truck that has had a broken windshield for 3 months. I have told him about it and other drivers have told him but he doesn’t order the repair. So when I get pulled in for inspection I will not lie and say that it happened that day but rather I will tell the truth and accept the violation in which our company pays for anyways. And yes, I know it goes on my record but at the pace I am going I’ll never get to drive for a name brand company anyways. I am also a preacher and I can’t spend 30-40 days in training and away from the congregation unless I give up the ministry, which I refuse to do. So I know I have to drive for small companies that will get be back for services.

We recently leased 3 new tractors and our lazy fleet supervisor didn’t schedule to have the eld’s installed when they came in so he sent them out without an eld and told the drivers to use paper logs until they get installed. Well guess what happened? One of those drivers got pulled in for inspection yesterday and placed out of service for no eld. Officer refused to accept his paper logs because no eld mounted on dash. Did say that if an eld was mount but not working then paper logs could have been acceptable. Officer then proceeded to escort the driver to nearby truck stop and told him to stay here for 10 hours. Now guess what happened? Driver waited 15 minutes till officer was out of sight and took off in opposite direction and can back to terminal. So who knows what is going to happen next. Moral of the story; make sure you have an eld in your truck!!!

Well I was unloading some steel yesterday and it slipped off the bed and pinned my arm and wrist on the side of the bed fracturing my wrist in 2 places and making a cut that required 2 stitches. This was my first stop for the day and went ahead and finished the day out before going to the ER. Customers needed their steel so I was hard headed. Long story short, I’m in a half cast on my right arm so can I still legally drive my truck. Doc wanted me to stay off till next week but I can’t miss because I need the money. I know their is workers comp but I can’t wait on them. Bills don’t wait because you are hurt! I can still shift the gears and turn steering wheel with no problems because I made them form the cast on my hand part as if I was holding the gear shift. Just didn’t know what DOT might say. Thanks!