Husband Might Get Fired

Amanda wrote:

Rick, what you said makes sense and that's my best guess as to what's going on. Just doesn't seem common thing on this board - people stress about the DOT , CSA and DAC but not future employers pulling past employers safety reports. Maybe it's more likely a company would be that in a borderline case like my husband's.

Only question is how would Werner know something that husband doesn't? Maybe something like a motorist called the number on the back of the truck and said "I just saw your driver do/almost do x?" That's my guess.

Amanda your husband is clearly not a borderline case. He was dismissed due to multiple incidents, all during the first few months of his initial employment. Like it or not statistically speaking, he is a safety risk. Whenever a driver applies to a "new" company, said company will call the previous employer to determine if the applicant is hirable. It's not only common, it's a standard operating procedure. Companies talk to each other.

I must ask this question, have you seen his DAC report? Have you read it for yourself? Here is the bottom line, your husband knows everything that happened at Werner. No doubt in my mind. He either chooses to be in denial and/or prefers for what ever reason not to fully disclose to you or his next employer. A person calling in to complain about something he did while driving, if reasonable, it would have been brought to his attention. He would have known about it if it was a big deal and worthy of concern. Not buying "that" as an explanation. His attitude and work ethic although not reflected in his DAC report, could be specified in his employee file if he consistently demonstrated undesirable behavior.

I think someone else offered this advice; he needs to really "get honest" with himself and personally evaluate if he has what it takes to be a safe and successful driver before jumping into the next gig. Third chances typically do not materialize. Not trying to be a naysayer or offer doom and gloom, but I strongly believe there is more to this story...

I hope it works out for you both. And one other thing to consider, if he is struggling with basic driving fundamentals, I highly suggest that you do not accompany him in the cab until he is able to work past that. You will only pose a distraction that he does not need at his point. Sorry,...call them like I see them.

Good luck!

I have seen the DAC report and it's the three incidents 1) running the yellow light, 2) hitting the curb and 3) hitting the wing of the cab while backing. It's not good, but nothing was DOT reportable, no injuries or vehicles that were badly damaged and had to be towed. I've seen other people post similar situations here - hitting curbs, swiping poles and of course backing. I'm not sure what happened to those people, but this doesn't seem uncommon.

I have talked to him about this extensively, asking him to be honest with himself about what happened at Werner, to be sincerely humble with future employers. But I'm not a driver, before he became a driver I never knew one, and I'm not sure how all this stuff works which is why I ask here. Really I'm a freaked out spouse who needs insurance and feels like we're in too deep ($$$, time, energy already spent, sacrifices already made) to quit now.

Company's punish drivers for running a yellow light?

I haven't begun my career yet in trucking so I don't know the way they run things but that just sounds.....different? I could see if he had plenty of time to stop but still just sounds crazy.

He got pulled over for it, so I think police intervention is the issue. But I wasnt there.

BTW, I am sorry if my tone sounds upset. I really appreciate this board and the honesty and "tough-love." I'm just confused and disappointed that trucking has not been the answer to our financial and insurance issues. It seemed so promising last spring when he was finishing up school and starting with Werner...

BTW, I am sorry if my tone sounds upset. I really appreciate this board and the honesty and "tough-love." I'm just confused and disappointed that trucking has not been the answer to our financial and insurance issues. It seemed so promising last spring when he was finishing up school and starting with Werner...

I don't think anyone had that thought at all about your tone. You've been great, especially considering the difficulty of your situation. It's always a bummer for us to hear about people running into problems like this but don't give up hope! You just have to keep moving forward. If your husband can land another opportunity and stay safe out there he'll be back behind the wheel at a better job before you know it. I'm confident trucking can be a tremendous help in getting through the troubles you've had. It's just a matter of staying safe out there and taking it one moment at a time, that's all.