Bluetooth Wireless Headsets

I thought I would throw this out here regarding wireless headsets.

The DOT allows them, however many companies DO NOT. As a new solo driver, I was busted out by my Fleet Manager (dispatchers boss) after he had called me-- I answered and as we were talking, THEN he looked at my data and saw I was driving. He promptly informed me it was against our company policy and asked me to call him back AFTER I was parked.

Care for some Oreos, Errol?

I didn't get in trouble, but he gave me quite the stern lecture about violating company policy.

Seriously, what's the big deal? The DOT allows hands free devices. It was explained to me like this: YES, many drivers have them and use them. Our dispatchers, payroll, etc, WILL call when they know darn well you are driving, and may get irritated when they can't reach you lol. However, if you had the misfortune of being involved in a DOT reportable accident, besides the drug and alcohol testing, they are also going to look at your logs AND CELL PHONE RECORDS. How can you prove you were using a hands free device at that time? You cant. A good lawyer from the opposition could easily convince a jury that the "bad trucker" was guilty of distracted driving. My company simply does not want to be put in the position of defending something like that.

Soooo, what other companies out there have policies against wireless headsets?

SWIFT allows us to use hands-free devices. In the event of an accident, the driver facing camera in my truck could easily prove the hands-free device was in use, or not.

Care for some Oreos, Errol?

Oreos and my headset! What a concept! Is there a web page with pictures and videos?

How can you prove you were using a hands free device at that time? You cant.

Driver Cam to the rescue!

Soooo, what other companies out there have policies against wireless headsets?

Step up to Swift. I have told my DM , when she calls, that I'm driving and can't take notes, etc. A year ago when Swift started the Driver Cam Experience, the CEO, Richard Stocking, would call drivers to chat about the cams. You can bet that both he and the driver knew the driver was driving. (When he called me, I was driving and didn't have a headset. I didn't answer. He had to leave a voicemail.)

Interstate doesn't have a policy against wireless headsets. In fact, they encourage them, because they know that if we need to get hold of them or vice versa on a moment's notice, it isn't always possible to pull over at that exact second. Their only caveat to using them is that it has to be totally 100% hands-free. If you're going to make a call, it's has to be done by voice dial, which most but not all headsets and most but not all phones support.

Having said that, let me also add that if you're caught with your phone in your hand, whether it be by the fuzz or just being spotted doing laps around a yard looking for a trailer, you can kiss your job goodbye. Just a couple weeks ago I got a message on the QC stating that one of our drivers was terminated after being cited for handheld use of his cell phone.

I can only think of one reason your company has that policy. Lower insurance rates. If they are truly worried about their lawyer's ability to defend you, while performing an activity authorized by Federal law and backed by many studies, they must not think much of their own lawyers chances in court.

I'm told Prime is OK with headsets. Just keep yer hands on the wheel...

H. O. Wolding Policy is that "No communication is to take place while driving". It says so every time I call. That is why our QualComms and Transflo are locked out while in motion.

The company I work for likes us to have a head set they even sell some in the company store for a discount. Have to be able to voice diel. But if we are spotted or cited for using are cellphone will driving it's bye bye and don't let the door hit you on the way out. I remember when Swift had a no head set policy and was so glad when they came out and said we could use them.