Giving Notice

Man, do you not realize at this point in your life that people who spend all of their time scheming and threatening people and taking from others for their own best advantage never get anywhere in life? We've all known plenty of people who are always trying to pull one over on everyone and without exception they're broke, they're miserable, and they never get anywhere in life. Am I wrong? Think about it.

I agree with everyone else here - be an adult, act like a real man, and handle your business with integrity. Don't be a shyster. If you need surgery then figure out how to get it done without putting the burden on Maverick or anyone else. Handle your affairs.

I’m not seeing an alternative at this point

Well you sure aren't very imaginative. None of us have any problem seeing all kinds of better solutions. We've even told you them but I guess you're not really looking to handle your own affairs without undue burden on the people around you.

Very deceitful. I think you should hold yourself to a higher standard. This can't be the best you can do.

Drop the truck off and ride Greyhound home for a few bucks. Get your surgery and recover, then go to work wherever you want.

I was going to be quiet and not speak my mind, since I'm the new guy here, but what the hell. Might as well say what I am thinking, because I can't be the only one.

I notice you didn't answer the question about Maverick's guarantee. The only way you could not be making money there was if you were not available to work.

Then i got a low paycheck before Thanksgiving and I took a few days off for the thanksgiving holiday and got real sick for two days when I was supposed to return. Ok so I expected the check for that week to be horrible but then when I came back they were unable to get me a load for another two days and when they did the appointment times changed from Friday to Monday for pickup which ruined any chance of working over the weekend. So the next check was horrible.

So, what exactly happened after Thanksgiving? Why was the paycheck low before Thanksgiving? Where you available to work, and didn't refuse any loads? If so, the check should have been $1,000.

Then after Thanksgiving, you were sick. I used to have guys call in every Monday, saying they were sick. When I told them they better have a doctor's note or they wouldn't have a job, they magically got better. A hangover is not sick. I worked every day, no matter what, unless I was so sick I was put on bed rest. Which happened. I worked sick so long, it turned to pneumonia. I told the doctor if I don't work, I don't get paid. he said you can work, but you will die. So, I took off a week.

So the next check was horrible. When I got notification of how low it was I called and was really upset to find out their explanation. While I was in my downtime I looked for another job. And knowing I need the surgery I want to get it done prior to going to a new place as it’s been getting much worse lately. While I was talking to them very upset I asked about short term disability and was told I would not be paid at all till I was out 30 or more days. And there policy is to reassign trucks inactive for 14 days. While asking the questions they basically told me that because I was upset and not happy with there policies they accepted my resignation effective immediately and my surgical consult was set for two days after that notice. So I’m thinking of going to the hospital while I’m still covered.

So, things weren't going your way, and you started yelling, threatening, what? And then they cut the cord and fired you.

I don't know you from Adam, but this whole topic tells me that you might as well let them come recover the truck, because you don't want to work anyway, so it won't matter what they put on your DAC. If you did, you would at least be earning the guarantee. If you REALLY wanted to work, you would be earning more than the guarantee. You may go to the second company, and you won't be making enough there, either. So you will go to more and more companies, until you are unable to get anyone to hire you.

When I first heard they offered a guarantee, my first thought was people would apply just to earn the $50K/yr, and not be motivated to do more. People here set me straight, that if you consistently earned just the guarantee, you wouldn't last anyway. Which made me realize if they are willing to guarantee $50K, they know you can make more than that if you want to work, otherwise they wouldn't offer it.

Good luck, you are going to need it.

I may not make it in this industry myself, one never knows. But if not, it will never be said I didn't try my best, or that I didn't want to work.

Honestly man your best bet is to call them and try and leave in good standing. When I was there I never missed work, always on time and did my job. Anytime I called and needed time away from the truck, they made it happen. You never know what they can do for you unless them call and ask. Like I said before, I believe they offer 30 days of absence. If you did that, maybe you could come back for a little while and put in a notice. Also, I'm not sure about tcd, but on the flatbed side money was no issue. I Never needed the guarantee as I exceeded it with ease. I don't want to jump on your case or anything but I gotta defend maverick here even though I left the company.

Drop the truck off and ride Greyhound home for a few bucks. Get your surgery and recover, then go to work wherever you want.

I was going to be quiet and not speak my mind, since I'm the new guy here, but what the hell. Might as well say what I am thinking, because I can't be the only one.

I notice you didn't answer the question about Maverick's guarantee. The only way you could not be making money there was if you were not available to work.

Then i got a low paycheck before Thanksgiving and I took a few days off for the thanksgiving holiday and got real sick for two days when I was supposed to return. Ok so I expected the check for that week to be horrible but then when I came back they were unable to get me a load for another two days and when they did the appointment times changed from Friday to Monday for pickup which ruined any chance of working over the weekend. So the next check was horrible.

So, what exactly happened after Thanksgiving? Why was the paycheck low before Thanksgiving? Where you available to work, and didn't refuse any loads? If so, the check should have been $1,000.

Then after Thanksgiving, you were sick. I used to have guys call in every Monday, saying they were sick. When I told them they better have a doctor's note or they wouldn't have a job, they magically got better. A hangover is not sick. I worked every day, no matter what, unless I was so sick I was put on bed rest. Which happened. I worked sick so long, it turned to pneumonia. I told the doctor if I don't work, I don't get paid. he said you can work, but you will die. So, I took off a week.

So the next check was horrible. When I got notification of how low it was I called and was really upset to find out their explanation. While I was in my downtime I looked for another job. And knowing I need the surgery I want to get it done prior to going to a new place as it’s been getting much worse lately. While I was talking to them very upset I asked about short term disability and was told I would not be paid at all till I was out 30 or more days. And there policy is to reassign trucks inactive for 14 days. While asking the questions they basically told me that because I was upset and not happy with there policies they accepted my resignation effective immediately and my surgical consult was set for two days after that notice. So I’m thinking of going to the hospital while I’m still covered.

So, things weren't going your way, and you started yelling, threatening, what? And then they cut the cord and fired you.

I don't know you from Adam, but this whole topic tells me that you might as well let them come recover the truck, because you don't want to work anyway, so it won't matter what they put on your DAC. If you did, you would at least be earning the guarantee. If you REALLY wanted to work, you would be earning more than the guarantee. You may go to the second company, and you won't be making enough there, either. So you will go to more and more companies, until you are unable to get anyone to hire you.

When I first heard they offered a guarantee, my first thought was people would apply just to earn the $50K/yr, and not be motivated to do more. People here set me straight, that if you consistently earned just the guarantee, you wouldn't last anyway. Which made me realize if they are willing to guarantee $50K, they know you can make more than that if you want to work, otherwise they wouldn't offer it.

Good luck, you are going to need it.

I may not make it in this industry myself, one never knows. But if not, it will never be said I didn't try my best, or that I didn't want to work.

TCD might not offer the guarantee.

It does not matter what their policy is about picking up the truck. You still would be quitting. They would then be in their legal right to "recoup those losses" any way they see fit. But if you are straight up front with them something may be worked out. How would you honestly feel if someone did that to you? If you let me use your car, and I took it home 600 miles away, and for whatever reason, you had to come get it yourself. How would you honestly feel?

Talk to them, they may even help you with a ride home, to get your procedure. Thereby keeping the truck at the terminal.

Honestly, the bottom line here is that Kevin has fallen for the whole "us against them" mentality that has ruined so many trucking careers. He's complaining about low miles, crappy paychecks, and the company trying to "twist" something into abandonment, when it clearly is not the proper way to leave a trucking job. You will never find true professionals who understand how this career works having these kinds of issues. They know how to get the best loads, be productive, earn great pay, and leave a job with integrity and class. Unfortunately this driver still has some hard lessons to learn.

I’m not seeing an alternative at this point

Kevin, I've had some medical issues to deal with. In fact I'm at home now, and will be for the rest of this month. I'm facing two surgeries this month, bringing my total to five during my four and a half year tenure at Knight. I've always worked it out with them and never had to relinquish my truck.

There are plenty of ways that a professional driver can handle these situations. The starting point is always in building great relationships with your managers, and having a track record that speaks volumes about your value as a productive member of the team.

To tell them I'm taking medical leave as a covert way of actually switching companies, and then wanting them to pay my way home and then give me a great reference after they have to retrieve their truck from wherever I left it... Frankly, that scenario would never even cross my mind.

TCD might not offer the guarantee.

It does not matter what their policy is about picking up the truck. You still would be quitting. They would then be in their legal right to "recoup those losses" any way they see fit. But if you are straight up front with them something may be worked out. How would you honestly feel if someone did that to you? If you let me use your car, and I took it home 600 miles away, and for whatever reason, you had to come get it yourself. How would you honestly feel?

Talk to them, they may even help you with a ride home, to get your procedure. Thereby keeping the truck at the terminal.

Honestly, the bottom line here is that Kevin has fallen for the whole "us against them" mentality that has ruined so many trucking careers. He's complaining about low miles, crappy paychecks, and the company trying to "twist" something into abandonment, when it clearly is not the proper way to leave a trucking job. You will never find true professionals who understand how this career works having these kinds of issues. They know how to get the best loads, be productive, earn great pay, and leave a job with integrity and class. Unfortunately this driver still has some hard lessons to learn.

From their web site, it appears they do. This is from the TCD page.

Ok well if I walk into an ER and get admitted the general consensus here is they will recover my truck prior to me getting better if I was to leave the company while on medical. Report it as abandoned and possibly charge me for it as well as kill my career. Even though their policy is to recover at 14 days not worked.

If that’s the case then so be it. I’m not seeing an alternative at this point. Despite what is said here. I believe I need to just go to hospital and keep maverick informed and see how it all works out.

Kevin, it doest matter if you are on medical or on vacation or what you are doing. If you quit the company while doing any of those, the 14 day policy is for EMPLOYEES ONLY if you quit while in the hospital you are an EX- EMPLOYEE see the difference? Why would you think the company should have to wait for you to get better to get their truck back? If you leave the company while out on medical you can't drive the truck back to them when you get better, you don't work for them anymore!! They will have to recover the truck regardless. There is nothing you can say or any way YOU can twist this that will make us pacify you. You are wrong, your arguments and views are childish. If you havent saved any money while working for them borrow a couple hundred for your bus ticket and handle your business like a man, you will be better off for.

I'm confused... you have left, were fired or are in limbo? Which is it?

Kevin L said:

I have decided to leave my current job after the holidays.

Then he said:

While asking the questions they basically told me that because I was upset and not happy with there policies they accepted my resignation effective immediately...

Drop the truck off and ride Greyhound home for a few bucks. Get your surgery and recover, then go to work wherever you want.

I was going to be quiet and not speak my mind, since I'm the new guy here, but what the hell. Might as well say what I am thinking, because I can't be the only one.

I notice you didn't answer the question about Maverick's guarantee. The only way you could not be making money there was if you were not available to work.

...

So, what exactly happened after Thanksgiving? Why was the paycheck low before Thanksgiving? Where you available to work, and didn't refuse any loads? If so, the check should have been $1,000.

Then after Thanksgiving, you were sick. I used to have guys call in every Monday, saying they were sick. When I told them they better have a doctor's note or they wouldn't have a job, they magically got better. A hangover is not sick. I worked every day, no matter what, unless I was so sick I was put on bed rest. Which happened. I worked sick so long, it turned to pneumonia. I told the doctor if I don't work, I don't get paid. he said you can work, but you will die. So, I took off a week.

.....

So, things weren't going your way, and you started yelling, threatening, what? And then they cut the cord and fired you.

...

When I first heard they offered a guarantee, my first thought was people would apply just to earn the $50K/yr, and not be motivated to do more. People here set me straight, that if you consistently earned just the guarantee, you wouldn't last anyway. Which made me realize if they are willing to guarantee $50K, they know you can make more than that if you want to work, otherwise they wouldn't offer it.

Good luck, you are going to need it.

I may not make it in this industry myself, one never knows. But if not, it will never be said I didn't try my best, or that I didn't want to work.

TCD might not offer the guarantee.

It does not matter what their policy is about picking up the truck. You still would be quitting. They would then be in their legal right to "recoup those losses" any way they see fit. But if you are straight up front with them something may be worked out. How would you honestly feel if someone did that to you? If you let me use your car, and I took it home 600 miles away, and for whatever reason, you had to come get it yourself. How would you honestly feel?

Talk to them, they may even help you with a ride home, to get your procedure. Thereby keeping the truck at the terminal.

For some reason I thought OS posted this. But I agree, communication and dealing in good faith is key, but I think the time for that is past. I think he was fired already.