In My Third Truck In Two Weeks.

Kinda' just a whine and moan post. The company I drive for use Mack (Pinnacle) daycabs. I like the features of the Mack. My first truck (2017) was a "loaner" from our Newark site. Everything was fairly "fresh" and new and I really loved it. Alas, 2 weeks ago, my company took it back to the Newark site and gave me "my" truck, a 2014 Mack fresh from a PM. What a dog, haha. Headlights going out after a few hours, then working again after being off for a couple of hours. The fifth wheel release arm not staying locked when uncoupling, and sensor lights going off like Christmas. So, they took that truck to have it checked out. I was then given a 2015, which was the Streetsboro yard truck. Did a pre-trip and found mudflap brackets held to the frames fastened with bungee cords, loose steps that caused me to almost fall twice, and sensor lights going off (the fifth wheel slide fault being the most noticable, haha). Biggest issue was no power and "droning" or "oscillating" of engine. Maybe a fuel pick up issue? Why it was driven to Wooster and assigned to any driver is beyond me. Evidently, they are not aware that ODOT and OHP is out there? Head of maintenance in IL stated he wasn't aware of the issues. Sent that truck to the area Mack shop. Third truck is another "loaner". Dual tandem this time. Nice truck and hoping against odds that they will decide to let me keep it. Thankfully, this has all occurred during the holiday season, so it hasn't greatly affected the bottom line, aka, my paycheck. Aside from the recent truck issues, I really like my job. The months are passing quickly. Anywho, hope you all have a happy and blessed 2019.

I'm glad you are enjoying it, slip seating isnt for everyone, I have driven everything from a new Freightliner with 7 miles to one with with almost 900k miles and everything in between. Luckily I got assigned my 2019 Kenworth had 15k miles when I started driving it 2 months ago. my philosophy has always been no matter how many miles are on it, or how much it rattles they all pay the same at the end of the day. But those issues you mentioned are a big problem and it was good you addressed them, unlike the guys who had been driving them.

Hi Don, I sure hope they leave in that truck. It's very hard to be assigned to a "clunker" and then when reported nothing gets fixed. You'll be fine just because you have a great demeanor and attitude which you have shown through your previous posts. Hang tough and I wish you a very Happy New Year. Keep your posts coming as they are really great.

I'm glad you are enjoying it, slip seating isnt for everyone

I don't know if I would say I am slipseating, more than just bad luck with the trucks assigned. I do agree that there is no excuse why previous drivers did not get the issues addressed. Why risk safety and/or getting an inspection citation? As long as a (safe) truck is available so I can keep delivering the goods and making money, then all is well.

Hi Don, I sure hope they leave in that truck. It's very hard to be assigned to a "clunker" and then when reported nothing gets fixed. You'll be fine just because you have a great demeanor and attitude which you have shown through your previous posts. Hang tough and I wish you a very Happy New Year. Keep your posts coming as they are really great.

Thanks Navypoppop. Yeah, I hope I can stay with the current truck. The trucks will get repaired when issues are reported. From speaking with the maintenance director in IL, I believe drivers are not reporting the issues because they don't want to stop running for the time it takes to get any repairs done. As the maintenance director stated "can't fix it if I don't know about it." Even with the numerous truck swaps, I have kept running.

What an experience you're having Don! It definitely gets frustrating being the one who has to deal with the problems other drivers neglect to report. Whether it's due to worrying they'd lose money or downtime what they fail to realize is if they get inspected by DOT their downtime and lost money is going to be much greater. I'm glad you understand it's not a reflection on the company, as you said unless they know about it they can't do anything about it. Sucks to be the only one doing your job of reporting faulty equipment but at least you're responsible enough to get things fixed. The job I'm currently at slip seats and I see it all the time where the other drivers don't even get out to look at the equipment during pre/post trip. Drives me absolutely nuts. Next month I'll be starting a new job that I'll need to slip seat as well, different truck every day. After some seniority I'll share a truck with one other person who drives it on my off days. Glad to hear from you and that you're still happy with your decision.