No ELD

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!!!

I'm sorry, but I would have never left the terminal without an ELD. Then, after the officer escorted me to the truck stop, I DEFINITELY wouldn't have left there.

That sounds like a real quality outfit you’ve signed on with there. Not.

Your fleet manager must think ELD means: "Eliminate Logging Device."

I'm sorry, but I would have never left the terminal without an ELD. Then, after the officer escorted me to the truck stop, I DEFINITELY wouldn't have left there.

Had he gotten caught moving after he had been placed OOS , lose your CDL 6 months. One of the more serious non-drug/alcohol/accident related offenses.

Don't know if the driver could be cited though, without getting caught red-handed. Conceivably, someone else could have come down from the terminal to do the move.

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

Small companies aren't putting $$ into QC/Peoplenet systems. Most other systems have a dongle that plugs into the computer and connects with the tablet/device. They are "comparatively inexpensive" (compared to a full dish QC type system), and are compliant.

Not having a device to put in (and sending the truck out anyways), is a **** poor excuse to a LEO.

Rick

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.

ELD Implementation Compliance Date Beginning April 1, 2018, inspectors will start placing commercial motor vehicle drivers out of service if their vehicle is not equipped with the required device.

End of story - no excuses, for vehicles that are not exempt (pre-emissions) from a fully complaint ELD.

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.

I get that you can't be away from your ministry, but at some point - you are going to be put in a position that will jeopardize your CDL , and maybe even your FREEDOM.

RIck

What a fiasco. Not sure why you’re placing your loyalty with this outfit with what you’ve posted on here. This place makes me think about all the gates locked up on a Monday morning and no advance notice. Indeed, RUN AWAY NOW. There are way too many other good places to work out here and life is too short to tolerate operating like that circus.

Brian, I respect your activities as a minister. As such, you are familiar with Bible principles like this:

"And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. " Matthew 7:26

Your company may be built on the sand. Perhaps you need to look for another opportunity with a more solid company.

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.