Help, Stuck In A Contract With A TERRIBLE Company

Hang in there the best you can and finish your contract. I get it, sitting around not making money sucks. Personally I could never team drive because I enjoy being by myself too much. The complaints you have about maintenance is valid. Unfortunately it's part of the job. If these are drop/hooks that you're grabbing needing repairs that's on the other drivers that dropped them. There's no way your company is aware of issues unless the other driver informed them. It's laziness on the other drivers part. Your company would rather that trailer be fixed while it's just sitting somewhere BEFORE you show up to grab it. If you're not making money either is your company.

Just know if you quit that company right now you're not going to find another trucking job before you fulfill the terms of your contract whether that's the 10 months, 100k miles, or financial price. They have successfully sued other companies for hiring drivers under contract. By law your new company has to verify the driver worked there. Your current employer will send a letter informing new company you're under contract and threaten legal action. Your current has 30 days to verify the information requested, which they'll do on the last day possible. My best piece of advice is tough it out and the day after your contract is done submit a 2 week notice if you have another job lined up if you're dead set on leaving.

I'll be honest, if my co-driver wasn't also my friend this would be unbearable for me. He's a good dude though, so we got each other's back. When we both decide to go out separate ways it will be to solo driving ventures.

Rob, what you're saying makes absolute sense, but the inefficiency of this company does not, so nothing surprises me. At this point your advice is sort of the page that I'm on, but know that I am frustrated as hell about it, lol.

Adam, I think you should do a lot of checking with other companies and see what you could get as CPM elsewhere. If you could get 10 cents more per mile, that would amount to $5000 over 50,000 miles, more than enough for you to pay off the remainder of your obligation. And while you are at it, you may find a new company where you will be happier with the way they do business. This may or may not be practical for you and your driving partner, but 40 cents per mile seems too low. I’m driving solo and switched companies. I went from .49 CPM to .55 CPM. .01 CPM raise at 6 months and another .04 CPM at one year. Do the math and see if a move would benefit you, but you have to do your homework before you decide.

Yeah, this is something I would like to do, there are tons of companies that are willing to pay even more AND have great benefits...but as Rob pointed out, my company would withold info and threaten to sue any new company that tried to hire me while under this contract.

TBH I was hoping there was some company out there that pays off contracts instead of getting a signing bonus or that one of the trucking vets in here new some tricks or tips that would help us to make our time better here. I don't have a clue what those would even be, but I learn new things daily, so it never hurts to ask.

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

This right HERE is why you can't LEAVE.

Also, guys like Adam, that won't heed a post, nor advice, from a female...ie: mine above (did YOU see it?!?) Disappeared... 😆...

We NEED you, Stevo !! U r my FRIEND!!

~ Anne ~

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

Yeah, so I actually put myself thru college in the late 90s working at a Petro Lube. I also will swap out lights, pull nails out of tires and make sure they don't leak. Haven't had to do any mudflaps yet. And TBH I don't care if the ABS light on the trailer works or not, so long as there's no light on the dash.

I am currently at home because we picked up a load in Denver and the drivers side marker light comes on, but does not flash. The rear marker light comes on and flashes, but is dim. I swapped out the lights and issue persisted, so there's obviously an electrical issue somewhere. Stupid trailer was just in the shop 10 days ago for electrical issues. Anyway, I was just gonna run it and report it to maintenance when we dropped it, but then we hit some really hard bridge transitions and it made the ABS light come on on the dash. As you know, they won't pay those fines and money is extremely tight for both myself and my co. Add on the fact that the tractor was due for a new fuel filter and some electronics maintenance, and here we sit.

When we don't get trailers with Hendrickson system, they get the Tire Pass, for sure. Also, since we're on a Dedicated run , when I can pick the trailers I pick the "Dedicated" ones since they always seem to be in better condition. We've definitely run some good miles, but I don't think we've gone a single week without some issue, be it no loads, bad pick up or delivery times, or maintenance related.

I will likely finish my contract and then move on as quickly as possible. I want to work somewhere that I am at least modestly appreciated.

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

This right HERE is why you can't LEAVE.

Also, guys like Adam, that won't heed a post, nor advice, from a female...ie: mine above (did YOU see it?!?) Disappeared... 😆...

We NEED you, Stevo !! U r my FRIEND!!

~ Anne ~

Best wishes, Adam.

Watch this channel, in your spare time: Truckin' Along ~~~~ Tons of great advice for newbies; like yourself. Moderator on TT, also!!

ps: Could be your 'trainer' at the next company, hahahaha!!

~ Anne ~

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

This right HERE is why you can't LEAVE.

Also, guys like Adam, that won't heed a post, nor advice, from a female...ie: mine above (did YOU see it?!?) Disappeared... 😆...

We NEED you, Stevo !! U r my FRIEND!!

~ Anne ~

Oh, Anne, I am terribly sorry, I hadn't seen your post! I did go back and read it just now, and I thank you for taking the time!

So I know there are people with this company that are quite happy. It is a very large company, so I think who your DM is, what "job" you do, ie Pharma OTR , or Dedicated, or Flat Bed, etc as well as what kind of worker/mentality you are/have all play a big part in whether you're happy here, or not. We started with a FANTASTIC DM but she moved to a different division. Our current DM doesn't seem to research anything and is terrible at communications. For instance our truck has been in the shop since Friday evening, and she asked us yesterday when we were gonna start rolling and deliver our load. My co driver and I had both sent separate breakdown forms as well as messages to dispatch forum in Maven as well as texts to our DMs phone and lastly we had even individually called in and left messages. And still, she thought we were just hanging out somewhere, not driving.

I do know that CRST does threaten people with lawsuits. I am not trying to rip them off, I was hoping there were companies out there that paid off contracts in lieu of signing bonuses, or that someone like Steve might have some insight in to what we're doing wrong so that we can do it "right." We want to work. We don't hang out in the truck stops or the terminals, and I am extremely proactive when it comes to getting that next load, if we don't have one already. And when we have one we run it.

I apologize that it seemed like I was ignoring you, I wasn't. I love seeing women out here doing this work, and I have the utmost respect for you.

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

This right HERE is why you can't LEAVE.

Also, guys like Adam, that won't heed a post, nor advice, from a female...ie: mine above (did YOU see it?!?) Disappeared... 😆...

We NEED you, Stevo !! U r my FRIEND!!

~ Anne ~

Best wishes, Adam.

Watch this channel, in your spare time: Truckin' Along ~~~~ Tons of great advice for newbies; like yourself. Moderator on TT, also!!

ps: Could be your 'trainer' at the next company, hahahaha!!

~ Anne ~

I have now subscribed! I also watch Just Truckin since he's pretty positive and is relatively new as well.

My mentor was female, so I have no problems with that!

✌️😎✌️

I would bet your DM is new, inexperienced, and has at least 60 trucks on her board. People do forget, but some are poor at communicating....

Any repairs and parts you're paying for should be easily reimbursed with a receipt. Keep track of your numbers and stay on top of payroll if there are any discrepancies.

The greater the number of drop-and-hooks you do, the higher the likelihood you will pickup a mechanically defective trailer. That's just a fact. Equipment takes longer to fix because of a shortage of both parts and technicians.

I would stay there and finish the contract. Don't go lease and don't fall for their, "How about being a trainer for more miles?" pitch.

CRST is where I started, too. Teaming was not for me. There are better companies out here if you prefer solo driving.

Well, Adam, since I was a heavy line tech for 40+ years, diesels first. I carried a tool bag in the truck, and did all the minor fixes myself, buy a light, swap it out. Mudflaps, whatever, ABS only had FED Ex fix those a couple times. We didn't get inspected but once, in the beginning (Level 1=passed) so ABS lights, I really didn't worry about, just kept rolling. And tire passed EVERY trailer at nearest Love's since they're contracted with Love's.

What ya think FX did, they unplugged the light lol said abs computer was going out. Sounds like you've just been unlucky grabbing POS trailers others never reported or got fixed, that sucks, for sure. But I can attest that not ALL trailers have issues, grabbing an empty, I tried to find the newest 1s available too. It's gunna be the same probably no matter where you go, that's just how it is.

Whatever you decide, I hope the best outcome, for you...

This right HERE is why you can't LEAVE.

Also, guys like Adam, that won't heed a post, nor advice, from a female...ie: mine above (did YOU see it?!?) Disappeared... 😆...

We NEED you, Stevo !! U r my FRIEND!!

~ Anne ~

Best wishes, Adam.

Watch this channel, in your spare time: Truckin' Along ~~~~ Tons of great advice for newbies; like yourself. Moderator on TT, also!!

ps: Could be your 'trainer' at the next company, hahahaha!!

~ Anne ~

I have now subscribed! I also watch Just Truckin since he's pretty positive and is relatively new as well.

My mentor was female, so I have no problems with that!

✌️😎✌️

It's all good, Adam. I just felt like 'disappearing ink' there, for a moment! Was needing Stevo to validate me, haha!

You're welcome. CRST just doesn't play. Haven't known a soul (on TT anyway) to get out from that contract.

MillionMilier24 went from the STREETS.. (of, I don't recall...) to having his own place and car and truck; two years in with CRST. His gratitude POURED out toward Brett & the folks here. He & I still email, on occasion.

Kearsey is THE bomb! Allie Knight had NOTHING on her, and Tiffany Hannah (a pal of mine as well) has her work cut out, w/Kearsey at Prime, too!

No wonder you're struggling now; you miss the female mentorship, methinks!!

Sincerely, hope you make this work, man.

No harm, no foul~

~ Anne ~