Ramp Parkers

The point of that example is that he was unable to plan where he would be ending up at the end of his shift. I don't know if he could have found parking at that hour of the night but that depends on where his next assignment would have been because, as Rob pointed out, he could have driven until the next morning though I suspect he may not have been very well rested.

I gotcha, Harvey👍 I was just trying to provide an example for anyone who might be uncertain of how the rule works. This is one way the split rule can be used in some situations.

Rob T., I like the term 'solar powered drivers' :)

RealDiehl, I'm getting more used to it, but the creep can be a scary thing making sure not to trip that drive line. Similarly, I go to some customer locations that are like small towns and if I'm not careful my Yard Move will kick to Drive.

This has me wondering now, so for the Reefer drivers: what kinda timeframe do you use when figuring your PTA, since loading/unloading can take so long? My company (dry van) says a good rule of thumb for us is one hour for a D&H, two for Live. Of course, it ain't an exact science and I'm learning where takes longer and where I can shave some time.

Figuring times based on customary load/unload times can be a real crapshoot for live loads/unloads. Customary times are two hours, based on detention time kicking in. But as often as not, for me, those times can vary widely. My last completed delivery took them 12 hours past my appointment time to get me unloaded and paperwork processed. This is a very common scenario in my reefer driving. So there is a lot of communication with my FM involved when the schedule goes off the rails. Sometimes my next assignment needs to be cancelled and I’m given a new destination and appointment time. I’d say that communicating with the office is super critical to my work. Somehow, though, the wheels keep turning and assignments get completed. But much of the time adjustments have to be made on the fly because of the uncertainty surrounding loading and unloading.

As a reefer driver, I couldn’t survive long term without being flexible in my attitude and, frankly, there has to be a certain “go with the flow” mentality.

Nope, chiming in from Work Comp, (previous life.) As a truck driver, If you are performing something within the course and scope of your employment, and are injured, regardless of log status, you will not be automatically denied WC coverage and care. So much of WC is state specific, job specific, and classification status, that blanket statements like this get people confused.

Now, if you are injured while doing your job, but breaking company policy, (ie unloading off the clock) again WC can't be denied because you were being stupid. You can however lose your job after the claim has gone through the adjusting process and closed, for breaking company policy.

However, if you fall off your flatbed after taking the local Recreational Reptile for a tour around the deck, you're on your own, and your adjuster will have you as the claim of the week..... Laughing as she denies the claim.

Harvey, one thing Michael might need to keep in mind is that while unloading off duty and he has an incident which led to an injury, the insurance company could possibly reject that claim. I know that's not the case at every company but it is the case at many and that could be an absolute disaster.

but the creep can be a scary thing making sure not to trip that drive line

I'd be lying if I said I've never accidentally gone over the 5mph mark while trying to save my clock. Very frustrating! At Prime I was told that PC could be used to move to a door by noting "repositioning out of the way" under remarks. Sounds shady, but I used to do it. Not sure if Prime drivers still do that🤷‍♂️

what kinda timeframe do you use when figuring your PTA, since loading/unloading can take so long?

My current company lists the average time for live load/unload along with the customer info. That is very helpful!

You can also look up the place you are going in Google maps and click on "reviews". You might be able to find info there.