Jobs for new drivers are hard to find right now. Heck even for me at this time. (5y + exp OO. Please allow me to Safely pull over on the shoulder of this discussion. I would like to share my personal “Safety just called me” story. Please note I work for different carrier so my company policies are bit well.. Scrambled egg is best description. Story time. Few months ago. Peacefully driving on I10 going west . And driving through New Mexico. But that is neither here nor there. Got a call from safety. Headset was already online. So all I had to do is out shout my engine roar at 75 miles per hour. And scream (legibly) “Answer! Answer!!!! Answer you!!! ( insert your favorite insult right *here*) Anyways. Call was picked up. Introductions were made ( useless really as my safety department number labeled as . Well “Safety”. Next. I say .”Yeah what’s UP? Safety- “we need to address the issue related to your camera.” Me- “Sure!! What is it wrong with it now?” Them- it seems we have been getting many false alarms on our end as it seems that camera due to the distortion of your windshield been tripping false positives on our end. ( so basically dirty windshield) -Me- so what would you like me to do about it? Them - please clean it. Me- No problem . Them- and keep it clean we have been struggling with this issue on your camera for past few weeks. Me- no problem Sir…. However Sir. Please be advised that I do clean my windshield regularly. In fact. During work day it is cleaned 2x per day minimum. Simply because I like being able to actually see through it… Them- we see that it is dirty at this moment. Me - Yes it is . You can see that I'm driving and I am obviously looking at it at the moment. Them- so can you stop and clean it right now? Me- No sir. But I will in about 10 min as I will be pulling over for fuel. Them- Oh great! I will let the supervisor know. Me - Good. Them - so can you keep it clean more often? Me - Hmm. More than 2x times per day? Them- Yes. Me- even if it doesn’t impact my visibility? Them-yes. Me-How much are you paying? Them - we won’t Me - Then you have your answer Sir. Them- Ok fine then . But I need to talk to you about other recent events we have recorded by your truck. Me- Sure witch ones? Them - on **/**/23 at (city /state)( basically their definition of recent is 4 months ago. ) you turned right on intersection with red light. (It was first intersection coming from my home location. So I knew what they were talking about more then they did apparently) Me - did I not stop for long enough? Them - no you did fine . It’s just you aren’t allowed to turn right on red. Me- why not? Them- it’s prohibited in ** state . Me - was I in that State of **? Them- no it was in different State. Me- So did I brake any laws? Them- no. But you are not allowed to do this. Me- Why not? Them- it’s our company policy and part of your contract. Me- Please provide page and paragraph of this particular rule to me and I will be happy to correct my mistake in the future. Them- it’s not in your contract or policy booklet. Me - Ok where is it then? Them - I am not authorized to provide it to you. Me… OK… Them - we also need to discuss… this date. Me- nope let me stop you right there. Here is a thing Pal.. I am driving. I’ve told you that I am driving. I am currently pulling up to the fuel island and getting ready for my windshield cleaning regimen . You’ve just asked me for details of “incidents” from more then few months ago. Do you even remember what you had for breakfast last week? No? Sir I can’t even remember my breakfast from yesterday. Please provide more evidence when you call me next time. Video would be very helpful. Also I was home for last 3 weeks prior to today. And available for dispatch mind you. That would have been great time to call me. As for now have a good day . And talk you on my weekend. “Beep” I hang up. Thank you for reading if you managed it. Every company policy is bit different. In regard's to phone use or safety. If you think I work for some back water company that works with only a few trucks you are wrong. This wasn’t an isolated incident of creative stupidity either.. It been getting worse for last couple of years. All across the company partner my LLC with. I apologize for not disclosing my current carrier But as a tip of perspective I nut at least once their size. 1800+ company Trucks. 4800+ OO’s that are leased on like me. 8000+ Trailers … After working for lost 5 years for them . I am looking for another company. Because in last 6months I’ve only managed to get out on the road for less then 2 months… Dumb I know. Just used to be a lot better before. Still is better pay then most other places “when there is actual work available “ Not just pay wise . It was a very easy profitable company… With minimal stress to the drivers or the truck. Key note here is “was”.
Also if someone has any ideas if there is profitable carriers out there right now . I would love to hear it. Or try chatting with them. My personal info is pretty simple. CDL A . HZ/Tanker endorsement. 6+ years of experience. Almost spotless driving record. Truck is old . But freshly rebuilt. Not just engine. (The whole thing) Can get newer truck if needed. Can even bring a fleet of drivers and trucks with me. 1-20 trucks and drivers available on the request. New or old trucks. Can find them. Button line is “job has to generate $”. Not just barrow trucks life. The End.
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
That was a nice rant, I guess, but did you have a point to make?
That was a nice rant, I guess, but did you have a point to make?
If Romeo wants info about other companies to hook up with, he should post a separate topic so this one doesn’t go astray.
That was a nice rant, I guess, but did you have a point to make?
If Romeo wants info about other companies to hook up with, he should post a separate topic so this one doesn’t go astray.
Just inquiring. sharing experience . Also curious if anyone had any info. *Moderator Point was to point out, That safety ain’t always reasonable department to deal with. Also to lighten the mood. Since most comments on this topic were sharing experience and their own opinions on the matter. I figured that I can stray bit farther from the original topic since it was already done. In fact I’ve explicitly stated that I would do it. (Of the topic part) Interesting conversations you all have here . Sadly most replies seem not to lead to the conclusion or problem resolve. But then again I might of not read enough of these posts yet. Stay safe out there.
Romeo, there is some effort made by most commenters here to keep their comments somewhat related to the original poster’s topic. We never know when a thread is “done” because it can pop up whenever someone wants to add to it.
As far as you wanting company info here, it would be perfectly fine for you to post your topic separately and you might get some valuable feedback.
Try US Xpress
I can't find a job with anyone Im a new CDL holder they fired me for picking up the cell phone after their safety guy called me 3 times even thou I was not holding the phone. It was mounted to the dash.
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Thanks Ive been trying appeal there decision.
Chris, how did they know you picked up your phone?
I know how strict Schneider is about cell phone usage when driving. I also know many drivers cheat the system and do things like carry a second phone with a number Schneider doesn’t know about.
You can appeal the firing with Schneider. That might be worth pursuing and then stay with Schneider if you can. With so little experience, it might be hard to find another job right away. Don’t go away without a sincere effort to appeal their decision. Be very clear you are sorry and have learned the lesson. Good luck.
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They do have a no cell phone policy as they consider even hands free distracted driving but they would not call you until you answered and then say “we got you now”. That’s ridiculous. My DTL would hang up on drivers if they called in while showing in drive but that was the extent of that.
I would assume if Safety was trying to reach you there was already an incident to discuss as they do not normally reach out direct unless it’s serious, everything typically goes through your DTL.
But you already know all of this. What was the real reason you were fired?
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated