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Dawdles has contributed to 183 posts out of 3666 total posts
(4.99%) in 910 days (0.20 posts per day).
20 Most recent posts:
Sandy...I have tried the plastic tool box and it worked WONDERFUL in the Columbia...I have a goofy Cascadia now and the side box is all strange because the fire extinguisher sits in the middle of the box. and it is not really tall....UGH. I use a crate for the sprays and it works well but finding a "tool box" or kit has been a challenge!!
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Sherri,
So glad to have you and nice to meet you. Unfortunately, I dont get here as much as I should but am always available on FB or by cell...can give that info privately.
Susan
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
I carry pretty much the same stuff...plus a can of brake cleaner (for emergency clean ups), can of motorkote, rolls of tape (duct, gorilla, strapping, packing and red/green/black electrical). Tin snips, different length zip ties, small roll of wire and electrical connectors.
It would be wonderful to find a tool bag that keeps stuff sorted niceless so it doesn't just gwt thrown in the bag. I have tried the hard cases, bags etc. Any suggestions
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Sandy...Just curious but where are you getting your information...Everything I have read shows these are only recommendations that still have to go through all the processes for rule making. (Comment periods,etc). I am not doubting you, just curious because I heard an interview with several members of the review board and they are saying nothing is set in stone, these are just general ideas and "recommendations".
Personally I dont have a problem with any of it. On the surface and what information I have read and heard, It is my opinion, they (the government) is simply focusing on what we are all wanting...making our industry safer.
Until I know that this has gone to Rule making, I am with holding my final opinion but curious as to your sources since I did not see them cited anywhere.
Thanks
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Sandy,
I guess I misspoke when I said "economy". The term "freight volume" would have been more appropriate. It is my opinion because of lower freight volumes, companies are diversifying more into areas that they normally would not venture. For example, because of lower freight volumes, the company I work for is not able to offer the 90% no touch or drop/hook freight which what was advertised when we hired on. Now we are maybe 60% no touch or drop and hook. Companies are hauling different loads now that what they used to because the freight is not there.
Because of this lower freight volume and more diversified/different loads, companies are expecting their drivers to be more than just "truck drivers". Of course loads have always needed braced, load locked, loaded and unloaded. But many drivers are not used to doing such work because if it is a different kind of freight than what they normally haul.
Now that being said, do I think that companies should expect their existing drivers to immediately be able to meet the physical requirements...No not necessarily. But they should give their drivers fair warning if they decide to begin testing, so drivers can take the necessary steps to prepare themselves. Companies should also list in their hiring protocol that strength testing is required.
As for a company making accomodations...in my opinion, a company should not have to make accomodations for drivers who were hired as general duty drivers. Our company has hired some drivers knowing they have limitations. Fine. The company made that choice when they hired these folks (and they are great drivers); however, these drivers also know and accept that their miles may be lower than the fleet average. They dont complain and everyone in that situation is happy.
Now that being said, if a driver is hired as a general class driver (meaning htey are able to be dispatched on any and all loads) and then call in and say I cant do the job...well, it is a problem. it is a huge financial loss to the company if that is the only truck in the area. If the driver can't do the job they are dispatched on and hired to do and the company has to pull them out, dispatch another truck to the load and send the driver to another load...well that is plenty of empty miles that have to be driven and the company looses money. In some cases, shippers will charge a fee to the company for delay of loading and the receiver could also penalize the company for late load. (this depends on how contracts are written) With the economy being tough right now, companies aer working on a tight margin and can not afford the unnecessary expense of a driver not able to do the job they were hired to do. '
Finally, the ADA states "An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment." It also states that "Title I requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others... It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities" (www.ADA.gov)
Okay so that being said....if a driver is hired and there is no known physical limitation...meaning he does not state at hire that he can not do the physical aspects of the job because of a disability as defined above then no accomodations have to be made. Not being able to lift 75# as required by the company is NOT a disability. if the limitation is not obvious, it is the EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY to inform the employer. If the employer then determines the employee does not meet the job requirements they can offer another position that the person is capable of doing, or make the necessary accomodations for that person to do the job...if they can.
I do agree with you that training facilities should also be doing strength testing for the reasons you have stated. I also think that the term "truck driver" is a misnomer. We do so much more than just drive a truk up and down the highway and people have a perception that when they come to the industry...all they are going to do is cruise up and down the open road is a big fast shiny rig and never ahve to do any real work. So if we could rename ourselves....maybe that would help with the perception.
JMO
susan
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
I guess I always knew I could do it...my problem was in really putting it into action. Before when I backed up, if I fouled up, hubby would help me out. When I was solo...well there was no hubby to fix it for me. I had to either reset up, or figure out what I did wrong and fix it myself.
It does feel amazing though to realize that God forbid something did happen and we could not run together.....well, i could still earn a good living out here doing the same job.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Sandy, while I agree with the a lot of guys are out of work here is my thought.
I just picked up steel coils and had to build the bracework in the trailer, handle a 50# air powered nail gun, yank heavy pieces of wood and stack build and nail. This is not a "normal" load for us. This is something our new flatbed division handles but they had the laod it had to be hauled. The dock guys no longer build the frames. It is driver responsibility and you don't have hours to do it. I deliver tonight and who do you think has to use the crow bar and break down the frame work. I do. You said yourself you just delivered coils and had tpo play with the nail gun
My point is this...the economy is tough. Companies are branching out and that means they are hauling loads that before they would not have. It also means that drivers are going to be asked to do things other than just driving. So what do companies do of a driver calls and says I can't do this. I'm not strong enough to handle the equipment. They have committed to haul the laod and it is a huge economic/reputation impacy to pull the drivers out and hope the next one can handle the job. So what do they do...they hire drivers that can handle all aspects of the job.
Jmo
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Well, the last several days have been interesting for sure. Our company asked us to run solo for this week. And I had some really interesting observations not only about those around me but myself.
I noticed in myself that I was more confident, gave off a more confident attitude. because of that other drivers reacted differently to me. In the three days that I ran alone, I stopped in places I have heard others say were a problem (West memphis AR being one of them) Well at these places, I backed up, parked, showered, ate dinner walked the dog....everything that a driver needs to do when they stop for the night. No one bothered me, harassed me, ridiculed me or laughed at me. I had one driver offer to spot for me in backing in. I said thank you, took the help and when he told me nice job..i said I know. we laughed.
Receivers were equally as nice. But then honestly I have never had a problem with shippers/receivers; I treat them with respect, they treat me with respect. Anyway...
I guess this is my observation...I think i acted different than when I am teaming. I have no one to fall back on if I get into a jam. I have to think it out, think it forward, plan ahead. All the decisions and consequences are mine. I think people (including other drivers) picked up on that and reacted different to me....I think some even saw me as more of an equal.
Anyway, it was interesting, it was fun, it was tiring, and I dont like my own company enough to do it all the time. it was a nice break and a fun adventure. Now I am ready to get on with my real life and get rolling again.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Ellen,
You have asked a valid and important question....is it discrimination? And in my opinion, NO! FMCSA set minimum standards for drvier qualifications. Companies are allowed to set their own standards for hiring criteria. Whether it be for workman comp issues, or cost related to health insurance, companies can set their own hiring criteria.
Of course, a flat bedding and household goods are more physically demanding and their strength tests should be more physically demanding. It is important that drivers who do these jobs are physically able to do the other aspects of the job such as tarping loads, throwing chains, carrying refridgerators and sofas up two flights of steps.
Normal van driving jobs, well in my opinion a driver still must be able to handle what the company asks. If that means that a particular load has several stops and there is no dock...the driver may be required to move the items to the rear of the trailer. (We had this happen with industrial washers...we had to slide them to the back of the trailer). If they cant handle the physical nature, well then they cant meet all aspects of the job.
In this economy companies are doing what they can to save money. I have heard that some are no longer paying lumper fees..and well, the driver is the one doing the unloading. If tehy cant do the physical part and the company does not pay lumper fees how does the load get delivered?
Anyway, basically what it comes down to is this....as long as the physical strength tests are equal for men and women, are reasonable with what the job requirements dictate, and are administered fairly, then no it is not discrimination. If you apply for a job as a computer programmer but dont have the skills to the job...well you dont get hired. If you apply for a job as a truck driver but dont have the skills to do the job...well you dont get hired!
Truck driving is not just about driving a truck. There are many different aspects to the job. Opening hoods, climbing into trailers to sweep them out or dispose of trash, climbing on the motor to change a wiper blade or clearance light. Physical strength is required to do the job...and physical strength testing is required to ensure that those hired can do all aspects of the job.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Ellen and Group,
I am not sure where this should be posted so I figured I would start here and if it gets moved, Im okay with that.
I have been doing some thinking lately and have some questions..please forgive me if I come across as "not being on board" but I am seriously wondering. (and I am NOT pointing at anyone in particular, though I have asked my fellow sister drivers these questions)
So much focus is made on personal safety for women, harrassment toward women, training specifics for women. To me these are not women issues, these are driver issues. Personal safety is a driver issue, training is a driver issue, harassment is a driver issue. When did this industry become a male vs female environment?
I asked several of my sister drivers to name me three things in the industry that are specific to women. None of them could do that Many could not name one specific to women. I ha e thought long and hard and can not come up with one topic specific to women. Ever topic or concern I have come up with is a driver issue...affecting men and women.
Please dont get me wrong...I think WIT is an outstanding organization and has a place in the industry. I understand that one purpose is to dispel the image of the "good ole boys club" and help women break the glass ceiling. I understand the importance of writing suggestive protocol and working with companies in how to better acclamate women into the industry. But these topics are not just women specific.
Can someone help me...please! I feel like I am moving against the tide here because to me this is not a male vs female thing. It is a driver thing!
Thanks
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Hoping you can help...I understand CSA 2010 is a hot topic in the industry headlines right now...but many drivers I speak to either have no idea what this is, and if they have heard of it, they have so much misinformation that it is more dangerous than if they just didn't know.
Understanding this is a large document, and a rather convoluted topic...could you please somehow do a synopsis of who what when where and how. I have skimmed through the document but have found contradictions every other page. When does this go into effect? How will it go into effect? How will it initially be enforced? Is there an appeals process for faulty information? How will this affect a driver's license?
Thank you for the time ont his matter....
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
As a member of the Advisory Committee, I have some questions as to some of the posts regarding harassment and other trainer and trainee situations.
I have noticed some posts that are requesting psychological testing be done on the trainer..could someone please tell me why? My reason for asking, my husband is a wonderful person and has done the testing...passed with flying colors and was certified as a trainer...however, he is not compatible with a role of trainer. People pass those tests all the time and then. voila...they are wrong. So I am asking what exactly is the point. Seems to me that there should be some other type of testing that could be done that would be more conclusive and more apt at making a call.
It seems to me that conversation is what really makes the difference here. You can test people all day long, but if they never talk to the person you throw them in a truck with, how can you say it is effective. Just my thoughts?
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Ellen, this is a loaded topic to me, so please please bear with me in this post. I have thought LONG and hard before I posted.
In stopping harassment, I think it is difficult if there is not a concise, clear and definitive definition. Because harassment is an issue that falls "in the eye of the beholder" what seems serious to me, may not to you and vice versa. this needs to be done on a national level and on a company level. To many times, in my opinion, harassment is blown off because the person taking the report does not see it as a serious issue therefore nothing is done. On the flip side of the argument, the person making hte report is emotional and often times has made the report a personal attack. So step one to advocate clear concise definitions and regulations as to what exactly harassment is.
That being said, companies need to have direct and clear policy on the entire topic...from the how to identify harassment, what the company considers harassment, the entire reporting protocol, the investigation process, and the "punishment" for defined and proven harassment. To the point of a step by step guide.
People first need to realize that this IS a hard job, a difficult work environment and that they are going to be put into situations that you do NOT encounter on a office/retail job. They need to realize and understand their workplace is the same as their homespace and at times, things do become emotional, stressful and strained. HOWEVER, they also need to understand that even though this is an unconventional industry, we are still expected to be professional at all times, in the truck and out of the truck.
When a person is hired on with the company, time needs to be taken in training/orientation to explain the policy and procedure thoroughly and make sure there are no questions. Memos and handouts need to be given for the individual to carry with them (similiar to the accident or OSD reporting protocol) it needs to explain who what when and HOW!! to report the issue to. There needs to be a form signed by the person that they are informed and understand the policy.
When a person is promoted to a trainer position, they need to go through similar but more indepth training on this policy. What the consequences are etc. and forms similiar to the training forms signed.
In both situations, it also needs to be spelled out what will happen to either party if false claims are filed, or if retalitation is taken by either party. It also needs to be company policy that the situation will be handled by management and what consequences will occur if it is found that flaming, bashing etc have taken place. Harassment is an issue best not tried in the public...if the report is unfounded a good trainer could be permanently marked by an irate or unsatisfied trainee. and vice versa. careers could be ruined.
I truly believe that if a company has a clear concise policy that spells out step by step and then FOLLOWS it and enforces it, that many times issues will be handled professionally and quickly in the truck and not in the office.
That all being said, we know how impossible the above is because harassment can't be defined. in the perfect world yes, in the world we live in now...no.
So to really "fix the problem" it needs to be solved IN THE CAB:
Clear boundaries need to be made by the two people who are going to be involved in the situation...the people in the truck.. What is expected, what is not, what the boundaries are. And the boundaries need to be respected. Personal responsibility needs to be taken by both parties and what I call the Parent's test needs to be taken. Would you go to sunday dinner at your parent's home dressed like that? Would you ask that same question, make the same request or comment to your parents at dinner? If people would put their brain in gear before they opened their mouth, thought before they acted and realized there are consequences to action, problems could be sidelined.
However, until people take personal responsibility and realize they make their own environment this is a problem that is gong to be revisited over and over again
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Ellen,
I am pretty sure I am posting this in the wrong place, so forgive me, but I have a couple of questions.
In the FAQ section, you define Corporate partner and sponsor. Besides being able to write a check for receptions and refreshments, what are the qualifications to be a corporate partner or sponsor? Just wondering if there is a vetting process that they have to go through before they are brought on board and if so, what is it? What standards of practice, level of excellence, forward thinking etc do they have to meet before they are approached? What is expected of them once they are partners or sponsors? Is there a "contract" or agreeemnt of some sort they must commit to in order to hold this title and if so what is the content of such?
Just wondering....
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Kreigh,
Could you please explain what expectations a prospective student should have when entering a driving school? For example, what they will be taught and what they WONT be taught?
Understanding, of course, that you can not give specifics as to what all schools do, can you please maybe make some generalizations as to what prospectives can expect in regard to how much time behind the wheel, on the road training they will receive? How much on the range, skill set time they will receive and classroom book time?
Also can you possible give some pointers as to what a prospect should look for in a school and what questions they should be asking before enrolling? Also what information should a good school recruiter be offering at the enrollment and before?
Thanks
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Another one that a student/prospective student should be able to find...
Questions to ask when looking for a school
Things to expect and NOT expect in trucking driving school.
What you will learn while in school
What you WILL NOT Learn in school
How and to who you should report any problems you have with the instructors/instruction
A checklist of what a "graduate" of a trucking school should be able to accomplish before moving to a company
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Hey Y'all! Well, Ellen asked me to contribute to this link and the forum as a member of the Driver Advisory Board. I am excited to be here and welcome the chance to work with each and everyone who posts here...or just reads.
I suppose I need to introduce myself...My name is Susan...I go by Dawdles. I currently drive team with my husband for a small medium company out of Birmingham AL. We have been with them for 22 months and in that time have put in well over 500k miles for them. Prior to driving with this outfit, we were owner/operators in household goods industry. Due to bad economic situation, military regulations and loss of loads/freight/and business, we unfortunately made the decision to sell out and go drive company. I miss it everyday and plans dictate shortly, to purchase trucks again and begin a small fleet ourselves.
I have been active here with WIT since May 2008, a member of OODIA since 2005 and work with my company as an advocate for safe and compliant work environments.
To say that I belive in personal responsibility is an understatement and to say I can be honest to the point of the edge is saying the least. However, I believe in this industry, honesty is the ONLY policy and I try my best to work with people in giving them all the information, not just candy coating or telling them what they want to hear.
Anyway, I look forward to sharing my experience and insight and helping those who come seeking insight and advice. It may not be what you want to hear but it will be honest.
Feel free to contact me personally or through the forum...We have a great group of ladies, true professionals who are as passionate about helping people as I am...
Looking forward to hearing from ya!
Be safe and keep rollin'
Susan
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
ST...I never would have noticed had you not posted this. Midland puts out a handheld CB...40 channels etc. I saw it at pilot truck stop in sturbridge MA. I think the p-rice was less than 60.00USD but it did take 9 AA batteries (Not included). so when you buy the batteries, it may double the price of the radio....lol.
dont know if they have a website but thought you would be interested.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
You know, sisters, we made a real difference with CTM...can we somehow do somethings with those ridiculous and often erroneous attorneys ads. You know the ones "have you been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer? Well u deserve millions"
Usually I ignore these ads BUT as we sat in Kearney this morning, one broke thru my sleep induced coma and I sat STRAIGHT up in the bunk dumping hubby off bunk and kicking the dog in the head
The reason was his statement about how accidents caused by trucks has risen exponentially in recent years, how these trucks and drivers are overworked, trucks aren't maintained and are rolling down the road unsafe, in violation of the law. He inferred that drivers are overweight forced to run long hours and in dangerous situations and are protected by inadequate and unenforced federal laws
In a 30 second or one minute spot these attorneys lower drivers to nothing more than killers of the innocent public, like we stalk and prey on poor defenseless cars
I could not get my glasses fast enough to read the "call this number" because I was going to call.
Now, I have no problem with people advertising their services; I do however have great problem with false advertising, attempt to inflame the public and setting back the image of our industry because some ambulance chasing idiot wants his 33 percent
I could go on and on and on!!! I don't even know who to call, write or contact. Or if something can even be done because not only are we talking television, we are talking radio, internet (google truck accidnets) print (even the yellow pages)
Just wondering if this is an issue others are concerned about and if anything can even be done? Or is this my over emotional reaction? (I'm having a hard time being logical on this one)
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Thanks LG and Ellen! I just got so frustrated, discouraged because all day long on the CB you hear it and even in the truckstops...th whining complaining the one up manship...this was the last place I expected to see it and it just went haywire.
So with that being said..can u please repost where I can order my WIT T shirt?
Keeping my chin up and the dream alive,
Susan
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
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