True Trucker Stories
February 12, 2015
Wondering how to deal with bad dispatchers and careless management? Wondering how you can be a true trucker, keep your job, and still drive safely when everyone is pressuring you to drive beyond your limits?
This week’s true trucker story comes from the RunHard GetPaid channel over at YouTube. It is a perfect example of how to deal with a difficult situation the right way. In fact, we would put this video in a textbook if we could. See the full story here:
Remember, you are ultimately responsible for the truck you drive. That’s why it’s so important to pull over and sleep when you have to, no matter what anyone says.
HOS and Tired Truckers
July 25, 2014
Where do tired truckers come from? What causes their fatigue? Some say inadequate Hours of Service (HOS) rules. Some say overbearing HOS rules. Some blame employers, some blame the drivers themselves, while others blame bureaucracy.
In a way, they’re all right.
The issue certainly isn’t simple. Complications arise when it comes to interpreting the HOS rules. Whether or not you agree with the current law, it’s easy to see that this legislation gets really complicated really quickly when put into practice.
But don’t take it from us. Read Todd McCann’s straight-talking blog piece to get the full picture:
Survivors of Tracy Morgan Crash Sue Walmart
July 14, 2014
The June 7 New Jersey Turnpike truck crash that left comedian James McNair dead and actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition has caused quite a debate in the trucking industry. Very few facts have been revealed in the case, leaving much room for speculation.
However, new details have been discovered after a suit was filed by four victims (including Tracy Morgan) of the now-infamous crash. These new details make one thing clear: The driver, Kevin Roper, had not slept in a very long time.
Although the National Transportation Safety Board in its preliminary crash report said Roper was within his hours-of-service limits, both in on-duty time and in driving time, they failed to factor in the driver’s off-duty commute time. The lawsuit notes that Roper had to drive 700 miles to the Walmart terminal where he worked before his on-duty time began.
See the full story here:
Suit Against Walmart in Tracy Morgan Crash Claims Carrier Violated Hours Rules
New Facts in Tracy Morgan Crash
June 30, 2014
The crash heard across the land – the crash that injured actor Tracy Morgan, killed fellow comedian James McNair, and sparked a national HOS debate – is just now coming into the light. Real, actual facts have been revealed alas!
Here are the new facts in the Tracy Morgan Crash:
The National Transportation Safety Board recently released its findings. The truck driver, Kevin Roper, was not over his allowable hours. This fact is indisputable thanks to the electronic logs installed in Walmart trucks.
However, Roper was speeding. The report said that the driver was travelling 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. It also noted that he was traveling at 65 mph for 60 seconds before the crash. That means he had little time to apply the brakes.
The report did not say why he failed to apply his brakes, but we’re sure to see plenty of speculation on that in the days to come.
The Truth About ELDs
April 26, 2014
If the ELD mandate passes, 52% of company drivers and 71% of independent drivers say they’ll quit. Then again, it might not be so bad. Wait, what?
This clear-headed analysis of the debate over Electronic Logging Devices, website poll statistics and the reality of ELD’s really puts things in perspective. See the full story here:
It Pays to be Safe
April 25, 2014
All too often, companies try to take advantage of their drivers by forcing unsafe practices and punishing those who don’t comply. However, in the end, the good guys always win and the safety of the drivers and the public at large is protected.
The most recent case involves Absolute Waste Removal, who fired a driver after raising safety concerns about new procedures. In a news release from the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it was reported that the company had to reinstate the driver, pay more than $23,000 in back wages with interest, pay $50,000 in compensatory and $50,000 in punitive damages, as well as pay attorney fees.
So, let this be a lesson for all you new drivers. Never break the law and put yourself in danger because of company policy. It is truckers who must pay the fines for driving over hours, and truckers who bear the responsibility for crashing because of fatigue. In the end, it pays to be safe.
ATRI Asks for Driver Input
April 9, 2014
The American Transportation Research Institute is surveying truckers on the impacts of Hours of Service (HOS) rules and about detention time for two separate studies.
The first study is a follow up to a report released in November, which stated that more than 65% of drivers reported loss of pay due to HOS regulations. The second study “seeks to evaluate the impact that shippers and receivers may have on truck drivers’ safety, productivity and hours-of-service compliance”.
Hopefully these surveys and studies will result in smarter legislation in the trucking industry.
Comments on Electronic Logging Devices
April 5, 2014
The fine folks at Overdrive Magazine look at the mixed positive and negative comments regarding mandated Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). Truck drivers have been debating the issue on open forums, public dockets and websites for months now, and the staff at Overdrive have heard their voices loud and clear. See the full article here:
http://www.overdriveonline.com/eld-rule-public-comments-mixed-with-renewed-focus-on-hours-rule/