Good evening from Yuma! Yuppers, I am on home time with Mom for the next 3 days. I could write more but I would bore you (you should be use to that ;)
Time for rest.......and a trip to Mexico!
Enjoy your weekend and for my dear friends back in Washington.......get warm soon!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I was asked to call the office....and wasns't fired!
But it was a waste of oxygen as far as I am concerned. He started off by stating that they had no intention of killing my dog and that it was my responsibility to water, walk and keep him out of a hot truck. Like...duh! Then the topic of the over idle. He had my speed reduced instead of firing me. Like wow, I thought it was due to over idle!!! The "F" word never came up before! He then went on to say that the fleet as a whole averaged 20 percent idle (and the fleet as a whole has a lot of APUs that would bring that average down as they are ZERO).
Not only that, but they know the temperatures from all over the United States and know if idle is required.....like WOW, can I get an AP for that for my cell phone? I told him that I did not deserve the "write up" and he stated that my "paper" will be in my file and that I was to continue to try and keep my idle down.
The big surprise, he told me that they have been trying to find my a truck with an APU from our current fleet since they governed my speed. Shall we all hold our breath on that one?
Anyway, he had answers for everything but my questions and talked above me, not with me. Not once was safety or my concerns of lack of safety brought up. It was all about the NUMBERS.
But hey, I am still here as they want me here.........at least for now! Or was that smoke blown up my backside as well? I will let you ponder that one my fellow truckers!
Not only that, but they know the temperatures from all over the United States and know if idle is required.....like WOW, can I get an AP for that for my cell phone? I told him that I did not deserve the "write up" and he stated that my "paper" will be in my file and that I was to continue to try and keep my idle down.
The big surprise, he told me that they have been trying to find my a truck with an APU from our current fleet since they governed my speed. Shall we all hold our breath on that one?
Anyway, he had answers for everything but my questions and talked above me, not with me. Not once was safety or my concerns of lack of safety brought up. It was all about the NUMBERS.
But hey, I am still here as they want me here.........at least for now! Or was that smoke blown up my backside as well? I will let you ponder that one my fellow truckers!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Well, I did it....the idle letter is now in the company's email system!
We are slowly heading our way to Texas and have stopped for the night. It has been a long day as I was up at 3:30 AM EST to pick up my first load at 6 AM.
Now......for your reading pleasure, the final letter with the blog attached (each edited a little more):
I chatted briefly yesterday with fellow drivers at the restaurant over dinner. The Pilot parking lot (which holds roughly 20 semis with trailers and as many bobtails as humanly possibly) was packed with over half of the trucks belonging to my company. I have never seen so many here or at the company lot so that tells you that there are many of us with no place to go. And as the sun slowly set, the rumble of engines became louder as the night air got colder.....expected to get below 15 degrees tonight.
The discussion of APU's came up and one driver stated that he would idle his truck until he is fired as he doesn't have one. He is a trainer with a student and as far as he is concerned, his truck shouldn't be idling as he should be working. Team drivers run 24/7; there is never a need to park.......unless there is no work. And as far as he is concerned that is the company's problem, not his.....he is doing his JOB.
Another driver compared his life with the company on a sliding scale between gypsies and the homeless. Depending on the seasons, with no APU, you are forced out of your truck (or face being written up or possibly fired) to seek shelter from the weather conditions (to keep the idle down when not on your 10 hour break) and he will be damned to do so and will idle his truck as needed, as this is what he calls "home". We are paid very little for what we do, risking our lives every time we sit behind that steering wheel in order to move products from producer to consumer. We deserve a better life. All we ask for is a few small comforts of home in our home, our truck, our safe haven.
I woke this morning to the comfort of heat as I paid for a warm shelter. My truck on the other hand was an ice cube as it got down to 5 degrees. Everything inside was frozen including a gallon of water (in just a period of 10 hours). I am afraid to open my cooler and find my produce frozen. Now remember, you can only idle 20 percent (5 hours). Just how cold do you think those remaining 5 hours of your 10 break could be? Can you imagine, a new young driver, being bullied by the company about idling, needing this job desperately, sleeping in such conditions? Now imagine him or her driving, sleep deprived and ill, hauling a heavy load down a busy interstate. They could have been the truck I saw yesterday, on its side, in the middle of the freeway.
You know, that letter I sent to dispatch was returned as undeliverable. I think I will add today's blog to that letter and resend when I get the right address. It may find deaf ears but it might bring a little enlightenment to those who are open to see itMy blog post from today, January 15, 2012
Now......for your reading pleasure, the final letter with the blog attached (each edited a little more):
RE: Over Idle, Safety, and Equal Rights
Dear Safety,
During one of the hottest days in Kansas City this summer, I was parked for 24 hours in a truck stop while waiting for a load to be assigned. During this time, the temperature reached over 118 degrees between the sun and all the idling trucks. I idled as well to keep myself and my black lab in a comfortable and safe environment. Due to waiting for a load in such extreme weather conditions; the truck over idled by 65 percent for the week.
I was notified by my fleet manager per her supervisor’s instruction, that due to excessive idle, that my truck would be governed down to 62 miles per hour from its current 65 miles per hour. She stated that I must shut down the truck and go inside the truck stop when not on a 10 hour break. I stated the extreme heat was not safe for me or my black lab and pets are not allowed in truck stops. I had no place to safely keep my lab and locking him in the truck while inside the truck stop would kill him. Werner knows that I have a pet in my truck as they remove $5 per week from my paycheck to allow him to travel with me.
She went on to state that I could idle during my 10 rest break but I must bring my idle down to 20 percent. If the math is done correctly, a driver can be expected to idle up to 41 percent in poor weather conditions, which is ten hours in a 24 hour period. If you are only allowed 20 percent, that is five hours in a 24 hour period. One can only expect a night of very little rest when your body lacks the sound rest and comfortable temperature in order to be well rested in an average 8 hour period. This is not a safe situation for a driver that is expected to drive up to eleven hours a day with a very heavy cargo.
I was not able to shut my truck down that evening as it was again, not safe for me. As a lone female driver, leaving my windows down in order to receive some type of a breeze would put my safety at risk. Temporary screens are an option but are no security against intrusion. Imagine going home, placing your bed in your living room, your windows and front door are open in order to get some relief from the heat and tell me; would you sleep soundly? My safety is my top priority when traveling hundreds of miles a day. Did you know that convicted felons can carry a commercial driver’s license and could be parked in the same location as you? And if you have seen what I have seen at truck stops, you would lock your home up tight day and night!
On that note, this is my office and my home; I am fully self contained with a computer, cooler, television and clothing. I don’t need to go into the truck stop except to use the restroom. Again, please imagine going to your home to find your living quarters turned into an oven. You contact your landlord for repairs to only be told to go to Wal-Mart where it is cooler and just sit! When you have pets, your options are limited at best, they are not allowed in Wal-Mart as well. In extreme hot weather, leaving pets in hot vehicles kill!
While waiting for the truck to get governed to 62 miles per hour in the Denver terminal, my pet and I sat under an empty trailer as it was the only shade on a very hot day. Parked next to us, was a company truck with an APU that was running. The two drivers were sitting in comfort, feet on the dash, enjoying the cool temperatures inside the cab while reading books! Shouldn’t I have the same rights as a fellow driver? I do not have an APU or alternative units so I must idle if conditions require it.
As fall approached, I was able to get my idle down as the temperatures cooled enough for a good night’s rest. But with all things, it would not last as winter was knocking on my door. I spent a week in Montana and Wyoming with morning temperatures at 19 to 24 degrees. I was again notified by my fleet manager that my idle was at 41 percent (perfect for only ten hours per day) and that I had to bring it down to 20 percent. I bought a small fan/heater in order to comply but the truck battery would only allow it run for 2 hours. I tried falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night to turn on the truck which took a precious hour of sound sleep from me. After a week of little sleep and becoming ill, I gave up!
I decided that if the weather conditions require me to idle, I will do so for eight hours, the time that I am sleeping. So imagine my dismay, while sitting in the cold waiting for bed time, a fellow company driver who was swapping loads with me, pulled in next to me, shuts off his truck, turned on his APU, rolled down the passenger window for his pet and watched a movie in full comfort while wearing only a T-SHIRT! I sat in layers of clothing in my truck just trying to stay warm!
Being a 48 state driver, I am in constant changing weather environments. When temperatures are below freezing or over 80 degrees, I will idle in order to insure a good night’s rest so I can safely deliver my load and remain healthy to prevent down time. As for the three drivers I discussed previously which are insured daily and nightly comfort, I can only expect the same will be offered to me as we are all equal, we are all company drivers. Please, give me the tools needed so I can comply with the 20 percent rule because as of this moment, I have nothing to work with!
Please don’t hesitate and call me to discuss this further or for any questions you might have.
Sincerely,
Reia
I chatted briefly yesterday with fellow drivers at the restaurant over dinner. The Pilot parking lot (which holds roughly 20 semis with trailers and as many bobtails as humanly possibly) was packed with over half of the trucks belonging to my company. I have never seen so many here or at the company lot so that tells you that there are many of us with no place to go. And as the sun slowly set, the rumble of engines became louder as the night air got colder.....expected to get below 15 degrees tonight.
The discussion of APU's came up and one driver stated that he would idle his truck until he is fired as he doesn't have one. He is a trainer with a student and as far as he is concerned, his truck shouldn't be idling as he should be working. Team drivers run 24/7; there is never a need to park.......unless there is no work. And as far as he is concerned that is the company's problem, not his.....he is doing his JOB.
Another driver compared his life with the company on a sliding scale between gypsies and the homeless. Depending on the seasons, with no APU, you are forced out of your truck (or face being written up or possibly fired) to seek shelter from the weather conditions (to keep the idle down when not on your 10 hour break) and he will be damned to do so and will idle his truck as needed, as this is what he calls "home". We are paid very little for what we do, risking our lives every time we sit behind that steering wheel in order to move products from producer to consumer. We deserve a better life. All we ask for is a few small comforts of home in our home, our truck, our safe haven.
I woke this morning to the comfort of heat as I paid for a warm shelter. My truck on the other hand was an ice cube as it got down to 5 degrees. Everything inside was frozen including a gallon of water (in just a period of 10 hours). I am afraid to open my cooler and find my produce frozen. Now remember, you can only idle 20 percent (5 hours). Just how cold do you think those remaining 5 hours of your 10 break could be? Can you imagine, a new young driver, being bullied by the company about idling, needing this job desperately, sleeping in such conditions? Now imagine him or her driving, sleep deprived and ill, hauling a heavy load down a busy interstate. They could have been the truck I saw yesterday, on its side, in the middle of the freeway.
You know, that letter I sent to dispatch was returned as undeliverable. I think I will add today's blog to that letter and resend when I get the right address. It may find deaf ears but it might bring a little enlightenment to those who are open to see itMy blog post from today, January 15, 2012
Reia
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Hey Mom!
It doesn't look like I will be in Yuma by the 19th, even if they swap me out on my way to Texas.....I am 5 to 6 days out either way. I will keep you informed!
Life as a company driver........
I chatted briefly yesterday with fellow drivers at the restaurant/bar over dinner and drinks. The Pilot parking lot (which holds roughly 20 semis with trailers and as many bobtails as humanly possibly) was packed with over half of the trucks belonging to my company. I have never seen so many here or at the company lot so that tells you that there are many of us with no place to go. And as the sun slowly set, the rumble of engines became louder as the night air got colder.....expected to get below 15 degrees tonight.
The discussion of APU's came up and one driver stated that he would idle his truck until he is fired as he doesn't have one. He is a trainer with a student and as far as he is concerned, his truck shouldn't be idling as he should be working. Team drivers run 24/7, there is never a need to park.......unless there is no work. And as far as he is concerned that is the company's problem, not his.....he is doing his JOB.
Another driver compared his life with the company on a sliding scale between gypsies and the homeless. Depending on the seasons, with no APU, you are forced out of your truck to seek shelter from the weather conditions and he will be damned to do so and will idle his truck, as this is what he calls "home". We are paid very little for what we do, risking our lives every time we sit behind that steering wheel in order to move products from producer to consumer. We deserve a better life. All we ask for is a few small comforts of home in our home, a safe haven.
I woke this morning to the comfort of heat. My truck on the other hand was an ice cube. Everything inside was frozen including a gallon of water (in just a period of 12 hours). I am afraid to open my cooler and find my produce frozen. Can you imagine, a new young driver, being bullied by the company about idling, needing this job desperately, sleeping in such conditions? Now imagine him or her driving, sleep deprived and ill, hauling a heavy load down a busy interstate. They could have been the truck I saw yesterday, on its side, in the middle of the freeway.
You know, that letter I sent to dispatch was returned as undeliverable (imagine that). I think I will add today's blog to that letter and resend when I get the right address. It may find deaf ears but it might bring a little enlightenment to those who are open to see it.
Your thoughts??
The discussion of APU's came up and one driver stated that he would idle his truck until he is fired as he doesn't have one. He is a trainer with a student and as far as he is concerned, his truck shouldn't be idling as he should be working. Team drivers run 24/7, there is never a need to park.......unless there is no work. And as far as he is concerned that is the company's problem, not his.....he is doing his JOB.
Another driver compared his life with the company on a sliding scale between gypsies and the homeless. Depending on the seasons, with no APU, you are forced out of your truck to seek shelter from the weather conditions and he will be damned to do so and will idle his truck, as this is what he calls "home". We are paid very little for what we do, risking our lives every time we sit behind that steering wheel in order to move products from producer to consumer. We deserve a better life. All we ask for is a few small comforts of home in our home, a safe haven.
I woke this morning to the comfort of heat. My truck on the other hand was an ice cube. Everything inside was frozen including a gallon of water (in just a period of 12 hours). I am afraid to open my cooler and find my produce frozen. Can you imagine, a new young driver, being bullied by the company about idling, needing this job desperately, sleeping in such conditions? Now imagine him or her driving, sleep deprived and ill, hauling a heavy load down a busy interstate. They could have been the truck I saw yesterday, on its side, in the middle of the freeway.
You know, that letter I sent to dispatch was returned as undeliverable (imagine that). I think I will add today's blog to that letter and resend when I get the right address. It may find deaf ears but it might bring a little enlightenment to those who are open to see it.
Your thoughts??
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