5 Signs It May Be Time to Change Truck Driving Jobs!

5 Signs It May Be Time to Change Truck Driving Jobs! In this video, we give you 5 signals that may indicate the current trucking company you are working for, isn't treating you like the professional truck driver you are!
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[@victoryrider]

Anybody driving a truck always make sure you have enough money to get yourself home.

[@gearjammer4779]

... and then the trucking companies have the audacity to ask why I’ve had so many jobs in the last several years. As a professional driver with nearly 40 years experience and a perfect driving record with all the endorsements and a perfect CSA score it’s not my fault that companies flat out lie about everything and consistently go bankrupt. The guy in this video tells it like it is. Also, this BS about having to have driven in 5 different states in the last 12 months or not be considered for their job is laughable. What if my last company was local and we didn’t drive out of state? Does that mean I’ve now forgotten how to drive out of state? Did all my experience and skills diminish in 12 months. Pass up all those companies that require that crap and quit the ones that cheat and lie to you. I do believe the days of working for a good stable trucking company for 25 years are gone. You be the boss of your life because most trucking companies don’t care!

[@papasmurf1904]

A big Amen on every point! =)

[@rigrocker2957]

One of the best comments I've ever read

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right!!

[@luashelton9320]

Well said gearjammer! Every word of it!

[@benhawke7231]

You should read my rant. Its like an extension of yours.

[@aviatortrucker6198]

As a rule of thumb I never quit. I wait until home time and then before I go back out I tell them that I have to take a leave of absence I need to return the truck to the terminal. That way they cannot doc you on your sign on bonus or hold it against you in anyway. You tell them you’ll be back in 30 days but need to turn the truck in because you know that they need it. Then I just don’t come back.

[@benhawke7231]

Hells yeah!!!

[@cataclysmic911]

Never ever mess with a man’s paycheck. That’s when I walk. Great and informative video. All valid points.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes indeed. If they can't pay on time and pay correctly, time to move on.

[@adrianjanssens7116]

I turned in my paperwork on a regular basis and one month I lost my paperwork bonus because of one mistake on my load diagram (no. of 2x4's. 2x6's etc.) Even though I submitted about a one inch thick pile of customs documents, bill of lading etc. I lost about $100. I gave them two weeks notice the next day.

[@papasmurf1904]

Yes sir! But these damn companies now think all is good and normal to rip their drivers off and its no big deal! The shit that has happen to me personally over the years is nothing less than grossly criminal! But, these companies that pull this crap know that eventually drivers will have enough and quit.....and they keep all that stolen money knowing drivers don't have the money or time to hire a lawyer to recoup what they were cheated out of! The dot needs to step in and plant their big foot down on their necks and put a stop to it! =#

[@Truckerdaddy]

What irks me about OTR carriers is the home time schedule sucks. Stay out 3+ weeks and only get 2-3 days off for home time. Screw that if I'm out for a month I'm taking at least 5-6 days off before I get back in the seat.

[@blueman1027]

YES! One of my biggest gripes about my last company was how they would always try to get me to shorten my home time. I stayed out for 6-8 weeks and consistently took 5 days of home time. Every single time, my dispatcher would have some dumb remark like "That's kind of a long time" or "What do you need to do that takes that long?" or "5 days? That's a vacation!". God, they pissed me off with that. There were 2 occasions where once I got back to terminal they tried to play the "Well, I can't approve this. You've gotta wait for so and so to get back." Both times I replied "Well, this is my home time and I'm not going to spend it waiting around here. I'll be back in 5 days at 7am. Do what you will." Every time I'd come back and have a load ready. So, I guess that's just how you have to be with some of these people.

[@gearjammer5499]

The problem isn’t necessarily having five or six days off but it’s all without pay it royally screwed you over. I can however say I’ve been driving for five years now and I’ve never been over the road I’ve made more money staying local and regional

[@zavettataylor5971]

U can stay home as long as u want. Just clean truck out. I took two weeks every 8.

[@alecwhite11]

Steven Burks its your fault for them doing that. Its you who signed up for it!!!! You agreed!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes it is! It's your life, not theirs!

[@christopherb.f.shorescarol3178]

I ran OTR for 2 years; Reefers, Dry Vans and Tankers. But I decided to go home and do Local, pulling a food grade tanker. They told me before I even was hired on that I’d make 1,200 to 1,500 a week which was less than I was making running OTR but I was fine with that amount. But I worked there a month and I never made over 650 a week. Hell my rent is more than that, so I had to go. Everyone says there’s a trucker shortage, no there’s a pay shortage. In some situations asking for home time it can be like asking for a arm & and a leg. If I’m gonna be out more than 2 weeks I expect to be home more than a 34 hour reset. Equipment is the first thing I ask about. Don’t give me no 65mph truck and I don’t need no cameras watching me while I drive. I’ve ran junk equipment and I’ve ran top notch equipment, you’re better off checking out the equipment before you take the job if you can. I’ve never had any major problems with dispatchers, hell when I ran OTR my dispatcher was the boss of the company because I was on with a 3 truck operation, it was great! Deal breakers for me. Driver facing cameras, hell cameras at all. Governed trucks. Super singles. Team driving. That’s about it.

[@acewings221]

Was it Foodliner? It sounds alot like them. That was the single worst company that I’ve ever worked for lol

[@theindividualistbeagle6316]

I'd be okay with dash cams that don't record audio, as they can save you a lot of headaches when a 4-wheeler eventually road-rages his rear bumper into you. I am not good with anything that records audio or faces the driver. That is just creepy and makes it seem even more like a mobile wage cage.

[@KingDavid_70]

@@theindividualistbeagle6316 I've driving for companies with driver facing cameras I told them hope you get a thrill I'll be driving in the buff.

[@chrisspeer3257]

@@theindividualistbeagle6316 it always starts out with the word safty we are installing these camras to protect you and the company they always say that they won't use it as a tool to punish you but its bull shit they lie

[@kenamaro]

# 6 - When they tell you “ we treat our drivers like family!” Dont walk..... RUN !

[@jamieebersole6755]

Got stuck in an old piece of junk dump truck that the heater didn't work. After about freezing I went digging though the shop n found an inverter clamped that to the batteries and ran an extension cord in though the passenger window, strapped a regular electric heater to the passenger seat. Not sure I miss those days ever😂

[@rockking1379]

So I posted a comment on the community page for this video but here is the update for those that don’t pay attention to those. I did make the wedding! Wyoming had some cold but calm weather and I got back on Thursday. Dispatch had another load waiting that had an relaxed delivery schedule so took the truck home loaded and ready to roll after the wedding. I am finishing my trip up home today (2/28/2020) and we leave tomorrow (2/29/2020). I’m looking forward to this week away from the truck and just relaxing. Y’all wish me luck in Vegas 😎 then it’s back to keeping rubber side down

[@SmartTrucking]

HOORAY!!! You made it!!!! That's awesome. Enjoy the week off and congrats to you and your new bride. VEGAS BABY!!! Hope you have a great time.

[@KingDavid_70]

@@SmartTrucking I took the day before my wedding on June 1st 2019. I didnt work on my wedding day but still haven't been on a honeymoon yet almost 9 months later. Will be taking one on Thanksgiving week 2020, to parts unknown. Lord willing I work 6 days a week at my local company.

[@jeffherdzina6716]

The pay scale has been the same for the last 20 years. But the expectations are always growing.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's true!

[@jasonmatthew9194]

Big carriers make you jump through all kinds of hoops like you're making six figures

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Well get out of the shit warehouse jobs then

[@Villani_AV]

They always want more for less, I work local, mostly straight trucks, and they keep trying to load us up more and more. Luckily I'm not an idiot, and since we're unionized and hourly I either bang them for OT or bring stops back

[@borednapoleon5296]

I just started trucking school. I'm kinda of nervous but I'm humble enough to listen and be taught.

[@natetrain6968]

You're 100% right about big carrier dispatch when I work for Tyson Foods I said to my dispatcher all you are is a dispatcher he says no I'm your driver manager and he took it personal he thought it was an insult then I called him a dispatcher

[@ChristsChosen]

BigNate Jobber they like to think they’re more important to the company and usually they are treated as such. Drivers quit, dispatchers don’t.

[@zavettataylor5971]

BigNate Jobber I called mine a travel agent

[@SmartTrucking]

They can be a sad group!

[@officespace7777]

My policy on hometime is this... If my time is not important to you, then your time is not important to me. If you can't make the effort to get me home on time, then I can't promise to be back on the road on time. One carrier I worked for liked to give me a load Everytime I was supposed to go home. Finally I just said for everyday you don't get me home on time, I will take another day off for each day you miss.

[@SmartTrucking]

You've got the right idea!

[@69adrummer]

As a "new guy"/rookie, I find ALL of this information invaluable. I'm with a good outfit but a guy never knows. Thanks for all you do.

[@kellypatterson8506]

Years ago at Covenant Transportation my dispatcher tried to make me skip my wedding. A couple of months b4 he said to send him a reminder once a week (okay np) I did that. 3 days b4 wedding I was crossing from Idaho n2 Oregon and he sent me a message, needing to swap loads and back east. I reminded him of wedding and his reply was I dont care. Told him I'll finish this load for you and drop truck anywhere in Portland Oregon you want I quit. Showed messages to mom (rider w/me) and she and soon to be wife were livid. Steve Hyde was dispatcher, never forget his name.

[@SmartTrucking]

Unbelievable! What an a__hole! Covenant won't last long with guys like him!

[@3182john]

I thought they were a Christian focused company!

[@gearjammer5499]

Kelly Patterson There’s supposed to be a Christian organization to what a bunch of hypocrites

[@BrokeTruckerGyal]

What a frickin jerk! Unbelievable. Smh.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Got me at the first line : skip my wedding. Heh im not married , but i woulda kicked that son of a bastard in the nuts and handed him his truck keys back. Seeyalaterbye

[@williamhahs1586]

Thankfully my carrier cares about home time. I'm gone 5 days a week and home for 2. It's long days but at least I have weekends

[@royfredericks2231]

All points valid, home time was a deal breaker when i started, did my due diligence in getting my year then left. Got my own truck and the rest is history.👍👍

[@caesarguzman5831]

How long did it take you to get TV a truck? How much more many do you make after expenses and bills?

[@timbober1]

Good content keep it up I’m retired as of today 44 years in the trade. No regrets except my body is worn out. Take care of yourselves!

[@SmartTrucking]

You too driver!

[@jimmysavage258]

I started with a carrier that tried assigning me a tractor with mismatched tread depth drive tires with the lowest being 4/32. What a way to impress a new driver.

[@chronictwister]

this is why I work by the hour, instead of mileage. I love it since I don't have to be at the mercy of anyone, and I don't have to rush. As long as I make the load on time, which is extremely easy, I am good to go. Working by the mile gave me many gray hairs, and probably shortened my life by a few years.

[@shaun2318]

By the hour is where it’s at

[@brianwright8374]

At my old job, there was a period of a couple of a couple years of constant fighting with management. They were also terrible with maintaining the equipment. In the span of 2 or 3 months one summer I nailed them so hard with trailer write ups, I almost single handedly wiped out the "budget" for the year. My supervisor went so far as to threaten to fire me if I reported any more bent crossmember. He even said it was part of a dot inspection. Took me 5 minutes thumbing through the cdl manual to show him he was wrong. Later on I learned they were bribing a repair company to pass the yearly inspections. Thanks to them I'm nearly as good as the mechanics with equipment maintenance now. The public didn't get hurt , and nobody got nailed by dot with their junk. My new company, 4 months in and I'm part of the safety team. I even pointed out to my trainer the first day a set of dolly legs that were starting to fail. I don't even look back at my old job. I also haven't had to argue with managment once over anything dot or safety related.

[@josephboley]

I'm not a professional truck driver but I think this topic goes for about all occupations . My deal breaker is raising your voice at me like I'm a child or using foul language. I'm an adult. I've told my boss's in the past if you feel like you need to disrespect me go ahead an fire me before throwing a fit like a child.

[@kevinlesch9656]

I agree completely but it's a two way street. I work a factory job but some guys I work with don't respect their boss or coworkers. I wish those ones would get fired.

[@tristanholland6445]

@@kevinlesch9656 Right on I see a lot of that attitude "respect me" but that person doesn't respect anyone themselves. Some are regular workers others are supervisors.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes, that's a deal breaker for me as well.

[@josephboley]

@@SmartTrucking we all deserve respect and kindness.

[@jeffherdzina6716]

Mind if I use that ? LOL...

[@Lostcause1974]

Had the 'heater not working' issue in winter in NY. Good times.

[@nemoexpress3426]

I've been in and out of the oil file field since 2014, worked for 4 different companies, 3 of those companies cut drivers pay.

[@texaspayback986]

Yup ik how that is pisses me off

[@officespace7777]

Hi, I applied at GP Transco. But their hometime is awful. (My opinion.) 1 day off for every 7 days worked. With a max of 7 days off? Which means I have to work 2 months straight in order to get a week off? That is unacceptable to me. And they are not willing to negotiate. So I told them no thanks. I don't live in my truck. I work to live. Not work to live there. Sticking with my current crappy truck job.😒

[@timmix331]

Guy who might miss his wedding could be dodging a bullet!😂😂

[@rockking1379]

Time will tell huh 😆

[@DLSWV]

Tim Mix 👍😂

[@ahzrad]

MGTOW

[@mikehiggins6759]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@scottparsons2031]

Why is there not class action lawsuits against companies that continue to short miles?

[@JoeC88]

A particular scamming dog had his machine returned to him with an FU service, The air filter element was removed & thrown in the bin. A handful of sand blast grit / powdered carborundum sprinkled into the air filter housing and the same funneled into the crank case. Also a decent blob of valve grind paste in the diff & gearbox about 3 days before return. A long shank phillips screwdriver accidentally drove through the grille on his car through the AC condenser and his radiator. Workers knew where he lived, took photos of his house and passed the info around...

[@dmytrodolzhenko349]

This is great, the social media is starting to take turn in influencing carriers to do the right thing with videos like this!

[@salstonightsbiggestloser]

My trucking brothers and sisters. Learn a skill in the industry you can take with you and it hurts them if you leave. Specialize don't just drive that dry van.

[@caesarguzman5831]

Like what?? You mean a skill pertaining to the trucking Industry? Or a skill unrelated?

[@dchawk81]

I specialize in zip ties.

[@Driver670]

Thank you for all the great info you've provided over the years..I've definitely gained so much from you. I even rewatch old videos..you're pretty much the Trucking Dad 👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@bamiking25]

Definitely, he is the master & he is the best, always, many many years thanks to him.

[@kevinlesch9656]

Very well said at the end, switching carriers is a big deal. But when you gotta go, you gotta go!

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right!

[@Iggy1219]

Great videos! So much fantastic information. I’m only 28 years old, been driving 6 years. I’m a 4th generation driver and the one thing my dad and grandpa always told me is to always keep enough money in my pocket to get myself home. Weather it be putting fuel in the truck, plane or bus ticket, or rental car.

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent advice from old pros!

[@demetreusarm]

Thanks for the tips. Months ago I had to realize I too can fire my local carrier and that it would be time to let them go before they let me go! After almost 20 years and being fired from job to job of driving trucks I realize I was being way too patient with this career and its time to think l like a boss for once. Get some people line up, go make some recorded meetings with them from time to time, check out what they have to offer, and find out how long they would stand up in my book for up to 6 months. No longer do I need to think as a company driver but as a business man for myself. This would also be a good proactive practice to like a owner operator because for me being a professional truck driver is a career ; not a job. Because its a career that requires training and mature responsibilities. Weather if its paying the bills or looking after everybody that travels around your equipment and your CDL, it does not take a day off. 24/7. That includes riding your motorcycle on your day off, it does not quit until you return it in to the DMV. And yes that includes just driving down the street to the convenient store just to get a pack of cigarettes lotto tickets and a loaf of bread in your car or even bicycle LOL !

[@SmartTrucking]

Right on!

[@nicksmith8166]

That’s why I love Walmart. We are in charge of our own paychecks. We verify, add and/or delete drops/hooks/etc. as well as verifying miles. If you got short changed it’s because you didn’t verify your activities and miles daily.

[@R-BURQUENO]

Can a driver get on with Walmart with 2 years experience? Also how is the home time???

[@snidelywhiplash285]

Excellent topic. If you drive for a publicly traded company and their stock suddenly plummets (or even gets delisted from the stock exchange), it may be a good sign to bail. One recent example is Celadon. BTW- Love the thumbnail for the video, Dave!

[@steveawesome9538]

I had a Driver Manager at May Trucking Co. We referred to Driver Managers as Designated Fuel Stop Assigners.

[@lavernseegert2719]

Most Company's feel your 34 restart is good enough. After 4 weeks on the Road its not good enough to me

[@SmartTrucking]

It's not good enough! Make sure to take what you need to stay safe and happy!

[@papasmurf1904]

You have the signs RIGHT!!! We could swap horror stories over our many years driving! At this late stage in my life and career, i have just about had my fill of the bull-shit! The disrespect i had at my last job was sooo BAD....well, its why i am unemployed right now! Its sad that i take driving so serious and have a stellar driving record.....but, i am going to be forced out of trucking all together! The money i have had stolen from me by a handful of past companies......it would make any driver SICK!!! I am about at the end of my rope! =#

[@SmartTrucking]

It's a shame, isn't it, that it can be such a crooked industry and no need for it!

[@jeffb957]

You are describing every OTR job I've ever had. Boyd Brothers was pretty good for quite a while. I worked there 11 years till Dempsey Boyd died. They sold out, and the place went to hell.

[@SmartTrucking]

That happened at a carrier I was with as well.

[@acewings221]

Literally looking for a different trucking job right as this video was posted lol

[@SmartTrucking]

Well the timing of this video couldn't be better Sean.

[@acewings221]

Right? Lol Thanks for all the informative videos! Do you have any good company recommendations?

[@alanack67]

@@acewings221 hazmat tanker, dump trailer or heavy hail flatbed/low boy. Thats where the money is, and home daily.

[@nicksmith8166]

Sean B. Depends on where you are, what you want, and your experience and endorsements, etc

[@mitchellanstett5219]

@@acewings221 GP Transco is one they advertise here a lot. Think they have 400ish trucks

[@masonhenry9745]

Took your advice quit my $1000 a week otr job for a $2500 a week by the hour job in the West Texas oilfield. Plan on doing law enforcement next and quitting trucking all together.

[@davidritter21456]

I read an report put out by my friends at OOIDA that said dispatchers playing games with drivers creating hostile work places.

[@thegods2622]

I recently just left the trucking industry I love driving but the pay isn't worth it. My stress and anxiety was always through the roof. I became a home inspector. I still got my CDL just in case but I'm really liking what I'm doing now and with less stress and better pay and only working what 10 hours tops for me instead of 14+ hours and expected to be top shape in the morning.

[@benhawke7231]

The last company I worked for dead headed me 856 miles because there was nothing in the area I'd dropped at. Also they had dead headed back to the nearest terminal instead of home and they knew I had a doctor's appointment with the VA that i had waited for a year to get an opening for that next Monday. They told me that I could rent a car or get a greyhound to make it to my appointment and that they wouldn't reimburse me for. I knew it was because they didn't want me to miss work on Monday and they trapped me at that terminal for the weekend on purpose. They even took away 2 loads that my DM tried to sneak past the fleet manager that delivered in my home area on Tuesday. Then when I got my paycheck, it was 639 miles short. They told me that they only pay up to a certain percentage of DH miles. Well I told the payroll lady.. "Well I'm going to have to call the state labor board and see if they agree with only being paid a certain percentage of pay on work that I fully completed." She got real pissy with me then said that she will have the rest deposited on my next paycheck. I said nope that won't do for me. I told her I want the rest deposited in my account within the next half hour or the shit will hit the fan. She was pissed at this point, but I had my money in 15 minutes. They didn't mess with my pay after that. I was going to quit right afterwards, but then I thought.. i can stay on with these dips and get paid to look for a job and take my time to find the perfect company to work for. And I did. The company I work for is awesome. They actually put the driver first and switched to hourly pay with overtime last year. I make 3 times more money now. They even pay 90% of medical and 100% life and dental. I only pay $100.00 a month for benefits. Also!... They always get me home when they say they will!!! And if not, they then give me an extra day off. And home time is not just a 34, it's a full 2 days off minimum or what was requested. So like if I request Fri, Sat and Sun off, they try their best to have me at my house before dinner on Thursday and don't have me leave till noon on Monday. Non of this leaving at 10pm Sunday night and driving all night to make a 7am Monday morning delivery straight off of home time. My last company would pull that crap and couldn't figure out why I didn't get enough rest on Sunday at home with 4 kids running around, and I would have to take a safety nap on the way to the delivery and the load would always be late on Monday and I wouldn't have the hrs to go reload. They would always get pissy with me and I'd always end it with,.. It's due to your piss poor planning, because I'm not a robot. I'm not going on home time to sleep half of it away and neglect my family. I do that just fine when I'm working. Well enough of this rant. Thanks if you got this far.

[@luisvazquez-gw6ks]

Man I loved my first trucking gig a lot of home time and my dispatcher was great but I had to quit the company cause I was forced to use a cpap machine which was not working out .

[@vincentgorshkov9201]

Hey man, I think it could be a good idea to make a video on border crossings for new truck drivers, especially the Canadian drivers who mostly do cross border work. Otherwise I find your videos very informative! Especially since I want to get into the industry soon

[@jayrider2726]

I never knew about passports and crossed over numerous times into Canada but coming back I finally got put into secondary. American border patrol was so angry and stripped me down naked and treated me like a terrorist. They told me they can refuse me entry i finally told them I would file for Canadian citizenship then and would not mind their free healthcare. That only made things worse.

[@PDMcG1091]

I worked with a guy a couple years ago who was bringing a load back to the GTA from Laredo. He wheels on through Hamilton to get a call from another company driver saying his check bounced. So in turn he parked the truck and trailer right at the bottom of the mountain and the owner would’ve had a fun time with that one.

[@TheDanson000]

P and d driver with fedex-What I have nothing on the pay check just a line haul and a number. Nothing else. Each week is similar but I picked up more runs and then they said they are going to not pay me as much... No idea... I normally run my own authority. Need to getting a different truck and own the trailer.

[@sbrazenor2]

I've always vetted my companies well and don't have these problems.

[@Kuzyapso]

All you have to do is read a company's indeed. Somebody probably said something.

[@christiangongora7681]

I just got my CDL. 6 months ago I got lucky with my job with no experience starting 23 hourly with potential to make up to 28 a hour I suggest anyone who lives by refinery to hop in the vaccum truck industry with OT I net 14 to 1600 a week and home every night I can’t. Complain

[@SmartTrucking]

Good deal!

[@kevinrudisill8044]

Has this been recently? I'm 60 miles from the refinerys. Wanting to get my CDL

[@davidmellet5924]

Man if they would steal money off me I'm not giving any chances period

[@JR-gc8el]

My last job driving a truck otr was the end, I had my time off set since I started for 10 months straight for home weekly, then the company gets new mgmt and changes everything, and on my day off they call me saying I have to run or else! Later I was brought into the office and told to prove in writing that I was promised my days off and if I refused I was told to empty out my truck and find a way home!!!!!! Yeah I did what they said because I was too far from home and I did my last load with them drove home and told them come get your truck, I was done!!!!!

[@nicemarmot3902]

I was sitting in my trash truck in the city when I caught the eye of a bobtail otr guy in the opposing lane. He rolled down his window and asked if I needed a cdl for my job and the pay which I said Yes and gave him the pay scale. He said he's been driving for 20 years, that it wasn't worth it anymore and to stay where I am. At the time I was considering getting back to into driving t/t but that was just so completely out of the blue I decided to take his advice.

[@wolfman1662]

After 2 years of driving 1 year OTR 1 year local, and now being back on the OTR scene for over a month. I'm long past the point where I hate driving, but it's the only thing I know.

[@jerrygarcia6917]

Great man you are, really appreciate you sir, been trucking 24yrs myself and I love it

[@genegeneish]

I dont explain myself to anyone. If they dont perform as agreed, im out of there. Ive changed 5 times in 2 and a 1/2 years. Its their problem not mine.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

That sounds fine, but I know guys in the same situation, 4 or 5 jobs, now they can't get hired.

[@clydeacor1911]

@@thomaskirkpatrick4031 as an employer I look at how many jobs a person has had over a given time and like you said if it's a lot like that I just pass them over because it shows me that there's no reliability there and that's what I as an employer really looks for! I'm a small company that runs local construction hauling and reliability is what I look for the most! However I do realize that most local driving here is seasonal work and will take that into account. That being said the majority of driver's I have come across are not very reliable and generally just a body wanting a paycheck without really earning it so the discussion on this video can actually go both ways not just for a driver but for the company also.

[@clydeacor1911]

@@thomaskirkpatrick4031 I also have a friend that's worked for about every OTR and local company out there and he's burnt so many bridges with companies he can't even get a driving job now.

[@BSE1320]

In FL, we just passed a minimum wage raise to 15/hr. I make $19/hr hauling milk. ...I fully expect a substantial raise.

[@JamesSmith-jq2jc]

My attitude IS, you gotta figure out what you can put up with as the SIDESHOW you will be at whatever CIRCUS you decide to work for or better yet with. I personally never understood the mentality of having to do OTR driving BEFORE you could drive local. IF, I owned a trucking company I'd want to know you could make it around town BEFORE I send you thousands of miles away. But hey, they got everyone brainwashed into doing it, plus it's probably the only way to get it done. I always used my CDL as a selling advantage when seeking employment, most companies have trucks, well at least most construction companies that I've worked for. It's never an issue either about getting paid.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup! Lots of guys going that way! Better money and better home time!

[@theodorerinehart781]

This is a great channel, Dave is definitely not a suck up

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Big Strappers. We thought today's video would be helpful for those of you who are pondering whether you should make the change to a 'better trucking company'. Hope this helps you a bit with your decision. You deserve the best.:) What is YOUR deal breaker with a company? What means 'HEY YOU'VE PUSHED ME TOO FAR!"?

[@michaelmedina8304]

When they tell one lie to cover another lie they told you but they forgot they told you the first thing 😄

[@SmartTrucking]

Oh and that's a sign of a pathological liar. They can't tell the truth from their lies nor keep track of it.

[@-DC-]

Better trucking company 🤔🤔 🤔 does such a thing exist ??!!

[@tsteiff]

You can apply those 5 things to any job. Good video

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@Vick615]

this guy is on point I've been with 9 company and finally found one company to stick with

[@matthewjoyal4088]

Another aweomse video! Thank you. #5 really hits home.

[@adamgronvold8608]

The dispatcher at the company I work for tried to reject my vacation time request coming up in April. I've been working there long enough to have 4 weeks off, I'm only taking a week and a day. Dispatch-"We're going to need you during that time. You'll have to hold off on the vacation." Me-"I've been here for years and know it's right in the middle of our slow season. Tickets are already paid for. I'm also giving nearly 2 months advance notice. Should be plenty time to get a temp driver if one is needed." Dispatch-"if you take that time off expect your schedule to change when you come back." Me-"my schedule will stay the same. We've been through 6 dispatchers in the 8 years I've worked here, all except one were fired for pissing off the drivers, don't become number 7, we all have a direct line of communication with the higher ups to include yours." Still haven't gotten a response.

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet you won't either! More guys need to stand up for themselves the way you have. Good job and thanks for writing in!

[@Villani_AV]

Good on you, hold your ground.

[@barefootpedaldude7755]

I had a paycheck bounce. I called the office. They said they would make good on it that day. I told them that they better do that or they will find their truck in their parking lot the next morning. I called the bank at 5 that afternoon. Nothing was deposited, and my checking was overdrawn. I turned toward home. I arrived at the terminal at 11 that night and cleaned my stuff out of the truck. True to my word, I left the truck in the office lot. Then they had the nerve to call me the next morning to ask me what was going on. I had to take take legal action to get my money from them.

[@timmellow1353]

which company name & shame

[@SmartTrucking]

Unreal! May they rot in hell!

[@mr.fridggyyy5826]

Hi, its the local food delivery guy here from the great white northern WI! When it comes to places treating you like dirt, I know a thing or two about that from my father who is a 30 year trucking veteran. Alot of these carrier's try to make the pay stubs so confusing so you dont understand and get screwed. My father a few times had to really raise the roof on a carrier before they made changes. Remember drivers, if you have experience along with a good driving record YOU HAVE THE UPPER HAND! These carriers are starting to realize it is not paying to have horrible drivers due to insurance costs. I actually belive a company went out of business just because of a accident, that in turn made their insurance rates skyrocket. Good drivers are hard to come by, and good carrier's that are smart realize this. I have had the fortune of being a by the hour local food service delivery driver. Home every night and paid for every second I'm on the clock. I also love the small outfit I work for and the owner treats his men rather well, provided you bust ass when your on the clock. Great video, and thanks for sharing!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Good submission!

[@gregoryhumphries8956]

I got to be the go to guy for the random drug test. Twice sometimes more a month. They had a handful of drivers that were continuously tested, all while other drivers were never tested. They make their quotas with no failures.

[@alanack67]

Do good pre trips!!!! You can't just kick tires and check lights

[@ronaldkrurk3424]

Good video Dave you gave a very good presentation

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Ronald!

[@LuisMartinez-fd1mc]

God-bless you all the information you're giving and you're doing on KZbin You're 100% correct on the reasons drivers is ever's leave companies for different things so thank you very much II repeat thank you

[@dennis47586]

All the trucking that I have done Dickey transport Packwood Ia is the best I think .I felt like I was in there Family

[@Silvervwolfee]

The issue is... I think...is the rate of pay for the loads. Yes companies try to shave off miles or whatever here and there. But our friend Dave here wants to blame the companies. And he is right...I think...but in reality the underlying issue is the cheap freight out there. Shippers all want to pay bottom dollar....dollar a mile....for us to haul their shit. Anyone running dollar a mile freight isn't going to be doing it for very long. Problem is there will be someone right behind him willing to run for a dollar a mile...and on it goes. Plus EVERYTHING connected to trucking is so flipping expensive. Labor where I take my truck is $150 an hour! No way in hell can the average truck driver afford that! My 1st year as an owner/op 2017 I spent $95,000 on repairs...parts and labor. I earned $30,000 net that year. Then last year I paid $26,500 for insurance. Don't think I made much money in 2019 either. So I'm quitting. Going to get a real job and make some real money...as a Walmart greeter! AND sleep in my own bed every night!

[@caesarguzman5831]

95000 in repairs and maintenance? Wouldn have been a better choice to rent a truck? Sounds like a lemmon!

[@xxboonisbadfortnitexx1549]

Nice video dude

[@TheHortond]

I had a truck with a broken heater. Little America was 7 degrees outside and it was 7 degrees inside the cab. I could have made a stop to fix along the way. They didn't want me to risk taking the time. I was 5 hours early for my stop. Then the shop that was going to fix it kept it for the weekend and 2 more days to fix the heater. I got hit with it being in the shop and instead of minimum pay I got like $500. Instead of $1175. And the "Fleet Manager" took off for the weekend so I couldn't ask him about it. Instead I got a temp dispatcher telling me to call payroll. And when I called payroll they told me they have no control over that and to call dispatch. And dispatch told me they will check on it and get back to me soon. Instead they sent me loads that were taking me all over the country instead of home time for that weekend. Now I think they worked out something. I got 24 hours home and have to go out again. And messages about the payroll to ask the next Fleet Manager to fix it for me. This is pure laziness and frustration. And I have only been there 2 weeks. They threatened to charge me airfare if I quit before spending 6 months there. I feel like I am doing indentured servitude.

[@edwu8253]

I never leave out from home without bus money or taxi money to get back home 👍

[@Rosethatwantstomove]

I asked my dispatch how many yrs he drove? He said 0 in a rig. I politely told him I had 22yrs at that time that I didn't need his advice from a 4wheeler. When you get at least 5yrs or more yrs I will allow suggestions. He said it was coming from corporate. I asked how many yrs they been driving. His answer was 0 again. I said leave me alone. But your doing hard brakes & following too close. I replied the idiot pulled in front of me & slammed on the brakes. I didn't hit him at least. If you keep harassing me I won't brake next time.

[@14gears55]

Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble and if I stay it will be double -The Clash had it right about relationships and truck driving

[@alexjones28]

I'm making less than $500 bucks a week. They say it's slow season but I don't know how long I can hold on. They cheat me on the miles. 400 miles they pay me for 360 miles. Drivers say this is normal. Not to me. I only have 11 months experience. I'm out 2 weeks and home 48 hours. I been with this company for 6 weeks. This is my second trucking job and it's the same as my last job.

[@kimquewezance7236]

The profession can suck balls. Your new and they know it. Once you can get 2 to 3 years experience. Your resume will look a lot better to employers. You have to eat crap the first years of driving. But it will get better once you past that threshold of 2/3 years experience. It will be easier to get better jobs that pay better. Just hang in their.

[@yeb7997]

If you got your year then you need to be making 1k after taxes each week. I know I am with my company guaranteed

[@SmartTrucking]

Keep searching, the good ones are hard to find!

[@wheelman1235]

I drive across the pond in Europe. It's amazing how one region of the world seems to affect another region of the world, or vice versa. Although our trucks have different setups as in axles and cabs, we face similiar problems concerning drivers and carriers. Lies , driver manipulation and insufficient wages are the trend. Cheap freight has made a fool of everybody. Where have the good days of trucking gone ? Young people are reluctant to this type of lifestyle which has become to controlled, manipulative and unrewarding. Thanks for this video.

[@wheelman1235]

It's the shitz trucking these days.

[@PG_Living]

Not complaining, cause awesome video, but the sound is echoing pretty good.

[@hardipdabb647]

Would u do a video on working with a carrier vs working on own authorities? Pros and cons? And hey thanks for making theses videos there really helpful!!

[@Blazingflashover]

I’m actually at this fork in the road, do I stay or do I quit.

[@benhawke7231]

Read my post. Quit, but stay till you find the job right for you. That way you dont miss a transition in pay. Use cam scanner to email your applications and resumès.

[@Joesmoothdog]

How and why should you give notice to a carrier if you're leaving? It's not like you're ever coming back.

[@jayrider2726]

No matter how much you think your company loves you...in reality you are nothing more then a drivers license to them. I encourage every truck driver to have a skill to fall back on where your driver's license doesn't dictate your survival.💪

[@alcinovargas8736]

Thank you so much for sharing this video

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for saying so!

[@jamalnaser281]

I use to work for Roehl transport they have bunch of inexperience people and people who have no CDL they coaches drivers and they talking to you like kids and this was the main reason I quite the job with them

[@DeannaBaileytheRavensFan]

I switched to regional from OTR because I'm getting married. I'm guaranteed to go home as soon as my 70-hour clock is low. I also get paid more than when I was OTR. I'm still going to be looking for a better carrier after I get my first year of trucking finished.

[@playbackproductions1]

I'm a local driver, so besides #2 you hit em all for me 🤣😭😭😭

[@KingDavid_70]

Hey David my name is David as well. I have a company that i drive local for isn't giving a properly work verification and length of Service with them how would you go about getting it right and done properly. I'm a 3rd generation old school truck driver former military. There is one supervisor will write you up for insubordinate attitude if you show them DOT regulations proving their wrong . He doesnt have a CDL either he is young guy wet behind the ears. Stressing when someone shows the facts. And writes you up definitely a power trip.

[@SmartTrucking]

I'd schedule a meeting with the top guy at the carrier there and if he can't solve the problems I'd find another carrier.

[@armyjeep4]

Valley Transport asked me many times to run heavy with no permit,everytime they said...."Oh,just go the back way,there's no scales there,Im sure it will be ok"...No,it wont

[@charlesxavier3489]

armyjeep4 that’s ridiculous. Do you still work for them?

[@Spooky_Gregg]

What the what

[@joshuastevens5910]

Scales on every damn backroad now.

[@briandarazs6620]

Must be the lucky one here. I dont have the problems im hearing hear.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

Missing your wedding could save you lots of money on the next divorce.

[@400PV]

Great video!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@jlawrence0181]

I was controller of a manufacturing company with nine OTR truck drivers delivering our product. If you have an incorrect paycheck more than about once a year, the company should be looking at their payroll process. Most of the time that we had an issue with driver pay was when the time sheets were not properly completed by the fleet supervisor. If I had to cut a new check because of supervisor error, they heard about it. Any of our employees were able o come to me (or any of the senior management on any issues, especially payroll. Rule #1 was that you don't F*** with someone's pay. When I worked in the restaurant business, if I did not receive a check at the normal time, I would NOT report for work until I was paid. Too many restaurants would like to say, "we will pay you NEXT week." I would response, "Fie, I will see you next week. It is surprising that when the owner would realize that everyone was ready to walk that the cash was ready to slow. I would add a number 6 to your list. When drivers leave, are they replaced? Or does the employer hire another third party to haul freight. Not replacing drivers, especially in a private fleet tells you that upper management wants to outsource the fleet. Our parent company sold its fleet to Schneider National to get out of the trucking business. I laughed my ass off. I said that they would regret it within 60 days. Four months later, they wernt elsewhere due to poor service and delivery times.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good story! And a great letter as well! Thank you!

[@jerrychristensen9219]

Good video thanks !!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@caseygillock8131]

my dispatcher treats me like im a slave and tells me i have to drive every load no matter what delivery time is and if im tired or not. am told this is how trucking is and if i dont like it to leave. he laughed at me when i brought up safety on not driving tired and only calls and never leaves a recorded message on qc as that is a legal document if something happens. i cant never make over 2000 miles a week and im a company driver at prime in reefer. will be audio recording calls and saving all messages. if upper management cant fix this issue, i will be forced to go to a lawyer and dot and maybe local news agency.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good idea to record everything. Something else you might want to try is to pull into a scale sometime and ask a DOT officer there witness your satellite message to your dispatch claiming you feel too tired or sick to keep driving. Do this with a hot load on and let the DOT officer witness the response from dispatch. Be honest with the Dot officer and tell him that this is a never ending problem with this carrier, tell them the whole story. Find out from him how the DOT responds to something like this and you can always call this officer as a witness if you take the carrier to court. Local news agencies are a good idea too.

[@steveawesome9538]

Prime is a terrible company to work for. If you didn't agree to a driver lease program and you've been there over a year, get out. Time to get a real job.

[@dchawk81]

That's a shame. Safety is a buzzword here and they know their asses are grass if a driver simply says "not safe" and they try to push. So they don't.

[@christophermorris4890]

I'll preface this with I'm a rookie with 9 months experience, but I am in my mid 40s, so I'm not wet behind the ears. Nor am I easily intimidated. I chose to drive a truck not because I have to, but because it is something I've always wanted to do. Anyway...I switched companies a couple months ago. When I was under my 2nd load with this company, my ELD crashed and couldn't be recovered. I imagine everyone reading this knows the basic procedure how to proceed. I called my 'driver manager" and he told me to just keep rolling so I could make the appointment. I told him in no uncertain terms that truck will not be moved until I have copies of my logs. He told me I needed to make the delivery and he didnt have time to do all that. My response was, "no problem." Just transfer me to safety and compliance. They will get me the required info. Three times he transferred me and hung up on me. This entire time I'm calm, despite several hours going by from the time my QC crashed and him transferring me to never-never land. Finally, I dig through my orientation paperwork and found an extension for the VP of safety. Things moved pretty swiftly after speaking with her. I received my required logs, spoke to her about what my dm (who had over 20 years experience) said to me, she even ensured I'd be paid for my time. I also informed her I record all phone conversations and offered her a copy if she wanted it. She said that wouldn't be neccessary. The company recorded them as well (which I already knew). About 2 hours later I received a message through the company app on my phone saying my dm had been terminated. I'm still apprehensive about this company due to other issues, but at this point in my career, I'm sticking it out until I have that magical 12 months experience. I plan on going to MATS at the end of the month and using it as a job fair. I love driving a truck. I really do. But I swear I absolutely hate the trucking industry, if that makes any sense.

[@SmartTrucking]

It makes sense, I understand what you're saying. Good for you for solving your dilemma with the DM. Looks good on him!

[@Martin280967]

The saying goes; Carriers want drivers who are smart enough to drive a truck, but too dumb to ask questions. Just stand up for yourself and be adamant with it. If they don't like it and try to push you anyway, just leave and move on.

[@Contentcreator24s]

I work at 7Up as delivery driver my truck has a Blown air bag on my driver side rear I mentioned it multiple times to the supervisor and branch manager that it needs to be fixed but nothing has been done about it they next week and I tell them it needs to be done today am still doing paper logs. I don’t want to get pull over what is your advice you can give me.