Top 10 Reasons Truck Drivers Walk Out the Door!

[@pointnIaugh]

People leave companies because nobody wants to sit at a dock all day and not be compensated for it.

[@albert18360]

Amen,that’s why a am about to walk .$10 detention after two hours,unbelievable

[@SmartTrucking]

That's for sure!

[@STScott-qo4pw]

@@albert18360 $10?! you gotta be phukkin' kidding me! Don't blame you one bit. you can bet your carrier is getting $90 to 190. i've had it happen to me.

[@largol33t1]

I've heard this over FOUR years ago. The trucking business is destroying itself. It'll collapse the day automatic shipping comes (in the form of monorail type semis) partly because of so much disgusting, useless "management."

[@grumpybastard9151]

I know the first job is get a tax consultant! Get an accountant!

[@lakeperch2971]

No respect is exactly right. As a woman driver, who keeps herself up, does hair and makeup, etc, 1.5 million accident free miles, and these shippers and receivers won’t let you use the restroom! Especially some of these Walmart DC’s who say “you’re a truck driver. Use the men’s room.” I still despise Walmart to this day and refuse to shop there. F-Walmart.

[@KennethMixson]

I despise Wal-Mart also. I have stories to tell about Wal-Mart. You get to the distribution center and they will not let you have help unloading the truck.(no lumpers) They will make team drivers leave one driver at the gate while the other driver has to go in and unload the truck by himself or herself. You open the doors and the product is stacked so pretty on pallets, but it is stacked wrong according to them. You have to break it down off the pallet it came on and stack it on another pallet the way they want. This was 20-40 years ago and I still do not shop at Wal-Mart because of the way they treated me while I was a truck driver.

[@668725]

This is terrible but unfortunately happens to often.

[@joe-e-geo]

F Walmart is right. Not a driver, but I've been boycotting Walmart for years now. 36 checkout lanes. Only 2 open with a real cashier. Only 4 self-checkout stations crowded by people from the grocery section. On a Sunday - the biggest shopping day of the week. Long lines for everything. That was many years ago. My abandoned cart is still there probably. I don't miss them one effing bit. Thanks to gosh I can afford a few extra cents for sheety products elsewhere.

[@JohnNorris411]

I drive now but used to work a dock at a nut company, our company would not let drivers come in to use our bathroom, they were told to go walk around to the side of the facility, maybe 300 yards away to use the outdoor porta potty. It really used to piss me off to have to tell drivers they had to go use the portapotty when they were at our facility doing a drop-off or pick up. A prior company I worked for, a carrot processor had a big lounge set up for drivers that were waiting to be loaded or unloaded, they had free coffee and cable TV, an Air-conditioned room with couches, and a clean restroom. There is no reason a company can not treat drivers like a coworker or guest rather than like some bum begging for change for dope.

[@jgichine]

Something you forgot very important. We don't have enough places to park the trucks at night. Rest areas are too small.

[@germandawg47]

Very true, and now the fucking truck stops are now mostly pay to park...$15-20 which we are never reimbursed for by company they say take it off your taxes..$105-140 a week to park, comes to $5460-7280 a year out of pocket WTF you also risk parking lot damages from the dumbasses that can't park.

[@georgecass8529]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@matj3296]

@@germandawg47 You can get that back when you file taxes...

[@pauln9933]

This is what stressed me the most. I can run my time out but I fear not finding a parking spot so I start hunting for one early.

[@user-kp1pz6zv8y]

@@germandawg47 thats very disappointing. I haven't driven a truck in 12 years. That's horrible that they nickle and dime truckers like that. And the one place that you can park beside rest areas they are making you guys pay. Like they don't make enough money off truckers. Yall stay safe

[@barbusie5217]

As a retired over the road trucker with 30 years in the saddle, This guy is spot on about this.. Every point he has made, I have been through at least once in my illustrious career.. When I felt it was time to leave trucking all together, I brought the truck back to yard where I got it, filled it with fuel, parked on the maintenance line and sat there for a few minutes say a silent goodbye to a JOB that was the worst JOB I ever truly enjoyed doing .. I left the gear I spent money and years to collect on the Truck, Because I wasn't going to need that gear anymore.. And maybe . some new hire could use it now.. I got my pick up and went home and I have been retired now for the last ten years.. I don't miss it .... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[@ztharris69]

I have a buddy who gets paid by the hour with overtime after 40 and 100 dollars a night sleeper pay for being on the road. Home Friday evening to Monday morning. On a w2 with full benefits working for a private fleet. It’s not a driver shortage it’s a good company shortage lol

[@ryandodger2492]

What company may I ask? Do they hire begginers?

[@Zellymackintosh]

FAXX!!!!

[@YellowPaint100]

😳😲 ohhhh my goodness, you said a mouthful there 👍👍

[@dannyroca1715]

What company does your buddy work for?

[@chrisduck3882]

I love running for a private carrier. But I'm paid a good salary, plus miles, and paid overnights. Home 99.9% of the time, some days I don't even do nothing. Private carriers is where it's at.

[@rederickrederick1513]

Worked a loading dock, in Toledo, I never kept a driver waiting, it's not my job to determine his pay, I knew he was paid by the mile, I was not, if his wheels weren't turning, he wasn't making money, get him out, I loved the surprised looks when I told them All Set !

[@mikldude9376]

Unfortunately not all loading areas or companies are the same mate , i remember working out of a steel company many years ago on load rate , the company had a very militant union and would stop at the drop of a hat for a go slow or a strike , on one occasion they kept us on the loading bays all morning until after lunch and then pulled the pin for the day, time wasted , fuel wasted , and no pay for the day , but truckies just take it on the chin , this is the job . And getting held up waiting to get unloaded or loaded at the companys whim when they feel like it is sadly more often the norm.

[@JohnNorris411]

I used to load them so fast, sometimes the driver was disappointed, he thought he was going to be able to relax a little. Nope, 20 min and you are out of here.

[@ronaldmercer9616]

Got out 10 years ago and never regretted it, respect? are you kidding, you're a trucker your not using our bathrooms, I personally fertilized many a companies landscaping because of that

[@STScott-qo4pw]

well-deserved. pricks.

[@secretsquirrel6124]

i have done a few booking in offices

[@michaellewis3978]

Amen

[@668725]

Best thing to do is say ok give me my paper work back, im off to the truck stop or gas station I'll see you tomorrow with this load. Just pull out no need to be aggressive, i did have to call the police on Pepsi security as they weren't letting me out but it was explained to them that's false imprisonment, they were mad as hell but let me out.

[@GMAN420BC]

The minute they want you to work for free. That’s when you go. It’s a job, not a hobby.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Amen to that !

[@joemann7971]

Never work for free, no matter the industry. If they aren't willing to pay you when you're new, they won't pay you well once you're experienced.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

And you got stupid drivers that do it grow a set of balls and stand up for yourself !

[@ernestpassaro9663]

No other industry gets away with these abuses like trucking !

[@ernestpassaro9663]

That's why they can afford to buy all those shiny new tractors they cheat their drivers out of pay af every turn !

[@mikemanassas5969]

After 15 years I realized I'll never become rich working for somebody else... Bought a used Mack dump truck out of Texas and a midi excavator started my own business.... It's been eight years now all I can say ....I'm blessed.....✌️

[@jimziemer474]

15 years to figure that out?

[@JoseGarcia-ni2lq]

Start a KZbin channel

[@nateschipper553]

Been a cop for five years looking at starting a trucking business. But what you have going on sounds pretty good. Any advice on how you marketed your excavation business?

[@yazankhashan6837]

@@jimziemer474 right lol

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Much success.

[@robertpeers4685]

My friend tried it after being a tradesman for years....lasted less than a year...many reasons,biggest complaint...driving had become "a jailhouse with a view".....

[@waterheaterservices]

@Johnny White As a certified master toilet mechanic [plumber], I endorse this comment.

[@tpnotes]

The respect is a big part. Some of the people at warehouses behave like they hate their lives and take it out on the drivers.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@sinless]

@@SmartTrucking Hey Smart Trucking... I'm 22 y/o and I was thinking about getting into trucking. It seems like you tend to discourage it... The only company hiring is Swift anyways, and due to youtube videos, I decided I don't want to be laughed at- so I won't go that route. The whole process of obtaining a CDL, poor living conditions and immense disrespect have torn my trucking dreams in half. I always had the impression that it was a well paying gig, but minimum wage to tour the state/country isn't acceptable. I would hate to sit and be unpaid for multiple hours. I would lose my sanity fairly quickly... I just figured that my hatred for social interaction and lack of family would be my primary motives but you have detoured me. I wonder what else I should do....

[@RenKnight347]

@@sinless Become a certified welder. Then relocate to the Houston, TX area for that seemingly endless, recession-proof experience. Or if you don't like the warm weather of Texas, as a welder, North Dakota is another great $$$ spot. Whatever direction you decide upon, best fortunes to you.🙂👍 Perhaps it would have been nice if someone had warned me about the dark sides of the trucking industry when I was starting out.

[@3ofus135]

@@RenKnight347 I was just going to warn him about South Texas humidity. I lived in Corpus Christi for a few years and it was oppressively humid. I know some people like that type of weather.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Yes and most of them are union and don't give a shit about drivers they get paid by the hour !

[@harrisavon219]

Respect is important, I was told to accept a load or turn in my resignation. This was at shaffer crete. So I did what the terminal manager wanted. Gave my resignation...to look for a company that does not do force dispatching and pays well, valuing me and my family.

[@dannyg618]

I got in the same situation. I did the load and I got injured at the first lunch stop ,did one month workman's comp they never did it to me again

[@halkael2317]

Top ten reasons why drivers quit... dispatchers!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, a big reason!

[@normancastor4577]

99 % of them are complete assholes. Plain and simple. It’s only a inch on the map.

[@vernafoster6012]

Amen...

[@STScott-qo4pw]

i agree 99.99%. the other less-than-one-percent are the two guys who work in our despatch room. Between shane and kevin there is NOTHING they cannot fix. in all the years i've worked with them the old owner ("The Screamer") knew if he tried to force a despatch on a truck driver one or both of them would walk out and drive 1 hour south to the highway and the scale-house. with ministry officers there they would make statements of forced despatches. The Screamer knew they weren't bluffing. of course, it didn't hurt their cause both guys each have minimum 20 yrs under their belts as long-haul drivers!

[@oliverclytus7559]

Man facts, I’ve bumped heads many times with my dispatcher

[@wildonion99]

I'll throw in my two cents here. I will approach these problems from a different direction. I drove trucks in the US and in Germany, specifically the northwestern region, and traveled to the southwest often. Germany by and large had no driver shortage, and I think the differences in how the jobs differed is why this is so. 1. Equipment: While the driver has to do their pre-trip and post-trip inspections, any mechanical failures are on the company. On top of this, the fleet was (circa 2015) almost completely automatic, and every rig was well equipped for it's use case. Every study in the EU, and Germany specifically, has shown the automatic trucks were superior in emissions, safety, driver comfort, and reliability. 2. Pay: Pay by the mile is an insane method of pay. Drivers in my region were all paid hourly or salary, like anyone else, with all the protections of our union and government services. My starting pay in Germany was approximately 35% higher than my pay when in the US (pacific northwest), and that was comparing per mile pay to my hourly pay, even as a "new guy" in the union here. 3. Hours: I worked for 8 to 9 hours, and then I was done. (breaks are always paid here, and included in the shift time. Not added to it) Home daily like any other normal job. The idea of long haul trucking requires such a specific person, and they are even more rare in Germany than in the US. The industry will eventually be forced to ditch this method in favor of what occurred here. Many depots were set up, so a load can be dropped going one direction, and a new one can be returned when the driver returns home. It was like a relay system. We do have our version of long haul drivers, but they are heavily restricted, and it is entirely optional. Specific companies operate that way, so you know when you're looking for a job what the company does up front. Any normal company will not do so.

[@DirtyDeerock]

I quit Trucking, hopefully for good, I miss working on the truck and the scenery, I don't miss bad dispatchers, inept managers and obviously DOT Officers. The industry is ruined.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hope the new deal works out for you sir!

[@10000Times]

I was making $1000 a week in the late 80s. When I retired in 2017 i was making $1300. Adjusting for inflation, I should have made at least $2000. The low pay makes the job unattractive.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Got in because home sucked. Drove for 14 years, as soon as I met my wife, My driver manager punished me for it. Deadheading me up to 400 miles. Giving me the worst paying loads. I sold my truck and retired. Now I play video games and hang out with my wife and dogs.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

I have never refused a load. That bit me in the behind.

[@STScott-qo4pw]

"driver manager"...?! DESPATCHER, no more and likely less. the job title neither fools me nor impresses me and I've made it unmistakably clear. mgmt hates my guts but realise there's just not a lot they can do about it with respect to me.

[@brianperry4815]

Gopher Had similar thing happen to me over 20 years ago. Was newly married and my boss kept wanting me to work over time. 60+ hours a week. I was a mechanic at the time before being a Driver. I told the boss I needed to be home more and the boss said it was either my wife of my job. I said easy choice, BYE. He said WHY, I said a JOB is easy to get but not a good woman.

[@arthurguerra1079]

You're cool dude funny also

[@IndigoJo]

Why did he punish you for finding a wife? Was she his wife?

[@lynnjudd6421]

My late husband drove OTR and I rode with him and even drove myself for a while. The comment about the rest areas is SO true, especially on the east coast and in Canada. And the restroom issue is very true too, especially with shippers and receivers of frozen food and beer loads.

[@bobinthewest8559]

Arrive home 3:30 AM Saturday... Next run starts 10:00 PM Sunday... Dispatcher: "I got you home for the weekend... you owe me."

[@TheRealIndridCold]

😅🤣🤣

[@alexanderleal8770]

Yeah, I’ve heard that before. However, I’ve always reply sarcastically and tell them “I don’t owe you shit. Without my clean CDL you don’t eat and the company doesn’t make money”. They get pissed off but I just don’t care.

[@1LordTez]

Your dispatcher is an idiot.

[@radioboys8986]

Jeez i had the same dispatcher

[@rapinncapin123]

🤣🤣🤣

[@chaos8042]

I'm a receiver for a retail store and all the truckers I get every day I give full respect, and they love seeing me when they show up knowing they are essential to me.

[@flashesofblack4128]

I was a journeyman electrician before I got into the trucking industry. I always wanted to do it, so I went to truck driving school and was a newly minted truck driver. I went to work for Matheson trucking hauling mail along the I-5 corridor from Seattle down into Oregon. The equipment they had were totally worn out old Freightliner million miler FLD's. I always had to write up my pre and post trip inspections. I would write on the reports that the trailers had worn out tires, or glazed and cracked windshields, or worn out transmissions, excessive play with the steering wheel, oil leakage and the lists went on and on and Matheson just ignored my reports. One time heading to Oregon I encountered glare ice on the I-5 near the Oregon border. The steering wheel had so much play that driving that truck became flat out dangerous. I was not getting paid enough to put my life or the lives of others at risk, so yes, I told my dispatcher as soon as I got to the Seattle DC that I was abandoning the truck, I filed my last post trip report along with a note of what I thought of the company and left them hanging. An electrical company hired me immediately as my electricians license was still in force and left trucking for good never to return. I made so much more money as an electrician, I took an early retirement and am living very comfortably retired!

[@eurekasevenwave2297]

Would love to do electrician work. I want to start with trucking first because before I did HVAC and discovered that job sucked ass and didn't pay me nearly enough for the amount of labor I was doing. I'm a better mechanic and driver than a heavy lifter anyways...I have all the respect in the world for people who can stick with HVAC, but nah, not for me.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

Boris S. Wort something seriously wrong with you to even think truck driving would be better than a good trade like that!

[@sandystanley1237]

My father did the opposite but ain't going back.

[@littlepepper4370]

Dude, stick with being a journeyman electrician!!! You are home every single day and paid very well, it’s dangerous but you can live a very comfortable life. I graduated college with a kinesiology degree and got into grad school but too expensive so I got out and went to trucking. Been with my company for 19 months all local till recently, I’m ready to quit and work elsewhere. My terminal manager and dispatcher ALWAYS tells me to drop everything I’m doing last minute to drive to Yuma az or flagstaff az to recover a truck. Last Wednesday I went to flagstaff to recover a truck that a driver passed away in, maggots and worms everywhere. And this afternoon, I was at the shipper and they ask me how fast can you get to the yard and I asked why, they stated oh we need you to bobtail to Yuma az to switch trucks with a driver, give my truck to them and wait for their truck to be finished at the shop so they can “deliver” their load. Not once did my terminal manager or dispatcher asked “do you have any plans tonight? OR CAN YOU BOBTAIL TO YUMA AZ?” Horrible. Los Angeles to Arizona is roughly 5-6 hrs. I would had to sleep on the road because I wouldn’t have made it there on time. I would do it if I barely started and I understand break downs do Happen, but I won’t drop everything last minute to please the company.

[@riverdogsavioroftheunivers978]

Best move you ever made I worked a season at Matheson and yes things haven't changed much equipment wise I work still in trucking but im nearing retirement so i pick and choose who i work for Just walked out on Legend right after completion of orientation and being assigned a truck that broke down 1 mile from the yard

[@freeamericausa1]

One more thing I know about. Once the Govt. got their dirty time controls on drivers. The job started down a hill that never will end.

[@Tim_Gagnon]

I've been a professional CMV operator for 3 years. The thing that makes me question my career is the lack of empathy from business', warehouses and places like that. People get stingy when a human has to use a bathroom.

[@SmartTrucking]

Crazy, isn't it?

[@arthurguerra1079]

Give it time brother give it time your hate being a truck driver also

[@JohnNorris411]

I had no problem letting a driver in to use our bathroom it was our company that made a policy not letting them come in being a food processing facility. Hell, I even had one of our own company drivers tell me, "you do not want those drivers coming in to use your bathroom, they are slobs" I snuck one in now and then when no managers were around.

[@scarfocamorra3629]

This man is the truth!

[@nomdeguerre13]

when bosses treat drivers like they are dime a dozen, they usually get 10 cent truckers...

[@johnwood4043]

There’s a lot of them too . All over the roads

[@urgodicu6263]

Exactly pay peanuts get primates

[@hartsfire5706]

O you know bell trucking out of PA.

[@emanuelnamseth1469]

This is a great way to think about it.

[@allanpatterson7653]

Companies are undercutting each other right through the floor.

[@lewis9888]

I drove trucks for nearly 30 years before I retired 2 years ago. I didn't have any problem running teams, I drove solo most of the time. I drove for almost 12 years for the last company I drove for before I retired. I was getting 3 weeks vacation, home every weekend and their Equipment was pretty good. They maintained the equipment pretty well. I did see for many many years that Companies (not just the Trucking Industry, Fast Food, Warehouses and Factories) DO NOT TRAIN THE NEW HIRES well enough. Once in a while, a new driver would ask me how to do this or that. I was happy to explain it to them. Some of them ask for my phone number and I gave it to them. Yes. I got calls from a few of them asking questions and I was happy to answer their questions. That's the way it should be. Helping one another out. But there are too many people in this world that enjoy making things difficult for others. That's in all walks of life. It's a shame really. Have a Blessed Day.

[@scottberry5266]

I’m a o/o in Michigan and leased to a small ltl company that treats all of the drivers like they should. No drama no lies no bs. Money is ok , work when I want .I have my whole trip dispatched 3 days in advance. The best part is the dispatcher always says good job and thank you.

[@jakebrakebill]

After 45 years of driving I've never been so happy to be retired. And someone today can't imagine the changes I've seen over all those years. It's a whole other World today compared to my first load all those years ago. Makes me wonder about the years before me, with the Bow Ties, Hats and Mom and Pop Diners on a two lane Country road. That's why they're called the good old days.

[@redmesa2975]

I talked to a sweet old lady driver at a truck stop in Montana a few days ago. Her name is Candy, works for Transport Designs. She’s been driving 48 years. Now that’s a long time, dealing with all the stuff out here ! God bless her !

[@gregdcross]

After being OTR for 20+ years with 17 years owning my own truck, I parked it May 2019 and sold it October 2020. Biggest benefit owning my own yruck was dictating my home time and picking my loads. Worst part was experiencing the number of brokers and carriers that flat out lie. Since May 2019 I have been working local. I thought I finally found the combination of decent pay and working local, but the company got biught out the day I started - no joke. It went from a large privately owned propane supplier (2nd largest 8n North America) to being owned by a corporation based in Dublin Ireland. Pay had been minimum load pay for short loads and a percentage base for longer runs. Pay averaged $30-35/hr. Then it went to Hell. Corporate management started making changes. Most changes lost customers and loads dried up during off peak season. When the company was family owned, the company paid all insurance premiums and there was a guaranteed minimum pay per week. Last week the corporate owners, DCC, changed the pay to be hourly ($23/hr), employees pay insurnave premiums and no guaranteed pay. Transport drivers totaled 42 at the point of the buyout, now down to 13 with most activity looking. Delivery drivers driving bobtail tankers have lost 60% of the drivers. That only covers the #2 reason. The #1 reason, lack of reapect, is a worse situation. All drivers are required to only contact issues with the dispatcher. Problem with payroll? Tell the dispatcher. Have a question for HR? Tell the dispatcher. The corporation does not want to hear from the boots on the ground and no one from upper management has ever addressed anything to the drivers. Personally it is the worst situation I've seen and I've got 5 companies wanting me to come work for them and I'm just evaluating which one is the best fit for me.

[@bradleymayberry6739]

Lack of respect is a big one. I just left a fuel company due to that subject. Heres a good one. If a four wheeler has the effort to call in about your driving, you are automatically at fault and get written up for it. Would hear the drivers side and not give a damn.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, that's crap!!

[@theodorecharles635]

Number 6 was the one that finally led me to retire. Junk equipment. That and Covid. When you've got to treat everyone you meet like they have the plague and they've got to treat you the same way, it really takes all the fun out of it.

[@kidsportfromlaporte8311]

Hometime, missed closing on house 2 times. Was told didn't have a choice take trip or else. Parked truck at terminal and rented SUV to get back to TX. Drove 900 miles in 16 hrs to make closing.

[@TheWaterman1000]

Man did i got berated for putting a unit out of service. Mind you my shift was 03:00 start time and all management was asleep and snuggled in their beds.

[@fargeeks]

I got berated by another driver for turning right on a red, and what she never saw was me turning right before the greenlight changed, she was waiting for me on the way back to the yard and she confronted me about what i did in front of the road supervisor and that supervisor was with me the whole time and he never saw me turn on a red, then they went into an argument about this, and then that driver told the safety trainer about what i did and i got a talking to about it So what have i learned??? Dont let other drivers see you handle things your way and to worry about them when you should not have to worry about anyone but yourself

[@davejohnson5479]

Every year I notice that the industry gets worse and worse for these exact reasons. I'm glad that I'm on the downhill side towards retirement and not starting over again.

[@cbruggeman25]

I left werner after 2 years for i was on the family dollar account and kept getting jerked around and lied too. I was on the dollar general account and part of it is being home every week for your 34. And i was. Switched to family dollar and kept getting stuck away from home for my 34. My cousin told me to come drive under him and pull a hopper. June i became an o/o and i make way more and im home whenever i want.

[@OTRTrader]

I'm noticing that drivers are becoming more verbally confrontational with shippers & consignees for making them wait for so many hours, being disrespectful and not allowing us to use their bathroom. Drivers are getting sick of the bull$#!+, and some are making it known, loud & clear.

[@edwardzamorski3711]

If you piss them off they will make you wait even longer

[@TidalWaveDan]

I always left because dispatchers tend to get bold over time.

[@TheHortond]

Do you know the difference between a trucking job and a pizza? You can feed a family of 4 with a pizza.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's pretty good! Got a chuckle out of me for sure!

[@joeduece1]

LOLOLOL SO TRUE

[@rickj1983]

Unless it's a Domino's pizza.

[@georgejetson1025]

My family are pigs , we eat 2xl pizzas

[@Wildkat-1]

I have a bumper-sticker that says " Honk if you think I'm sexy " ...Then I set at green light until I feel better about myself ..!

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

You said it. *_IT IS THE DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT HIS CDL AT ALL COST, PERIOD!!!_* Saying NO to a company for asking you to jeopardize your record is not only acceptable, it is demanded.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right!

[@STScott-qo4pw]

Do not. Let them push you. that cdl is how you eat.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

You know what the trucking industry is gone deaf until drivers start standing up for themselves nothing is ever going to change !

[@stevedavenport1202]

Sadly, my jndustry, motorcoaches, operates the same way.

[@MeOutside]

“Can I use the restroom?” “No.” “Well, I’ve got to check my glad hands. I’ll be back in 15 minutes.”

[@chadjohnson438]

I don’t even bother asking any longer.

[@lgtvstick368]

They're very thoughtful, they send you to the stinky plastic latrine at the back of the parking lot

[@AskSpectra]

Wait? You need permission? Who do you work for...

[@sammencia7945]

You guys who do this get escorted off my lot. By me. Done it. You are the reason why fewer places have trucker lounges with bathroom and microwaves.

[@AskSpectra]

@@sammencia7945 you sir, are the reason we no longer pick up at facilities like yours, resulting in higher freight rates, less driver availability, and shitty drivers with busted up older trucks, who drive like shit, damage your freight, and leave you wandering if your freight will make it, or wind up in a ditch.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

Already got a glove dryer in my truck it's called the defroster vent on the dash.

[@peterwall2612]

You hit the nail on the head bud, I’ve been off the road for 2 years and still don’t miss it but sure think about what others are still going through as I pass trucks. I really appreciate what they do for us.

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

I was talking with a girl who quit a job because after 10 hours off duty they would call her. Repeatedly. And send cops out for a "wellness check" if she did not respond. How the hell do people put up with that?!

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, that's just harrassement. No wonder she quit! I would have to.

[@craigcarter400]

That is not worth it.

[@waterheaterservices]

Okay, I feel much better about being a self employed toilet repairman [plumber] now, lol.

[@barbbigelow1094]

Great video!! I left my last driving job for the majority of all those reasons!!

[@allanj4576]

I'm an owner operator, it sucks sometimes but I can't bring myself to go back to being a company driver, that sucks more!

[@stephencorriveau1447]

Reason#11. Your paid percentage and you discover the employer is running two sets of books.

[@tetalonstarfyre2419]

This is my shocked face 😜

[@rubenservin4039]

You're correct on all these reasons. After 32yrs I retired. Even discouraged my son's from becoming a driver. God bless everyone.

[@cruzangelsanchez1654]

I'm a single father with three girls three boys I was attending CRV for a whole month but seeing this videos open my eyes and I just walk out the door simple as that I love my family so much and I love the trucks when I see him in a row but I love my freedom in my family more and I got something better than me Amen ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@marjanpavlovic211]

I walked out the door for being lied to. All they have or had to do is tell me the truth. I would be more then happy to help.

[@SmartTrucking]

Done that myself, hard to figure out sometimes why they feel the need to lie!

[@yepper1165]

@@SmartTrucking Liars will lie when the truth would do just as well, or better.

[@paultucker6553]

Good video, I had 180 hours training with a mentor before going solo and afterwards had a good level of confidence regarding backing and what my first year would be like in the industry. I knew what I was getting myself into and I’m proud to be a professional driver.

[@Martin280967]

I treat everybody as they treat me. I'm always friendly and respectful, but if they think my kindness is weakness, that would be a mistake.

[@SmartTrucking]

Well said!

[@youngpatrick29]

if anyone thinks your kindness is weakness, then you ave no business speaking with them anymore! good bye!

[@repentandfollowjesuschrist6170]

Put on a shirt clown on steroids

[@LB-ty6ks]

Great video. A little advise to those who have been in trucking awhile and then get out. Stay away from Truck Stops. The smell of diesel and the sound of all those engines idling can cloud your memory and before you know it you're back behind the wheel. However, within a couple of weeks its all come back to you why you left. This cycle can be repeated more than once if you're not careful.

[@padrecafe]

Over Twenty One Years ago I was introduced to a senior driver in my organization who told me to never quit just to make a few people happy, but to stay and make everybody miserable. He retired years later and I’m still here, carrying on his philosophy, but I’ll tell you something. You can’t fix what’s wrong by leaving. A voice in the manager’s office, letting them know what’s wrong will be addressed and corrected eventually. You have to work somewhere, so make where you’re employed the best you can. The outfit where I’m employed is not perfect, but I get five weeks paid vacation now for 20+ years service and perseverance, and we still work out issues because things in the industry are always changing. Have a blessed day, one and all!

[@fargeeks]

I lost my job because i hit a pole at a gas station and accidentally hit a vehicle passing me on my left while turning and i heard that he had filed a lawsuit on the company i was working at

[@Dochunter815]

Hehe! Great philosophy! ! Become a PITA (pain in the ass)

[@northvilletunnels]

This video is spot on. My stepson got his CDL and lived this list everyday. Getting paid via a 1099 by a shady poorly managed company will make your life hell.

[@cabovercody4314]

I was going to be a truck driver but these are most of the reasons i changed my mind........

[@SmartTrucking]

Just need to work for the right carrier. Lots of good ones out there.

[@fargeeks]

I became a bus driver instead

[@Rokomarn]

@@fargeeks I'm a bus driver and trucking still sounds better than bus. WalMart pays more than bus.

[@PPE707]

@@SmartTrucking any you recommend?

[@elevatedtruckingwithrob4222]

60 to 70 hours a week for $1500. 17$ detention time after 2 hours. $8 drop and hook. Risking my life. For me it was a no brainer for me to leave once I was ready. Best decision I've made.

[@thegooses3556]

I am planning on leaving the trucking industry just as soon as my one year is up. My reason for wanting to leave is everyone treats you like crap, and i don't get payed for the hours I put into it

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Smart man

[@obsidian00]

You don’t have to wait the one year...

[@genesnyder2985]

@@obsidian00 my guess is he needs 1 year to pay his debt for school

[@fargeeks]

Its like that in the bus transportation catagory especially school transportation

[@georgecass8529]

Why are you waiting a then ???

[@RGray3000]

Wow, thank you for the insight. I work in the window and door installation field. Of course, we get many deliveries, and this information was enlightening on what it looks like from the trucker side of the business. I can now see the hardship that is added to the trucker's day when a delivery is refused or delayed when he arrives. Thank you for this view from a different angle.

[@illestk24civic]

There needs to be a country wide truckers union, get the right representation against all this crooks

[@BigTruck-IE-Fool]

Going to school in April. Can’t wait to listen to ALL your videos on the road. Thanks for being so honest and easy to listen to you.

[@longjump08]

I was seriously considering leaving my company recently...and then we went hourly.

[@SmartTrucking]

Now that's more like it!!

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

They need to pay a daily rate. $200 minimum.

[@Saywat1st]

Same. Only thing difference with mines why e was going to walk away is because they don't pay overtime. Soon as I decided to walk away they start paying over time.

[@kathrynck]

I've heard it said, that people don't quit jobs, they quit bosses. Not always entirely true, but I think it's a big factor.

[@nothankyou9906]

Number one reason: money! Pay us the wages license professionals deserve

[@Saywat1st]

Yep facts. Pay me to look the other way when dealing with the B's that comes with trucking.

[@ravinglibertopian3226]

@MegaSkilla Doesn't that kinda go hand and hand anyways? Generally when people deserve something, whatever it is..... it's usually because they did or didn't do something to earn it.

[@armandorey557]

Damn right partner!!!!

[@justinbustin677]

A step up from a pizza delivery person. Most drivers have no understanding of tractor or trailer functions. There now training on on automatic transmission.

[@MaynardJamesKeenan09]

Please. Drivers now a days are making 80k plus

[@BDOMPH]

Agreed!! 100% this guy is spot on.. But I'd add being a good driver is a skill of constant calculation(simple math).. Constantly calculate every aspect of everything you deal with, time, weight, money, risk,reward,health,respect,family. And all the things that this gentleman is taking about... there's not a single job I have ever worked that takes more constant calculation than driving a truck.

[@immyally2157]

When it comes to respect its a world wide issue.

[@jimmahaffey9375]

You said it all....50 years I the business,...started when I was 16

[@franchilstervil3587]

They need to stop pay by the miles, if you drive in the Northeast you spent a whole of time in traffic.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Oh yeah NYC !

[@masonn.7985]

ThAt y I refuse to drive there

[@j.m.5995]

I drive the NorthEast at nite and don't stop til I'm down in Maryland bare Minimum but yeah it's terrible during the day and every now and then at nite too

[@georgecass8529]

Guess you never driven in the south . I'll take the northeast over the south every time.

[@JohnNorris411]

Our company has an hourly base pay, then a separate pay you earn for each load you move. You are paid the total of whichever is more. If your base adds up to $2,000 and your bonus load pay adds up to $1600, you are paid $2,000. If your Base pay adds up to $2,000 and your load bonus adds up to $2400, you are paid $2,400. It is meant as an incentive to keep a driver motivated and spending less time at the taco truck. But for the amount of hours put in and lack of sleep, you are still under paid ither way. especially when you bust your ass all week or two trying to get a good bonus total and fiding your base pay was more and you could have took it easy the last 2 weeks and made the same pay check. Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.

[@arnoldis24]

I went to a local construction company driving lowboy. Pays good and I'm home every day.

[@jggraybill]

Thank you truckers for keeping us all safe and all you do. I am not afraid to say it to a good trucker. Stay safe.

[@adyh3004]

I agree with you 💯💯💯💯

[@markreindl4569]

Retired early after hauling fuel for 33+ years. For the most part it was a great career since I worked for the oil companies for the majority of years and they treated us and the equipment extremely well. After the last oil co got rid of us I worked for a couple of large fuel carriers and could not believe the lack of maintenence: absolutely frightening! And the lack of respect was demoralizing. After fighting for two weeks to get several bald tires replaced and severe brake issues rectified I said "That's the last straw". Handed in the keys and headed for the lake.

[@nygiants3564]

Thanks Man I ain't gonna lie #10 got me the first time with a newborn I had to retreat but that newborn is all grown up and I'm ready to roll into it knowing what to expect and listening to your top ten does me good. THANKS.

[@bcrawford9072]

I got smart and became a fireman. Still get to drive big trucks and get my off time. That's why I left the road.

[@bixby9797]

Lyinig. Wife took over a fleet and asked me for advice on how to talk to drivers. My only advice was Never Lie To A Driver. You may tell him or her something they don't like but never lie to them. They will respect you for it and run themselves into the ground for you if you are honest with them.

[@DuderScooter]

I haven’t seen this video yet, but I’m hoping: 1) respect 2) time with family 3) money In that order

[@atruckin_hairstylist6645]

Thanks for the great info. I start CDL school this week. With this info, its gonna help me with interviews when the time comes.

[@ohiojg1230]

I would say my #1 reason to want out is liability. It's always blame the trucker. All that on your shoulders for 50, 60 k. Even if you make over 100k is it worth it? The answer is no. It's not worth it for a million dollars a year. Same thing applies as a police officer. You have to just want to do it. Be willing to be safe and take the risk.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup., the liability is no joke!

[@SlapthePissouttayew]

100% agree. I had 12 years as an engineer on the railroad before our company folded. I hit 6 cars during that time at crossings (luckily no fatalities) and each time it was the 4 wheelers fault. Then I got into trucking. I drive safe but the crap you see every day out there plays hard on the nerves. Been doing it 7 years now and am looking to quit at the end of the summer if not sooner.

[@solventtrapdotcom6676]

I think this is the reason robo-trucks won't happen. All their profit is wrapped up in sticking the drivers with the liability. No more drivers, now they have to eat it... They can't operate like that.

[@KaraLynnJack]

This is so true my son has experienced all of these issues! My son wants to be on his own doing a driving job but these issues make it impossible, sadly.

[@truckinandfightin3248]

You hit all the points. Especially the lying and lack of respect. Thats something even some of the smaller carriers are starting to have problems with and why they end up losing drivers

[@Fangolio]

All these reasons you've given strike a chord with me from my many years driving. I finally walked out and never came back. But I find now in my older years I still miss the lifestyle. There were good times but, in the end, too many bad times. I still love and miss the sound of the tires on the pavement.

[@robertgray9802]

Dave this was a wonderful video and my biggest headache is the unpaid waiting. If I'm taking a reset on the road I will not be paid but the truck and trailer are still my responsibilities so I guess that means I work for free that has to change

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes it should. That's out dated thinking on the carriers part.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

Robert Gray i asked this question before and have gotten different answers, so i will ask again, so when you are on your reset you can't rent a car or get an uber and go site seeing?? sounds like some say you can, others not so much!

[@robertgray9802]

@@DrunkenGuitarGuy you can but your reset is only for 34 hours so you ask yourself what can you do for 34 hours sometimes you're in locations where your miles from any rental car area you may be up in Wyoming or somewhere in North Dakota and be miles away from anything. But always remember if you're doing a reset on the road at the trailer and tractor are still your responsibility

[@shaunhall1838]

During my CDL training I made the decision that I wasn’t going to become an OR driver. I didn’t feel like I had enough training and didn’t want to jump in to something over my head. Instead a got a class B and was hired by a city bus company who gave me a lot of training after I was hired. I have no regrets and I would advise everyone there are alternatives to becoming a driver. I also spoke with many professional drivers before I choose the professional and I got a lot of good advice.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey there *_Big Strapper_* . So glad you took the time to watch today's video. How 'bout YOU? *_Do you agree with our Top 10_* ? What would be the *#1 reason that you would walk out* *the door* ? Or made YOU walk out the door in the past?

[@bblee2112]

Miles under 2500/week

[@joeshmoe629]

Hey Dave, You hit a lot of the nails right on the head. I’ve had my class A license for 10+ years now. I’m in my upper 40’s & I’m a former carpenter. After the 2008 recession, I had to find another line of work. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve argued with employers about bad equipment. I’ve been given every lame excuse in the book why they won’t fix equipment. I’ve had to quit a few jobs over it. I really hate to badmouth the younger generation. Lord knows I was a bit of a screwup in my teens & early 20’s . A lot of these young guys want to work in the office, behind a computer & they have no idea what it takes to accomplish the job. Like you said, the pay is a big part of the problem. They’ve spent millions lobbying politicians to tilt the labor laws in the carriers’ favor. They’ve become “Penny Smart & Dollar Stupid” ! Because they want to pay a kid a crap wage to dispatch, efficiency is thrown right out the window. Unless you have driven a truck, you are not capable of routing for efficiency. They keep coming up with bogus adjustments to the driver log system. They don’t take into consideration, people are not machines! Improper rest causes chemical & hormonal imbalances, which leads to weight gain & other health problems. I could go on for hours. There is no reason not to pay the driver an hourly wage with overtime . The carriers have the system set up so they profit, risk free & the driver eats all the risk.

[@scotymccoy9405]

Well to tell you , I've been treated like crap demanding i take this load or that left with no help during break down for 50 hours cause no body works from friday 330pm to monday morning 7am and then get scolded for not making on time delivery, ive had a punk kid for a dispatcher that would tell me hecwas my boss i had to do what he said , been told i had to wait ,for 9 hours to unload 14 to load , where does it end i went to an accredited school to learn to get my cdl spent 9 grand and that was just the tip been doing thiscfor 4 yrs now no accidents no violations, always clean inspections why i cant be paid properly i dont know , so im on my last one now and soon be looking for the right one if not dont knkw what to do

[@lukeniebel7308]

Poor equipment would be #1 with unpaid wait time close#2nd Nothing worse then unnecessary breakdowns, embarrasing & stressful Especially working for a smaller company where micro managing and armchair quarterbacking is the norm.

[@aarontaylor7677]

Those are good reasons, and they all are so true, but organizations among truckers is whats really needed, you have a lot more power than you think.

[@danielkennedy1524]

Touche" If we are a dime a dozen, then therefore we do not need anymore money! Its full circle! Great explaination! Thanks you guys!

[@Sdukes001]

Top reason is money, then treatment, then work load.

[@subjectofgov]

I turned in my CDL when physicals got more expensive and Dr office told me that because I was self employed she had to give me both copies of med physical and that they now had to type the whole thing on the DOT site. All your medical info now goes to them so any officer stopping you can make a medical determination. All Dot needs is the Dr. saying you're good.

[@Schpliffy]

There's no way a CDL should earn someone minimum wage. If people stopped taking low wage jobs, companies would be forced to pay more.

[@jamiemackie3994]

People have to pay that cdl training debt...and then the company lease. I payed cash for my cdl training and was not offered a single job by any of the companies. I drove for PODS for a few years and quit. Got tired of peeing in bottles.

[@chadjohnson438]

Minorities coming into this country are what keeping wages low. They will work for nothing. Instead of running 7-11’s they are now uber and cdl truck drivers.

[@solventtrapdotcom6676]

@@chadjohnson438 I have my CLP and tried to take a DOT drug test twice today. They refused me because I'm white.

[@waterheaterservices]

@@chadjohnson438 I knew a guy from the Philippines who came over on a tourist visa and got a job driving truck; where he is from a typical 'good' job pays $250 a month. He was happy... until he got deported lol.

[@gemini2633]

Wow! Wow! Wow!👏👏👏🙌🙌 you hit every point exactly right!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 great video!

[@felixwankel3989]

Big companies whine, then bring in immigrant workers.

[@johnwood4043]

Yep and can’t drive for shit

[@sleepybear5574]

God No don't say that

[@matthewnikitas2904]

Cheap labor

[@j.m.5995]

Your Engine Sucks go back to drawing board

[@MrPrios1]

I could never do that job full time. I did it for the Air Force a bit but I knew that was not something I would consider. I am grateful to these guys and give them a wide berth when I am out there.

[@LexieLPoyser]

I've gotten 3 pay raises with the folks I pull for since July. With my monthly productivity bonus, I'm just shy of $0.60/mi as a regional driver.

[@Hardy_H_H]

and?

[@SmartTrucking]

Not too shabby if you're getting enough miles!

[@FurthermoreJack]

A nice sit down job with holts , jolts , wiggles and shakes the spine.

[@eddiemcfadden4386]

Forced teams no thanks

[@joeshmoe629]

You mean you don’t want to live in a confined space, smaller than a prison cell, with a stranger?

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, I'd be gone!

[@scotlierman1352]

Good video! I’m the type that I don’t need the the ataboys, or the “good job”, I know what I bring to the table. My issue is lack of support from carrier, and being told at shipper/receiver when it’s 15-20 degrees outside that I’m a f’ing criminal driver that has to use a portable shitter outside

[@mattsmitchger259]

I learned WAY more in my first 2 weeks by myself than I did in training. They just don't cover enough.

[@johnhanson4795]

when i finally got to be 21 i got my cdl and was hired by a 150 truck company in 1977 i was new and confused and diddnt know the ropes.one older guy i will never forget he always smelled nice and was in shape i think he was 60 then it seemed lol.he took me under his wing and he was late for deliverys im sure of it just keeping eye on me.he liked me and i respected him so much.unforuntly he dyed around 3 million miles was hit head on another semi fell asleep and as he topped hill with his first trip out brand new white cabover he got hit high in drivers side and dyed.4 weeks later i got back to shop and was called into office.my boss said lets take a walk.as we walked outside he said see that white cabover over their the new one.Thats your friends truck i just kitted it its buisness...inside i was so mad and confused and sad i threw his arm off my shoulder got in car took deep breath and havent drove since.that guy my friend was only 2 weeks from retirement.still miss him he had shined cowboy boots hair always perfect and his deep calming voice

[@DocDewey]

Never walk out the door without a plan. I made that mistake once.

[@pointnIaugh]

I've walked out the door many times without a plan. Fortunately, it has always worked out. Usually for the better.

[@billharden7127]

You are correct Sir.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good advice Doc!

[@brentg7564]

Me too 😬

[@waterheaterservices]

Save and invest as best you can, even a little if that's all you can do. Exit with a cushion.

[@jaybeauvais4311]

Charter pilots are about the same , paid for 80 hours a pay period but constantly working 96 hours or more