End of shift drivers- why do you do this?
Posted by jerkenmcgerk@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 71 comments
So many questions.
Posted by jerkenmcgerk@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 71 comments
So many questions.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
A few drivers actually answered realistically, others not so much. My question was, "why?" some drivers obviously do things that are wrong, and the backlash was humorous.
After a few days of reporting this problem, trailers & vehicles are no longer there. It's looking like a normal street use road again.
It's frustrating that some people responded how they did making this seem normal and causing issues for other (possibly) well-intentioned drivers. The experience the drivers around me had to deal with "me screwing up their (illegal) good thing" was messed up with "people shouldn't expect to live there" comments. Face to face, that type of thought is problematic, as I stated, I asked one driver to stop doing what he was doing.
Keep trucker culture to yourself.
But this is (keyboard) Reddit...
https://imgur.com/a/82jM6PH
Don't park in "No Parking Zones" especially dropping trailers and don't piss off people that ask honest questions when we live nearby.
Choice_Pop3111@reddit
dropping the trailer?
welp, the trailer is registered so it's entitled to be on the street...
but drivers want to visit grocery store or catch a movie or something and Movie theather doesnt have semi truck parking..
egeorgak12@reddit
Are American drivers allowed to detach and drive to the supermarket outside of their work time? Am I confused? Here in Europe once the work period is over there is absolutely no justified movements. We are treated like dogs here. If you stop to shop during your work period dispatchers are on your balls, and if you can't conveniently find a parking spot at the end of the day within walking distance of a super market, you're screwed. It's such a disaster...
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
Some of these responses are crazy. 8 billion people live here (Earth). My city has a population of 6 million and the best answers to "why" some drivers do illegal things is saying, I think I am entitled when around 10 drivers occupy streets for their business? Yup, I am wrong for asking a question. /s
Thanks to other drivers who did understand my question!
Some drivers are defending crappy behavior when my residence is clearly marked, and drivers should know dropping loads is illegal.
Obviously, I understand drivers have other lives, but asking why some drivers think this is okay for my situation is silly.
But this is Reddit. U.S. drivers keep standing up for others, even crappy drivers. My question didn't even apply to them. Or maybe it did.
The few slower people put their cape on to defend and deflect "why" some drivers do these shitty things is the problem I am dealing with.
Problem solved. Community involvement and frequent reporting of violators are needed. No further understanding is required (from me) due to crappy drivers doing crappy and illegal things.
Good luck out there and be safe; people that comment on Reddit are also drivers. I appreciate all drivers.
Dual-use@reddit
I know the office side of trucking in Europe and the driving side in North America.
I'd rather shoot myself in the foot (with my perfectly legal gun) before ever driving in Europe
egeorgak12@reddit
The best part is that all European unions keep crying about crazy driver shortages... Hundreds of thousands... And yet the rules keep getting stricter, the fines more oppressive, and the rules and lifestyle more unbearable.
I have NO CLUE what anyone is thinking anymore in this dumpster fire...
Dual-use@reddit
Thats Europe in general. I dont regret leaving, the only place that seems somewhat okay these daxs is Scandinavia
egeorgak12@reddit
I was born and raised in Canada. I came to Europe because my family originally comes from Greece. Life in general was way better than in Canada before the economy turned to shit. By Canada is not exactly doing all that great either lately with everything getting expensive as crazy.
My brother stayed behind in Canada and complains daily. Everyone seems to be complaining about the way the world is going these days.
Just out of curiosity, where were you in Europe and where are you now in America? What are the advantages that you see in your new life?
I could never go back to Canada. I hated my life in Toronto with a passion. The people and culture were insane.
Dual-use@reddit
Yeah nah Toronto. I left Germany for Alberta but since I run cross border I'm more in the States than Canada. Long term I'm probably moving to BC.
Everyone is complaining everywhere because the current system is collapsing. Anybodys guess as to what comes next but things will only get more heated in the future.
Benefits of Canada over Europe (briefly): -Higher income -Flexible economy, work success is valued more than a degee on paper -Guns -I can do with my car whatever I want -Stunning nature (BC that is) -Low pop density so I can get away from people
Cons: -Medical care is worse -Food is mostly below garbage quality -Many people value money over free time and experiences -Not my native language even though I'm very proficient
egeorgak12@reddit
Yeah, I always remember the food being so bland. Especially the meat and eggs. It was so tasteless compared to the stuff we get in Europe.
As for English not being your native language... It's next to nobody's anymore in Canada haha. Toronto was pretty much full to the brim with immigrants from Asia.
But you're right, I do miss my guns and money was easier to get your hands on...
But thr lifestyle and culture was definitely unbearable in Toronto. It's probably a lot better out west where Canadian identity and culture still exists.
Choice_Pop3111@reddit
yes, it's called " personal conveyance" drive time classification
egeorgak12@reddit
Nice. Really good feature.
RuneScape420Homie@reddit
Yeah. I drop my trailer at company property or customer property and bobtail for food.
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
That's because Europe is fckin stupid about such things.
egeorgak12@reddit
How do you guys do it with the ELD though? Can you just drive with off duty, do your shopping and come back? How do you justify the movements during an inspection?
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
There's a option for personal conveyance. Write a note on saying what you're doing. I used it Thursday saying something like 'Left trailer at shipper. Going to do errands (laundry, groceries). Will return in a couple of hours'.
It records your location so as long as you go back on duty in the same place you go off duty, you're ok.
Obviously you can't go crazy with it and drive round for 8hrs of your 10hr break.
amazingmaple@reddit
You can actually PC thousands of miles if you wanted to. It's perfectly legal. You can't get another load and you have to return to the start of your PC. Also if you PC for several hours hours and came back you just have to start your ten hours off when you get back. But companies don't like that shit.
egeorgak12@reddit
Ah, that's really cool. I guess you could also keep the supermarket receipt.
Man, I'm jealous. That's such a nice system. Could I use that to leave my parking spot on the weekend to take the truck to the wash and get it nice and clean as a personal hobby of mine, or does that count as work?
My truck is usually a filthy mess on the outside because my job has me running around so tight with my work hour limits that even if I can rarely ever find some samn time to wash the bloody thing.
It's such a stupid and inflexible system here in Europe. I hate it. You guys are so lucky.
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
I wouldn't say I was getting it washed tbh. I'd just make something up - how are they gonna know. A lot of guys in Europe that I know spend their last working hour on a Friday at their terminal washing their truck.
My friend was parked up in a lay by in Wales and the diesel fairies came round. They threatened him with a machete. After reporting it to the police (who gave him a crime number rather than showing up, surprise surprise) he said can I move somewhere else because I'm not going to get a wink of sleep parked here after what's happened. They said no, so he was basically forced to drive tired the next day.
I've moved before after I've been stopped. Too many panhandlers knocking on the door - I'd be getting woken up all day (I drive nights). Wrote on the log something like "In the interests of safety and a good amount of sleep, going to park outside of town as I've had three people knocking on the door begging in the 15 minutes I've been here' - I have a dog with me, so if anyone knocks on, she goes crazy and I wake up.
egeorgak12@reddit
Yeah, European law is so ridiculously rigid and stupid that it gets in the way of safety. I got robbed in France (gassed and door opened) because I couldn't find safe parking (three service stations and two toll booths all full to the brim) and had to stop in a lay-by. French police are notorious for outrageously expensive fines. I was new and scared of the police. I didn't want to pay hundred of euros for a violation.
Instead I paid 300 euros to replace my cell phone, and 400 euros that were taken from my wallet. And of course my company didn't give a shit about my loss, as long as the fuel and cargo were untouched.
Dual-use@reddit
Fuel theft is so uncommon here that there are no lockable fuel caps. The toolboxes on my flatbed trailer are unlocked and the tarps are freely accessible for anyone.
Never once had an issue and I expect it to stay that way as long as I dont sleep in Oakland CA, L.A. or some of the other dodgy places
egeorgak12@reddit
Really? Everyone makes America sound so dangerous in general.
Also locking fuel caps don't do anything anyway. They just drill a hole and destroy your tank. More expenses... Better to just leave them unlocked anyway...
Dual-use@reddit
Lmao I think someone trying to drill into a fuel tank in the US is at a grave risk of getting shot
Again, there are bad places in the US but I plan accordingly. Usually overnight outside big cities, then in&out during the day. Theres only a handful of places where I would legit fear for my safety on the entire continent and they are easy to navigate around. Most of the drivin I do is Prairies and the West Coast so there are often no people and no traffic
egeorgak12@reddit
Fair enough. We can't avoid it. France is dangerous everywhere, it's not just in the cities. I got gassed and robbed in the middle of nowhere around some small towns. Over an hour away from Paris... Britain is basically a risk for your diesel anywhere on the entire bloody island...
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
Ratchet strap between the door handles will stop anyone getting in. Or wrap the seat belts tight around each door handle.
egeorgak12@reddit
Oh, I definitely strap every time now. I've learned from my mistakes. But still, there is always the fear of breaking the window. France is such a disaster that I rarely ever get any sleep there unless I'm in a super safe place...
Cleveland_Grackle@reddit
One reason I like having the dog with me (besides it gets me out the truck taking her for walks). I don't bother getting out of bed for anyone that knocks. Dog goes crazy and they suddenly decide it doesn't matter.
It started after a drug addiction tried to break in (he was high af - I don't think he knew what he was doing). I was stood between the seats with a hammer in my hand just in case. She can smell drugs on people now (crystal meth? Fentanyl? No idea) - and takes an immediate dislike to them. Anyone she doesn't know coming near the door, she's barking and scrabbling at the window. Meet her outside the truck and she's fine.
egeorgak12@reddit
You guys have space... Try bringing a dog along in our trucks... :(
bmrt60@reddit
It’s no different than jumping out of a truck and into my car and driving somewhere. It’s just a vehicle at the end of the day. Once my work day is done I’m not working. Me driving to the grocery store or the gym or anywhere else isn’t work. It’s personal time and I’m driving there via vehicle.
egeorgak12@reddit
Tell that to the samn European governments. We have to do all sorts of ridiculous maneuvers to cheat the sensors just to move the truck 20 feet if we are parked bad and obstructing someone. Parking is so limited in Europe that you often have to throw the damn truck anywhere in the service stations or truck stops because you just spent the last hour finding every single parking lot full, and then you have to pray to God that you aren't slightly offending someone and being forced to move it anywhere.
bmrt60@reddit
Oh it’s getting stricter by the day here too. But still hella loopholes. I tip my hat to yall. The USA east coast is ridiculous enough for me I don’t think I could make it in Europe.
egeorgak12@reddit
Nobody can make it in Europe. That's why most of the drivers are broken alcoholics that work purely for the sake of surviving until the weekend and getting shitfaced in the truck stops to forget their misery. Then they eventually give up and come to America in the hopes of a better career, and you see them with their flip flops and spiritually broken demeanor.
People aren't born that way. Life makes them that way slowly but surely.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
The street near my complex has many trailers without tractors left on the sides of the street. Support vehicles are frequently in the road doing repairs. Some drivers fire up their engines during the day and at night just to "burn the carbon out"...
And stop using your air horns when you arrive at a store for deliveries! Out of all the useless fines, each driver should be fined for using their air horn because they arrived at a drop off.
People actually live in some of these buildings. We have kids. We're at home or just trying to rest.
It's not illegal, but some of you guys are just PITAs! Stop being annoying!
Sevro706@reddit
Sounds like a delivery for all of this development you're talking about.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
It looks like the previous guys comment got taken down.
It's not a drop off for development. Other drivers responded better.
It sucks because a couple of other driver's actions or responses on Reddit really did make me report other drivers. It was becoming a break down/mechanic stop.
Hopefully, we'll all get better rates, but this stuff is really not acceptable for good drivers.
Sevro706@reddit
Keep snitching ✌️
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I thought so, too. But POVs are parked next to trailers sometimes and I have no idea if they are the owner of the dropped trailer. Support vehicles are in the road and mechanical debris is always in the street.
As the road continues to expand, I'm sure police or transport authorities will stop it. But why are drivers doing this now? Cheap? Cheap dispatchers?
If someone stole the trailer load, you'd think drivers would care more about public dropping.
RuneScape420Homie@reddit
You should stop bitching about trucks. You made the choice to leave a near a warehouse.
Everything in this country is made possible by warehouse workers and semi trucks. The food you eat, the clothes you wear, the bed you sleep in, the phone you bitch on, and the electricity you use and so much more is all because of warehouse workers and truck drivers.
So instead of bitching about a warehouse be grateful people are willing to work in that warehouse and keep the country flowing. These men and woman work day and night keeping the country going. It’s a 24/7 , 365 industry.
No warehouses, no truck drivers, no forklift drivers… you wouldn’t have the food in your fridge or phone you have in your hand.
So next time you bitch about a train being loud, a truck honking his horn before backing, a trucker staying cool in the heat or warm in the night, or a warehouse worker staging a trailer in the street. Remember your shitty life is possible because of these people.
So quit bitching.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
https://imgur.com/a/WNbUy4s/
Your truck and digital info?
RuneScape420Homie@reddit
LOL. You mad bro.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
You're funny, Captain Defender of Crappy Drivers. Hopefully, your presumptive life grows a pair instead of self-righteous defense of drivers doing illegal things. You are all of our hero. Just you, particularly.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
Because "All Drivers Wear Capes" in your opinion here's signage of why I asked the question-
https://imgur.com/a/zZQx63S
I don't live in an industrial park area. Dropping trailers is not allowed. And obviously, "no parking" signs had been there. I asked "why" drivers did this.
I wasn't trying to be a d!ck, but now your response had me call these drivers in.
What are you going to do, stop delivering? Or stop using streets as dump stations. You did us all well with your comment. Great job, you just screwed someone else over.
Don't park, drop loads on streets, block streets with recovery vehicles, and act like it's an act for humanity, dYmby.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
Realized that it is illegal and clearly marked. Looks like like a lot of drivers are about to get fines.
Blue_Collar_Golf@reddit
I've been to yards where it says to honk on arrival when you have paperwork ready... I'd talk to the business if you don't like it. Guys are just trying to do their job and not piss off the customer, which is the shipper/receiver, and they all have different a process. Looks like you live in a pretty industrial area though, there's a reason why housing is usually cheaper in areas zoned like this.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
That makes sense.
When I worked in fast food the drivers walked in the front door if we didn't realize the delivery truck arrived. When I drove trucks, I didn't make my truck unnecessarily loud or leave trash on the street.
Maybe my experience is different, but some drivers close to me are just being nuisances. I would like to understand if my experience is normal.
I never dropped trailers or made unnecessary noise. I don't understand why this street is a tractor drop point or mechanical work area.
Sevro706@reddit
Since the area is under development... Did you not consider the fact that this could be a delivery for materials?
RetroPaulsy@reddit
Settle down
Choice_Pop3111@reddit
thanks for your patience 😀
chaoss402@reddit
Amazing how people buy homes next to businesses that get deliveries and then whinge about trucks existing around them.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I don't know if you read my question.
But are you a driver who drops trailers on public roads for days? Do you also have road crews maintaining your truck on public roads? Do you use your air horn in residential areas to make drop-offs?
I am asking other drivers why they are doing this. It may not apply to you, but other drivers are doing this. And it's weird. It also seems that this is something you have actually done according to your comment.
If you are one of the people doing this, it really sucks and gives drivers bad impressions. Clean your stuff up, public roads aren't rest/drop sites, and stop being overall noisy and trashy people. Even if it is legal, it is a crappy thing I am experiencing.
It's not whining asking if there is a valid reason for some driver etiquette.
chaoss402@reddit
I have dropped trailers on the road near a receiver and gone home for the weekend. It was a legal parking area that did not restrict commercial vehicle parking. Most truck stops don't let you drop trailers, and it's bad etiquette to do that, other drivers need those spaces. And it's better than taking the trailer home to a residential area that isn't a commercial/industrial zone.
As for the air horn, it's quite possible that that's what the receiver has requested. Some places don't want trucks/drivers to enter the yard until they have been acknowledged by the receiver.
If you're going to be all NIMBY about legal behavior, you shouldn't have moved into a commercial/industrial area. That's no better than the people who move into farm areas and then complain about the smells/sounds associated with farming.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
It'd be funny what you said if it wasn't such a douche bag move. Aside from dropping trailers on the side of a road lane road, the street is marked with no parking signs the entire way.
People don't need illegally parked (and trailers parked unmanned) like this. Then, sure, call out service vehicles to block the road or leave junk all over. Absolutely normal behavior and answer to "why" some drivers break the law like this.
chaoss402@reddit
So as soon as someone gives a reasonable answer you start changing your story, adding in no parking signs and whatnot. Go find somewhere else to whinge.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
My question was "why" drivers do these things, you answered. Adding more pics didn't help your story. The drivers were wrong when I asked "why" or inconsiderate. You explained your comment. It wasn't reasonable as to "why." Some drivers are just tired and lazy... or they can't afford other options.
What you do or don't do in front of signage wasn't the question. Other rational drivers understood dropping of trailers and using streets for maintenance wasn't what they did.
Because you want to be a person (d!ck) answering how you do things, you just screwed over other drivers.
https://imgur.com/a/zZQx63S
You pissed me off. These illegal parking's have been reported. Good job!
Please, explain why some drivers drop loads on streets, block traffic and have service vehicles interrupting roads acting like it's a truck stop?
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
It'd be funny what you said if it wasn't such a douche bag move. Aside from dropping trailers on the side of a road lane road, the street is marked with no parking signs the entire way.
People don't need illegally parked (and trailers parked unmanned) like this. Then, sure, call out service vehicles to block the road or leave junk all over. Absolutely normal behavior and answer to "why" some drivers break the law like this.
iHasPinny@reddit
Mate don't let these assholes get to ya, idk why they are being rude, the answer (or atleast what i most commonly do here in Australia) is that after someone's shift/run they might want to head to the shop or somewhere they can sleep, or might even live not to far away but their street/road has a weight limit or could be a no truck zone so you can't take the trailer, so they/I will drop it somewhere it is legally allowed to be, lock it up and head to wherever it is they want to get to. But also sometimes there could be an issue with the trailer and has to be dropped for days at a time, could also be a change over we're another driver will pick it up later.
clairered27@reddit
Most likely it was dropped there because of the business not a driver. Some business stage their trailers on the side of the street as they don't have enough space for them. And it's common for drivers to use their air horns in the yard to notify people around them that they are backing and for other safety reasons. And sure it can be annoying but you chose to live next to this business. Maybe the next time you move make sure there isn't any warehouses near you. This is normal noise especially during the day.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I understand. Thank you. This answer makes more sense than other responses so far.
When I had a financially available place to live, I did not know (nor could pick) the noise or nuisances.
I don't live in an unreasonably loud area, but some drivers may not realize these things. I have driven heavy trucks, but being loud or inconsiderate is why I am asking.
RuneScape420Homie@reddit
I’m going to honk more because of you.
rightbutbanned@reddit
Park your car in front of the trailer. Then you can ask the driver when they come looking for you.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
Hahahaha. That would be funny.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I can't edit my initial post, but regarding the legality of dropping trailers on public roads, it is illegal according to Texas Department of Transportation.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
I was asking why some drivers do this and if they are aware of the impact.
Some drivers have blamed me for even asking the question based on where I live. Silly me asking a question and crappy truckers responding.
I still don't understand why some drivers do this. It is wrong and illegal, but why do drivers do it?
HarleyTrekking@reddit
You move into a house surrounded by an industrial complex, then complain about the industrial environment surrounding you. You’re a special kind of entitled, aren’t you?
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
No, I moved into an affordable apartment. I am trying to understand why or what goes on with drivers that park or drop trailers on a street.
The street will have road restrictions soon because it's still being developed.
There's no entitlement in asking why some drivers are using public roads as drop site or repair areas.
SeaRow556@reddit
That sounds pretty entitled to me. I see it all of the time. Some land developers build in an industrial zone. Then try and get billions of dollars of infrastructure removed and rezone it as residential
I see it all of the time.
palebd@reddit
Not any more entitled than someone dropping their trailer on a public road because they're too cheap to or incapable of securing a proper parking/storage spot for their rig during their off time. I've passed on jobs that don't provide secure parking or enough additional compensation for me to pay for secure parking on home time.
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I agree. I have never dropped a trailer off on a public road either.
I don't understand some drivers using public roads for their loads for downtime. Nor having support vehicles working on their trucks instead of getting to a repair shop.
So far, some drivers are blaming me for living in an apartment instead of answering "why they have a drop site or repair area on public roads."
It doesn't make sense.
SeaRow556@reddit
We have no idea what town or city this is in.
Cute-Roll2849@reddit
Maybe ask the businesses that you are living next to what the deal is. Plenty of industrial areas allow this. Perfectly normal.
Crzymk101@reddit
Do what crap in the yard? Or park trailer on street so they can go get some food without a trailer behind them?
jerkenmcgerk@reddit (OP)
I live on a street that drivers leave their trailers days when they unhitch. Some drivers have support vehicles work on their tractors. Some drivers just sit or use their air horns for whatever reason.
There's debris from maintenance left on the street, noise and a crappy situation. Overall, it's a bad look for drivers.
I am asking, why?