Got fired today..
Posted by blackjavelin777@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 299 comments
Started my week everything was normal until I was routed to the terminal to split a load off, I just had a feeling something was wrong because everyone was a little more friendlier than usual this week and you don't come to the main terminal in the middle of the week for nothing, once I stopped I was told to take a 10 and see safety the next day so all the scenarios start running through my head, everything i could've done wrong, well it was because I took a 10 on an off ramp no ones fault but my own and it's against company policy.
HoneyboboSTG12@reddit
Swift? You will be fine, just move on to next company. Fuvk swift and their hideous safety team, bunch of clowns running in the office. Sloppy shop performance. Useless terminal manager.
RoadAegis@reddit
Nobody said Swift my guy? And Lemme tell you they ain't fired me yet for an off ramp 10, that's insanity to terminate someone.
Though ya ain't wrong about the shops. Like a 50/50 chance they ACTUALLY repair what you turn your truck in for.
HoneyboboSTG12@reddit
I saw the comment said swift, my bad. But swift sucks for sure. I have been there.
RoadAegis@reddit
No Doubt. I still have a contract with those dips and I can't stand corporate. Collective head up ass syndrome with those folks.
clpe565@reddit
I have a question for anyone who might be able to answer cuz I'm curious, if OP got fired for something they consider a safety issue and violating a policy wouldn't that look bad for future jobs? If they apply for another job right after should they leave this one off the resume?
Then_Examination_393@reddit
I hate to be harsh, but that is the result of pure laziness. I hope you learned a lesson. Dangerous as fuck, parking on an On Ramp. And there probably won’t be a lot of opportunities come your way for a while if the company reports that particular policy violation. Plan your trip. Don’t wait until the end of your day to find somewhere to park. Have a plan, use a CB and ask some veterans where to park. And don’t be lazy.
LieslHale@reddit
You’ll be in another truck inside of a week. Go enjoy the weekend and fk’em. Find a smaller company
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I think imma take some time and go get the manual restriction off my cdl and get tanker and hazmat endorsement
Tough_Skill488@reddit
Hazmat can take weeks if you haven’t submitted your fingerprints yet
JavyBarrera25@reddit
Is it easy to get Haz? I have my Twic and they did my finger prints someone told me I could just call and ask them to transfer or something
Robots_Never_Die@reddit
The test is easy.
Q7017@reddit
Depends on the state. Some states are trickier and more technical with their wording on questions. I've taken it in two and there was a noticeable difference in difficulty.
SaltAndBitter@reddit
*most of the test is easy
FTFY. Dunno about anyone else, but the transport index questions (class 7) kicked my ass
Q7017@reddit
The background check is one thing, but the endorsement test can be easy or difficult depending on the state.
From experience, I didn't even need to study to pass the one in KY. Meanwhile, here in WA, I sometimes fail the first time around and have to re-test the next day.
EuphoricLoss1690@reddit
It's really easy; I just studied for 2 days and passed; I used this app: CDL Prep Practice Test 2025... it has a blue truck in the app's logo...
I passed 2 months ago...
Shaggy091@reddit
Need the eldt exam too
EuphoricLoss1690@reddit
Here's website https://www.eldt.com/
Notols@reddit
You need to get a threat assessment done. Can be done online and costs $20-40. You can use your TWIC number and it'll get done in a day or two. They just send it to the DMV. But your hazmat will expire when your TWIC expires. You'll pay more in the long run but just for getting your hazmat it'll be easier than having to go get finger prints done again and wait a week or two.
Btomesch@reddit
You take your twic card to DMV after you pass hazmat and it makes the background check faster
More_Bicycle8675@reddit
If you have Twix already it should return within 48 hours
Peterbiltpiper@reddit
You’d still have to test, but it’s not hard. Online study
Tough_Skill488@reddit
You do have to re-submit fingerprints for Hazmat but you pay a discounted rate and I think the clearance comes back way quicker if you have TWIC or vice versa
Galbatorix_1988@reddit
Mine came back in 24 hours after getting my twic
Agreeable-Cat8077@reddit
mine including fingerprints took sub 12 hours. They have streamlined it a lot the past year
Killexia82@reddit
Don't you also have to take a class to get certified as well?
Tough_Skill488@reddit
You have to take a class and take a written test at the DMV but the class has to be done first before you can take the written test
Killexia82@reddit
Ok. I knew something had changed but couldn't remember. I dropped my hazmat back in 2018 or so.
fuzzyhutch@reddit
I just got mine and it only took one day after finger prints. My buddies took 2 weeks. But I have been in the military and have a commercial drone license which requires a FAA background check. The recent government checks may have sped mine up.
Tough_Skill488@reddit
I was in the military as well but it took 4 weeks for my clearance
PBall95@reddit
Took me 3 days from going to TSA to getting a new license with hazmat endorsement here in CT. Monday morning get prints done. Tuesday morning get approval call. Wednesday take hazmat test and get new license.
mxracer888@reddit
Took me exactly 3 hours from when I submitted fingerprints to when everything cleared
But the government knows damn well who I am lol had an FFL for a bit, have multiple NFA items, concealed permit, real estate license, liquor license.
My file probably pulled up and FBI was like "oh ya, just toss that in his file with the other dozen sets of prints and green light it"
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Ok thanks for tge information I did not know that
Tough_Skill488@reddit
No problem!
Q7017@reddit
If you're looking to get in on the tanker scene, there are lots of places that do both haz and non-haz. You could do the latter while waiting on the bg check and whatnot to clear.
FlounderOk4110@reddit
Yeah do the registration first and all that so its ready when you get the endorsement.
Useful_Reference_576@reddit
There ya go. I did the restrictions removal. I still have my cdl but I ended up going back into commercial landscape maintenance. I'm back in shape now, have a perfect schedule and don't have a commute. Pay is low but hey that's landscape. I paid off all my shit doing otr. I just tell people I'm "semi" haha get it retired at 42.
daemonescanem@reddit
Food grade tanker my man.. Less susceptible to downturns.
puffthemagicktampon@reddit
With getting a Hazmat endorsement one has to have a TSA background check and it can take a little while. Mine cost about 90 dollars. You got this Driver
Legitimate_Rest_8694@reddit
I have mine hazmat and tanker endorsement it won’t take weeks to be fair that’s just what they tell you so you don’t get ur hopes up
Peterbiltpiper@reddit
Good choice
EscapeWestern9057@reddit
I got my first job at a small company (like 4 people including the owner and his son) as a aggregate hauler. Basically dump truck to different concrete plants. I get left alone and home every day.
LieslHale@reddit
Smart choice! Puts you way ahead of those without it!
hispanic-unknown1@reddit
Not easy fam here in nj it’s been a month and haven’t find a job
LieslHale@reddit
There’s OTR’s hiring EVERYWHERE. If you can hang doing OTR you’ll always have a job. They pretty much ALL bs you to get you in a truck, then the games begin. Do your homework, talk to other drivers - you’ll find a place that’s the lesser of the evils. But, again, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Read the reviews (and know that most are written by those who weren’t happy) and watch for common complaints. As for parking on on/off ramps…..dangerous. If you’ve gotta shut down early to be safe, do it. All they can do with that is bitch - but your safety should always be your priority.
Tank_Hill@reddit
I understand the safety issue and reasoning for not allowing it, but as a trucker-conscious 4-wheeler only driver myself, it’s dangerous for you truckers to not have more designated rest areas that are suitable for your needs and can hold enough of you. I’m sorry this happened to you.
bizzywhipped@reddit
To be fair in most states it’s illegal to take 10 on a ramp, not like anyone gives a shit. Swift straight up doesn’t allow it, calls it a “sitting duck”. Also there are to many accidents where 4 wheelers slam into trailers on off ramp. If anything on ramps are safer. But they didn’t fire you for that, it’s just an excuse.
Q7017@reddit
This. I bet they're downsizing and needed a shitty cop-out excuse. OP won't have any problem getting hired elsewhere.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
You think they had a different motive? I tend to take things at face value, I did wrong and I got punished for it
UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit
Stop taking things at face value because in trucking, unlike any other industry, everyone is lying to everyone else constantly.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your words of wisdom, I just felt I didn't have a leg to stand on as I broke company policy and gave them a great excuse
Jamo3306@reddit
That's why they wrote those books. If it's written policy they can usually skirt responsibility if you did something that brings a claim on them. That said, you'll be hired by June. I just saw an ad for Heyl. They're always hiring.
The_Joel_Lemon@reddit
Lots of industries are like that, it’s not exclusive to trucking.
UhOhAllWillyNilly@reddit
Could you give me a couple of examples perhaps, please? Because I’ve never seen it before (and I’m ancient haha).
Dragex11@reddit
Just about any office job is like that, really.
shadowmib@reddit
Some companies will have certain things that are automatic terminations with Schneider for instance. I think that's one of them along with backing into a street doing a u-turn in the road, doing a u-turn in a church parking lot, and dropping a trailer plus a few other things I can't remember
mjkjr84@reddit
What's with the church parking lot thing?
snodrifter@reddit
Church parking lot is just used as an example of lots that aren’t designed for the weight of a semi. Possible damage to private property potentially resulting in a claim against the company along with the negative publicity. They expect drivers to have better judgment and find a more suitable place to get turned around/park. It’s made clear right from the beginning that that will result in termination
FlounderOk4110@reddit
Yeah, dont ever turn around anywhere that doesn't have normal truck traffic,cracks the asphalt, can even crack utilities under the ground,blah and blah.
Coompa@reddit
Its because Christ said "Thou shalt not wreck the asphault of a parking lot that bears my name; go to the walmart driver"
bootsieq@reddit
I also really want to know the answer to this
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea it was just rough to hear.
ChoneFiggins4Lyfe@reddit
It’s possible they fired you for that, but unlikely. You’d have gotten a stern lecture or something first. You’re either being paid too much, or they don’t have work for you, and needed you gone.
SaltyTips@reddit
My company has the same policy because a guy 6 years ago parked on a VA\MD\PA (where its illegal not sure exactly) offramp and a 4 wheeler killed himself on his DOT bumper. He's still in jail for manslaughter. He was not legally allowed to be there.
HeavyHaulSabre@reddit
Damn, I understand he broke the law but that seems pretty harsh. I hung up my keys over a decade ago but throughout my career I slept on onramps pretty often. Usually 4-5 other trucks would be there too. I feel bad for the driver who went to jail for someone else's mistake when he was just doing what we all did years ago.
Additional_Ear_1435@reddit
Landstar. 1st offense and your lease is terminated. Other BCOs rat other guys out which seems petty and ass kissing to me, but I ran oversize mostly so I was off the road before I was tired anyway
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
Driver created a hazard, and has to own their part.
It wasn't what we all did.
People break the law all the time, often leading to a phenomenon referred to as normalizing deviancy.
MusicMeJordan@reddit
Nobody is driving 3000+ plus miles a week and not parking on a ramp
There is nowhere else to park
Maxing out miles means stopping late sometimes , and you know what stopping late results in .
Dragex11@reddit
One of my coworkers drives 3000-4000 miles a week and NEVER stops on a ramp. It's called planning your trip.
YellowOne5358@reddit
lmao bullshit
Dragex11@reddit
Which part? Regardless of which part, it's a fact. If you don't believe me, then oh well. Not like I can prove it to you either way. Doesn't change the fact that with proper trip planning, you never need to park on a ramp UNLESS you break down or something.
SellingOutOfMXCO@reddit
Your coworker must drive out west. Start his shift after 8pm. Rolling nights.
To achieve those metfics would be pretty difficult to do out east.
Fat_troll_gaming@reddit
Yeah I never park on a ramp. Just got to plan things out and you can always find a legal place to park for a 10.
Dragex11@reddit
Quite so. I often drive almost my full 11 hour drive clock, usually with stops inbetween eating at my 14, and I usually manage, too, thanks to starting my day earlier and planning my route better.
1987genz@reddit
Do you have any idea how many truckers full on sleep on off ramps/on ramps? If you've done any otr in your life you would expect this to be normal. Taking a 10 is nothing lmao.
I've made myself bacon and oatmeal for brekkie listening to my horror stories at 8am on an off ramp.
Better come give me a ticket 😆😆😆
You must be real fun at parties...
losteye_enthusiast@reddit
Against the law is against the law bud. Guy broke it and caused another person to die.
Shouldn’t matter if you see 3 other guys doing it - if you’re aware it’s illegal, don’t do it.
Glad you hung up your keys. Sounds like it certainly was time.
HarleyTrekking@reddit
You’re either a fucking cop, a safety director, or wanna be one or the other.
Either way, you’re a fucking douche nozzle.
awr90@reddit
Dude just Stfu, acting like you’re some kind of savant that never breaks a rule. Sound like a real dumbass with zero friends who probably bags his own shit.
HeavyHaulSabre@reddit
Lol
You don't even know me, but it sounds to you like it was time I hung up my keys...
Most likely, you were still in diapers when I was sleeping on the onramps (if you were even alive...). It wasn't illegal back then. It was common practice. Practices change. My first pickup truck in 1965 didn't even have seatbelts. Now it's against the law to not wear one. I still think serving 6+ years in prison because someone else wasn't paying attention and crashed into you is excessive. I guess we'll agree to disagree on that. It's a sad situation all the way around, but the person who lost their life could have avoided that fate themselves.
I think you're right though, it was time I hung up my keys, because the brotherhood mentality we used to share had just about faded completely in 2014 when my health gave out. Trucking was being overrun by impudent little shits that thought they knew everything. I'll sit here in my recliner knowing that even though I moved thousands of overdimensional loads a million+ miles safely and without incident, you think the roads are safer without me on them anymore. Thanks for the chuckle, big guy.
georgecarra-214@reddit
The 4 wheeler was probably careless or drunk.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea they said roughly the same thing to me I'm not defending my actions it just sucks
losteye_enthusiast@reddit
Dude. Right on.
It ain’t about the lapse in choice, it’s about your attitude and choices after. Yah come across on here like you know, you ain’t forgetting and already got a plan toward. Fuck yeah.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Like I cried a little when started cleaning my truck out then I realized how opportunities just opened up for me.
jordan-secured@reddit
Chin up. Trucking companies are always hiring. Especially if you have a clean mvr
alphieboo@reddit
yea apparently some drunk driver hit a parked swift truck on the shoulder and swift lost the lawsuit because that truck shouldn’t have been parked there. there’s probably more but that’s the story i was given when i showed up for onboarding/driver qualification
StableFew2737@reddit
Another owner op I'm friends with had a truck break down on the side of the road. The driver pulled over a couple feet off the shoulder and called my buddy. It has literally been 2 minutes. A woman went into a sneezing fit, crossed the center line, over corrected and plowed into the back of the truck. Her 17 year old daughter and the daughters best friend were paralyzed for life. The woman had state minimum insurance and no money. They sued Fedex for 80 million even though the driver had done nothing wrong and there were witnesses that said she crossed the center line and was 100% at fault. Fedex ended up settling and giving them a million dollars to go away. That's the problem with all this shit. The fucking lawyers...
alphieboo@reddit
stupid ppl think they’re entitled to everything lmfao. it’s disappointing. and disgusting.
Ambitious_Air_6103@reddit
I think the freight market is at its lowest. I personally know people who got laid off recently . Don’t worry just go to another company that can keep you busy . Your company sucks anyways they could have told you the truth that they just don’t have the work . So hopefully you find a batter company , good luck !
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I said that in my head lol I was like what if it's because freight is drying up but I believe things happen for a reason.
Ambitious_Air_6103@reddit
Yeah freight was horrible last couple years . This I think is rock bottom I thought rock bottom happened a couple times before . Hopefully this is the real bottom and in a few months things start looking way better. But as a company driver just go to another company that is thriving (somewhat at least in this environment). I think that’s the real truth, no freight. You will be find some companies still need drivers . Hopefully you find a company that will tell you the truth and just lay you off instead of saying stupid things and lying. I don’t like sleeping on exits but I 100% know they would never get rid of a decent driver when freight needs to be delivered.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yeah I don't like sleeping on exits either it was just a series of unfortunate circumstances that led to that event, but i see this as an opportunity to go back to school and get the manual restriction off my license and go get tanker and hazmat endorsements
FlounderOk4110@reddit
So I insisted on the manual endorsement but have found that manuals are widely not used by lots of companies. I was issued a super badass PB 13spd....but it hit the companies mileage limit and I was issued a brandnew automatic and they dont run manuals anymore and lots of companies are gonna do that. Maybe in your area its more common but coast to coast 1500 trucks...not one manual left here.
Jolly_Neighborhood41@reddit
Feul hauling is always busy no matter the day or night
gfinchster@reddit
Just be prepared for that eventual rotator cuff surgery from dragging those hoses.
Jolly_Neighborhood41@reddit
Only if you lift with back 🤣 when i did dry bulk and pneumatics those hoses were heavier 🤣
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea id really like to learn it seems very interesting.
Jolly_Neighborhood41@reddit
Just r remember if you do do it, you’re hauling something that moves with you and against you
Ambitious_Air_6103@reddit
Yes good plan , seems like you saved some money . That is crucial in trucking money gives you freedom to walk away. If you want those extra endorsements go for it , it’s a good plan. Yeah I have had to sleep on an exit ramp before also, that should be a non issue . Screw them they don’t want you trying for unemployment or something . Wouldn’t want to deal with those types anyways , like momma said walk 10 blocks around people/companies like that .
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the insight It helps alot 🙏
ActionBastard117@reddit
If you can try and find something dedicated, been driving dollar accounts since I started driving in 2020 and it’s been pretty steady since
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I was on a dedicated account for a while then werner lost the contract which made me move over the baylor who then fired me lmao but in all seriousness I'll probably go look at something thats local or home daily
Dense_Reputation_420@reddit
Try cement, or a local mom and pop, I'm in the houston area so there are hundreds of companies to go for, I chose cement to get out of otr and don't regret it
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I'm leaning towards waste collection
Dense_Reputation_420@reddit
That's not bad either, in my area they were only paying about 18/hr 40-50hr weeks. The cement company im at pays 22 plus a guaranteed 40. I average about 40-60hrs a week. Another thing to look at too, is vacuum trucks or any cdl job that goes into chemical plants a lot of them pay well. I wish you luck, and I hope you find something that makes you money, and makes you happy!
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks bro I appreciate it
ActionBastard117@reddit
Worth a shot, there’s always something out there. Went thru the same thing when I was running with Covenant, ran dollar general for a couple years and they termed everyone on that account in the northeast so they could utilize the trucks for OTR. Been doing dollar tree with USX and can’t complain.
Dropnhook@reddit
do pneumatic until you get them in the L’s driver
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
What's that?
polarjunkie@reddit
It's going to get worse. A friend of mine is in operations for a mega and I was shooting the shit with him today when he had to take a virtual meeting. Freight down 40% the next 3 weeks and they expect it to drop even more. Start looking at the worst 10% of drivers based on safety violations to get rid of. After that if it doesn't rebound within a month or two they might start looking at another 10% by seniority. It's about to get real nasty, people moving the feed for our food are down 25% in some areas of the country.
Imaginativested@reddit
Parking on an off-ramp is crazy dangerous and should never be done except for an emergency where no other option exists. Next time use an on-ramp if you absolutely have to stop.
Chingasupinchemadre@reddit
I was about to say it’s definitely the opposite, but luckily before I opened my big mouth I realized off ramp=exiting and on ramp = entering. So yes you are absolutely right. Idk why that got mixed up in my head lol 😂😅 glad I didn’t start an argument and embarrass myself. Off ramps could be people going fast who don’t have full control of their vehicles while people who are on an on ramp have entered from a complete stop or a turn, so they haven’t fully accelerated
fistfullofpubes@reddit
They can't tell the truth when they have a way to fire him 'for cause' which will limit if not eliminate paying unemployment.
FlounderOk4110@reddit
So its a new chapter. Right on. Unexpected change of circumstances have adventure at the ready. Challenges sure,but you seem to have the right attitude, ..... learn and move on. A few months from now you might find out it was the absolute best thing that couldve happened.
Jamo3306@reddit
They fired you. For sleeping on an off ramp? Wow. Ok, i guess keeping trucks rolling isn't a priority... it's it good policy? No. But fired? That's extreme. They'll be sorry when they start hiring and no one bites. 🥴
Gonnahauntcha@reddit
I thought everyone knows not to take a break on ramps. Could be very dangerous and taking up room for potential emergencies
Agreeable-Cat8077@reddit
rest stops, anywhere designated as one is fine with almost any company and plenty of them. Learn from it and on to the next
LocksmithMajor577@reddit
Ha! We parked for 20 minutes in a 100 ft long load on an on ramp before working for a HUGE manufacturing company so that a person in our team in the pilot vehicle could go by a truck supply company to buy a tail light for his cargo trailer he owns. Being highly visible with beacon lights blaring our company won't say Jack about what we did because they trust our actions are safe. Too bad your not working for a union company because they wouldn't be able to fire you for that unless it was your 3rd verbal or written warning
MostlyUseful@reddit
I’m sorry that happened. Are you looking for OTR? We have a couple empty trucks. 567 Pete’s (13 speed manual) flatbed, stepdeck, some oversize. Pay is a choice of percentage or hourly. Hometime offered biweekly if you want. No beeps and automatic braking in the trucks, no inward facing camera, no audio on outward dashcam, no micromanaging
Shadow_of_Christ@reddit
lol I got laid off during orientation due to knowing all the material and being well prepped for my job 😂 look at it this way you got experience my dude and we all make mistakes we are human after all! You’ll be fine just gotta find somewhere new.
ChiTruckDGAF@reddit
No way were you laid off for that reason.
Shadow_of_Christ@reddit
Dead serious I have begged for an actual reason and they refuse to give me one. Check out my Reddit post on my profile. Goes through the sequence of events that happened that still is just leaving me reeling.
MotherMushroom2908@reddit
I got ticket for that. Then i wrote a song about it "No place to call my own". If you want to hear it, google 'Wyatt McCoy - No Place To Call My Own"
Ok_Requirement_6995@reddit
Make sure they disnt list you as a safty termination. Cuz thats what happened to mybhusband and it was almost imposs9ble for him to find another job. Luckily he found a diamond in the rough ans is happy as hell now. But that safty termination is tough
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
They told me it wouldn't be a safety termination so hopefully it stays as company policy
Ok_Requirement_6995@reddit
Thank goodness!!! You dont deserve that!. Good luck with your future driving.
gr00vy2D@reddit
Crazy thing is I did too smh
YellowOne5358@reddit
sounds like a shit company sometimes thats the only place to park fuck them
One-Masterpiece867@reddit
bro a 10 on an off ramp is a fireable offense? what are they smoking lmao, go get your bag brother
luis474703@reddit
Reading this while taking my 10 on a off-ramp 😅😅😅 but honestly sometimes you don’t have a choice thanks to Elogs that were made to keep us safe 😑
Buzz_Leiter@reddit
How late was it and how much time did you have left that day?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
It was 11:30 still had an hour my issue was that I needed to stop soon so I could make my appointment by tomorrow, the exit I stopped at was well into Tennessee I checked 4 or 5 truck stops before making the fatal decision
Buzz_Leiter@reddit
How long ago did you pick up and where in TN? I know a few places off I-81 that don’t get too full off exit 30 opposite the Loves
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I was north of Nashville on I-24
every_body_killa@reddit
Also a new requirement is the ELDT certification before taking the hazmat test at dmv. You can search online for an approved certification class, the ELDT certification can take a few hours online not hard just a bunch of videos. Not sure what state you’re in but you need to check your DMV website, each state has a list of approved providers for the Entry Level Driver Training certification!
Then you can take the certificate to the dmv and take the test and submit your application for tsa background check!
I think this ELDT thing went into effect a couple years ago not really sure.
ApollyonFE@reddit
I don't fault anyone for wanting to park on the highway, at the same time just last night on I 24 through Tennessee someone smashed into a truck that was parked on the shoulder 🤔
Outlaw11091@reddit
Just FYI, I also worked at Werner and did a few things that were "against policy" but they didn't fire me for them.
Specifically, I've done U-turns, pulled over to the side of an interstate to water my tire, slept on an on-ramp because I was out of hours...pulled over to the side of an interstate because it started storming and I couldn't see...
For all of those, I thought, for certain, that safety was going to call. I mean, they called every time I didn't have enough "following distance", but, they never did.
They claim there's a freight shortage a lot, so, me thinks you got fired because it was convenient, not over the specific rule.
ATXdlvryGuy@reddit
lol “water your tire”. That’s a good one man
Outlaw11091@reddit
Important part of any mid-trip inspection. Always only 1 that needs it.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I used to work for the company that rhymes with Taylor they have the same policies and their safety teams come from Werner sooooo, I'm not gonna say they had other reasons but it's really hard not to
bunnybaby33@reddit
Yeah I also worked for Werner and slept on an off ramp once. I drove around the whole town 3 times and was running out of time. There was truly nowhere else. I had my whole speech ready but nobody ever called.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yeah Werner itself is cool, because there are so many drivers you have a little freedom but its subsidiaries... not so much
Desperate_Style1547@reddit
Consider it a blessing and don't go back to trucking. Fuck them until they learn to appreciate us for all we sacrifice to make them rich. Once my debts are paid off I'm done with trucking too. I'm pushing my second year soon and I'm sick of it. I value my personal time and my family too much to sacrifice being away for so long just for some money. Time is something you can never get back
heatherdbby@reddit
Tell me you worked for schneider without telling me you worked for schneider.
spyder7723@reddit
A lot of companies have a no sitting duck policy. To many huge lawsuit judgements awarded to 'victims' hitting a parked truck on a ramp shoulder.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Fortunately or unfortunately not Schneider
TruckinTuba@reddit
Work at a different company, thats bullshit
FinzClortho@reddit
Ask if they pay for parking. Sometimes, all that's left is paid Parking. If they don't, then stop earlier or pay for it yourself. You make more money turning the miles and paying for parking. But the company should pay for parking.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
That was one of the first questions I asked during orientation and my first week, they don't and normally I'd either be done before everything fills up or I'd drive overnight but this was a unique situation that saw me make a delivery in the middle of night
OmgChickenLights@reddit
How did they find out?
AndromedanPrince@reddit
we have a gps system that can locate exactly where you are, and i mean exactly. so if we stop on the side of the road or park on a ramp they will know.
Lopsided_Beautiful_1@reddit
Yep! They sure do know , I work for them too! you still with SNI?
AndromedanPrince@reddit
yup, still trying to go local tho. but the money is making sense on my new route that i start soon.
Lopsided_Beautiful_1@reddit
Ok, great, hope it works out for you and glad you can make money. A account I work for with Schneider, they lost it a month ago, they had me moving empty trailers all around Ohio and Indiana, still giving me few loads to do, but since I live too far, they couldn’t do it for much longer. So, I had to transfer to a jet-set account, take reduction in cents per mile, but strangely they are allowing to keep the same truck I’ve been using, which is odd. I start that jet set thing next month, but I will look for another truck job while I do that jet set thing, got my one year in of experience, but living in Miami, Florida is hard to find truck jobs, so I’m considering relocating to different state.
AndromedanPrince@reddit
yea i got my 1 year and am relocating as well. ive gotten a couple calls for jobs where i live but i dont want to stay here. the jet set should end up paying more since u have to travel a lot right?
Lopsided_Beautiful_1@reddit
Well according to them, they said it’s 42 cpm, but the mileage a week is up to 2,500. Hopefully with traveling a lot like said, I can make something, but as I start to work on it next month, I’ll see how it goes, but to be at 46 cpm for inexperience driver and reduction in pay is hard to take, but I had no other choice until I can relocate and find a better truck job. I like SNI and it’s a great company to work for, just the pay is too low, but grateful of them to giving me the experience when other companies said no to me.
AndromedanPrince@reddit
i totally understand the pay cut issue. if u get endorsememts it will raise your cpm and they will reimburse u for it. good luck man, wish u the best and hope u get to relocate amd find what u want
mayainverse@reddit
Probably an automatic system. I was written up for road side parking to put on chains. My leader has to fight and plea multiple times to get them to agree to reverse it. I hate safety rules that force you to do dangerous shit. Like I don't know why I'm parked on off ramp but if hos wasn't so strict maybe he could have gone another hr to find a real spot instead of doing a risky move to comply. And to comply with this policy u have to do risky shit also. Wild just fired with no warning that's crazy.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Hot a pothole before pulling off and it triggered the camera and it got me coming to stop on the interstate
ilostoriginalaccount@reddit
They have a policy about where you're allowed to take your breaks? Are they paid breaks? Do they know how roads work?
Beneficialsensai@reddit
Dudes that be sleeping at on ramps don't need to be hauling hazard mat.
Clue-Just@reddit
If that's saftey division. Goodluck getting a job now.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thankfully it wasn't a safety violation just against company policy
Clue-Just@reddit
Yea thats good. I'm an idiot driver lol i. Didn't come to a complete stop turning right at a red light. Oddly I did it in January, yet fired in April.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
That's actually crazy my incident happened two weeks ago 🥳
Humble_Length5150@reddit
I, give you credit, for the two commas.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Used to get dinged in high school and college for run-on sentences now I just toss them wherever ;) And hey I have three of them lol
Humble_Length5150@reddit
Haha, you win,
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Jesus I can't even read let alone count it was four
DRFANTA@reddit
What’s the company name?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Baylor
DRFANTA@reddit
Just do tanker. You’ll see just how much better it is. I’m never going back to freight
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Was actually looking at tanker companies before I got canned lol
DRFANTA@reddit
You won’t regret it
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
You do food or fuel?
DRFANTA@reddit
I do hazmat
chico-dust@reddit
Trump fucked the economy raw, no rubber so finding local work right now is a pain in the ass. Unless you're cool with OTR or regional getting terminated is tough man.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Even in trash collection?
Altruistic-Rice-2341@reddit
That is GHEY
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
So freakin gahy duude
RdyPAINmoveDISCIPLIN@reddit
Got fired just for that? Sounds fuckin dumb to me
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Sounds like it wasn't my home only a temporary shack lol
Bestsuccess2021@reddit
Lots truck jobs for u
Delicious_Peace_2526@reddit
Fuck these companies.
Mr_Adaptivee@reddit
Dude I have seen 10 truckers just this morning sleeping on off ramps, literally a non issue. They definitely just wanted any reason to fire you
Jaded_Loverr@reddit
Some companies prohibit parking on an OFF ramp. But won’t say much if you park on an ON ramp
PoetDesperate4722@reddit
I mean there is enough room to be not on the road, I dont see why parking there is an issue. If someone crashes into you they would have crashed into the median or gone off road?
I have done it when I tried multiple parking areas and they were packed and I then ran out of time after looking for parking for an hour.
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
The road is designed to leave a buffer area, which you remove by parking there.
If construction or first responders impact the buffer area traffic is slowed to reduce the chances and severity of collisions.
PoetDesperate4722@reddit
So let me re explain. Yes I get why the shoulder is there. I am saying if someone smashed into a vehicle parked there, I wouldn't blame the parked vehicle I would blame the driver who crashed. Does that make sense?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thats pretty much what happened to me lol
Laurens_hubby10@reddit
Did you have no where else to park? Did you admit fault? Did you sign anything? The person that fired you do they hold a valid CDL? What road experience do they have? Do they have first hand knowledge of the situation, were they there with you when made the determination that off ramp was suitable parking? Were you tired or fatigued?
I get that it was the company’s policy not to park on the off ramp, at the same time you have rights. If they employed you as a commercial driver, everyday you had to make decisions using your expertise, no matter how limited or new of a driver you are or even if you acquired your CDL from them. If you delivered a load and brought the equipment back in one piece without damaging anything or breaking any laws, their decision to terminate you may have been without merit or cause and could fall under wrongful termination.
I’d contact a civil rights attorney. Policy is not law.
HardShellChocolate6@reddit
That is stupid as fuck. A warning would have been more sufficient. A firing?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea unfortunately a firing lol
TinkerTasker22@reddit
If the market was not so terrible you would have probably just gotten a warning.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I fear that is what happened to me.
CatfishCharlie1984@reddit
I guess I've just been really lucky to get in at the places I have. The shit you guys get fired for is crazy to me. ESPECIALLY the garbage company I worked at prior to going back to long haul. Guys would literally fist fight in the parking lot and it was business as usual the next day. Drug tests were a joke and drivers got a heads up beforehand. We even had some dummy lay a garbage truck on its side twice and hit 2 customer's cars and an awning before they ever fired him. The list goes on. 😆 I was a model employee compared to 3/4 of those guys...and I doubt Id last 2 weeks at some of these outfits you guys have mentioned.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Dude I swear I'm a good guy who just makes minor mistakes every other year lol id love to work wherever youre at
CatfishCharlie1984@reddit
I know longer work at the crazy place. Moved on after about 11 years. Current job is a more "civilized" atmosphere. Haha. A lot of corporate BS like most of the bigger carriers but they're not breathing down your neck and nitpicking over every little thing. As long as you're safe and take care of the equipment they dont really bother you. It IS moving more in that direction though (like most places I suppose.) They pay me enough to deal with a few annoyances I suppose. Just saving a few more bucks to move out of state and get a local job again in 6 months to a year.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I think local is probably the best route for me
CatfishCharlie1984@reddit
Life is just better sleeping in your own bed and seeing friends/family. Worth the pay cut for me at least. Tough to eat right and stay healthy over the road too.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
That is true 👀👀 I've been telling myself I need to get back into to the gym anyway
Recent_Fill_581@reddit
How long were ya with that company?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Like 5 months 💀💀💀
blincluc@reddit
Was it your first driving job?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Nahh but it was the second
EntireAd233@reddit
Well if they fired you for that you are already on the chopping block they just needed a company reason
Gonzotrucker1@reddit
It boggles my mind why anyone would want to get a cdl now.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Cause Tucks are cool 😎
BrodieGod@reddit
You didn’t break any law but their rules. SMH. It could be a blessing in disguise to help find something better. This cdl gig isn’t as fun as we thought it would be lol.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
That is one thing the safety guy did say is that I broke company policy so it wouldn't go against my safety record or something like that i was struggling to keep it together while staring him in the face
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
Been there.
Nobody got hurt, you're better informed for the future, and you have lots of options going forward.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I wasn't even mad about getting let go i was more upset because I felt like I failed myself.
offsetbackingtoright@reddit
Um no sweaty, he broke the fuck out of the law. He broke the law in a manner that is very dangerous, fatigued/distracted drivers coming off the highway will just see his taillights and drive right into the back of his vehicle. DO NOT EVERY PARK ON OFF RAMPS. Emergency only and it better be a big damn emergency, I know I would rather limp to the end than stop on an offramp.
multipletrees89@reddit
Don’t park on an Off ramp… get off your high horse, Clearly you’ve never run anywhere busy like Chicago … I Never get a spot
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
Kinda like saying you are always late so you always speed...
You're unsafe. You feel justified, many do...but you're unsafe.
Hopefully your luck will hold out, for everyone's sake.
FreeAndRedeemed@reddit
Most states have laws against parking on off/on ramps.
BrodieGod@reddit
I believe it. It makes sense too why but man sometimes we think we can push it to that store but get hit with traffic that took us behind.
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
You can drive as far as you need to find safe parking, and a ramp isn't it.
FreeAndRedeemed@reddit
That’s a failure in trip planning. Don’t plan around hopes and dreams, plan around what you know you can do. If traffic becomes that big of an unexpected issue, that’s what the “adverse conditions” HOS exemption is for.
LordScottimus@reddit
I was studying how top drivers use their time and what you said is EXACTLY what I thought. Failure to plan trip and use time wisely. What I was reading said The Hard running experienced guys will start at 4AM-4:30AM and be done around 4-4:30pm at night. Right before people start filling everything up. Plenty of parking at any stop you want to take. When you are all starting late etc. that is what causes there to be no room and you end up on an off ramp somewhere etc. Lol
multipletrees89@reddit
Wow took a 10 on a ramp!?! I do that all the time … sorry if you said before but what company is this!? That’s horrible
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
You should break that habit, it's a rule written due to spilled blood.
multipletrees89@reddit
No, you’re country only gives me 11 hours to drive, km not spending an hour looking for a place to park onto to find a camper talking up a rest stop, I I drive until the clock runs out
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Baylor trucking
multipletrees89@reddit
Well they should be on everyone’s list to not work for.
I work for bison, I’ve been there two months and I’ve made a few mistakes, nothing major no damage but hard breaking and such and I always joke “am I fired this time” … you know because it’s not toxic and we make jokes
And they always say “we never fire anyone who will take what we say and learn from it”
Please please please stay in touch with me and apply for bison
30$ for LUL 20$ an hour pay for any waiting past two hours .. boarder, shipper, anywhere you wait
65 cents a mile … more for reefer
Umm dental and pension benefits …
What else what else … you’re own company truck no one else touches but you (I live in mine)
8$ for ever boarder crossing if you go into Canada 🇨🇦
Best of all …. Non toxic work place!!! 😎🚛
Got a lot of good things to say about them for sure
HowlingWolven@reddit
Wow, people are actually recommending running for Bison USA?
multipletrees89@reddit
Ohhh I mean, I assumed it was the same as Canada … to be specific I’m Canadian… so bison Canada
HowlingWolven@reddit
Ah, okay. It’s technically a different company, I believe.
multipletrees89@reddit
Yea in a way you’re right, I guess I can’t assume it will have the same benefits … but bison bought H.O. Wolding, Pottles and Hartt and kept all the drivers which I think was nice … any drive I’ve spoken to who is American seems to be happy
One day I was having a hard time sliding my tandems at p&g in Ohio and I waved down a bison driver who was an American one … he worked for H.O. Wolding before it was bought and still does city work now for bison. He happily helped me out with my stuck tandoms and part of the problem was because I lost my hammer
He gave me one of his which I still use today!! The herd is strong!! 🦬🇺🇸🇨🇦🚛
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I've seen bison around they looked pretty chill
multipletrees89@reddit
They are!! They make trucking fun again, it’s been a family since I started, they have terminals in Canada, United States and they just opened one in Mexico
multipletrees89@reddit
50$ bonus for resetting on the road
indytrucks@reddit
I’m assuming Schneider. They suck anyways. There’s better jobs.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Baylor actually
deadbeataunt@reddit
yeah fuck you for having noplace to park but the side of the fuckin highway with no bathroom
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
They made me think I had a chance to plead my case 🤣🤣
Purple_Hornet_6164@reddit
Had to be Werner
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
On of their subsidiaries :)
Kan-ka@reddit
Was it Crete?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Nah it was baylor
bombdiggidy96@reddit
They were looking to trim the fat and cutback with freight volume coming down. You were just the tall blade of grass. You’ll find something else, there are tons of jobs available
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thank you for calling me tall it helps lol
Ok_Worldliness_5779@reddit
You should have told them fuck your company policy
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I think that would've ended in me leaving in handcuffs lmao
Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit
That overt friendliness is them hoping you don't 🔫 them
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
🤣🤣🤣 my mindset was just like please tell me I'm getting fired so I can make arrangements I don't need the half-hearted conversations or fake laughter
hard-of-haring@reddit
You were not fired. You were laid off. Go file unemployment
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
The further I get away from that place the more I'm starting to come to that realization.
Honest-Ad7763@reddit
https://www.quicktransportsolutions.com/carrier/illinois/lyons.php check here, Russians hire anyone
New_Rough6200@reddit
Yeah they definitely didn't have the work for you and wanted to have an excuse if you tried to get unemployment. I would still try to get unemployment even if its just to waste their time and put some fear in them
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I'll give unemployment a shot i quite literally have nothing left
OppositeSelf1420@reddit
You can be fired from a job and still get unemployment. When you get fired the onus is on the company to prove that you deserved to be fired. When you quit it is on you. It is better to be fired than to resign. If you can show that it was a safety issue or legal issue you may have a case. Maybe you felt dizzy or were getting sick and it would have been dangerous to continue etc. Don't say you agree with the company if you want unemployment even if that is true. Make them prove it. There is always a possibility that the company does not respond to the unemployment office request within a timely manner. If they do this unemployment would only have your word to go on. Unlikely but it happens. If they deny you. Always appeal. It costs you nothing but time.You may also be able to go to your local job search service and have them pay for the CDL school to get your manual.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Hmmm ok, that makes sense
RyuKirito@reddit
They should’ve at least given you a warning as long as you didn’t get a ticket
Known-Brain-6862@reddit
Damn
ConsequenceSweaty241@reddit
Yeah safe Dept sucks did you get a ticket for it or just the company
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Just company thankfully
ConsequenceSweaty241@reddit
Okay well that's good I guess good luck on your next company 👍 hope it doesn't take too long
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Honestly I might go do waste management
ConsequenceSweaty241@reddit
Really okay well at least you're home every day
Chandlerdylan8@reddit
I'll echo what others have said - Company wanted to get rid of you due to bad market.
While sleeping on shoulders isn't great and definitely shouldn't become a pattern, it's better than running tired and pancaking a minivan.
Take this as an opportunity to find somewhere better, crossing fingers for ya.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks homie I'll be looking at indeed soon
Minimum-Jacket-705@reddit
That sucks. Sorry to hear it. Hope you find something soon.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I'll see what indeed is looking like
OrganizationNo6167@reddit
Not evening a warning is fken wildddd
Tru3insanity@reddit
Sounds like they were looking for a reason to cut drivers.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
It be like that sometimes 🤣
Fit_Hospital2423@reddit
There are ramps that are safe to park on, and there are ramps that are not safe to park on. There are ramps where it’s legal to park and ramps where it’s not legal to park. But if you drive up and down the highways, you can see that some people are not able to make smart decisions concerning such things so companies just end up making policies like “no parking on ramps.”
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea i have no one to blame but myself and thats cool I'll learn from it and be better.
Upstairs-Ideal-6117@reddit
What company?
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
One of the only two subsidiaries of werner ;)
TruckerChet1973@reddit
Werner is struggling. They just confirmed they're suspending 401k match. FYI my old company BarR something... offered my a $60k pay cut. Told them to kick sand. Haven't found anything comparable to what I was making. Best of luck. Offers have been junk and have decided to work local (non cdl) until market comes back.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I had a feeling I ran a normal schedule is was home every weekend then all of a sudden I'm getting wild loads that take me way out of my companies coverage
TruckerChet1973@reddit
I turned siren a LP offer then a month after that they asked me to team drive. Lastly was the last cut. It sucks but hopefully you'll land something better.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Honestly I wouldn't even mind a local gig
TruckerChet1973@reddit
I'm happier. Actually doing ride share. Make my own hours and home every day.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I used to do doordash before I even started trucking that was a fruitful endeavor I may even do waste management 🤷♂️
GTown_84@reddit
Some bullshit.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Right before a weekend too :(
GTown_84@reddit
For real man. You’ll get a gig soon. Start positive
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Give me more time to play video games lmao
whowhatwhere420@reddit
What's especially crazy about this is there is so many receivers and shippers that don't allow overnight parking. Doing reefer i regularly get out of a receiver at 2400-0300. Nearly impossible to find anywhere to park at that hour. If my company made a rule like that they would probably have to fire half the fleet if not more. No one wants to park on the side of the road somewhere but sometimes you just can't find a spot plus there's never enough parking anywhere. If they opened a hundred new truck stops tomorrow there still wouldn't be enough parking.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yea i called my dispatch to see if the shipper that scheduled my live load had parking and they didn't and when I heard that my heart sunk
homucifer666@reddit
Fired seems extreme. I can understand getting bitched at by your safety department, but first offence termination seems like they were just looking for a reason.
Although I will agree that you should avoid parking it on a ramp if at all possible, sometimes shit just happens. Last time I had to do it was because there was a flood and every truck stop, rest area, and place you could park a truck within 200 miles was overcrowded. Even the best laid plans still fail sometimes.
Best wishes to you on better employment!
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Yeah I really don't like sitting on the ramps it was just an unfortunate series of events that led to that, and maybe it was for the best only time will tell.
Joecephus904@reddit
Crazy how they let you keep working and even bring a load with you to terminal. Just to have you come in and get fired.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Maybe ut was so i didn't suspect anything lmao
BoringJuiceBox@reddit
I believe in you bro, better to be in your position than to A: not have a CDL, or B: a more serious thing like ticket or accident.
Hope you find a great company who gives you the opportunity for fat paychecks.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the words homie and yea its kinda funny because for the past couple weeks I've been looking at entry-level tanker positions but I didn't want to commit because I've only been at this company for like 5 months but it seems they've helped me make a decision lol
Banana-mover@reddit
Look for another CDL job. Just be careful on which one you go to definitely stay away from the really quick one and find something fairly decent. You’ll be OK.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the insight 🙏
Chuck-Finley69@reddit
Companies always looking for ways to cull the herd while avoiding HR claims and bad optics. You broke what appears to be a serious rule, but it appears it's bad economic times for your former employer, so I'd say you made it easy for them in terms of layoff but with a good excuse on their part.
Good luck and definitely get that extra training, money and such permitting.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks homie I'll definitely be using this downtime to upgrade my cdl
RoseKlingel@reddit
I have done this before when desperate for parking. Had some bs at a warehouse or something, ran out of hours. Felt bad and knew it was wrong, hoped I wouldn't wake up to a parking citation.
No ticket, no safety call, went about my day asap the next morning. I agree w/other ppl saying you were let go bc of the freight shortage.
Maybe try reefer next? Might offer more consistent freight. Good luck on your next endeavor! Don't lose hope.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the wishes its helped ease the blow
Lpgasman1@reddit
You will be hired tomorrow
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
Who knows maybe even in 30 minutes
BeenThruIt@reddit
Sneezed twice, consecutively, on the third Thursday of an even numbered month? Straight to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I woke up with a sore in my nose, its black Thursday
TheMadMetalhead@reddit
They're gonna regret letting you go and your next company is going to be that much better for getting you on with them
blackjavelin777@reddit (OP)
I'll be a model citizen on the next go around