Advice for a young trucker

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cCueBasE@reddit

Wait, you bought a truck and trailer and proceeded to go hit the a low bridge?

Brother, you need to learn how to use a height stick and then go be a company driver for a little while.

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Not a low bridge. Looks like he rolled the trailer going around a turn judging by how his pickup bed is mushed. The Ford that was on the trailer rolled into the jersey barrier on the side. Those wedge trailers hotshots use are super unstable when loaded incorrectly.

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CheesE4Every1@reddit

Looks like you fucked up, looks like you're gonna have to work go get out of it. Did you not have everything insured like you were supposed to? That's not a full coverage and done kinda thing. The tow yard is also making money so there's no fighting that. How are you 3 weeks in and doing this, did you not have a trainer for more than an hour?

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Prior-Ad-7329@reddit

Pay the tow company and get your shit back. Towing and impound ain’t free. Just more money every day it sits there.

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lesserDaemonprince@reddit

Get a time machine and don't spend all that money getting into hot shotting. You could be in a company truck right now getting paid.

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LivingOffNostaglia@reddit

Bro that’s the worst ‘advice’ I’ve ever seen. Imagine telling a young dude to never try building something of his own just because you’re comfortable being a permanent steering wheel holder for someone else. I started my own box truck business and I’ll be real with you, I could never go back to spending my whole life making another man rich for a weekly paycheck. That mindset is crazy to me. You sound like the perfect company driver though. Seriously. Reliable, predictable, zero ambition,the kind of guy I’d hire to keep my trucks rolling while I’m at home drinking coffee and checking my bank app.

If you like playing it safe and staying capped forever, cool. Just don’t project that ‘I’m scared to bet on myself’ energy on people actually trying to level up.

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lesserDaemonprince@reddit

I'd also advocate spending the money on being an actual owner operator, to be specific I think hot shotting is dumb. You're pouring money into equipment never meant to do what you're putting it through just to be less comfortable and less safe than you'd be in a tractor.

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LivingOffNostaglia@reddit

Hot shotting isn’t the joke you’re trying to make it out to be. Thousands of people run successful hot shot operations full time with real lanes, real customers, and real money, and modern 1-ton dually diesels are engineered for commercial towing, with entire insurance markets built specifically for hot shot carriers because it’s a legitimate niche in the industry. Ford, Ram, and GM advertise these trucks for exactly this kind of work. So don’t talk like you’re an expert when you’ve done nothing in trucking besides hold a steering wheel for someone else. There’s nothing wrong with being a company driver, but it doesn’t qualify you to judge a business model you clearly don’t understand.

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lesserDaemonprince@reddit

Jokes are funny. Hot shotting just looks miserable and doesn't make any sense.

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LivingOffNostaglia@reddit

Asking for a bull on Reddit for your pregnant wife is funny. Hot shotting is no joke 😉

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lesserDaemonprince@reddit

Oh no! You looked at my page and know that I'm married with kids and have a kink, what will I do!?!?!?!111!!11!!!1

Stay butthurt about it dude. Hotshotting is trucking without any of the novelty.

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CaptCrash87@reddit

You can't park there ...

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Legion_Paradise@reddit

Average hotshot driver lol

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azziptac@reddit

For reals...

This mofo didn't think twice about pressing post. Dude was probably at the scene of the crash when they posted. Wtf. And they still think that towing is free?

You can't make this up 🫣

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Legion_Paradise@reddit

Man, I dont get it lol. Hotshot guys are literally their stereotype. Like bro. Cmon. Get the proper insurance.

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Legion_Paradise@reddit

Call themselves "truckers" but then when it comes to dealing with trucking they struggle Hey OP here is what you're going to have to do

Take out a personal loan for the "lifeline" you need.

Then

GET REAL INSURANCE.

Then

SAVE 25% OF ALL INCOMING MONEY YOU EARN TO HAVE LIQUID CASH FOR ANY EXPENSES.

Once you have 150k.

You can keep the 25%

You're running a business, not working at a job.

If you cant. Turn in your keys.

Let this be a learning expirence

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Appreciate the feedback and I just started a month ago DOT been active only 3 weeks & i thought i had full coverage and all the right polices . I’ve never had a job this was my turn around to my new life but This is definitely a learning lesson .

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Legion_Paradise@reddit

Call themselves "truckers" but then when it comes to dealing with trucking they struggle Hey OP here is what you're going to have to do

Take out a personal loan for the "lifeline" you need.

Then

GET REAL INSURANCE.

Then

SAVE 25% OF ALL INCOMING MONEY YOU EARN TO HAVE LIQUID CASH FOR ANY EXPENSES.

Once you have 150k.

You can keep the 25%

You're running a business, not working at a job.

If you cant. Turn in your keys.

Let this be a learning expirence

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genosx71@reddit

Ur not a truck driver if u dont have a CDL A…

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meat1ess@reddit

Why is the insurance only covering the cargo and not physical damage? Does your policy include comp and collision coverages for your truck and trailer?

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

It looks like i have everything but coverage to my truck and trailer . They offered to pay me the rate i was gonna get paid for delivering it & to get the cargo out but i have to take care of truck and trailer

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meat1ess@reddit

I’m so sorry. If you did not have comp and collision coverages on the truck and trailer then that is the issue. Regardless of whether the equipment is paid off, if you do not have comp and collision then your truck and trailer will not have any coverage for damages such as this accident, someone else hitting you and leaving, weather related damages, etc.

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Thank you I appreciate your response

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mad_titans_bastard@reddit

How did you get cargo insurance but not comp and collision? Who is your policy with?

How did you not know you were going to be going under that bridge? Did you not plan out the route you were going to take?

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Ornery_Ads@reddit

How did you get cargo insurance but not comp and collision? Who is your policy with?

Insurance carriers will write whatever coverages you want and charge the applicable premium for it.
I have $2 million auto liability, $1/$million general liability, $250k cargo, $100k trailer interchange, and non-owned trailer.
I have a truck that's worth maybe $15k with no comp/collision coverage. They wanted ~$8k/yr to write that coverage.
On the other side, I have a truck that's worth about $60k-$70k that has comp/collision that was only $4k/yr for that coverage

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mad_titans_bastard@reddit

You should consider getting an umbrella policy as well.

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ghostedbydefault@reddit

Just curious, why would that be a benefit, and what should it cover?

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Dezzolve@reddit

So since no one else is giving you a dose of reality, I will.

You sound very entitled.

Based on the picture you provided it looks like you took a turn too fast, and your extremely top heavy load shifted. Causing damage to your truck and trailer and your cargo.

Now, the tow company is not screwing you. They are requesting payment for having to use their time and equipment to fix your mistake and unblock a roadway. They towed your mistake to their lot where they are storing it until you pay what you owe them.

I’m assuming you’re complaining about your cargo insurance not paying for the tow fee. Why would it. Insurance isn’t going to cover every single thing.

You are the person that caused the accident, stop expecting everyone else to cater towards you.

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ear_cheese@reddit

Either that or that’s a low bridge. The top of that truck is rather damaged.

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Didn’t bother to respond to him but it was definitely the bridge . Still my fault but it wasn’t because of speed

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YuppieTrucker@reddit

How high is that bridge?

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Dezzolve@reddit

So since no one else is giving you a dose of reality, I will.

You sound very entitled.

Based on the picture you provided it looks like you took a turn too fast, and your extremely top heavy load shifted. Causing damage to your truck and trailer and your cargo.

Now, the tow company is not screwing you. They are requesting payment for having to use their time and equipment to fix your mistake and unblock a roadway. They towed your mistake to their lot where they are storing it until you pay what you owe them.

I’m assuming you’re complaining about your cargo insurance not paying for the tow fee. Why would it. Insurance isn’t going to cover every single thing.

You are the person that caused the accident, stop expecting everyone else to cater towards you.

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Socketz11@reddit

Tow companies are scum of the earth. Regardless of OP's comment.

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Kaethor@reddit

The real crooks are the insurance companies. I wish they would pay tou back some of your premiums if you go so long without a claim. Make the people actually causes the payouts pay for their mistakes.

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Ornery_Ads@reddit

They offer a service, you pay for the service.
How are they scummy?

No, not pick out a few bad examples. Tow companies in general. How are they all scum?

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Socketz11@reddit

They overcharged, they kidnap vehicles, they boot, they barnicle. You are kidding, blind, or work for a towing company if you dont think 95% of them are complete scumbags. Their equipment costs, rate they pay their employees vs what they charge is jacked up around 1000% of fair value. Their offices where their storage facilities are located are all surrounded by bulletproof glass and steel bars for a reason. You must have just crawled out from under a rock, or work for/own a towing company. Any carrier worth its salt always takes the on-hook coverage because of the total scumbags in the towing industry and what they charge. its 25% to 50% extra of the total cost because its always the biggest expense in a wreck...not the truck, not the trailer, most times not even the freight...but the fucking tow bill. They charge $25k to $40k for enviromental haz mat cleanup , and all they throw down a fucking single $10 bag of kitty litter abd sweep or vacuum it up with a shop vac! They are the scum of the earth.

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Dezzolve@reddit

Don’t get into at fault accidents and you won’t have to deal with them then lmfao.

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KielbasaPosse@reddit

I towed cars and wreckers. Out of the 5 major companies in my area. 1 guy was actually a decent human being. Regardless of at fault or not, they do shady shit all day long. I'm talking "they won't release your vehicle because it was totaled and it's state law for us to keep it." type of stupid shady shit.

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Captain_Wag@reddit

Amen

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Syllables_17@reddit

Fucking nonsense.

You know nothing of this person's insurance coverage, they could very easily be properly covered. Many people don't pay for basic coverage and especially a business owner there's a great chance they have full coverage and insurance is attempting to dog them.

If you pay for full coverage insurance you should get full coverage. I highly doubt this person didn't have full coverage which almost always covers accidents that are your fault.

Don't shill for insurance companies who regularly attempt to screw people out of the service they pay for.

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Dezzolve@reddit

My uncle is his insurance broker.

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EmotionalBar2533@reddit

Turn down the suck

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ResidentComplaint19@reddit

You haven’t even been on the road 2 months, you got 2 oos violations and this accident. This shit will not work out for you man.

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TokeQBans@reddit

bankruptcy start over.. dont do dully they cant take it and the money isint right. get a 8 stacker and a decent rig

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TrustNothing@reddit

What the English

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Mistermeena@reddit

Before you do anything you need to read and understand your insurance policy. My cargo insurance is seperate from my equipment (because it was cheaper that way), so my cargo insurer wouldnt pay my tow/recovery costs or any equipment damage.

If it turns out you are under insured, youre shit out of luck and will have to cover the costs. Dont waste any more money on lawyers unless you are certain

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fleetingreturns1111@reddit

How did you even get to pay cash for the truck and trailer. I'm a year younger than you and I can't afford that.

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PhillyLee3434@reddit

Lawyer up, balls out

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Had a buddy tell me the lawyer cost is gonna be the same if not more then the tow bill

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Waxitron@reddit

Tell your buddy to shut the fuck up and get a lawyer involved

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Gilgamesh2000000@reddit

Is your buddy a lawyer? Tell your buddy to fuck off.

Now go talk to lawyers and see what they can do for you.

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mindsunwound@reddit

Instruct your lawyer to include legal fees in the settlement they are seeking, this is a civil suit, you can ask for whatever you think you are owed, whether you get it or not is at the discretion of the court.

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

I forgot to mention this happened in Boston…. (I live in Washington DC ) 7 hours away . Also finding an attorney in another state has been interesting

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PhillyLee3434@reddit

You can get plowed or do the plowing, reach out to a Lawyer for further assistance on the matter.

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Appreciate it 💯

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TruckerChet1973@reddit

Always read the insurance rider to "insure" you have the coverage you want. Companies typically give you the cheapest quote to earn your business but paying a few extra bucks can go a long way when you need it. Best of luck to you and sorry this happened.

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LilFunyunz@reddit

Ensure but yeah

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Miller8017@reddit

Nothing gets past this guy

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Thank you appreciate the response

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Top-Sheepherder-3657@reddit

Can't park there genius.

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Orthonut@reddit

Cargo insurance is separate from your general liability. Did you not have your truck and trailer insured?

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azziptac@reddit

Of course they didn't! They are a hotshot! What don't you understand? They know better than the insurance brokers. Cause they are a hotshot!

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noamgboi1@reddit

How did you end up like this, is the first question.

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HowlingWolven@reddit

Your first mistake was getting into hotshotting.

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EquipmentLow3004@reddit

You're not a fucking truck driver

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Own_Leg_5595@reddit

Before you pay the trucking company, take a good hard look at that truck and trailer. It may not be worth paying the tow bill.

You still have to get the truck and trailer off their lot and repair them both. You're probably looking at $10-20k all in.

Might make more sense to start over.

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Waisted-Desert@reddit

Sue the insurance company. They know your customer will sue them in less than a minute to get their cargo released. But they assume you will post on social media asking what to do next and eventually get a loan to pay for the tow bill yourself so they won't have to pay a dime.

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

Thank you

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the1theycallfish@reddit

This is great advice correct. Legal rhetoric is the only language they listen too and have true discourse with. Be prepared to dig in your heals if you're know you are not asking for anything beyond normal terms of the situation. Don't sign shit after you sue them and read everything.

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DoneLookin4Trouble@reddit

Looks like you need to Gita new truck

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Mr10aweek@reddit (OP)

😂

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NectarineAny4897@reddit

Without seeing your insurance contracts, no one can answer your questions.

From my chair, you sound way underinsured somehow, and mistaken on what the insurance is and is not responsible for.

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Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit

If you don't want the tow company to keep your equipment pay them and pick it up. Get a detailed/itemized bill.

The longer you wait the more it will cost, and you won't have any more leverage with them or the insurance company by leaving it there. Pick it up then dispute or sue if you actually have a legal leg to stand in.

What insurance pays for is gonna come down to fault and coverage. You may have multiple insurers or policies involved, so make sure you are speaking with all that you need to be.

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