Just started my career and may have already ended FML
Posted by Orikshekor@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 159 comments
Hey so I just got my CDL a few weeks ago and started local training (2 weeks local and then 2 weeks OTR) at a carrier in Mt. Airy NC, all has been well for about a weeks and a half but upon returning to the yard today the tail end of my trailer knicked a parked cars front bumper and it popped off like a bottle cap and I was immediately fired.
My question is what do I do now? This is going on my record and I just feel like I’m fucked, any wisdom or criticism is welcome, you could shoot me if you want I’d welcome it at this point.
danDotDev@reddit
Check your DAC report. If you're local, there's a good chance your company doesnt use it, so your accident may never show up on a background report.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I called today to verify and yes it’s going on my Hireright no ticket so no mvr hit but yes it’s going on my report
External_Result_8560@reddit
Apply to jobs asap before it hits your record
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Yea already doing that
homucifer666@reddit
Just so you know, even if someone hires you before it hits your record, they will find out even if you don't disclose it, and if you try to hide it they'll almost certainly fire you for omission when they do.
I personally knew a guy who had two accidents with Swift before trying to switch companies. He was three days into orientation before he got caught and sent home on the ol' Greyhound at his expense.
Middle-Fix-45n@reddit
If it was on private property does it count?
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Well fuck
Migistat@reddit
Tbh it depends on the company. Ik someone with multiple accidents and none on their record.
danDotDev@reddit
Yeah, not all companies report to DAC.
Fellthefox@reddit
Love swift but I've watched them wait until the very last day of training to fire you so they can still collect the full tuition lol
Tractorista@reddit
Collect it from who? Aren’t they paying for it?
Fellthefox@reddit
No, it's roughly 8000 or so. You pay it off by working for them for two years. If you take the class all the way through, you're liable for the full payment
PlymouthSea@reddit
Wasn't there some legislation that went into effect this year about that very topic? Maybe it's just my state.
Singledad247@reddit
Sorry just curious, swift really changes 8k! (Got my training done for 3k) 8k sounds super steep, and IDK if a CDL is even worth paying 8k for now!
driver004@reddit
I got a factory to pay for mine, now I was going to pay them off the pro rated amount I owed when I quit but I got lucky.
Day came to outprocess me the office was chaos for some reason, I was told to wait and they’ll get to me. I was such a sport I waited until 6 PM before saying fuck it it’s more their problem than mine at this point.
2 years later I needed some paperwork from them and found out that while I was removed from the dispatch board, I was never removed from the company rolls so technically so far as the contract was concerned I had been employed and thus owed nothing
Singledad247@reddit
Damn 8k? I
TypicalOcelot7933@reddit
Is that true with other companies? If you are a few weeks in and are sent home because you can't back properly, are you still on the hook for the full amount?
Fellthefox@reddit
I don't know about other companies tbh, I assume all the megas that train new drivers are like this. Prevents you from getting a CDL for free and then immediately jumping ship.
I think they gave us like 3 or 4 days after starting the school to really decide if this is the right job for you. After that day it was like 4000 or close to it. Final day was 8000.
Idk I haven't read a single contract since working here, I just sign what ever they hand me lmao
TypicalOcelot7933@reddit
I'll probably do the same
Tractorista@reddit
Damn that is low down 😂
External_Result_8560@reddit
Good luck brother. Don’t let it shake your confidence. Try to slow everything down next time and triple check if you have to
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thanks man
truckensafely@reddit
Start applying for more jobs & see what happens. Don’t mention your past accident because it happened on private property. Just say you still out of driving school & was taking some time off to chill. Good luck & don’t forget to get out & look(GOAL)
Exciting_Anybody_478@reddit
Yes. Just saw your looking for a better fit
astrobuc@reddit
And maybe a shorter trailer.
quackl11@reddit
Ever consider a uhaul?
driver004@reddit
Best I can do is a red ryder
Snookfilet@reddit
You’ll shoot your eye out kid.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
💀
Fibrosis5O@reddit
Reminds me of Good Burger
“Are you a good driver?”
“Absolutely!”
“Do you have any past driving accidents?”
“None that you’re aware of!”
RelativeSufficient70@reddit
Go to Swift you might still be able to get hired
SmokeLikeDawson@reddit
Tell you one better. Go to Fastenal. Find a DC, you'll get hired at way better pay and be in your own bed during the week better regional routes.
25_Unknown_Devices@reddit
Tell the next job you went though the process and heard a bunch of horror stories about the company during orientation so you decided to bail and try someone else
HipKat2000@reddit
What shocks me the most about Trucking today is reading how easily you guys get fired. Granted, pulling a bumper off is not a good thing, but that wouldn't have gotten you fired in my day.
DennisReynoldsGG@reddit
There’s lots of drivers these days competing. They peddled that driver shortage story for a long time. They got what they wanted. They don’t have to pay as much and can keep their insurance rates down by just firing anyone with anything on their record.
HipKat2000@reddit
That's just sad. I keep feeling the itch to come back (I only ever worked for smaller companies and would try to do the same) but this sub constantly reminds me why the trucking I knew isn't the trucking of today
Vertx11@reddit
It's a vastly different experience for me. 15 years driving experience no drugs, no accidents, no tickets. Tanker, haz, doubles/triples endorsement with TWIC. Mostly fuel and haz waste experience. People with experience get hired at companies that treat drivers with respect. The companies dont want to lose us. These young guys have let these big carriers flip the script on them. Having cdls used to mean something. It still does, the younger generation of drivers need to start acting like fucking truck drivers again.
Wolfire0769@reddit
The ones running the companies are just dumb as fuck.
You're paying for the employee to learn a lesson, so let's fire them and hire someone else to do it all over again. Unless they're constantly fucking up, it's literally throwing away money and letting another company benefit from the lesson.
ThellraAK@reddit
Did things change in the last 15 years?
OP paid them to learn to drive the truck, either directly or through a loan.
They'll get there whether he's driving for them or not.
Wolfire0769@reddit
"Paying for an employee to learn a lesson" in this case was the cost to the company from the accidental damage by the employee.
Driving a truck is a skilled trade and, just like all of the other trades, fuck ups are going to happen.
driver004@reddit
Not getting that vibe, every company puts a driver in ‘trainee’ status as a new hire. Even if they put them through trucker school being able to chase any associated debt from this incident is pretty dubious after summery termination
HipKat2000@reddit
It sounds like they manage their companies by fear of their Insurance companies instead of by common sense and the realization that even the best drivers can have something happen. No one is perfect.
PlymouthSea@reddit
Insurance companies are going to cause the next economy implosion.
Wolfire0769@reddit
And in OP's case there really isn't any reason to make an insurance claim for popping a fascia off of a car. The same people running shit are the same ones that would make an insurance claim for a stone chip in the siding of their house.
Insurance is for the big fuck ups. Everything else is just the cost of doing business.
Tru3insanity@reddit
Its tough when you make a mistake that early because you dont have an established service record so they dont really have any positives to balance it with.
Its easy to get new trainees but much harder to get quality drivers. If they had made the mistake later on, they probably wouldve been given more grace with a solid record.
adidaman@reddit
If you hire an accountant and 2 weeks into the job they massively screw up and your company loses thousands of dollars, what do you do? You fire them. Trucking isn't different because we drive 2 trucks. I wouldn't want someone driving a truck i owned that gets into an accident two weeks into training
UrbanGhost114@reddit
These are not comparable scenarios, try again.
adidaman@reddit
They aren't though. You guys just think we "have" to screw up because we drive big trucks and it should be ignored. I've never agreed with that. An accident is an accident
BoringJuiceBox@reddit
A minor accident is not a major accident. Drivers learn from these experiences.
Actual_Handle_3@reddit
For a guy who has been there for a year, maybe not, a guy in his second week, yeah, I'd bet on nearly everybody firing him
pm_me_ur_demotape@reddit
I don't think it would most of the time now either. If they were still in training they probably had a real short leash.
HipKat2000@reddit
That's a good point
driver004@reddit
Yeah that’s real easy to do. Still bad but pretty minor so far as fuck ups go
jawsytown@reddit
Did it myself a few weeks back. About 2 months into driving
madtowntripper@reddit
And you know (well, you hope) that he won't make THAT mistake again.
Upbeat-Interview8554@reddit
That bumper hit got him characterized negatively real quick. It was too soon for him to get away with it as a learning experience. Priced himself out insurance wise too
ikillsheep4u@reddit
It’s all about insurance drivers with an at fault skyrocket the price
SuperPen4066@reddit
Plus lawyers legend has it they get their before the cops do.
HipKat2000@reddit
Fucking Insurance companies are greedy and evil as hell
Exnoss69@reddit
I would just say im fresh out of school still looking for a job. You dont have any real experience anyways. One week is not going to make u look any different so might aswell omit the accident and say youre still just looking for a job. Good luck
Defiant_Network_3069@reddit
AJ Transportation in South Boston VA is looking for drivers. They do Dump Truck, End Dump, Propane, Liquid Asphalt and Pneumatic.
Never hurts to make a call. They run all over VA, SC and NC.
Unfair_Fisherman_605@reddit
Pneumatic is where it’s at. I love the construction side of the house.
No_Tangerine_31@reddit
It’s not over for you. I did the same thing in the beginning. I’m still driving today
Old-Wolf-1024@reddit
Punt
garr0510@reddit
Hit a parked car clipped a gutter rear ended a mustang at a stop light thought it turned green light roll forward. Knocked over a wall that was already falling apart. Take a pee test and alcohol test write a little report draw a picture of the scene watch a safety video and go on about my day. Guess if Noone got hurt my company don't care to much. Good old food service will hire you.
PlymouthSea@reddit
Maybe not US Foods. Couldn't get them to hire me. And I had commercial experience prior to getting a Class A.
Row30@reddit
Drive the trailer and these things wouldn’t happen
Just-a-COUNTRY-guy66@reddit
It’s not an all end incident. Understand that things happen and we get in a rush sometimes. That is not good. Could it possibly be that the car belong to the head of safety and that’s why they were quick to can you? My best suggestion is remember to slow down. That could’ve been a person. Always remember when you think you know everything it’s time to step away because you become dangerous. You should be growing everyday.
TaperingRanger9@reddit
Just go work for a mega carrier. They'll hire anyone with a pulse
navlgazer9@reddit
It’s the craziest industry
No way a plumber or even a school bus driver would get fired for a minor fender bender in a private parking lot ,
Place i work at has a few dozen pickup trucks the employees sign out and use on jobs and no one has gotten fired for a minor accident bumping into a stationary object on private property
I have seen people have issues because they got too many tickets either in a company pickup or their own private vehicle off the clock Two tickets in two years is an issue And will prevent you from being able to use a vehicle on the clock , you won’t even be able to use your own vehicle on the clock .
The company won’t fire them but you get transferred to a position that’s 100% administrative that never leaves the office on the clock .
huuke@reddit
Don’t give up!!! Shit happens. If it’s a big company, they maybe didn’t necessarily “want “ to fire you but had to because of their insurance company. Start looking and be honest about what happened. Any lie at this point will work against you
Snappypants9@reddit
Most Everybody hits a few things at first - hope you find a job - they dumb for letting u go
xahabx@reddit
If it was not a reportable dot accident, no police report filed) I wouldn’t worry THAT much abt it
WubbaWubbaBoingBoing@reddit
i would apply for some jobs, accident happened on private property? was there a police report? did you receive a citation? Getting fired right away if you didnt get a citation from law enforcement and no police report then its on their insurance. so with that, i would be honest about it when you apply at other companies. show remorse when you do, also learn from this mistake. learn to look, learn to watch your mirrors as some have tandems to far forward making a kick swing with the trailer. to be honest shit happens sometimes. its how you get back up that counts. people telling you not to mention the accident, well i wouldnt listen to them. as that will be on the unspoken record.
Busy-Purple-3779@reddit
Was a police report filed? Maybe it won’t go on your record.
lItsAutomaticl@reddit
He said it happened at his home lot. IDK why they'd get the police involved over their own truck doing minor damage to their own employee's vehicle, seems like it would hurt their company's driving record.
I also don't know why he'd get canned immediately, either he hit the wrong guy's car, or the boss felt like flexing that day.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Idk I’m sure I’ll hear more tomorrow when the office comes back in
Busy-Purple-3779@reddit
Well didn’t police come when you had the accident?
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Safety manager sent me on my way quickly so I don’t really know for sure
Busy-Purple-3779@reddit
Well how do you know if you’re fired? Are you assuming you’re fired? It’s one incident.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I was told I was fired by the safety manager and asked to turn in my logbook, vest, padlock etc, I’m pretty fucking fired brother
Busy-Purple-3779@reddit
I understand. I suppose different companies operate differently. But I’ve never known a safety manager to have the authority to fire someone. That’s odd to me. Their job is to investigate accidents. Give meetings on safety etc. They don’t typically fire people. Again, different companies different ways of operating.
But again, if a police report was filed then you could very well be in the clear
azmodan72@reddit
My company. The safety manger has firing power and no one, not even the terminal manager has a say in it. I was told this directly from my terminal manager.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Killer
CMDR_Joe_Plague@reddit
Western express will take anyone
keepmecoming@reddit
Did it hit the cars of one the employees at your work did they file a police report or handle it in house?
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
It happened on the yard pulling at the end of the day, seems like in house, the safety manager just slapped me on the ass and said to turn in my shit so I left
dontdoxmebro2@reddit
There’s hope for some shakedown cash if he literally slapped your ass.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Naw, he’s very overweight and has a torn rotator cuff
lottanadatosay@reddit
It won’t hit your record if you didn’t get a ticket. Stays with the carrier. Move on to a new gig, but don’t stand around waiting
CurrentSummer1136@reddit
Ah the classic driver to male lot lizard pipeline.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I’m just another statistic 🥲
Arnhildr-Fang@reddit
XD that's not a career ender...3mo into driving i fucked up a gate, got stuck in a field, & scraped a trailer all within a month of eachother. Im still with Schneider for 2.5yrs, most they did was pull me in for maneuver training. Fucked up getting my 1st driving 2 tickets in my career (at all actually) this year, but they said just keep it to a minimum & theres no prob.
Youre a newbie, it happens, you gotta crack eggs to make an omelet. You gotta fuck up to learn how to NOT fuck up. That company was just so paranoid on a "perfect image" that they think canning you wipes their hands (it doesn't though, canning you does not alter their CSA score). Find a mega like Schneider, Pam, Swift, Ego...well...maybe not Ego...and get back out there! Even if you ditch after 2yrs, that'll give you the exp most smaller or more "esteemed" companies want. Sure, most megas give smaller pay...but the benefits, experience, professionalism, and the fact they treat you like a human is a helluva lot better
Own_Opportunity8699@reddit
Solid advice! I hope you have a good day bud
Arnhildr-Fang@reddit
You as well
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thanks brother
Arnhildr-Fang@reddit
Np man, stay safe!
FightingFlaresandNF2@reddit
Did they make you go see an OSR on GA or NC?
Arnhildr-Fang@reddit
It was the one in TX its wanna say if my memory is right
Brightone13@reddit
Western
NotMeUsee@reddit
Nobody will care. I've done this is no big deal. Shit happens.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thank ya
RelativeSufficient70@reddit
How fast were you going ? 😨
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
12-15 caught the bumper with the very end of the Mansfield bar and it popped off
Much_Distribution635@reddit
Next time watch your mirrors and know your surroundings. This was completely reckless.
Ancient_Cucumber2573@reddit
His tail swing hit a car he didn’t just ram into I’ve seen it happen to a lot of drivers in Philly,Pittsburg and NYC maybe his yard is tight
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thanks captain obvious
Much_Distribution635@reddit
Nah seriously wtf were you thinking? You had to have known where you were and there were parked cars nearby. Maybe you should think of another profession.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I was swinging in wide since our empties are parked in the middle of the yard, full at the back and I swing just a tad bit too wide and my tail swung and hit the front bumper of a car parked along the side of the entrance
Much_Distribution635@reddit
I bet you were going too fast and didn't even look in the mirror to see where your trailer was going.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Are you rage baiting? I feel like this is a bot I’m speaking to
Much_Distribution635@reddit
I'm real as fuck sorry you can't handle the truth
lord_nuker@reddit
Shit happens, it shouldn’t but it does. What’s shocking to me as an European is how fast you guys are fired over pity small change stuff. Not to mention your lack of privacy regarding tickets and so on. Yes, I have been fired once my self, but that was after I hit the top of my Volvo FH in the garage wall (a long and dumb story on both sides). I have also had some small accidents, but nothing worth firing me over.
And if I get a speeding ticket, not wearing seatbelts, phone use etc etc, my boss would never be notified about, only department that would notify him is our dmv equivalent if we are stopped at the weight station and you are taken out for an more detailed inspection. Then they will get a report and if something is wrong, a 30 day timeframe to fix it unless it affects the road safety like brakes and tires.
all-in-boy69@reddit
Don’t be a dick Shit happens and sounds like it’s gonna all be taken care of in house so no telling your next employer and no one will know
TinkerTasker22@reddit
A popped bumper when your new, I know drivers who did way worse. Should have just been a preventable on your dac report.
Washedhockeyguy@reddit
You’ll get another job but I would recommend going to Swift or another mega for atleast 6 months. They’ll hire anyone and then you can show employers that you are a safe driver and you can hold down a job
Brightone13@reddit
Western Express no problem don't give up
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Right on, done
Current_Director9157@reddit
Did they by chance fire the trainer too?
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Nah, wouldn’t want them to either, he was a good trainer and a cool dude, hate it ended this way
Current_Director9157@reddit
I just asked because he should have been watching what you were doing and said something.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
He did but it was too late for me 😭
Ancient_Cucumber2573@reddit
The only way that gets you fired is if the car is a million dollars or something no way companies are firing new hires for hitting a riced out Honda fuck that company go somewhere else.
Neither_Profile9260@reddit
Lmao I remember taking out a street pole on my first solo run for Schnieder up in Syracuse ny, 2 months after I started my first day of training, I remember sitting in the truck waiting for police to finish the report thinking I’d Neva get a job again
Don’t worry at all ull be fine, try not to do it again obviously
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thank ye
Ancient_Cucumber2573@reddit
Okay so you have less then 1 month experience and were fired for hitting a parked car damn that company sucks your gonna make mistakes they should expect you to even then our company had a guy with 2 years experience hit a and drag a parked car in Philly he wasn’t fired he said safety didn’t even care cause car wasn’t moving just parked but maybe cause those areas were not truck friendly.
KITAMI_@reddit
Hit up TMC Transportation
dustin_257@reddit
i’ve backed into a parked truck before and the next month landed a job. just keep trying you’ll find someone to take you and make sure you don’t get into anymore trouble lol. swing wide driver and goal!!! good luck
Numerous_Anybody181@reddit
You’ll be fine, brother! Keep a pozitive mindset, pay attention, don’t be discouraged. It’s not the end of the world, you’ll get through this! I did mistakes in my first year, but my company didn’t fired me. I was eager to make it and worked my ass off, but that was my story.
azmodan72@reddit
Happened in the yard. It’s prolly not reported.
Kenworthsteve@reddit
Try mcelroy truck lines Cuba al. Flatbed. It sounds like you are central nc. I'm Asheville. I started with mcelroy. They are a good training outfit with a location in ne nc, Pine Hill or something like that.
Personally, id tell the recruiter AFTER the initial interview about your accident. Since it's on personal property and the cops are not involved MAYBE it won't go on your record and you could play dumb, but tell the recruiter once they know you otherwise are qualified.
Appropriate_Gur_6642@reddit
McElroy didn’t hire me because I scraped a car backing out of a spot in my car when I was 19.
datdudeuheardof@reddit
Yep you gotta be real careful when making turns with cars beside you if you have the tandems all the way forward. I accidentally did this one time making a right turn when a truck was on the road line right beside me at a red light, basically in my lane. It folded his side mirror backwards, he ended up saying it wasn't bad enough to call the police or get my information luckily barely put a scratch on it. Pull up and swing wide as far as possible when making turns with people beside you. You can still get a job at places like TransAM or May Trucking Company, both of them hire people with stuff like this on their driving record. I'm sure there are more companies that will take you as well.
Bergamoted@reddit
Central
Dungeon_Beard@reddit
I hit a parked truck in a truck stop parking lot my second day out solo. Didn’t get fired, even though I fully expected to. It’s not a career ender.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Sounds like a nice place
Dungeon_Beard@reddit
TMC. Look into it if you’re interested in the flatbed life.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Yea I’ve heard that’s a good company Trucker marine corps and all
OptimusShepherd@reddit
You might not even be fired, man, that safety guy isn't the boss. Most companies i've ever worked the safety guy is just some goofball, that doesn't anything how about what's really going on. He might get in trouble from the actual boss for sending you home for all you know. I would probably call them tomorrow and see what's actually going on.Maybe you're all right.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Definitely calling first thing
No_Inflation7432@reddit
Was a trainer in the truck with you?
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Yes
nosjitbro@reddit
Totally agree with the responses saying dont even mention it. This basically doesnt exist. Apply anywhere if they ask, youve just been taking your time to sign on with someone. Use the experience as a learning lesson to watch that tailswing and fuck that company for firing you.
Tripalicious@reddit
Go to Western Express. That seems to be the common advice on this sub
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I’ll check it out man
Usual-Guarantee6346@reddit
Try other places first western is a last resort
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Noted
Clean-Raspberry-3827@reddit
Well, the first thing you have to understand is shit happens and what’s done is done no use in crying or spill milk. Just learn and move forward but I doubt they’re gonna fire you for that if it’s a starter company, they’re usually pretty reasonable mainly because they need the drivers and they put an investment in you if you got your license to them we all make mistakes in the beginning, but it’s learning from them that make you a good driver. I wish you the best of luck and know that we’re all hoping good things for you.
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thank you
narrdarr@reddit
Hold up. Are you even being terminated?
Odd-Unit8712@reddit
You're new . Apply dont say anything unless they ask you about it . Learn from this .
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
Thank you
Odd-Unit8712@reddit
It will get better
chico-dust@reddit
I understand the anxiety, uncertainty, and pessimism after all it was a preventable accident but it won't "ruin your career" so you can relax a little.
Rookies are expected to fuck up, not always involving a PV but assuming the version of events you're giving us is accurate you can (and should) apply to more companies and just be honest since they're going to see your MVR anyways.
It could be a while before you find something but am accident won't bar you from trucking. If that were the case half the industry would be unemployed cause these mfrs can't drive to save their lives.
mason2393@reddit
Damn sorry to hear that. Kinda surprised they fired you on the spot for that.
rcbrown527@reddit
Never lie. You new it happens
Orikshekor@reddit (OP)
I may have applied to a few places and done essentially that 😬
Redsoxdragon@reddit
Just apply to new jobs. You're not done. It's an accident and it's expected from greens. It's just gonna be harder to find jobs for a bit. It's not like you hit a bridge or got caught texting. It's a shit Galena
Apply to some megas, stay clean, and I'm a couple if years this is gonna be a nonissue. Just use better judgement on the future kid
Exciting_Anybody_478@reddit
Look for another job asap