The screw you factor of trucking

May 15, 2015 at 02:57 PM CST + 3
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. This in one way or another will directly coincide with many of the topics already posted on here. That being said heres the story. I have many dedicated customers with trucks assigned solely to them. Most of these customers like many are very adimant about verifying your operating status, insurance, and so on. I have a driver picking up a load at one of them and notices an o/o picking up there as well. I have no problem with competition as long as your playing fair. My driver ask's the other driver how did he get in here and he responded "Through a broker". Ok, all is well and done. My truck scales out and heads down the road. Because we operate frequently in Canada my trucks are all governed at 65mph. A little bit of time goes by and that o/o is knocking on my trucks back door. Now they are on a 2 lane with heavy traffic on the other side when this "Cowboy" decides to pass. As he does so going around a slight bend an oncoming vehicle appears and he swerves hard back to the right. My drver swerves to avoid the impending collision and puts the truck on it's side in the ditch. Unfortunately my driver had to be hosptalized with some very serious injuries because of this reckless moron. The truck is a total loss and managed to spill 25tons of wet alluminum shavings onto a farmers front lawn. Now heres the screw you part. I have dash cams that have a 30 second pre-manuvere recording that will play the moments leading up to any hard breaking or steering. Just before my driver was passed he warned the other driver of oncoming traffic. My driver did what he could to avoid endangering other people and is now paying the price. So now here we are trying to get this resolved and guess what? Not only did this other driver not have authority he also has no insurance to speak of. So I call my customer and ask why did they load this truck in the first place? They are constantly scrutinizing me and checking my status's. Why not this guy? I get the response that he was verified through the broker the used to fill the loads we were unable to do. Ok, So who is this broker I ask? Come to find out it's some unlicensed nobody operating out of his apartment claiming to be a bigshot company. Before anybody asks and for legality sakes I cannot give this guys name and can confirm he is no longer in businness. Now here I sit with an injured driver, wrecked truck, and a monster clean up bill as well as a lawsuit from the owner of the property where the accident occured. I have the dash cam video from the incident which is now in the hands of my insurance co as well as the police who are trying to figure out how this reckless idiot was even on the road. Luckily the law caught up with him and finds that he did not even possess a cdl. So the guys in jail, Great. But I am the one who is really getting punished here. He at best will serve a little time with his broker buddy but that doesn't heal my driver, or fix my truck, or for that matter even cover my deductibles. I do believe I will be out of this business very soon. It's just not worth it anymore. Best wishes to all, Scott

May 15, 2015 at 02:57 PM CST

+ 3

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

This in one way or another will directly coincide with many of the topics already posted on here. That being said heres the story. I have many dedicated customers with trucks assigned solely to them. Most of these customers like many are very adimant about verifying your operating status, insurance, and so on. I have a driver picking up a load at one of them and notices an o/o picking up there as well. I have no problem with competition as long as your playing fair. My driver ask's the other driver how did he get in here and he responded "Through a broker". Ok, all is well and done. My truck scales out and heads down the road. Because we operate frequently in Canada my trucks are all governed at 65mph. A little bit of time goes by and that o/o is knocking on my trucks back door. Now they are on a 2 lane with heavy traffic on the other side when this "Cowboy" decides to pass. As he does so going around a slight bend an oncoming vehicle appears and he swerves hard back to the right. My drver swerves to avoid the impending collision and puts the truck on it's side in the ditch.
Unfortunately my driver had to be hosptalized with some very serious injuries because of this reckless moron. The truck is a total loss and managed to spill 25tons of wet alluminum shavings onto a farmers front lawn. Now heres the screw you part. I have dash cams that have a 30 second pre-manuvere recording that will play the moments leading up to any hard breaking or steering. Just before my driver was passed he warned the other driver of oncoming traffic. My driver did what he could to avoid endangering other people and is now paying the price. So now here we are trying to get this resolved and guess what? Not only did this other driver not have authority he also has no insurance to speak of. So I call my customer and ask why did they load this truck in the first place? They are constantly scrutinizing me and checking my status's. Why not this guy? I get the response that he was verified through the broker the used to fill the loads we were unable to do. Ok, So who is this broker I ask? Come to find out it's some unlicensed nobody operating out of his apartment claiming to be a bigshot company. Before anybody asks and for legality sakes I cannot give this guys name and can confirm he is no longer in businness.
Now here I sit with an injured driver, wrecked truck, and a monster clean up bill as well as a lawsuit from the owner of the property where the accident occured. I have the dash cam video from the incident which is now in the hands of my insurance co as well as the police who are trying to figure out how this reckless idiot was even on the road. Luckily the law caught up with him and finds that he did not even possess a cdl. So the guys in jail, Great. But I am the one who is really getting punished here. He at best will serve a little time with his broker buddy but that doesn't heal my driver, or fix my truck, or for that matter even cover my deductibles. I do believe I will be out of this business very soon. It's just not worth it anymore. Best wishes to all,
Scott

Replied on Sat, May 16, 2015 at 09:26 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I just entered the business with three trucks and I really like it. I come from owning restaurants which can be particularly brutal. I hope you don't follow through with quitting because it seems like you manage things well, utilizing dash cameras and such. I think you'll regret it.

Replied on Sat, May 16, 2015 at 09:26 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I just entered the business with three trucks and I really like it. I come from owning restaurants which can be particularly brutal. I hope you don't follow through with quitting because it seems like you manage things well, utilizing dash cameras and such. I think you'll regret it.

Replied on Sat, May 16, 2015 at 04:45 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. That sucks Scott, hope all goes well with the healing process of your driver, and the repairs if you can of the equipment. The only positive I see of this is that you are a legal carrier and have your insurances in place, the law is actually taking care of the situation somewhat, and your driver did the right thing by not getting tangled up with another individual. Thanks for the information about your situation, I have been discussing with my guys about putting dash cams on to protect us all. Now I am not getting the ones that look both ways. Don't throw the towel in just yet, I believe that you are stubborn enough like me that you will make it work. We just have to ride it out until the ragbags are gone. Then we all know that when things get fat and sassy there will be a new wave of ragbags that will be back again. Real businessmen know that is how the cycle works and just adapt and overcome. Keep your head held high and just keep on truckin. Good luck to you and your men.

Replied on Sat, May 16, 2015 at 04:45 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

That sucks Scott, hope all goes well with the healing process of your driver, and the repairs if you can of the equipment. The only positive I see of this is that you are a legal carrier and have your insurances in place, the law is actually taking care of the situation somewhat, and your driver did the right thing by not getting tangled up with another individual. Thanks for the information about your situation, I have been discussing with my guys about putting dash cams on to protect us all. Now I am not getting the ones that look both ways. Don't throw the towel in just yet, I believe that you are stubborn enough like me that you will make it work. We just have to ride it out until the ragbags are gone. Then we all know that when things get fat and sassy there will be a new wave of ragbags that will be back again. Real businessmen know that is how the cycle works and just adapt and overcome. Keep your head held high and just keep on truckin. Good luck to you and your men.

Replied on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 09:48 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Happens every day in every type of business. You think a company from Canada's insurance is going to cover anything in the US doubtful. Better yet all municipal & goverment trucks are self insured. Guess what your screwed if one of them hits you or runs you off the road. Your insurance winds up paying for your damage. Best bet would of been if your driver forced the other truck off the road. I know that's not right but that's what the world is turning into. Hope your driver is ok.

Replied on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 09:48 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Happens every day in every type of business. You think a company from Canada's insurance is going to cover anything in the US doubtful. Better yet all municipal & goverment trucks are self insured. Guess what your screwed if one of them hits you or runs you off the road. Your insurance winds up paying for your damage.

Best bet would of been if your driver forced the other truck off the road. I know that's not right but that's what the world is turning into.

Hope your driver is ok.

Replied on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 11:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Scott, I hope you and your people recover. I personally had a wreck in Sept in Tx. It was not my fault. A horse entered a 4 lane divided highway. Nothing I could do. My Insurance looks like they will recover their loss, but it is doubtful I will get anything for my loss. It all but put me out of business. It is just one of many things that is in the loss column. Like you am at a point of why bother. Drivers are so scarce and there is so little loyalty in this business. I wish that I could stay busy with the good people like Duane, Tommy Wilhelm, Josh Taylor, Brent West, but they do the best they can and that is ALL I can ask. To bad there aren't more brokers with the same moral values and appreciation for the truck owner. All I can tell you is hang in there. I hope that at some point it will pay off. We have worked so hard to have something to give our son and he HAS done his part too. Art Pfluger

Replied on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 11:47 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Scott,
I hope you and your people recover. I personally had a wreck in Sept in Tx. It was not my fault. A horse entered a 4 lane divided highway. Nothing I could do. My Insurance looks like they will recover their loss, but it is doubtful I will get anything for my loss. It all but put me out of business. It is just one of many things that is in the loss column. Like you am at a point of why bother. Drivers are so scarce and there is so little loyalty in this business. I wish that I could stay busy with the good people like Duane, Tommy Wilhelm, Josh Taylor, Brent West, but they do the best they can and that is ALL I can ask. To bad there aren't more brokers with the same moral values and appreciation for the truck owner.
All I can tell you is hang in there. I hope that at some point it will pay off. We have worked so hard to have something to give our son and he HAS done his part too.

Art Pfluger

Replied on Tue, May 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Hi All, I'm sorry to hear about these unfortunate sitatuations. I hope all are able to recover and continue on. This business is tough and you are so right about the cut throat nature and cutting corners that happens on all sides of the fence. I just wanted to let you know, while you are right about ethical brokers being scarce, there are some of us who truly try to operate with integrity and care about our carriers just as much as customers. I have a couple of carriers who haul with us, who I help find loads when they are having a hard time moving their trucks. This doesn't have any direct financial gain for me and actually takes time out of my day, matching carriers with other brokers loads. However, I know that these guys will come through for me in a heartbeat if the shoe is on the other foot and that is incredibly valuable to me. It's tough to be forthright in this business. There are many factors that make it tough to keep everybody happy, but there are a few of us who strive to every day. I operate with total transparency with my customers and carriers. I too am frustrated by the sea of bad apples that turn quality carriers off from working with us because of the bad experiences they have had. I want those trucks on my loads. You guys are the face of my hard work and I would rather keep your trucks rolling any day than some unreliable unexperienced yahoo. And trust me, brokers get the crap end of the stick from those types too! I see you carriers as the glue that holds this whole thing together. So, just know, we all get screwed by the unethical scum that heavily weighs on this industry, but those of us who work hard to keep the business honest are the shining lights in a murky sea. I appreciate the pride you take in your work and would do business with you any time. I see these posts regularly about brokers and the disdain a lot of you feel towards us. I share in your sentiment frequently! But, just remember there are a few good ones out there. :)

Replied on Tue, May 19, 2015 at 10:22 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Hi All,

I'm sorry to hear about these unfortunate sitatuations. I hope all are able to recover and continue on. This business is tough and you are so right about the cut throat nature and cutting corners that happens on all sides of the fence. I just wanted to let you know, while you are right about ethical brokers being scarce, there are some of us who truly try to operate with integrity and care about our carriers just as much as customers. I have a couple of carriers who haul with us, who I help find loads when they are having a hard time moving their trucks. This doesn't have any direct financial gain for me and actually takes time out of my day, matching carriers with other brokers loads. However, I know that these guys will come through for me in a heartbeat if the shoe is on the other foot and that is incredibly valuable to me. It's tough to be forthright in this business. There are many factors that make it tough to keep everybody happy, but there are a few of us who strive to every day.

I operate with total transparency with my customers and carriers. I too am frustrated by the sea of bad apples that turn quality carriers off from working with us because of the bad experiences they have had. I want those trucks on my loads. You guys are the face of my hard work and I would rather keep your trucks rolling any day than some unreliable unexperienced yahoo. And trust me, brokers get the crap end of the stick from those types too! I see you carriers as the glue that holds this whole thing together. So, just know, we all get screwed by the unethical scum that heavily weighs on this industry, but those of us who work hard to keep the business honest are the shining lights in a murky sea. I appreciate the pride you take in your work and would do business with you any time. I see these posts regularly about brokers and the disdain a lot of you feel towards us. I share in your sentiment frequently! But, just remember there are a few good ones out there.

:)

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 07:26 AM CST + 2
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thank you guys for your support during these trying times. I wish I could have responded sooner but I have been very busy dealing with all of this. My end decision is not to get out of this business but work hard to make it safer for all of us. I am giving my crew the week off for the holiday and to also give everyone some time to reflect. Sadly enough my driver did not make it dou to a rib through the lung. So in his honor I am implementing a new safety program in his name. This will consist of a defensive driving program for all of my employees and myself. More rigorous training on the equipment and more screening on potential as well as current drivers. I will keep everyone posted as to how things go throughout the process and if there are things that work and don't work. Thank you again for your support, Scott

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 07:26 AM CST

+ 2

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Thank you guys for your support during these trying times. I wish I could have responded sooner but I have been very busy dealing with all of this. My end decision is not to get out of this business but work hard to make it safer for all of us. I am giving my crew the week off for the holiday and to also give everyone some time to reflect. Sadly enough my driver did not make it dou to a rib through the lung. So in his honor I am implementing a new safety program in his name. This will consist of a defensive driving program for all of my employees and myself. More rigorous training on the equipment and more screening on potential as well as current drivers. I will keep everyone posted as to how things go throughout the process and if there are things that work and don't work. Thank you again for your support,
Scott

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 07:40 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Condolences to you and the driver's family. May God bless and keep you all through this time of loss.

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 07:40 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Condolences to you and the driver's family. May God bless and keep you all through this time of loss.

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:05 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I think I would consider going after shipper, who should have Liability for the Broker & the other Trucker! I would also ask what your Drivers options are also?

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:05 AM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I think I would consider going after shipper, who should have Liability for the Broker & the other Trucker! I would also ask what your Drivers options are also?

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:11 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. My condolences to the Family & to you! Hope the Law will change the charges & go after all involved! Also continue with a law suite against all! They would all sue you if they could! i have been in Business for 42 years, 2 fatalities, many lawsuits, most of them friviolous! There are only 2 things that can put you out of Business! INSURANCE & LAWSUITS??

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:11 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

My condolences to the Family & to you! Hope the Law will change the charges & go after all involved! Also continue with a law suite against all! They would all sue you if they could!
i have been in Business for 42 years, 2 fatalities, many lawsuits, most of them friviolous! There are only 2 things that can put you out of Business!
INSURANCE & LAWSUITS??

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:24 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Great reply, & Thank You! i agree with everything you said! Not all are bad but, lately seems to be more bad than good! Most of my dealings have been with brokers who were brokering oilfield products! They were alway trying to take to much, always hard to communicate with, & mostly Rude in general! We as truckers have all the MONEY invested, all the LIABILITY, & have to deal with all the Rules, Regulations, Documentation, & try to make a living! All Brokers have are computers & phones!

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 11:24 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Great reply, & Thank You!

i agree with everything you said! Not all are bad but, lately seems to be more bad than good! Most of my dealings have been with brokers who were brokering oilfield products! They were alway trying to take to much, always hard to communicate with, & mostly Rude in general! We as truckers have all the MONEY invested, all the LIABILITY, & have to deal with all the Rules, Regulations, Documentation, & try to make a living! All Brokers have are computers & phones!

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 02:33 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. If these shippers would quit dealing with these brokers and deal directly with the carriers they woul know who is hauling there loads and if they are legal or not. I see loads posted on here from other trucking companies that took the loads from shippers or other brokers and couldn't cover them with there own trucks so they broker them out. Got love double brokering.

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 02:33 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

If these shippers would quit dealing with these brokers and deal directly with the carriers they woul know who is hauling there loads and if they are legal or not. I see loads posted on here from other trucking companies that took the loads from shippers or other brokers and couldn't cover them with there own trucks so they broker them out. Got love double brokering.

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 03:12 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thought that was illegal if not bonded & registered to broker loads! Any how, I own 50 trucks, 3 owner operators, do all my own sales, contacts, & refuse to deal with BrokersI I don't take loads I can't cover, don't broker loads, & will only contact another carrier for referral as per customer!

Replied on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 03:12 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Thought that was illegal if not bonded & registered to broker loads!
Any how, I own 50 trucks, 3 owner operators, do all my own sales, contacts, & refuse to deal with BrokersI I don't take loads I can't cover, don't broker loads, & will only contact another carrier for referral as per customer!

Replied on Tue, Jun 02, 2015 at 02:44 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I would go after the o/o,broker and shipper untill someone came across with some money to help pay for all this. Sorry to hear about your driver.

Replied on Tue, Jun 02, 2015 at 02:44 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I would go after the o/o,broker and shipper untill someone came across with some money to help pay for all this.

Sorry to hear about your driver.