I'm Not Doing Your Job For You

Published on June 6, 2006 By MasonM In Blogging

When I arrived at my delivery point today in Ocala to deliver two back hoes I did my routine and detached the front of the trailer and removed all of the chains and straps so they could be driven off the trailer. About the time I had it all ready the guy came over and pointed to an area and said "Just park them over there."

I informed him that he would need to drive them off and he could park them wherever he liked. A heated discussion ensued during which I pointed out :

A) It's his equipment and it's up to him to drive them off.

I'm a truck driver not a heavy equipment operator.

C) It's against Federal law to try and force a driver to do the unloading and I have the Federal Marshal's office on speed dial (I do actually).

D) I wasn't assuming any responsibility for equipment damage during unloading, that's on him as it's his stuff.

E) If he didn't get them off of my trailer I'd just take them back where I got them and he would get them again when they found someone else willing to bring them down to Florida. (It's hard finding anyone willing to do so as it's tough finding specialzed freight back out again)

He was pissed off but he got them off of my trailer. He also informed me that he didn't want me coming back. I told him that was fine by me as I don't enjoy dealing with assholes anyway and I left with a "Have a nice day, asshole."

Comments

Locamama

on Jun 06, 2006

This guy is probably just used to getting his way and doesn't know what to think when someone stand up to him. Good for you standing your ground. It doesn't seem like you're hurting for business so if he doesn't want to deal with you again, oh well. So now do you head home?

MasonM

on Jun 06, 2006

#1 by Locamama
Tue, June 06, 2006 8:34 PM

[Locamama]
This guy is probably just used to getting his way and doesn't know what to think when someone stand up to him. Good for you standing your ground. It doesn't seem like you're hurting for business so if he doesn't want to deal with you again, oh well. So now do you head home?

Yeah, too many drivers just do things like that to avoid hassles. I guess I'm just hard-headed.

I'm home now, and happy for it.

Dr Guy

on Jun 07, 2006

Actually, it is not up to him if he sees you again as neither you, his supplier, or your boss work for him. I would love it if you get another order for him!

And I call what you had "Righteous Indignation". Getting hot when you KNOW you are right!

MasonM

on Jun 07, 2006

This is something that has been a problem in the trucking industry for years. Some shippers, receivers, and even trucking companies view the drivers as slave labor and expect them to do the loading and unloading.

There are laws against this sort of thing but they aren't enforced and far too many drivers just do it. Not me.

Some trucking companies get around the law by paying the driver a small amount, something like $25 or $30 to do it, when they'll pay a lumper service (unloading service) $150 or more to unload the same freight.

My pat answer is simple. CDL doesn't stand for Combination Driver Lumper. I drive the rig, I don't load/unload freight. Not my job.

foreverserenity

on Jun 08, 2006

I'm glad you stood up for yourself M. Doc's right, he's probably used to getting the other driversto do stuff for him. Stuff he knows they're not supposed to be doing.

Yeah for knowing your rights and standing your ground!

It definately would be funny (amusing) to see the look on his face if you had to deliver something for him again. Especially as you said not too many drivers come out his way!

Enjoy your time at home!

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