Companies that fine drivers

[davekc]

This is more of a question I haven't seen and wasn't aware that some carriers are engaging in this practice.

I am seeing posts relating to carriers that are fining drivers for a "clock" violation.
Or someone mentioned not putting a run number on a bill.
If paperwork was delayed from driver, does that constitute a "fine"? What about a carrier that is late paying the driver? Does said carrier pay a fine to the driver?

Apparently I have been in the dark. Is this a common practice? I would be curious as to what idiots that are running a company that thinks this is a good management tool or practice? Actually, it is pretty pathetic if this is going on.

 

[scottm4211]

If it is happening, and wasn't showing in the lease contract between carrier and owner, then shame on both sides.

 

[davekc]

Shouldn't have this kind of garbage in any lease.

 

[scottm4211]

I agree. My point is that all policies should be clearly spelled out.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

If those kind of conditions are in the contract, there are enough other carriers to chose from...just the fact they have these conditions to begin with would be a no go for me...

 

[zorry]

I once asked Terry if I got a bonus for getting a CVSA sticker. He said "Yeah,we let you keep your job." A company that fines must know they're not good enough to attract top quality drivers so they'll hire less desirable prospects and force them to improve.
I wouldn't work for a company that fines. They've sunk to such a low level I'd say the hand writings on the wall already.

 

[CharlesD]

I'm not defending the practice and we don't do it ourselves, but if you've dealt with some of the drivers out there you would understand where the desire comes from. A carrier can be docked pay for all manner of reasons, some of which could be the fault of the driver, and most of the time the carrier just absorbs the cost. If you're talking about something stupid like forgetting to put a pro number on the bill or something, then charging for that is going too far, but what do you think about a situation where the driver misses a protect by a couple hours and there was no acceptable reason for being late and the broker reduces the pay to the carrier? Should the carrier be able to reduce the driver's pay by the same amount?

 

[turritrans]

I'm not defending the practice and we don't do it ourselves, but if you've dealt with some of the drivers out there you would understand where the desire comes from. A carrier can be docked pay for all manner of reasons, some of which could be the fault of the driver, and most of the time the carrier just absorbs the cost. If you're talking about something stupid like forgetting to put a pro number on the bill or something, then charging for that is going too far, but what do you think about a situation where the driver misses a protect by a couple hours and there was no acceptable reason for being late and the broker reduces the pay to the carrier? Should the carrier be able to reduce the driver's pay by the same amount?

If you don't have consequences in place for these type of things some drivers will not do what is required.

Point being this is discussed in orientation and listed in their driver hand books and they know what's expected before they hit the road.

Bottom line, if you have to resort to fining drivers, best to replace the driver. Our fines are based more on on time performance and getting paperwork/logs turned in. We are required by law to get the logs turned into us. Do we fine drivers? No, usually they just forget or make a mistake and a quick phone call or email resolves the issue.

Drivers are a the most important part of our team. We love cutting nice fat pay checks!

Your right Charles, all carriers have these type of things in place, because companies have all been hurt by a driver or two not doing what is required.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

I'm not defending the practice and we don't do it ourselves, but if you've dealt with some of the drivers out there you would understand where the desire comes from. A carrier can be docked pay for all manner of reasons, some of which could be the fault of the driver, and most of the time the carrier just absorbs the cost. If you're talking about something stupid like forgetting to put a pro number on the bill or something, then charging for that is going too far, but what do you think about a situation where the driver misses a protect by a couple hours and there was no acceptable reason for being late and the broker reduces the pay to the carrier? Should the carrier be able to reduce the driver's pay by the same amount?

Charles..your example for a late shipment....some acquire the load late, like real late in the system....the "protect time" is not adjusted and the carrier expects the driver to make up the lost time....and when he's late, well you know...it is NOT the drivers responsibility to drive like a mad man to make up the time....if a carrier shorts me on the time..I'll do the best That I can within the safety perameters...I refuse to speed excessively due to the carriers fault or brokers....

 

[RLENT]

What I find singularly odd, is that anyone who would be for having good behavior be rewarded .... would be somehow against bad behavior being penalized ....

 

[xiggi]

Your right Charles, all carriers have these type of things in place, because companies have all been hurt by a driver or two not doing what is required.

Companies that do this type of thing do not know how or want to deal with individuals so they make blanket policies that affect all drivers instead of the problem ones. They take the easy way out and are short sited in doing so.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

What I find singularly odd, is that anyone who would be for having good behavior be rewarded .... would be somehow against bad behavior being penalized ....

There should be no reward for doing your job correctly....but an attaboy never hurts...LOL

 

[RLENT]

Charles..your example for a late shipment....some acquire the load late, like real late in the system....the "protect time" is not adjusted and the carrier expects the driver to make up the lost time....and when he's late, well you know...it is NOT the drivers responsibility to drive like a mad man to make up the time....if a carrier shorts me on the time..I'll do the best That I can within the safety perameters...I refuse to speed excessively due to the carriers fault or brokers....

OVM,

I once heard about a driver who was several hours late to a swap .... because (IIRC) he stopped by his ex-wife's home to visit with his young son, who the wife had custody of .... just 'cause he was "in the area" .....

 

[CharlesD]

Charles..your example for a late shipment....some acquire the load late, like real late in the system....the "protect time" is not adjusted and the carrier expects the driver to make up the lost time....and when he's late, well you know...it is NOT the drivers responsibility to drive like a mad man to make up the time....if a carrier shorts me on the time..I'll do the best That I can within the safety perameters...I refuse to speed excessively due to the carriers fault or brokers....

And I wouldn't expect a driver to be unsafe either. We've had cases where the broker didn't want to adjust the protect after excessive detention because "you still have time to make it" and I'll push to have the same transit time that the load was booked at. With my example it's assumed that the load was on board in a reasonably quick manner and the driver just missed an easy protect. We've had that happen and the carrier is left trying to explain to a customer why a load was delivered late when there were no valid reasons for the delay and there wasn't a delay at the shipper.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

Companies that do this type of thing do not know how or want to deal with individuals so they make blanket policies that affect all drivers instead of the problem ones. They take the easy way out and are short sited in doing so.

Lazy management...don't deal directly with a problem driver just take his money...he'll learn..

 

[RLENT]

There should be no reward for doing your job correctly .... but an attaboy never hurts ... LOL

So .... have you decided to forego getting paid .... and are now working for charity ?

 

[OntarioVanMan]

And I wouldn't expect a driver to be unsafe either. We've had cases where the broker didn't want to adjust the protect after excessive detention because "you still have time to make it" and I'll push to have the same transit time that the load was booked at. With my example it's assumed that the load was on board in a reasonably quick manner and the driver just missed an easy protect. We've had that happen and the carrier is left trying to explain to a customer why a load was delivered late when there were no valid reasons for the delay and there wasn't a delay at the shipper.

Thank you for that clarification..and yes I've known or do know of drivers that have taken a load and then took a nap and overslept....if the carrier is penalized, the driver should pay up....it is they that screwed up...nobody else....

 

[zorry]

Some carriers are so excited by a passed inspection they feel the need to offer a reward. So I asked if we have an award. No we don't and I am okay with that. If there was an award I was going to be sure I got it. A bucks a buck. That's only good business.
Just like a carrier that wants you take bad loads to get to a different "level." Better phone response if I haul garbage ? I just don't get it.
Would like to hear from some drivers that get fined. How much and why ? And why put up with it ?

 

[OntarioVanMan]

So .... have you decided to forego getting paid .... and are now working for charity ?

getting paid to do your job is not a reward....LOL.....Do you call your paycheck a reward?

 

[RLENT]

getting paid to do your job is not a reward....LOL.....

re·ward/riˈwôrd/


Noun: A thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement.

Do you call your paycheck a reward?

Absolutely - it's a "reward" for my time and effort, and the service that I provide and render ....