Delicate Subject

[xmudman]

As we mourn for our good friend Letzrockexpress, it occurs to me: What happens when a driver dies or becomes seriously incapacitated on the road? Who will help the family with the various logistical challenges? Not only must the driver, or his/her body be returned home, their truck needs to be brought back as well. Also, there's the uncomfortable subject of recovering the freight in cases where the truck is loaded when the crisis occurs.

How does one prepare for this? Is insurance available for it? So many things to think about at a bad time; I think each one of us should try to prep for this now, instead of leaving it to your family to deal with at such an awful time.

Ideas, anyone?

Sent from my XT1028 using EO Forums mobile app

 

[zorry]

I've seen cases where the truck and frt is generally handled by friends and co-workers.
A trusted friend will often help the family sell the vehicle if the family needs help.
A large carrier will sometimes set up a collection site to take donations to help the family with unexpected expenses.
I saw Heartland Express fly a guy home, send a car service for him when his young son passed.

 

[bubblehead]

A subject that should/must be addressed as you have said...and has in some depth in the past but needs to be reviewed. We (wife and I ) have agreed to cremation at jurisdiction of death. You can opt to donate your remains to a University, Research Institute etc. and in many cases all expenses will be covered for the transport & disposition of the body. Pretty pragmatic response but it is a situation that leaves the loved ones in such duress if not pre-planned...thanks for bringing up this topic.

 

[JoeS]

There is a charity out there that helps trucker families with these situations, but for the life of me, I cannot remember their name.
I'm sure someone will post a link soon.

 

[davekc]

The best advice I could give is have a will and a affordable life insurance policy. If the family is in a position to take care of everything and there are no kids, then no need for the insurance.
Some planning is always a good idea. Even more so if you have dependents of any kind.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

There is a charity out there that helps trucker families with these situations, but for the life of me, I cannot remember their name.
I'm sure someone will post a link soon.

www.truckercharity.org

 

[Dynamite 1]

We have an occ health policy through NASE ( nat'l association of the self employed ) that provides the occ health, life ins, and next of kin, which is transportation of next of kin to you if you are hospitalized away from home. As a part of this coverage they also transport your remains home for burial or whatever. Doesn't take care of all but it is some peace of mind !!

 

[OntarioVanMan]

pretty sure there is another one....a driver fell and broke their hip and they came and drove the truck to their home from Cleveland Ohio to Wisconsin....NO Charge.

 

[JoeS]

pretty sure there is another one....a driver fell and broke their hip and they came and drove the truck to their home from Cleveland Ohio to Wisconsin....NO Charge.

Yes, it isn't Trucker Charity (although they do help those in need too).

 

[OntarioVanMan]

St Christophers Fund....http://truckersfund.com/

 

[cheri1122]

When my nephew died unexpectedly, in another state, it was entirely up to the family to deal with making arrangements. I flew to Indy to drive his car home, and had to pay for having it impounded and 5 days storage, too. You'd think there'd be a compassionate waiver of fees in the case of a sudden death - it's not like he parked in a no parking zone, right? But no, with everything else going on when their healthy 27 year old son died out of town, his parents had to pay hundreds of dollars to retrieve his car, too.
In the case of a truck, it would be even more expensive - but truckers have friends who are truck drivers, too, and that comes in handy at a time like that. Many truck drivers also drive for a carrier that will step up and help, because they feel it's the right thing to do.
In any case, it's smart to prepare for the unthinkable, and to let your loved ones know where to find the info they will need - just in case.