This morning, December 24th, 2011, I went to pick up a loaded trailer at the Paschall terminal in West Memphis, AR. which was to be brought to Dayton,TX. Before hooking up at this terminal it is required of all drivers that the mechanics do an inspection on their trucks. I went to the door of the shop and no one answered. I went to the office and no one answered again. I went back to my truck and blew the horn a couple of times. About 5 employees came out cursing and screaming at me about they're having to work on Christmas Eve. One guy told me that he would have me fired!
I immediately called the manager on duty at their main terminal in Kentucky and told him what had happened. He said that he did not believe me that these people cursed at me. He said ***"all you truck drivers are dirtbags anyway"***. I believe his name was either Larry or Morris. This happened on the morning of Christmas Eve.
I sent in my resignation via fax as soon as possible after speaking with this manager. I asked to be directed to the Murray, KY terminal as soon as I delivered the load to Dayton, TX. He told me to bring the truck back to the West Memphis AR. terminal. I told him that I would deliver it to Dayton, TX first. He said NO.
Now these people will probably say on my DAC that I quit under a load, which is false.
The terminal manager in Kentucky, after receiving my resignation, told me that I did not drive enough miles to make it worth while to keep the truck on the road anyway. If a driver is not given miles, what are you supposed to do? My paycheck that was issued on 12/23, week ending 12/15 was for $290, 930 miles. That is all the miles I had for that week. If you don't 'transflo' your work by Thursday at 4pm. you don't get paid the following week
I called the terminal on Friday and told them that I needed more work or I would quit. I also told them about the shortages on my paycheck. Yes, I believe this company is shorting drivers. I also believe that this whole fiasco this morning at their West Mempis terminal was planned by a person who is 'well placed' in this company, and who 'got scared because I mentioned the shortages.
Also, this company threatens drivers because they say you are over idleing while sitting at a red stop light! This may sound sick and evil, but there is a reason behind this. I believe they will try and start charging company drivers for fuel!
In order to get back home to Ohio, I had to pay $180 for a bus ticket, plus a $55 cab ride to the greyhound terminal in Memphis, TN. I called the manager at the Murray Kentucky terminal and was told that I could have a bus ticket and that it would be at the West Memphis terminal. It was not.
I also asked for a receipt upon returning their equipment that I was forced to pay $300 for. (kingpin locks, etc.) I was refused my request. I asked to speak to a manager there and was told no one could help me. The only thing I was able to do was take pictures of the truck inside and out. If these people do not pay me what I am owed, I will have to file lawsuits against them. I am not that far away from Kentucky! And I am very tired of being cheated out of pay.
I am not a newcomer to this business. I have almost 6 years experience with a perfect driving and safety record. Take my advice go to a different company. Did I tell you they do revolving door orientations twice a week.? Pay west of the Mississippi river is only at .30 cents a mile even if you have 20 years experience. They advertise that the pay is up to .46 cents a mile for experienced drivers, but after orientation they deliver the news to you that you are getting .30 to .34 cents per mile.
After my orientation was completed, I was sent up to Pittsburg, PA to pick up my truck which had been abandoned in front of the last drivers home. (Along with myself, there were 5 other drivers recovering abandoned trucks at different locations). When this driver came outside, I asked him what was the real reason he quit this company. "Jeff" told me that he had 10 years experience and this was the worst company that he had ever driven for.
I swear that the above is the truth, or may Jesus have mercy on my soul!