We have no doubt that you have heard about the financial crisis on Wall Street. And, you have heard about the 'bail-out' that the government is trying to put together. They may very well have put it together by the time you receive this, let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't end up paying for it.
We couldn't help but wonder why there is no bail-out effort for the trucking industry. Maybe Wall Street and the politicians have forgotten it is the trucking industry that delivers the paper used to print those worthless stocks, bonds and mortgages on.
We don't know how the bail-out will be resolved, but we can't help thinking of the whole idea as Robin Hood in reverse. Taking from the poor and giving to the rich. Your thoughts?
The Old Mail Bag
We received several emails from readers regarding Tom's (the injured flatbedder) letter published in the last issue of the e-Report. We thought we would share a few.
From: MC
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 11:26 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Law of Murphy, Aye of Newt and Carrier of the Month - It's all inside!
I think your company is very selfish and greedy. If you wouldn't have gotten hurt, your company would have complimented you for following a safety recommendation that they themselves came up with.
I bet your company was more concerned about your truck and the freight, than they were about your health and your family's well-being. In today's world, almost all trucking companies view their employees as an asset when profits look good, and as a liability when they are hurt or killed while following company guidelines.
You got hurt and I'm sorry, I hope you have a speedy recovery.
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From: TR
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 7:44 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Law of Murphy, Aye of Newt and Carrier of the Month - It's all inside!
To be honest with you, that's why we in the moving business study the law. If you hire someone to help you load or unload, and you do not report that help on your records and that person is injured, you and your company could be facing a lawsuit. You are not allowed to have anyone on your trailer if they are not an employee or contract labor and covered by insurance.
It was wrong to help the other driver. In the business world, you don't mix business with pleasure. Only have people on your trailer that are hired to be there.
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From: AF
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 8:45 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Toms story
I feel you should still be receiving workers comp because you were on the job. It is always better to have two people tarp. I also pull flat bed
and when I need help, I ask and when someone needs help, I give a hand. It doesn't pay to do it by yourself and take the chance of being seriously hurt or possibly killed.
I hope all gets better for you and maybe with enough people on your side you will win the fight.
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From: KM
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 8:12 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Law of Murphy, Aye of Newt and Carrier of the Month - It's all inside!
Unfortunately, that's how it goes. Had you gotten hurt while you were unloading your trailer, then of course you would have been collecting workers-comp. It's good to help others, but not if it jeopardizes your health and your job.
I wish you all the best, and hope that you're back on your feet soon.
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Editor: The only comment we have - We hope you get better soon, Tom.
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Next, a sampling of the letters we always enjoy receiving!
From: WK
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 3:38 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Law of Murphy, Aye of Newt and Carrier of the Month - It's all inside!
I am in the Expedited Freight industry using small trucks and cargo vans to deliver goods. Please place me on a mailing list for responses from these types of drivers.
Thank you.
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From: KWR
To: jobs@truckdriver.com <jobs@truckdriver.com>
Sent: Tue Sep 16 12:12:08 2008
Subject: Re: Law of Murphy, Aye of Newt and Carrier of the Month - It's all inside!
Thank you for the e-mails. They help all truckers no matter what is being hauled.
Every now and then, we run across an organization or association that does some fine work, but for whatever reasons, don't always get the publicity, nor the thanks and appreciation they deserve.
Recently, we learned about an organization called Hunts for Heroes and we thought we would help them spread the word about the truly fine work they are performing for America's veterans.
Hunts for Heroes is dedicated to providing quality hunting and outdoor related activities to men and women that have been wounded on the field of battle in service to our country in the war against terrorism. HFH organizes hunts with professional guides and outfitters throughout the country for Heroes that enjoy the outdoors.
All of the hunts are free of charge for service men and women approved by organizations sanctioned by the United States Military. HFH also helps with expenses in getting to and from the hunts.
HFH's long-term goal is to hold events with heroes as the "stars of the show." Through events such as these they plan to raise money for scholarships, grants and endowments for Heroes working toward degrees in fields such wildlife management, habitat management, game law enforcement and other outdoor related jobs.
Hunts for Heroes is based in El Campo, Texas, the heart of the best goose hunting and fishing in North America. They also have chapters in South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi, and California and eventually hope to have chapters in every state in the USA.
To view a video of the HFH Hunt with Staff Sgt. Eric Haines in Mason Co. Texas, click here. Sgt. Haines was injured during an attack on his tank in Iraq in 2006 and this was his first chance to get back in the woods.
The HFH motto:
WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS ... Is more than a slogan for HUNTS FOR HEROES .
Even though the polls are still open as this is being written, here are the current results of The TruckDriver.com Who Would Have Guessed (besides Newt Gingrich) The Republican VP Choice Would Be the Governor of Alaska Survey.
Excellent Choice - 55%
OK Choice - 9.0%
Poor Choice - 36%
In keeping with that theme, (we're theme keepers, you know) who do you think will win the upcoming Vice Presidential Debate? Take The TruckDriver.com Debate About the Debate Survey and let us know.
Until next time, keep on truckin' and please drive safely.
Your Comments Are Always Welcome
We do like to hear from you and invite you to let us know how we can improve the e-Report. Please send your ideas and suggestions to: jobs@truckdriver.com
