Truckdriver.com Since 1996




 

Dear {FName},

Now that the bail-out has passed and the financial crisis is behind us, it is back to business as usual, right?

Not exactly.

We are fairly certain that the phrase 'business as usual" has been rendered meaningless in the 21st century. Unless, not being able to manage your business properly and having to be bailed out by the Federal Government is the new business model.

We asked for your thoughts and here's a sampling of your responses:

 

From: BT
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 2:35 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Bail out

If any bailout is to take place it should be done like this:

Give a check to the homeowner made out to their mortgage holder for the exact amount necessary to pay off the loan and give the homeowner clear title to their home. This is the only way the home owner/tax payer will be treated fairly. After all, it is the home owner/tax payer's money being used to "Bail Out" the banks and mortgage companies who misused and mishandled the money they were trusted with.

* * * * *

From: KR
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 9:21 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Bailing Out Villains, Hunting for Heroes and the Number 2 Spot

Well, unfortunately, once again we have managed to show to the rest of the world just how our greediness as a country and our lack of concern for the working class, has gotten us into another mess.

As for the bail out, very necessary, without the money our banks and other lending institutions will not be able secure loans and pass them on to consumers. We all know without money our economy will cease. And, we all know just who will pay for this.

As for our trucking industry, we know how to resolve this lack of appreciation. Two words, nationwide shutdown.

Thanks for allowing me to share.

Invisible Employment Histories

(Derek Hinton - DOTJobHistory.com)

Sometimes the facts are there but the wrong conclusion is drawn. It’s happened to two of our driver members in the past month. I’ll summarize the scenario.

The driver has applied for a job with company ABC. The company refused to hire the driver. The driver asks why and is told, “Your DAC shows two accidents with past employer XYZ.”

So, we have obtained the “DAC report” on behalf of the driver, and…the DAC report did not contain any employment history—let alone accidents—from company XYZ.

What’s happened? Is the DAC report hiding something—giving information to company ABC but not the driver? Did company ABC really have some other reason for not hiring the driver but blamed it on company XYZ’s DAC, thinking the driver would not find out?

In these two cases, and every other situation like this I’ve encountered over the years, here is what happened:

The driver lists company XYZ on the employment application.

Company ABC either didn’t belong to USIS/DAC or, was a client of DAC and ordered the employment history but didn’t get any information from DAC about company XYZ.

Company ABC called company XYZ, sent a general release and obtained the information without obtaining it from DAC.

So, why would the company say “your DAC” had two accidents?

The reason is that the term “DAC” has become shorthand in many companies for “background history investigation.” It’s like when allergy season fires up and you need to blow your nose, you don’t ask for a “facial tissue.” You want a “Kleenex” (unless you’re like that rich kid who lived up the street from me in 4 th grade who apparently had heard of neither.) Some companies, then, say, “there was something on your DAC report” when they mean, “we did your background investigation and there was something we found that made us decide not to hire you at this time.” And it’s not just employment history they could be talking about. Sometimes they even mean a driving record or infraction/misdemeanor/felony record they happened to have obtained through USIS/DAC.

How can you find out what past employers may report on you even if they don’t report to USIS/DAC? You have the right to see the employment information reported by all your previous employers in the industry, which you can access in a couple of ways:

  • DOTJobHistory can expedite the process, or
  • You can do it yourself.

Your rights are laid out in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations (§391.23(i)(2)) which can be found here:

Drivers who have previous Department of Transportation regulated employment history in the preceding three years, and wish to review previous employer-provided investigative information must submit a written request to the prospective employer, which may be done at any time, including when applying, or as late as 30 days after being employed or being notified of denial of employment. The prospective employer must provide this information to the applicant within five (5) business days of receiving the written request. If the prospective employer has not yet received the requested information from the previous employer(s), then the five-business days deadline will begin when the prospective employer receives the requested safety performance history information. If the driver has not arranged to pick up or receive the requested records within thirty (30) days of the prospective employer making them available, the prospective motor carrier may consider the driver to have waived his/her request to review the records.

Furthermore, you have additional rights in regard to insuring that your employment information is accurate—even if the information did not come from USIS/DAC.


TruckDriver.com
Carrier of the Month

Western Express, Inc.  

Western Express, Inc. is an asset based truckload carrier, founded in 1991 by Donna and Wayne Wise. Their service offerings include truckload van, dedicated fleet, flatbed transportation, logistics and expedited truck/rail.

In the last fifteen years, the company has grown to become a large tier industry truckload carrier with annual revenues in excess of $300 million. This extraordinary success has been achieved through a combination of internal growth and strategic acquisitions.

Western Express, Inc. is a service-focused company with their first goal being to serve the needs of their customers. Their second goal is focusing on lanes and areas that can provide profit to the company and a solid living for their drivers.

Western Express, Inc. takes pride in their fleet operating 1600 power units and 3500 trailers.

Western Express Inc. has the BEST tractors!

  • Tractors are the newest around
  • Commercial trucks are retired within 3 years
  • Maintenance in house to keep you on the road  

Western Express Inc. has the BEST runs!

  • Dedicated runs to 48 states
  • High weekly miles
  • Predictable home time  

Western Express, Inc. offers the BEST pay!

  • Solo starts at 30 CPM with 6 mos. experience
  • Excellent benefits after only 30 days!
  • 401K
  • Paid Vacation  

Western Express, Inc. offers the BEST training!

  • Earn while learning to drive a flatbed trailer or semi truck with a seasoned tractor trailer driver
  • More money in no time

Western Express, Inc. Driver Recruiting - 888-771-3569


We must admit, we pulled a little switcheroo on you with TruckDriver.com Debate About the Debate Survey. Our original question was Who will win the Vice-Presidential debate?  

After the debate was over, we switched to Who won the Vice-Presidential debate?

And, here are the results:

Pre-debate tally - Who Will Win the Vice-Presidential debate?

Sarah Palin - 45%
Joe Biden - 40%
Who cares what the VP's think? - 15%

Post-debate tally - Who Won the Vice-Presidential debate?

Sarah Palin - 50%
Joe Biden - 36%
Who cares what the VP's think? - 14%

Suddenly, we are reminded of the old Mark Twain saying, It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.  

With that being said, we'll move on to the big race with the TruckDriver.com Just Vote Survey. Results will be in just in time for the election!

Until then, 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


Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote."

~ George Jean Nathan ~



October 15,
2008