EveryTruckJob.com

I have over 2 years of OTR and regional experience, mostly flatbed but some dry van. No tickets on my record. I was involved in a multi-vehicle chain reaction crash while operating a commercial vehicle last Sept. I was not cited, but my company was for faulty trailer brakes. I had no chosice but to hit the truck in front of me (an empty tandem axle waste hauler weighing 31,000 lbs. vs my truck loaded at 78,400 lbs.) I was not following too close, but because I hit someone from behind ( it was either that or the school bus full of kids in the lane next to me that actually started the whole thing) it's basically given me a death sentence for driving a commercial vehicle. I had 2 previous reportable accidents in the past 3 years on my driving record. Both were my pickup truck vs. deer with reportable damage. I did nothing wrong, was not ticketed for anything, but now no one will touch me for driving. Why, if I was not ticketed for any wrongdoing, can't I get hired? Someone with a felony has a better chance to get hired than I do!

No matter what the circumstances are, anytime you hit someone in the rear, YOU are at fault according to the insurance companies.
With the way things are right now, the trucking companies can pick and choose who they want to hire, and the insurance companies can tell them who they are willing to cover.
The guy with a felony didn't cost a trucking company or their insurance any money, so they may look at him as a better prospect then you (depending on the felony)!

That's what I figured. Stinks because the trailer brakes were faulty and not a part of my regular daily inspection, according to the state patrol inspector. I can't get an attorney to even listen to me about it. I could completely understand all of this had I been cited for anything, but I wasn't. I asked the insurance company if they take into account the weight differences betwee the two trucks, the fact that he locked up his brakes, reaction time, the fact that we were traveling on a fairly steep downgrade when it all started, and the fact that we were all victims of someone else who was following too close. The really crappy part is that I'm a good, safe, courteous driver and pride myself on being such.

Now I'm stuck in a lousy job making 10 bucks an hour less than I was driving and my credit has been ruined. All because of someone else's mistake that I got caught up in. And I'm the bad guy in all this. Just don't understand it.

I know that feeling. I've had two minor incidents (preventable accidents) that would have no effect on my driving skills. But ever company that I have tried with says nope Safety disqualified you... etc.
Sometimes I wonder if it is worth trying. I have a job but trucking is a calling if ya know what I mean.

Dont blame anyone else. You were there. You were loaded. You had bad brakes. It is still up to you to make sure your tractor/trailer is safe. If you doubt it then allow more space...or dont pull it.

i like the part about ,the trailer brakes not part of your daily inspection. that was truly hilarious. almost as good as not your responsibility to keep the fluids at maximum. if none of this is your job then what is your job ?
STEERING WHEEL HOLDERS ARE NOT WELCOMED OR NEEDED IN TRUCKING. THAT'S HOW ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.
you can't drive my truck out the driveway. sorry but that's how i view it.