Work-life balance is more important to some truckers than others. Some have no one at home and would rather be out on the road. Others would like to spend more time at home with the family or just relaxing in the backyard with the barbecue. Every driver is different, and so are the carriers they drive for; some pay more attention to work-life balance. Depending on your priorities like pay and bonuses, benefits, miles available, home time, paid vacation, and family leave policies, the more research you will have to put in to find the perfect balance.
Truckers Need to Find the Right Carrier & Work-Life Balance
Many of the best carriers, having heard their employee’s complaints about insufficient home time, are working to provide their drivers with more options. Therefore, new truckers and drivers with clean records should be patient and particular about researching trucking firms to find the right fit. They should put in a little extra time because a practical work-life balance will assist them to find long-term stability and not grow weary after only a few years of driving. Jumping into the first job available might put money into the family budget right away, but it could turn into a bad situation down the road.
Low Pay & Poor Maintenance Is a Bad Mix
Countless low-paying trucking firms and some of those that seem safe are living on the edge. They’re not only paying a low rate compared to others, but they also are not paying for truck maintenance. An unsafe rig can make it rough on you the driver. Not only is the ride less comfortable, but the wheels and brakes might not be right either. As we all know, tractor-trailer accidents get put under a microscope. You might even get placed out-of-service due to poor maintenance.
These carriers are not concerned when you miss an anniversary or your kid’s graduation because they had you on the road for three weeks straight. You might be the reason for their profit, but their bottom line is that profit.
Overcoming Traffic Tickets
Seasoned truckers are aware of the “chicken coop” or weigh station in the Donner Pass on I-80 close to Truckee. However, that’s not the only thing truckers need to be concerned with there. That stretch of road that goes from the NYC metro area to the bay area in San Francisco has been the heartbreak of many out-of-state truckers unaware of CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 22406.1, Other Speed Laws, which makes going 15 mph faster than the posted speed limit a misdemeanor crime. It states, ”A person who operates a commercial motor vehicle upon a highway at a speed exceeding a posted speed limit established under this code by 15 miles per hour or more, is guilty of a misdemeanor.” Not just for going 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, but for going 50 mph in a 35 mph zone. A 35 mph speed limit is common in mountainous areas around California, such as the Donner Pass in Truckee on I-80, the Grapevine in Tejon Pass on I-5, and Sherwin Grade on I-395 in Mono County.
That is one speeding ticket you should not discuss with the ticket issuing officer. As with any misdemeanor crime, “you have the right to remain silent.” Saying something like, “I know I was going a little over the speed limit, but…” could be detrimental to your case. Likewise, you face an FMCSA serious offense, and if you have already had one within the previous three years, you will receive a 60-day disqualification if convicted. You should consult with a traffic attorney before making a statement.
Ask a Traffic Attorney Who Regularly Practices in Truckee Traffic Court
Truckers need to be knowledgeable about trucking firms, their pay scale, time off opportunities, and benefits. Another thing you should be aware of when driving in California is CVC 22406.1 and other traffic violations. However, unlike researching a trucking firm before accepting a position, all you need to do is ask Bigger & Harman about your ticket. Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Call or email to discuss your traffic ticket or roadside inspection violation. We handle only traffic violations and DMV Hearings to assist a driver in getting more leeway before a suspension if they have too many Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points. The DMV is authorized by the State to consider a truck driver’s exposure (the number of miles they have driven). We can help.
Send us an email, attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2019 CA Commercial Driver Handbook .pdf
CVC 22406.1, Other Speed Law