One year later, still no paycheck.
Warning for all truckers... September: First clue was that the hotel wasn't across the street from the bus station, so I walked the couple of miles to it!!! Second clue was hotel registrar saying, "Shoreline herds 'em through here like cattle." Third clue was company actually didn't own trucks, but leased out of silent partner in North Carolina. (Old timers left now.) Final clue: "Someone always fails the drug screen during these orientations."
Driving since 1994, third generation driver, so had no idea the failed screen would be me!
Went to physical and drug screen. Told sample wasn't enough. Sat 12 hours (illegal) trying to pee. Finally @ 8 pm scared some out... Combined samples! (Illegal) Dipstick test negative. Started driving two days later. Drove for two weeks, then the excitement began.
Routed through the house, told them picking up pregnant wife. They said OK. Ran three more loadW, routed through to terminal (?) Safety Director said clean the truck out, you failed your drug screen. Asked to speak with the lab to request split sample test, which I would pay for. They let me speak with the doctor, but said they had zero tolerance policy, could not retest.
Doctor said results were. 01, told safety director himself to retest me, asked if I had been around anyone doing drugs. Stated hotel had several "friendly women" trying to "enjoy our time" that kept knocking on doors, trying to get into hotel rooms. (Hotel clerk had laughed when it was reported.) And yes, I've been around, they were definately smoking what at least smelled like pot.
Doctor TOLD Safety Director to RETEST. A number this low can only be exposure. She refused. (By the way, DOT slide-by is. 02)
Offered me a ticket home, said she didn't care how my wife got home. I refused on princicpal, as I can't really leave my pregnant wife in another state.
Asked what I would be paid. She said after orientation was docked, I would get the balance. Made $756. Deducted $300 for orientation, and then $414 for the fuel I used delivering their loads. I still haven't gotten the $47 dollar check.
Now I find out my DAC says to contact them. They can't put failed drug screen, because I didn't according to DOT standards. Still had to pay for SAP assessment and drug and alcohol classes ($320). OH, and has anyone tried explaining a story like this to another trucking company? Drove 13 years building a career so a stranger in North Carolina who's probably never been in a truck can enjoy $414 dollars and I can sit at home all day?
My wife had a miscarriage in October. Thank you Shoreline for all you did for my family.
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