Trucker's Safe Haven becomes a Nightmare

[solofemtrucker]

I am a 53 year old female solo long haul trucker who was finally getting a decent income. I worked for Werner Enterprises as a company driver- all 48 and I was enjoying my life for the first time in years. I was under a Just-in-Time load heading for Texas and my driving hours were nearly gone. I stopped at the TA in Montgomery, AL for safe haven and rest as I have done a million times all across the country. I drove through the lot and found no regular parking so I improvised once again as I have done a million times all across our great country. I pulled in behind another truck alongside the scale and went right to sleep. A couple of hours later I was awakened by a security guard who told me that I had to leave. I explained that I had no legal hours to drive. He asked me if I was ******ed. He told me to drive down the road. I attempted to call my fleet manager and to raise someone on the qual com to no avail. I knew that if I left and had an accident that resulted in a fatality that I would go to prison and my company would face a lawsuit. I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired. The night manager of the TA came out and said that because I drove for Werner and because I was female that I was not welcome there and I had to leave. At that time a regular parking spot opened up behind me and I put the truck into it and went back to sleep. A while later I was again awakened this time by the police and I was arrested and taken to the city jail. Even though the prosecutor, the judge, and every police officer that I had contact with said that it was ridiculous and that I should not have been arrested, I now have a misdemeanor (criminal trespass 3), I was suspended for 5 weeks with no pay, and fired on Christmas Eve by Werner. I have been rehired by my former employer of 8 years but that is not what I want to be doing. I have a spotless motor vehicle record and had a spotless criminal record. I feel so wronged because I used to stand up for Werner against the complainers. I gave Werner a second chance when they left me stranded 200 miles from my home after a bad experience with a trainer. I have no safety or customer issues. I am clean, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, or engage in any other risky behavior. I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.

[Orangetxguy]

I am a 53 year old female solo long haul trucker who was finally getting a decent income. I worked for Werner Enterprises as a company driver- all 48 and I was enjoying my life for the first time in years. I was under a Just-in-Time load heading for Texas and my driving hours were nearly gone. I stopped at the TA in Montgomery, AL for safe haven and rest as I have done a million times all across the country. I drove through the lot and found no regular parking so I improvised once again as I have done a million times all across our great country. I pulled in behind another truck alongside the scale and went right to sleep. A couple of hours later I was awakened by a security guard who told me that I had to leave. I explained that I had no legal hours to drive. He asked me if I was ******ed. He told me to drive down the road. I attempted to call my fleet manager and to raise someone on the qual com to no avail. I knew that if I left and had an accident that resulted in a fatality that I would go to prison and my company would face a lawsuit. I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired. The night manager of the TA came out and said that because I drove for Werner and because I was female that I was not welcome there and I had to leave. At that time a regular parking spot opened up behind me and I put the truck into it and went back to sleep. A while later I was again awakened this time by the police and I was arrested and taken to the city jail. Even though the prosecutor, the judge, and every police officer that I had contact with said that it was ridiculous and that I should not have been arrested, I now have a misdemeanor (criminal trespass 3), I was suspended for 5 weeks with no pay, and fired on Christmas Eve by Werner. I have been rehired by my former employer of 8 years but that is not what I want to be doing. I have a spotless motor vehicle record and had a spotless criminal record. I feel so wronged because I used to stand up for Werner against the complainers. I gave Werner a second chance when they left me stranded 200 miles from my home after a bad experience with a trainer. I have no safety or customer issues. I am clean, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, or engage in any other risky behavior. I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.

If everything is as you have described it here, you need to get an attorney involved. Yes...it's going to cost you...but if you can prove that the TA manager actually said you had to leave the lot because you are a woman, then you let a lawyer handle it.

Why have you waited so long to take action??

Why you stopped at Montomery TA is a puzzle. If you were coming from the south, The Flying J 15 miles south of Montgomery at Tyson (exit 158) and the other truck stop ( I forget its name)(exit 164) both have 3 times the parking space that TA has, plus they are cleaner and safer.
If you had been coming down from Atlanta.. the Petro at exit 22 on I-85 has limited parking, but the Casino has an extra large truck parking area. You just need to ride the shuttle van to get to the building for eating and a shower. Only the bravest of heart, stop at that POC TA.

[zipy46]

Same scenario occurred to me...long story short....cops became involved...

Officer said I was in my rights to file a complaint

against the reciever for putting me in such a position as to drive with out hours...

..if I had of I was sure I would loose my job....I felt no body would back me up so I forgot it..

cop said just go right down the street to the dirt lot and park there...they understood my delima.

Guess no one really wanted to do alot of paperwork at 4 a.m.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

I've been to thisT/A and the F-J just south on 65 ...The T/A is not a large well organized lot,and b/c of this any curb side parking causes issues ,But inorder to have po'd the staff to immediately call the police is usually only accomplished if you're rude ,and to have them ban you from the lot and push for trespassing even after a slot opened up is hard to immagine ...And for an officer to take you to jail I just feel something must have occoured ...I also don't beleive your problems had much to do with you being with Werner or a Female ...I could be wrong ,As I was not there ,But I've been in that same T/A and many T/S and asked to move and I've even had cops called for curbside parking at a pilot ,but never came close to going to jail infact I just chatted with the officer about my paperless logs ,and ws told to grab a spot when 1 opens .

[cdswans]

. . so I improvised once again . .

I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired.

I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.



Solo (should be solong, for now) . .

Here's my advice . . get it out of your head that you chose to do the right thing. The TA, it's agents, the cops, the judge, Werner and I don't agree with you.

As for your record, contact this guy . . he's amazing! http://www.classadrivers.com/forum/new-truck-drivers-get-help-here/36406-return-letter-judge.html



Those who find solo's story . . intriguing . . may also enjoy this one:

Rip-off Report: Swift Transportation BEWARE OF SWIFT AND THEIR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THEY WILL GET YOU ARRESTED Pheonix Arizona (http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/395/RipOff0395599.htm)

[dobry4u]

I am a 53 year old female solo long haul trucker who was finally getting a decent income. I worked for Werner Enterprises as a company driver- all 48 and I was enjoying my life for the first time in years. I was under a Just-in-Time load heading for Texas and my driving hours were nearly gone. I stopped at the TA in Montgomery, AL for safe haven and rest as I have done a million times all across the country. I drove through the lot and found no regular parking so I improvised once again as I have done a million times all across our great country. I pulled in behind another truck alongside the scale and went right to sleep. A couple of hours later I was awakened by a security guard who told me that I had to leave. I explained that I had no legal hours to drive. He asked me if I was ******ed. He told me to drive down the road. I attempted to call my fleet manager and to raise someone on the qual com to no avail. I knew that if I left and had an accident that resulted in a fatality that I would go to prison and my company would face a lawsuit. I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired. The night manager of the TA came out and said that because I drove for Werner and because I was female that I was not welcome there and I had to leave. At that time a regular parking spot opened up behind me and I put the truck into it and went back to sleep. A while later I was again awakened this time by the police and I was arrested and taken to the city jail. Even though the prosecutor, the judge, and every police officer that I had contact with said that it was ridiculous and that I should not have been arrested, I now have a misdemeanor (criminal trespass 3), I was suspended for 5 weeks with no pay, and fired on Christmas Eve by Werner. I have been rehired by my former employer of 8 years but that is not what I want to be doing. I have a spotless motor vehicle record and had a spotless criminal record. I feel so wronged because I used to stand up for Werner against the complainers. I gave Werner a second chance when they left me stranded 200 miles from my home after a bad experience with a trainer. I have no safety or customer issues. I am clean, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, or engage in any other risky behavior. I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.

Thanks for the info.... I see making your own parking spots isn't a very good idea. :hellno:

[Rev.Vassago]

Thanks for the info.... I see making your own parking spots isn't a very good idea. :hellno:
Not only is it not a good idea, but if someone were to hit you, you would have little to no recourse, since you were illegally parked.

When push comes to shove though, it doesn't matter if you have no hours to drive. If the owner of some private property (which a truckstop is) wants you off their land, then you have to get off their land, or face a trespassing charge.

Even without any legal hours to drive, you can go 14 minutes and 59 seconds away without having to interrupt your break.

The judge obviously didn't think it was very ridiculous, since you now have a misdemeanor that he found you guilty of. This story is so full of holes it isn't even funny.

[harleypiper]

As far as the 6.50/hr security guard telling you because your a woman, thats going to be a burden of proof on you. He is simply going to say he didn't say it.. But to get arrested for a criminal trust pass, most states state you have to be given a warning by a law official, not just the property owner, because it goes back to he said she said. Police make an official report of telling you to leave, then if you refuse at that point, bang zoom! If the police said you shouldn't have been arrested then why the #&ck were you arrested?? Now you have a civil complaint against the po po for unlawful prosecution. I'm sure any civil or criminal lawyer will listen to you without charging you, especially the civil, if he sees a civil rights violation, it's a paycheck for him as well. Don't ask for legal advice on this site, everyone is a lawyer, GO TALK TO A LAWYER!

[dobry4u]

Not only is it not a good idea, but if someone were to hit you, you would have little to no recourse, since you were illegally parked.

When push comes to shove though, it doesn't matter if you have no hours to drive. If the owner of some private property (which a truckstop is) wants you off their land, then you have to get off their land, or face a trespassing charge.

Even without any legal hours to drive, you can go 14 minutes and 59 seconds away without having to interrupt your break.

The judge obviously didn't think it was very ridiculous, since you now have a misdemeanor that he found you guilty of. This story is so full of holes it isn't even funny.


But, Rev! :tears: I haven't a misdemeanor. My records is as clean as a newborn baby's bottom :) (where is the angel smiley?)

I am thinking as well, that possibly, maybe, perhaps would explain, that there was a lot more to the confrontation than what was represented in the driver's post.

..... just saying

[Musicman]

Why you stopped at Montomery TA is a puzzle.

OMG, why ANYONE not looking to buy narcotics or use the services of a lot lizard would stop there is a puzzle. That place is almost as bad as the now closed TA in Conley, GA.

[Rev.Vassago]

I am thinking as well, that possibly, maybe, perhaps would explain, that there was a lot more to the confrontation than what was represented in the driver's post.

Now what on earth would give you that idea?:rofl:

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

But, Rev! :tears: I haven't a misdemeanor. My records is as clean as a newborn baby's bottom :) (where is the angel smiley?)

I am thinking as well, that possibly, maybe, perhaps would explain, that there was a lot more to the confrontation than what was represented in the driver's post.

..... just saying


A newborn baby's bottom is pretty dirty at birth.

[cdswans]

Thanks for the info.... I see making your own parking spots isn't a very good idea. :hellno:

My experience has been that, after a couple of spins around the lot and there are no marked spaces available, I get a pretty good sense of if and where I can create a spot without blocking anyone. I must have been reasonably successful because I've done it a few times and noone has ever come along and tried to throw me out. However, if they had, I wouldn't argue. I might try to reason but if that wasn't working, I'd move along. My HOS doesn't trump a landowners private property rights.

Solong hasn't responded here but in a PM to me she asked why I thought she was wrong (and padded it with "to not risk the lives and limbs of all walking lifeforms, especially nuns, manatees, and orphaned children"). She repeated to me what has already been stated here; that "everyone" agreed she had been railroaded every step of the way. Here's your answer, Dear . . the TA tried to throw you out, the cops arrested you, the judge found you guilty and Werner fired you. It doesn't sound to me like anyone agreed with you, period.

Rev . . with all due respect, if I managed to park atop the fuel island canopy and someone still came along and hit me, it wouldn't be my fault. You can't just go banging into trucks because they happened to be out of place.

[Rev.Vassago]

Rev . . with all due respect, if I managed to park atop the fuel island canopy and someone still came along and hit me, it wouldn't be my fault. You can't just go banging into trucks because they happened to be out of place.

Good luck with that. I've heard of far too many drivers (some here on this very message board) who have had issues with insurance companies, simply because they were illegally parked, or not parked in a designated spot.

[Jumbo]

Manatees are not a "walking lifeform". If she were to hit one of those she should check her map, And the propeller on her truck.

[jonp]

1) The person that posted the Swift thing? I read it and don't believe any of it. One of the reasons is its too far from any type of reality to be taken seriously and another is that the person writing it changes gender back and forth.

2) Out of hours and told to move? Here is what you do: Wait for a police officer to arrive and order you to leave. Be nice and respectful of him/her. Ask him/her for their card with the officers name and badge number or failing that get the officers name and badge number and put it in the remarks section of your log. You can now move the vehicle to a safe place under a lawful order of a police officer whether you have hours or not. You must go directly to the first place you can without sidetracking somewhere or the place the police officer sends you. This is the same type of movement that you would make if an officer places you out of service on the side of the road or at a scale and tells you to go to the xyz truckstop at the next exit and park it.

[jonp]

By the way - that T/A in Montgomery is a hole and I won't go in there. The advice about the Hook down the road is good advice.

[dobry4u]

1) The person that posted the Swift thing? I read it and don't believe any of it. One of the reasons is its too far from any type of reality to be taken seriously and another is that the person writing it changes gender back and forth.

2) Out of hours and told to move? Here is what you do: Wait for a police officer to arrive and order you to leave. Be nice and respectful of him/her. Ask him/her for their card with the officers name and badge number or failing that get the officers name and badge number and put it in the remarks section of your log. You can now move the vehicle to a safe place under a lawful order of a police officer whether you have hours or not. You must go directly to the first place you can without sidetracking somewhere or the place the police officer sends you. This is the same type of movement that you would make if an officer places you out of service on the side of the road or at a scale and tells you to go to the xyz truckstop at the next exit and park it.


I think you are referring to my post about my going to Swift academy and time with my mentor. LOL. I didn't write fiction and have never changed my gender. Please quote the information that you found unbelievable. I'll be more than happy to support anything I wrote.

In the future, you are probably better off commenting on the thread you were trying to claim as false instead of bringing it up, off topic, in another thread. .... just saying

[Colts Fan]

Good luck with that. I've heard of far too many drivers (some here on this very message board) who have had issues with insurance companies, simply because they were illegally parked, or not parked in a designated spot.


In the insurance world the driver of the vehicle that backs into a parked vehicle is the legal "proximate cause" of the accident. Depending on which state you are in the claims are handled differently. Most states are comparative negligence states meaning it can be determined that both sides can share a % of fault. However the driver that performs the action of backing into a stopped vehicle and is determined the proximate cause 99 times out of 100 will be found majority negligent and will be responsible for paying his part depending on the % negligence.

[got mud?]

As far as the 6.50/hr security guard telling you because your a woman, thats going to be a burden of proof on you. He is simply going to say he didn't say it.. But to get arrested for a criminal trust pass, most states state you have to be given a warning by a law official, not just the property owner, because it goes back to he said she said. Police make an official report of telling you to leave, then if you refuse at that point, bang zoom! If the police said you shouldn't have been arrested then why the #&ck were you arrested?? Now you have a civil complaint against the po po for unlawful prosecution. I'm sure any civil or criminal lawyer will listen to you without charging you, especially the civil, if he sees a civil rights violation, it's a paycheck for him as well. Don't ask for legal advice on this site, everyone is a lawyer, GO TALK TO A LAWYER!

actually you can't bring a civil complaint against the po po for unlawful prosecution. the po po don't prosecute anyone. the DA or a prosecutor do.

[got mud?]

I am a 53 year old female solo long haul trucker who was finally getting a decent income. I worked for Werner Enterprises as a company driver- all 48 and I was enjoying my life for the first time in years. I was under a Just-in-Time load heading for Texas and my driving hours were nearly gone. I stopped at the TA in Montgomery, AL for safe haven and rest as I have done a million times all across the country. I drove through the lot and found no regular parking so I improvised once again as I have done a million times all across our great country. I pulled in behind another truck alongside the scale and went right to sleep. A couple of hours later I was awakened by a security guard who told me that I had to leave. I explained that I had no legal hours to drive. He asked me if I was ******ed. He told me to drive down the road. I attempted to call my fleet manager and to raise someone on the qual com to no avail. I knew that if I left and had an accident that resulted in a fatality that I would go to prison and my company would face a lawsuit. I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired. The night manager of the TA came out and said that because I drove for Werner and because I was female that I was not welcome there and I had to leave. At that time a regular parking spot opened up behind me and I put the truck into it and went back to sleep. A while later I was again awakened this time by the police and I was arrested and taken to the city jail. Even though the prosecutor, the judge, and every police officer that I had contact with said that it was ridiculous and that I should not have been arrested, I now have a misdemeanor (criminal trespass 3), I was suspended for 5 weeks with no pay, and fired on Christmas Eve by Werner. I have been rehired by my former employer of 8 years but that is not what I want to be doing. I have a spotless motor vehicle record and had a spotless criminal record. I feel so wronged because I used to stand up for Werner against the complainers. I gave Werner a second chance when they left me stranded 200 miles from my home after a bad experience with a trainer. I have no safety or customer issues. I am clean, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, or engage in any other risky behavior. I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.

i bet this is a really good story. its unfortunate that we will never hear the truth

[Windwalker]

I am a 53 year old female solo long haul trucker who was finally getting a decent income. I worked for Werner Enterprises as a company driver- all 48 and I was enjoying my life for the first time in years. I was under a Just-in-Time load heading for Texas and my driving hours were nearly gone. I stopped at the TA in Montgomery, AL for safe haven and rest as I have done a million times all across the country. I drove through the lot and found no regular parking so I improvised once again as I have done a million times all across our great country. I pulled in behind another truck alongside the scale and went right to sleep. A couple of hours later I was awakened by a security guard who told me that I had to leave. I explained that I had no legal hours to drive. He asked me if I was ******ed. He told me to drive down the road. I attempted to call my fleet manager and to raise someone on the qual com to no avail. I knew that if I left and had an accident that resulted in a fatality that I would go to prison and my company would face a lawsuit. I chose to do the right thing and not drive tired. The night manager of the TA came out and said that because I drove for Werner and because I was female that I was not welcome there and I had to leave. At that time a regular parking spot opened up behind me and I put the truck into it and went back to sleep. A while later I was again awakened this time by the police and I was arrested and taken to the city jail. Even though the prosecutor, the judge, and every police officer that I had contact with said that it was ridiculous and that I should not have been arrested, I now have a misdemeanor (criminal trespass 3), I was suspended for 5 weeks with no pay, and fired on Christmas Eve by Werner. I have been rehired by my former employer of 8 years but that is not what I want to be doing. I have a spotless motor vehicle record and had a spotless criminal record. I feel so wronged because I used to stand up for Werner against the complainers. I gave Werner a second chance when they left me stranded 200 miles from my home after a bad experience with a trainer. I have no safety or customer issues. I am clean, don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, or engage in any other risky behavior. I am discouraged and am looking for advice and legal help to get this off my record.
That T/A is one that should have been shut down, rather than the one at Cordele, GA. I remember staying there overnight right after I first started driving. Last year, I stopped in to make a few phone calls and was amazed to find that they had wasted the money to put in "IDLE-AIRE". I don't expect that one to survive much longer. Generally, I don't even slow down for that one. I don't know what goes on there at night, but I normally plan my trips so that it's about the middle of my hours. I will be hundreds of miles away from that one when I stop. Other than to suggest you get a good attorney, about the only thing I can say about it... It's a good place to be from... As far away from as you can get.

[jonp]

I think you are referring to my post about my going to Swift academy and time with my mentor. LOL. I didn't write fiction and have never changed my gender. Please quote the information that you found unbelievable. I'll be more than happy to support anything I wrote.

In the future, you are probably better off commenting on the thread you were trying to claim as false instead of bringing it up, off topic, in another thread. .... just saying

No, I was commenting on solofemtrucker and the moving the truck getting arrested thing in this thread. I don't mix threads. I don't know what your talking about with the Swift Academy. I went through the Swift Academy in 1992. When did you? Be interesting to compare and see how it has changed.

[solofemtrucker]

There was no mention in my PRIVATE reply to the poster about a Manatee. I was advised by the judge to take the misdemeanor to avoid a long stay in that Alabama city jail. I am from the Northeast and a "Rookie", I had no idea that the TA was a bad place until after the fact. How can you say that there is more to this? It happened just as I stated it. I have been throughout our beautiful country and ran into no other bad experiences. I was hoping someone with more experience would be able to help.

Thank you to the private message that I received. It was very encouraging.

[Rev.Vassago]

How can you say that there is more to this?

Because the story doesn't smell right when you add in all the "they called me this and they told me that" nonsense. Let's look at the concrete facts as you have presented them:

1. You illegally parked on private property.
2. They asked you to leave as a result.
3. You argued with them that you couldn't leave.
4. They told you they didn't care, and they wanted you gone.
5. You moved to a different spot, still on their private property - against their request.
6. They called the police, and had you arrested for trespassing.


Now please, tell me - whose fault was it that this happened?

[solofemtrucker]

If I were illegally parked, wouldn't the truck directly in front of me also been illegally parked and been subject to the same rules? However, that truck was not a Werner vehicle.

[got mud?]

If I were illegally parked, wouldn't the truck directly in front of me also been illegally parked and been subject to the same rules? However, that truck was not a Werner vehicle.

its just hard to believe that they singled out a female werner driver to have arrested for parking in a none parking spot. I also find it hard to believe that the police arrested you for that. usually when called out for a trespassing call they will give you every opportunity to leave. an arrest in that case is typically a last resort. also it is very unlikely that a judge gave you legal advice. they typically don't do that. if you pose a question regarding legal advice he/she will tell you to discuss it with a lawyer. A trespassing conviction is rarely a jail able offense. your story doesn't add up. and yes you are dealing with people that have a lot of experience both with trucking and many other backgrounds, they tend to smell a fishy story from a long way off.

their is usually three sides to every story. yours, theirs and the truth. your story just doesnt add up

[BigDiesel]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff36/BigDiesel17/TinFoilHatArea.jpg

[Rev.Vassago]

If I were illegally parked, wouldn't the truck directly in front of me also been illegally parked and been subject to the same rules? However, that truck was not a Werner vehicle.

You sure like to point the finger at everyone else. First it was that they were discriminating against you. Then it was that someone else did the same thing. Neither changes the fact that it was still private property, they told you to leave, and you refused.

[Uturn2001]

The bottom line is that as a truck driver you are responsible for only your truck. Regardless of what a million other drivers are doing to or with their trucks it is your responsibility to do the right thing with your truck and only you will reap the rewards or suffer the consequences of what you do with your truck.

Regardless of where you are or the state of your log book, when an authorized rep of the property you are on tells you that you must leave then you must leave. You may of course attempt to change their decision, once, by informing them of your situation, but when push comes to shove you must go.

When this happens send in a QC message or call your current dispatcher and tell them what is going on and make a note in the remarks section that you were told to vacate by whomever it is that told you to leave then go to the nearest location you can safely and legally park.

[Rev.Vassago]

There is a Flying J eleven miles from the TA in Montgomery, AL. You could have legally driven there without ever changing your duty status. All that would have had to be done is to flag it with the amount of time it took.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

There is a Flying J eleven miles from the TA in Montgomery, AL. You could have legally driven there without ever changing your duty status. All that would have had to be done is to flag it with the amount of time it took.



If over your 14hr at Werner there is no moving 11mi ,as werner will not allow ...werner does'nt even allow the 2hr adverse driving rule, But they without hassle will send a cdl-A driver out to bring you to safehaven if out of hours .But if you read her story it actually reads she was 2 tired 2 move ...Now I understand tired ,but I doubt this driver was incapable of driving to the J just south on I-65 after rolling through the T/A lot and finding no slots ...

[Jumbo]

She said her driving hours were "nearly gone". Could she have driven the 11 miles and still not been out of hours?

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

She said her driving hours were "nearly gone". Could she have driven the 11 miles and still not been out of hours?

If you have 15mn left you can make the J ...but you really have about 22mn ,because as long as you're off ln 3 before the halfway point on the 15mn grid you don't get charged that time .

And werner will over look 15 minutes over ...but if it's say 1hr since your 14 was up then you're over 1hr/15mn ...infact I went over on my 11 by .5hr a few times ,but still had time on my 14hr ,and no trouble was had ...it just seems like a stubborn driver with an attitude who ran the lips too much to the wrong folks ...I'm a sarcastic *****, But I know when the other party holds the power ,and when to kiss ass to my benefit ,sometime you get much further in situations like hers kissing ass and boosting an ego rather than attempting to kick ass ,and deflate an ego ...but that's just me I'd rather get whatI need than be stubborn and screwed .

[Orangetxguy]

If over your 14hr at Werner there is no moving 11mi ,as werner will not allow ...werner does'nt even allow the 2hr adverse driving rule, But they without hassle will send a cdl-A driver out to bring you to safehaven if out of hours .But if you read her story it actually reads she was 2 tired 2 move ...Now I understand tired ,but I doubt this driver was incapable of driving to the J just south on I-65 after rolling through the T/A lot and finding no slots ...

She drove tired right past the J at exit 158 and the other truck stop, Spaceway, at exit 165.

BJ is right...she lost her cool and paid the price.

[Biscuit Lips]

The cops do not just come out and arrest people like that without provocation. Why did you not just leave when the proper authorities directed you to? I am with everyone else, there has to be more to this story than you are letting on.

[Musicman]

You know, all this talk about scummy truck stops has me aching to post about some of the crazy things I’ve seen at some of these disgusting places over the years. Can we please have a new forum dedicated to this purpose? Can we? Please? Please, please, PLEASE???????

[Rev.Vassago]

You know, all this talk about scummy truck stops has me aching to post about some of the crazy things I’ve seen at some of these disgusting places over the years. Can we please have a new forum dedicated to this purpose? Can we? Please? Please, please, PLEASE???????


We already have a forum for that:

http://www.classadrivers.com/forum/amusing-truck-driving-factual-stories-23/

[Musicman]

We already have a forum for that:

http://www.classadrivers.com/forum/amusing-truck-driving-factual-stories-23/

Rev., I'm aware of that one, but I can't be the only one who has at least a couple hundred "OMG, you'll never believe this" stories specifically centered on truck stops. That forum, at least what I have read there, is much broader than that and tends to have more of the "funny things driving down the road," "Chemical Brother's," and “my company / shipper / receiver / dot officer did such and such to me” genre. I'm thinking that there are enough truck stop stories to merit their own forum, so as not to clog up the more general category.

BTW, you should go buy a Lotto ticket. You notice you have 7777 posts at the moment?

[Rev.Vassago]

I'm thinking that there are enough truck stop stories to merit their own forum, so as not to clog up the more general category.

Go right ahead and clog it up.:thumbsup:


To be honest, I think we have too many forum categories as it is. If it were up to me (and it isn't), I'd get rid of quite a few of them.

[Musicman]

Go right ahead and clog it up.:thumbsup:


To be honest, I think we have too many forum categories as it is. If it were up to me (and it isn't), I'd get rid of quite a few of them.

Well, I am taking this whole week off... I just may have to do that.

[solofemtrucker]

Thank you for your opinions. I guess hindsight being 20-20, I should have done anything but stay there. I did not know the area, the reputation of that place, or the close proximity of the other truck stops. Being a rookie is the first problem, being bound by the federal law is the other. I stand by my decision not to drive out on the road. I was exhausted. I am glad Werner displayed their true colors because I give 110% and I would have hated to waste it on that company. I am standing on better ground now than when I first posted. I don't hold this against the TA corporation because they have provided hundreds of positive experiences during the time I was OTR. The police were doing their jobs and were extremely kind to me. The only person who could have changed this was the security guard and if he felt stupid, that was his problem, not mine. Had I the experience, I would have recorded him telling me to leave, and then explained that if anything were to happen, it would be on him. But I had no way of doing that at that time nor the knowledge of how to handle this.

Again thank you for the feedback.

Solofemtrucker, the New England Nightmare

BE SAFE

[Rev.Vassago]

Had I the experience, I would have recorded him telling me to leave, and then explained that if anything were to happen, it would be on him.

Sorry to break it to you, but it still would have been on you.

I'd suggest you carry a truck stop directory in your truck at all times. Then you'll know where alternate truck stops are located. And next time, if there isn't a marked spot to park in, don't make one for yourself and expect that the people running the truck stop won't mind.

[Windwalker]

Sorry to break it to you, but it still would have been on you.

I'd suggest you carry a truck stop directory in your truck at all times. Then you'll know where alternate truck stops are located. And next time, if there isn't a marked spot to park in, don't make one for yourself and expect that the people running the truck stop won't mind.
You might want to check with WY. The precedent has already been set. A driver pulled into the port of entry and went to sleep. Dot told him to move, that he could not sleep there. About five minutes down the road, the driver got into an accident. While I have no idea what happened to the driver, DOT at the port of entry told me that it all came down on them for making a driver move without hours. Drivers have been sleeping at the port ever since. And, DOT has orders not to wake them and make them move.

That was at the Port of Entry at the east end of I-80, westbound. Next time you go through there, stop in and ask them about it. I'm thinking that would have happened in about '02 or '03. Maybe '04.

On a side note...
What truck stops does Werner use for fuel? If they use T/A, there would be no reason why the truck stop would not like the company. On the other hand, if Werner does not use T/A, then Werner has enough trucks to clog up all the parking without fueling, and the truck stop would find that drivers that do fuel there would be complaining about parking to take shower after fueling. The "if you're not going to buy fuel here, don't park here either" attitude could be behind not wanting Werner there. It's the same logic with "PAY-TO-PARK"... Unless you just bought fuel. Just a thought.

[Windwalker]

Sorry to break it to you, but it still would have been on you.

I'd suggest you carry a truck stop directory in your truck at all times. Then you'll know where alternate truck stops are located. And next time, if there isn't a marked spot to park in, don't make one for yourself and expect that the people running the truck stop won't mind.
There are truck stops that are known to have trucks towed when illegally parked. There has even been a thread on CAD about it. (I have not done a search to find it.) The poster of that thread said he heard the announcements over the PA, and when the truck was being towed out of the truck stop, a 300 pound driver found himself running down the road, trying to catch up with his truck. That means, towing fee, impound fee, and storage fee. Towing could be $300, impound - I don't know, and I've heard of storage of up to $600 a day for truck and trailer.

[Rev.Vassago]

You might want to check with WY. The precedent has already been set. A driver pulled into the port of entry and went to sleep. Dot told him to move, that he could not sleep there. About five minutes down the road, the driver got into an accident. While I have no idea what happened to the driver, DOT at the port of entry told me that it all came down on them for making a driver move without hours. Drivers have been sleeping at the port ever since. And, DOT has orders not to wake them and make them move.

That was at the Port of Entry at the east end of I-80, westbound. Next time you go through there, stop in and ask them about it. I'm thinking that would have happened in about '02 or '03. Maybe '04.

It's a different story when it is DOT telling you to get off of public property. A truck stop is private property, and they are not responsible for you keeping to the FMCSA regulations. If that were the case, I could park my truck anywhere I wanted to (illegal or not), and nobody could make me move.

[Windwalker]

It's a different story when it is DOT telling you to get off of public property. A truck stop is private property, and they are not responsible for you keeping to the FMCSA regulations. If that were the case, I could park my truck anywhere I wanted to (illegal or not), and nobody could make me move.
It seems I stand corrected. Thanks.

However, I would still want something to back up the fact that I had been parked, and was required to move. Especially, like the OP said, when there might be something in the way of discrimination involved. A pocket tape recorder goes a long way in keeping people honest about what wording they used.

[Rev.Vassago]

I agree with that, which is why I said that I would call the police, and get escorted off the property to another safe place to park.

[dobry4u]

I am really surprised there are three pages of dialog over this matter. The driver knew she was creating her own parking spot. She was asked to leave and for what ever reason, she should have left and opted not. The police arrested her and the judge convicted her on a misdemeanor and she was let go by her employer. All the other information is not relevant.

If she had left the TS as asked and got into a serious accident, I am sure the TS would have been involved in a civil action.

If she was being subject to prejudice, that would be an entirely different matter and still no defense for trespassing.

[mike3fan]

If she had left the TS as asked and got into a serious accident, I am sure the TS would have been involved in a civil action.

Why would the truck stop be involved in a suit? They were in their rights to refuse service to someone who admitted to parking in a no parking zone and was asked to leave and didn't.

Again it is not on the owner of private property to know or abide by the HOS regualtions.

[Rev.Vassago]

Why would the truck stop be involved in a suit?

Because people will sue anyone and everyone they can to get their payday. I doubt suing the truck stop would be successful, however.

[belpre122]

The OPs actions are typical of a BBR. In this case BBR =
Betty Big Rigger

[Musicman]

There’s a lot of things here that confuse me. Why would Werner be discriminated against by a TA? If you parked somewhere other than a marked spot, why would you be surprised when you are asked to move, if not leave altogether? Once asked to leave, why would you stay? If hassled, I can be a real ass – I have in fact elevated being an ass to the level of an art form - but I have never come close to being arrested… well, maybe once at the Dallas Hook, but that’s another story that involves not being parked in a marked spot.

[dobry4u]

Because people will sue anyone and everyone they can to get their payday. I doubt suing the truck stop would be successful, however.


Exactly! In a civil matter, lawyers will name everyone possible as negligent to get every dime possible.

[golfhobo]

Even without any legal hours to drive, you can go 14 minutes and 59 seconds away without having to interrupt your break.

I call BullChit! I want to see the reg to support this, and I want a comment, Yes or No, from MythBuster.

[Rev.Vassago]

I call BullChit! I want to see the reg to support this, and I want a comment, Yes or No, from MythBuster.

It's good to want things.

[Windwalker]

I call BullChit! I want to see the reg to support this, and I want a comment, Yes or No, from MythBuster.
I had thought of starting a thread about exactly that on the "RULES AND REGS" topic. Someting that Myth-Buster would read and be INVITED to comment.

Since I have not done so yet, and you are so WORDY and "ELLIQUENT", would you care to do the honors?:roll::D

[geeshock]

this is why after 9 or 10 hours i usualy start looking for truckstops, rest areas, etc to park. I usualy can find at least 1 legal spot within an hour or two. Also, I usualy know where I plan on stoping the day before i get there. Planning is half the battle.

[Uturn2001]

There are truck stops that are known to have trucks towed when illegally parked. There has even been a thread on CAD about it. (I have not done a search to find it.) The poster of that thread said he heard the announcements over the PA, and when the truck was being towed out of the truck stop, a 300 pound driver found himself running down the road, trying to catch up with his truck. That means, towing fee, impound fee, and storage fee. Towing could be $300, impound - I don't know, and I've heard of storage of up to $600 a day for truck and trailer.

If it matters that was me who say that happen and related the story. Happened at what is now the Pilot (used to be an Ambest) at exit 4 on I 55 in IL.

[Daddy's Rig]

OMG, why ANYONE not looking to buy narcotics or use the services of a lot lizard would stop there is a puzzle. That place is almost as bad as the now closed TA in Conley, GA.

I agree..I've been truckin 14 yrs and have only stayed at Mont TA twice..
#1 because it was early and #2.. I was able to get a good in/out spot..the
food and service was horrible..The 164 and the J at exit 158 are good places..also exit 96
in evergreen..

[Kathleen]

HEy I do know by FAct that Werner Drivers if they signed up for it has the Legal PLan.. trust me I have it an it is Great.. because I have had to use them.. Why havent U called the Head office of TA? an if u have what did they say? It strange I have been to that TA an never had trouble at all an yes I Have been there an had to make my own parking place also..as I have to make them all over the states. I'm a 48 otr also. By any chance did u get any names when you called the main terminal. sorry I just feel bad for you for all that to happen to you.

[Windwalker]

HEy I do know by FAct that Werner Drivers if they signed up for it has the Legal PLan.. trust me I have it an it is Great.. because I have had to use them.. Why havent U called the Head office of TA? an if u have what did they say? It strange I have been to that TA an never had trouble at all an yes I Have been there an had to make my own parking place also..as I have to make them all over the states. I'm a 48 otr also. By any chance did u get any names when you called the main terminal. sorry I just feel bad for you for all that to happen to you.
I don't drive for a large company, and maybe that helps me out a lot. I plan my trip so that I know I will be able to stop at a truck stop that I'm sure will have room. I also don't park on the street near a customer for how many hours before my delivery time. (I've faced one "armed and dangerous", and that's enough. I don't get paid for that.) But, I also know which truck stops may have room, and which ones will never have room. Like the ones in Phoenix, AZ. Don't even think of parking there. Get up an hour and a half early and go the rest of the way to the customer from out of town.

But, the only time I have EVER HAD TO MAKE MY OWN PARKING SPACE IS WHEN THE ROADS WERE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW.

[Fredog]

I don't drive for a large company, and maybe that helps me out a lot. I plan my trip so that I know I will be able to stop at a truck stop that I'm sure will have room. I also don't park on the street near a customer for how many hours before my delivery time. (I've faced one "armed and dangerous", and that's enough. I don't get paid for that.) But, I also know which truck stops may have room, and which ones will never have room. Like the ones in Phoenix, AZ. Don't even think of parking there. Get up an hour and a half early and go the rest of the way to the customer from out of town.

But, the only time I have EVER HAD TO MAKE MY OWN PARKING SPACE IS WHEN THE ROADS WERE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW.


you have far too much common sense! please turn in your cdl immediately

[Orangetxguy]

you have far too much common sense! please turn in your cdl immediately



:clap::clap::clap: +2

[BigDiesel]

I don't drive for a large company, and maybe that helps me out a lot. I plan my trip so that I know I will be able to stop at a truck stop that I'm sure will have room. I also don't park on the street near a customer for how many hours before my delivery time. (I've faced one "armed and dangerous", and that's enough. I don't get paid for that.) But, I also know which truck stops may have room, and which ones will never have room. Like the ones in Phoenix, AZ. Don't even think of parking there. Get up an hour and a half early and go the rest of the way to the customer from out of town.

But, the only time I have EVER HAD TO MAKE MY OWN PARKING SPACE IS WHEN THE ROADS WERE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW.

Please stop making sense and using your head, you will confuse those that do not use that logical thought process.....:thumbsup:

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

I don't drive for a large company, and maybe that helps me out a lot. I plan my trip so that I know I will be able to stop at a truck stop that I'm sure will have room. I also don't park on the street near a customer for how many hours before my delivery time. (I've faced one "armed and dangerous", and that's enough. I don't get paid for that.) But, I also know which truck stops may have room, and which ones will never have room. Like the ones in Phoenix, AZ. Don't even think of parking there. Get up an hour and a half early and go the rest of the way to the customer from out of town.

But, the only time I have EVER HAD TO MAKE MY OWN PARKING SPACE IS WHEN THE ROADS WERE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW.



Not true the Liberty T/S right in Phoenix has parking most times ...Which is due to it being pay to parkn ,and has security enforcing it...I think it may have been a pilot b4 .

[Kathleen]

I just have to say one more thing about this Story ... its so full of HOLES,, .. an just b/c u worked for Werner is why they went after U..that is BS.. when the polices are call it's b/c of the Commercial that is going on the lot an they clean it out.. hmmm.. ok no more.. NOW tell the Truth!!! an it will set U free.

[Rev.Vassago]

I just have to say one more thing about this Story ... its so full of HOLES,, .. an just b/c u worked for Werner is why they went after U..that is BS.. when the polices are call it's b/c of the Commercial that is going on the lot an they clean it out.. hmmm.. ok no more.. NOW tell the Truth!!! an it will set U free.
I have no idea what you just said, but since you said

its so full of HOLES

You are absolutely right.

[BigDiesel]

I just have to say one more thing about this Story ... its so full of HOLES,, .. an just b/c u worked for Werner is why they went after U..that is BS.. when the polices are call it's b/c of the Commercial that is going on the lot an they clean it out.. hmmm.. ok no more.. NOW tell the Truth!!! an it will set U free.

No Comprende' ????

[solofemtrucker]

I haven't been on in several days and was amazed that this is still on the board. The young woman "Kathleen" was besmirching my character in her ignorant way. The whole story is out there (all over this message board) and I am a grandmother of 7 and would not think of making money any other way than honestly!!! NOT EVEN when I was young. My life has been hard but honest. Yes, I contacted the corporate office of TA. They apologized to me but that was all. Yes, I have contacted C. L. Werner himself and recieved no reply. No, I was too tired to leave. Yes, I did move into a regular parking spot when it became available. Now I am working for my previous job of 8 years, they took me back with open arms and I am living with a family who are kind and I now have some hope. Many people have supported me through this. It is Werner's loss. My boyfriend is disgusted with the low class comments from those who tried to make this a side show. Thanks to those of you who have provided kind words and some stories that helped me make sense of this absolutely ridiculous situation. And, no, I was never looking for a payday, only 5 weeks wages and an apology. Now lets end this and give someone else a chance.

New England Nightmare (Solofemtrucker)

"Don't throw stones in glass houses"

[Rev.Vassago]

Now lets end this

Your wish is my command.