[tbrown]

A driver is attempting to deliver at a customer and accidentally grazes a pole - resulting in the bottom hinges being knocked off the trailer door (he reports this to his co as he should). Is this a DOT accident or an incident? :? :?

Will it haunt him in reference to driving record?

[yoopr]

Probably be reported as a Chargeable Preventable.

[Twilight Flyer]

Chargeable and preventable, but it's a minor incident. As long as you don't have a long history of incidents, it shouldn't be a big issue to overcome.

[Sealord]

DOT won't care about it, the driver's employer and the pole's owner may care. Concur with preventable. BOL

[ken_o]

I got stuck in the mud at a customer some will charge that as a preventable incident.
One time my trailer door came off the latch swung out and got lodged in the ground as i was backing to the in-ground dock they said it was my fault apparently I schould of been psychic foreseeing the door swinging out. I got a nice raise after complaining about that bs.
Some carriers will also deduct the expense of incidences off your Bonuses.
Most carriers also have an appeals process use them wisely.

[classicxl]

minor incident as long as it is not a habit

[Taglio]

I believe it would only be considered a DOT accident if theres another vehicle envolved (?)

[Deus]

Originally Posted by Taglio

I believe it would only be considered a DOT accident if theres another vehicle envolved (?)

The main qualifications for a DOT reportable accident is that the accident must take place on a public roadway, and one or more of the vehicles must require towing. AFAIK.