Tom...Your probably done at Roehl. Most companies today are going to cut the string quick, when they have to deal with injuries. Unfortunately, even though you have not complained to them about back pain, means nothing to them...they simply do not want the liability.

You need to get the evaluation done on your back. Not only for employment purposes..but for your own piece of mind. An evaluation should be done by someone established in Back and Muscular injuries, not a Family Practitioner. Knowing exactly what you can and cannot do helps greatly in deciding options.

You already said you have talked with Schneider. Don't stop communicating with them. If you can get into their Bulk division, you can do OK there. Draining a 2" hose or a 3" hose is fairly easy, and can be done without fear of injury. It simply takes training, and Schneider Bulk has some excellent trainers. You have probably read the thread the Superior drivers have going.

Chat with Cyanide, Mudpuddle and Skywalker, and the new guy's over there. Chat with Maniac and Mike3 from Dana. They can all advise you on tanking and hoses.
There used to be a Schnieder Bulk driver on this forum...RSCO...I don't know what became of him..but what little he posted here...it seemed he was doing all right for himself there. Maybe you can find him over at Pumpkindrvr.com, and get some answers to your questions about Schneider specifically.

I have a lot of "tank" experience. I have worked with plenty of guy's whom have had back injuries. They went to tanking because it was easier on their backs. I am fortunate. Except for when I am standing on concrete or asphalt for long periods of times, my back does not bother me. LOL...but when I have been standing to long..not only does my back start to hurt.....my legs start hurt...my head starts to hurt...and I get tired...so go figure!

Good luck..take care of you, and don't knuckle under just to have a job. If after this Roehl allows you to continue employment there...you will be employable just about anywhere.

 

I would def go to http://pumpkindriver.com/ and talk to the guys over there if your interested in Schneider. Great group.

 

Tom, it may not seem like it but your better off without them, you pi$$ed in the wrong persons wheaties so just let it go. MAKE SURE YOU GO OVER THAT TRUCK WITH A FINE TOOH COMB!! Make a vidio of you and the other driver inspecting it B-4 letting it go, it would also be a good thing to get someone in the Co. to fax you a letter stateing that they CHOSE to pick the truck up instead of you abanding it. :shock: THATS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

 

Very good points, everyone!

They told me that as long as I'm capable of lifting 50 lbs(which I am), they can "accommodate" the restriction...but they did say that since it may take me two weeks to get that ironed out, they do NOT want the truck sitting there for that long.

I insisted that I could drive it to the Gary, IN terminal for them...but they wouldn't hear of it, as I'm not "safe" to drive!

Because I made a point of insisting on driving it in, they can't stick me for an abandonment...but this entire thing seems senseless! I'd think it would cost them more to get the truck, then get me back up to a terminal to get another one in two weeks...

This was the training dept. head's decision to "recover" the truck...seems as this is one more thing he's doing to try and run me off...... :x

On edit: The case manager at the VA that I've been working with checked with a patient advocate, and supposedly what they've done to me is illegal. They referred me to a lawyer, whom I left a message with. Hopefully they'll get back with me...don't know how that'll work out... :twisted:

Repete, thanks for the advice. When I clean out my truck tonight, my wife and I will photograph every inch of it, to make sure there are no problems with that....

 

When whomever arrives to "recover" the truck is ready to leave, present him with a "receipt" for the truck...don't let him leave without signing for it and the condition of the truck. Give him a copy of his signed receipt!

You can make one up on your computer in just a few minutes. All it needs to have is a place left for the drivers name at the beginning, and then your and his signature at the bottom.


Fry the minds at Roehl.


It could read; "Date"

I, _______________( driver X), am recovering Roehl truck #________and trailer #________, from _________(You), at _________ address (Yours). Each unit is in _____________ (Excellent, good, poor)shape and is deemed "Road Ready", or "Inoperable" by _____________(driver X). All standard equipment appears to be available and in work ready condition.


__________________ (driver X)


___________________ (you)

 

Yep CYA. OR have that lawyer do it.

 

That's weird. We basically never touch freight. Maybe I touch 1 out of 40-50 loads and even those instances were only a few pallets. I've never had to touch an entire truck load at all. I hope your situation works out for you. 8) 8)

 

Well, that's what I've heard from most of the van companies, reefer or otherwise! Crete, Martin, US-xpress, all want you to be capable of unloading...if you're not, you're disqualified from the job.

That's the probem I'm having here! I've NEVER had a driver unload when I pulled freightbox, and with my curtainside, I've never heard of it, since it is ALL done by forklift!

That's why I'm currentlly thinking tank, becuase there is nothing for he driver to unload!

 

I would guess that the 50 pound restriction is a government or insurance thing. Seeing as how they all have it and in reality it's a non-issue.

 

One of the benefits of hauling produce...I never touch it. Ever. Goes in on a fork lift and I am not around when it comes out.