Section 1 - General Rules (Applicable to All Drivers)
All drivers must log in to ELD every time before becoming ON-duty. All drivers must complete a Pre-Trip Inspection on the tractor and trailer in accordance with DOT regulations. The Company must be informed of any problems noticed during the Pre-Trip Inspection. Any citations received due to a previously reported and acknowledged problem will be the responsibility of the Company. Any citations received due to the neglect of the driver will not be paid by the Company.
In case of any truck or trailer equipment failures, the Company must be informed immediately, 24 hours a day. The Company will not acknowledge any actions taken by the driver prior to informing the Company.
If a load requires refrigeration, the driver must check the condition of the trailer every two (2) hours, including temperatures required by the shipper and fuel level in the trailer.
All drivers are required to provide complete protection and safety of all cargo, whether refrigerated or dry. All drivers must inspect the loading of a trailer, where allowed, and check weight at the nearest scale. If the load appears to be overweight, the driver must inform the Company immediately by phone and return to the original loading area for proper weights.
During loading, the driver must pay attention to the condition of the load and the number of pallets placed on the trailer. If the driver observes any damage, such as bad condition of the product, broken boxes, spilling, etc., the driver should stop the loading process and immediately inform the Company. If the Company approves the damaged load, the driver must note the damage(s) on the Bill of Lading and request the signature of the shipper's representative as proof and acknowledgment of previous damage(s) to the load.
All ELD records must be accurate, current, and compliant with 49 CFR Part 395 at all times.
At all times, drivers must be courteous and respect all rules and regulations of our customers, other drivers, and officers of all regulatory agencies.
Failure to call in twice a day as required will result in consequences as outlined in Section 2 or Section 3 below, depending on driver classification.
Causes for immediate termination or contract cancellation include: Dishonesty. Immoral conduct while on duty. Fighting. Possession of narcotics or being under the influence of alcohol while on duty. Failure to immediately report an accident that results in fatality, injury, or property damage. Theft. Participating in any activities that interfere with Company operations.
Section 2 - Company Drivers (Employees)
Failure to call in twice a day may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Any equipment damage resulting from driver negligence may result in disciplinary action in accordance with applicable state and federal labor laws. ELD violations resulting in Out of Service orders will be subject to disciplinary review. Failure to pick up or deliver on time without prior approval may result in disciplinary action. Failure to carry out reasonable instructions from a supervisor is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Section 3 - Owner-Operators (Independent Contractors)
Failure to call in twice a day will result in a liquidated damage charge of $50 per truck or $25 per driver per day, as agreed upon in the Independent Contractor Agreement. Any equipment damage to Company-owned trailers due to negligence of the Owner-Operator will be deducted from the Owner-Operator's settlement as liquidated damages. The Company will not be responsible for damaged cargo due to negligence or improper inspection. Any charges against cargo liability will be deducted from the Owner-Operator's settlement. If a load is not picked up or delivered on time without prior approval from the shipper and receiver, all resulting charges incurred by the Company will be deducted from the Owner-Operator's settlement. ELD violations resulting in Out of Service orders will result in liquidated damages as specified in the Independent Contractor Agreement. Nothing in this document shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship between the Company and any Owner-Operator.
Driver Acknowledgment
I have read and understand the above Rules of Conduct. I agree to comply with all applicable rules. I understand that Section 2 applies to me during any period in which I am classified as a Company Driver (Employee), and Section 3 applies to me during any period in which I am classified as an Owner-Operator (Independent Contractor). My current classification is determined by my active agreement with the Company and may change over time.