I've previously written about the Motor Carrier Exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and why its elimination was necessary, but a recent event on Dec. 23 exemplifies why its elimination is both necessary and warranted.
Jeff Clark, a seasoned veteran driver for De Pere, Wisconsin-based Paper Transport (CCJ Top 250, No. 105), was on eastbound Interstate-94 near Osseo. Jeff felt his tractor break traction at the 80-mile marker. With that warning premonition, Jeff heeded the hint and parked his rig at the 88-mile marker.
Another driver about five minutes later asked Jeff whether he saw the pile up just behind him at the 80-mile marker. Later, Jeff heard about 100-plus vehicle pile-up at the 96-mile marker – just seven miles further ahead – due to freezing rain. Had Jeff not heeded his experiential training, he, too, would have joined the carnage.
Jeff Clark heard about 100-plus vehicle pile-up at the 96-mile marker – just seven miles from where he pulled over – due to freezing rain.Wisconsin State Patrol
Why was Jeff so lucky, when so many failed to safely park their rig?
When drivers are paid by the mile but regulated by the hour, safety will necessarily be demoted to a secondary consideration. Period.
When inclement weather appears, as it so often does at this time of year, drivers will push onward to preserve their paychecks. It’s simply a matter of motivation. It's only when you’re a veteran like Jeff that you know it’s better to call it a day and profitably drive another day. Sadly, so many others lacked the discipline, experience and training that comes with years of driving.
