I worked for Day and Ross (Kinard) for just under two weeks, and I feel compelled to share my experience to warn other drivers. I was hired with nine months of prior experience, but their orientation was misleading from the start. Their trainer, Erica, taught us incorrect logging procedures, specifically stating that we should log out and go into “off-duty” mode at the end of each day, even when in the sleeper berth. This is a clear log violation, and it was a concerning red flag.
During orientation breaks, I spoke to current drivers who revealed that the trucks were slow (limited to 65 mph) and underpowered, contradicting the recruiter’s claims of 70 mph trucks and dry van loads across the country. My assigned dispatcher, Julie, then informed me that I’d be doing reefer loads, something I’d never choose due to the unreasonable customer expectations and the slow trucks.
My first load highlighted the company’s disorganization. A snapped airline caused a delay, and it took hours to get the load reworked due to being shuffled between departments and waiting for mechanics. I threatened to quit, but they convinced me to stay.
Over the next four loads, each was booked with short notice, requiring me to drive 10+ hours consecutively with only a 30-minute break. I raised concerns about their ELD provider, PeopleNet, not allowing split breaks, which contributed to my delays due to customer hold-ups. Shockingly, my dispatcher suggested I edit my logs from previous days to regain time on my 70-hour clock. I refused, as it’s illegal and unsafe.
Exhausted, I requested a reset, which they initially granted but then canceled halfway through, assigning and then unassigning a load. This was my breaking point, and I filed a complaint with the FMCSA for coercion to edit my logs.
Their next load assignment again required driving beyond my available hours. Both Julie and her supervisor told me to “just take it,” regardless of my clock running out. I refused and delivered it the next day, following regulations.
They then requested I go to their Maine office for additional training due to the inadequate orientation. After a 10-hour reset in Maine, they terminated my employment, leaving me stranded, far from my home in NYC.
To add insult to injury, the recruiter had lied about being able to take the truck home to NYC, a crucial factor in my accepting the job.
This company is dishonest, disorganized, and prioritizes customers over driver safety and well-being. They will even push drivers to violate regulations. I urge all drivers to stay away from Day and Ross (Kinard). I will be seeking legal representation for their coercive practices, which have directly impacted my livelihood
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