The trucking industry is a vital component of the American economy. Still, big trucks can pose a danger to other motorists when they are operated by unsafe truck drivers and supported by trucking companies that prioritize profits over safety. Trucking is a big business and a competitive field. Trucking companies stand to make a lot of money by delivering cargo across the country, but this shouldn’t come at the price of others’ safety. Here are some ways that the trucking industries prioritize profits over safety:
Hiring Unqualified Drivers
Operating a commercial truck is a difficult and demanding job. There is currently a significant gap in the trucking industry where the demand for drivers is far greater than the supply. This leads some trucking companies to hire unqualified drivers who do not have the proper license or endorsement or who lack any meaningful experience. Trucking companies may fail to complete pre-employment background checks or knowingly hire drivers with criminal, safety, and drug and alcohol abuse issues.
Forcing Drivers to Violate Hours-of-Service Rules
Hours-of-service rules limit the number of hours commercial truck drivers can work and drive in a given period of time. There are maximum weekly and daily limits, as well as mandatory breaks. Trucking companies may force drivers to exceed these hours, increasing the likelihood of truck accidents caused by fatigued driving.
Imposing Unrealistic Deadlines
Trucking companies can also contribute to accidents by imposing unrealistic deadlines. Trucking companies get paid by the load, so the more deliveries they make in less time, the more money they make, lining their pockets. Trucking companies may impose unrealistic deadlines on their drivers, which can lead to truck drivers speeding and driving recklessly to try to keep up with them.
Incentivizing Fast Deliveries
Trucking companies may even offer financial incentives to truck drivers for making deliveries faster. The small incentive bonus means little to a company that can rake in thousands or millions of dollars by violating the rules.
Rushing Loading
Commercial trucks must be carefully loaded to avoid the cargo shifting during transit. The FMCSA has strict cargo securement rules that they must comply with. However, trucking companies may try to rush the loading process so the trucks can get on the road and make deliveries faster. This can lead to cargo being overloaded or the cargo moving during transport, ultimately resulting in serious accidents.
Deferring or Ignoring Maintenance
Commercial trucks have many moving parts. If they are not properly maintained, vital systems can fail or mechanical issues can arise during transport. Trucking companies may ignore obvious signs a vehicle needs repair or fail to maintain mechanical systems so that they do not lose money while the vehicle is in the shop.
Skipping Necessary Inspections
Trucking companies must have a qualified inspector complete annual inspections on their truck. If this inspection reveals mechanical or safety issues, the problems must be addressed before the vehicle can return to the road. Not wanting to slow down deliveries, trucking companies might ignore these rules.
Call Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured due to the actions of a greedy trucking company, let the legal team at Salango Law, PLLC, demand justice. Contact us online or call (304) 342-0512 to set up a free case review.