It's not like we have a lot of options. I didn't vote for it, but others were very unhappy with freight coming in 2 hrs late one day and we were still expected to get at least a half hr break in. So when mgr suggested we vote for the two options most wanted to start at normal time. We often have fog problems at our ramp during winter, so getting break out of the way would be best, I just feel that I'm getting cheated if we take it before an hour has been worked. But unlike younger workers I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So putting up with crap for 6 years. Question is, why do you always dodge having the Teamsters having a national vote? Are you under instructions to downplay that from headquarters?
Like you mentioned, a break in the first or last hour is considered a break violation........but so is not taking at least half an hour when working over 5 or 6 hours, depending on the state you are in. That being said, it's your responsibility to let your manager know if you will not be able to do so, and their responsibility to make sure that you are able to get it in. i.e get you help.
Personally, when i was a courier i preferred the call in method. I just rolled over, called the number and went back to sleep if we had late freight. Plus it saved my hours during long weeks like this so that I could actually do something productive, like deliver, rather than cleaning out my truck or putting away supplies.