Probably helps if you have Drivers that actually write things up instead of the ones who seem to ignore everything. Too many think they are helping the mechanic out by pretending a problem will fix itself, or they just can't bear to have their Package car or Tractor out for a day.
The problem I see is that many feeder centers are full of drivers who don't have much urgency to correct problems. Many hubs I go to are loaded with equipment that have issues that aren't taken care of. Tires that are under inflated, hoses with cuts or bubbles, safety pins that are worn out and don't hold, no paperwork in the king boxes. I carry an ashtray full of valve stem caps that I go for at least every other day.
As a result, some of the mechanics I deal with get irritated with me because they see me frequently. I don't care about that because I'm simply doing my job. The real problem is the drivers who skip pre and post trip inspections, or simply ignore any problems. Why is this? If you're in feeders, you know why. Management is ALWAYS harping about on property times, and putting pressure on drivers to get done quicker. And many drivers will do just about anything to avoid conflict, even if that means ignoring safety issues. Another reason safety is a cosmetic issue for management. But that is still no excuse for any driver--whether feeder or package car--to neglect their job.
I've made plenty of extra money following the methods during my pre and post trip inspections, but it still kind of makes me angry when I know the last driver just said, "Screw it, let the next guy do my job." Awhile back, a few of us were driving to a hub in the middle of the night. One of the other drivers from the other hub was also going our way, except he was on his return trip. He flew by all of us, with no running lights. In other words, he was in a big hurry, never did a pre-trip, and, obviously, never checked his mirrors. But hey, we figured he was a manager's wet dream on paper. Until, that is, when he got into a accident.
