It sounds as though you guys have a host of problems at Vitran, I feel your pain.
First off you need to invest $10 for
The STAA Handbook: How to Use the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) to Enforce Truck Safety and Protect Your Job. Please note that this is no a plug for the TDU or the IBT. It is just a valuable tool to have in your hands and the only place that i have found it. One of the co-authors,
Paul Taylor is a
pro-driver attorney and was recently on
The Lockridge Report (Scroll to the bottom of page.) He has helped drivers fight UPS and other major companies with success. Read it, know it and follow it.
The US Department of Labor also has some information on the
The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) and
Office of the Whistleblower Protection Program (OWPP). Remember that you are walking a very fine line when dealing with these laws and make sure you document everything. Times, dates, who said what, vehicle numbers, the last time you took a crap. You will need it all. Also, and this is the most difficult for all, is don't blow your cool when dealing with management. They will hang you with your own anger. OHSA has rules in place that can help.
OSHA: Employee Workplace Rights.
As for the HazMat problems that were mentioned I will
never knowingly leave without proper documentation for it. The fines are too stiff and you can bet all companies will wiggle out and blame the driver. This recently happened to one of our drivers. The fine was around five grand and another grand for the attorney. The company basically told him "tough stuff" and he was left holding the short straw.
With the upcoming CSA 2010 scheduled to go live in less that 30 days you might take some time to read about it
Right from the Feds. You will fall asleep during the first 45 or so pages but don't miss the meat of the matter in the next 50 pages. Another view and a somewhat easier read is
Here. I for one do hope that the program will help weed out the unsafe carriers and drivers.
Another tool that is handy to have is the
CVSA Out of Service Criteria Manual. The current year is expensive but the 2009 book is dirt cheap.
Remember to pick your battles, some are just not worth the effort to fight. Pick one and fight it to the end then move on.
Good luck and I hope you have success. It is your butt on the line, not some dispatcher that has a arrogant attitude and expects you to bow and kiss his rear when he hands you the paperwork.