[Laneco]

Pete - you got a big fat break on the log book. Honestly? At the exact point where he found the false log, which is pretty easy to do, you were going to be cited. His choice to NOT cite you was probably based on your demeanor and otherwise good qualifications. It was a judgement call in your favor that you apparently earned during the inspection/interview process.

On the other hand, I would not have frisked you, but then again I would probably have written you a ticket if you were over your 14 at the time I stopped you with a false log to conceal that fact. I did roadside truck inspections for over a decade and I NEVER frisked a driver, belittled a driver or issued any type of personal attack on them. Further, I addressed the driver with their NAME. Most of my co-workers referred to them as "DRIVER." I always felt that was rude. Only twice did I have a dog sent into a truck and both times...somebody went to jail for possession...

I did vehicle/driver inspections very aggressively. Alot of tickets and red tags bore my name, Pete, but I proceeded with a balance. Professional drivers are there to make a living. Most are good Joes, very good in fact. My goal was to pull tired (or potentially tired) drivers and unsafe equipment off the road. Not to parade a personal power trip against a hard working individual. I find such behavior disgusting.

I really do understand why you did (with the log book). Shippers screw drivers left and right with absolute impunity. When the day comes (in some rainbow filled future) where the shipper is held as accountable as the driver for impossible schedules and unheeded delays, then and only then will this change.

In the meantime, watch the comic book. Keep it current and accurate. Stay safe with the shiny side up. Everyone has a reason to get home safe, you as much as everyone else on the highway.

Oh - p.s. - the knife is yours. Call him and ask that it be mailed to you.

angela