How To Handle Discrepancy With Pay From Employer

Hi all. Just wanted to get some advice and vent a little on the topic. I'm tired right now and maybe after some rest I will be able to think clearly...

I'm a rookie driver, 2 weeks solo so far driving flatbed for Knight. Getting frustrated with the lack of communication and training I received, along with the troubles of being a new driver. The start hasn't been easy but I do enjoy driving so far.

Received my first pay check through direct deposit and wasn't able to check it until I was done driving. Noticing the dollar amount seemed off, I check the pay stub. I see they paid me .30cpm for the two runs I did last week. Only gave me tarp pay for one of the loads and I was suppose to get stop pay which wasn't in the check. Also didn't get the breakdown pay I was told I would be getting because the truck wasn't ready when I was initially suppose to start solo. The recruiter told me flatbed was paying 57cpm and dry van was 45cpm. How did I only get 30cpm??

Now in my tired state of mind I'm thinking about just leaving and going to another company. Of course I will talk to them first about my pay but I would like to hear any suggestions on how to handle this before I do something unnecessary and is this common for companies to mess up a drivers pay scale?

Go to bed and get some decent sleep. Then go through your pay statements in the morning and make note of the discrepancies and get hold of whoever does payroll. Talk with them because they may not have gotten any updates on your new status of being solo. Never go off half-****ed and decide to bail because that's just going to hurt you in the future when you do that.

Have a good night!

Laura

Did it not occur to you that a simple call to payroll could clear things up? Seems the lack of communication goes both ways.

Trucking company pay can be confusing. Part of your pay is probably per deum. I'm just guessing, but I'll bet that's part of what's confusing you about that 30 cpm.

Recruiters can also be confusing. I doubt they are paying a brand new rookie 57 cpm. Recruiters will say things like, "Flatbed pays up to 57 cpm." Rookies hear, "I'm gonna make 57 cpm." That happens all the time.

If you are due stop pay and tarp pay, just talk to your dm. They can take care of it. Your dm determines all your extra pay like layover, breakdown and such. I always communicate those issues with them before payday. That way it's easier to get those things included.

I know your struggling. I wish I could be there to help you. Don't confuse your struggles with your tendency to think you started with a "bad company." These are rookie issues that every new driver faces. In trucking we are just kind of thrown out here and expected to figure it out. You are fortunate to have this large safety net of help here at Trucking Truth. I'm glad to see you seeking advice in here.

Did it not occur to you that a simple call to payroll could clear things up? Seems the lack of communication goes both ways.

I did call payroll but it was midnight, noone was in the office. I am always in someone's ear at that place, I get vague answers. Lack of communication is definitely on their end, not mine.

Of course I will talk to them first about my pay but I would like to hear any suggestions on how to handle this before I do something unnecessary

Just in case you didn't see this in the post....

Also Mikey B, I'm on this site asking questions and trying to get advice as much as possible. Don't you think I would be doing the same at Knight??

Also Mikey B, I'm on this site asking questions and trying to get advice as much as possible. Don't you think I would be doing the same at Knight??

Actually, no because we have seen it far too many times where beginners get frustrated and they come here but don't think to go to their office to ask questions there. Don't know why it is, but it is that way a lot.

Laura

Thank you Old School once again. This is all very confusing right now and I'm grateful for the drivers like you who actually want to help a rookie driver. I've also come across drivers on the road that have given me good advice

You’ve been there 2 weeks solo; and you’re ready to quit? Good grief Man...you have no idea what you have at Knight.

OldSchool has been with Knight for many years and not once hinted at their lack of communication. He will likely make six figures this year.

Your payroll issue will get worked out. Try to be patient.

Did it not occur to you that a simple call to payroll could clear things up? Seems the lack of communication goes both ways.

I did call payroll but it was midnight, noone was in the office. I am always in someone's ear at that place, I get vague answers. Lack of communication is definitely on their end, not mine.

Of course I will talk to them first about my pay but I would like to hear any suggestions on how to handle this before I do something unnecessary

Just in case you didn't see this in the post....

Calling payroll at midnight??? Really.. Support staff at any company works normal business hours.

My settlements come out on friday’s. If I find an issue I have to wait till monday to address it.

As Laura said. Get some rest and go over the statement. Anything you feel is incorrect make notes so you can address them in a concise proffessional manner.

Payroll may not have had everyting submitted on time to make this weeks check.

The sure way to not handle this is by jumping to conclusions someone is trying to screw you over.