Safety Termination...?

I was terminated from my first ever trucking job after 6 months last September for, what I was told at the time was, equipment damage (fueling on the yard, I left the passenger side fuel nozzle in the tank and pulled away). There was no fuel spill and the damage was easily fixed with a clamp. I was grateful to get another job a couple months later with, not surprisingly, Western Express. After leaving them after 5 months following a litany of abuses that I can delineate if asked (they classified me okay for rehire), I find myself having difficulty getting another job because I don't have 6 months safe driving after a "safety termination" (from my first job). I'm confused as to how the nozzle thing was a safety issue since no one was ever unsafe. Just looking for insight and advice going forward. Thanks in advance.

I'm confused as to how the nozzle thing was a safety issue since no one was ever unsafe.

It's very seldom someone surprises me in a way that causes me to be without words. I can usually talk the hind leg off of a mule.

Somehow I can't seem to find words for this one. I hope someone less disturbed than me can help you out.

Rich, you were negligent. Negligence is a safety violation.

Rich,

There a a few up hill battles you are going to have to fight. Yes your first employer terminated you for a safety violation and likely put it on your DAC. You can dispute this but it will be an stretch to convince anyone to remove it from your report. Second the economy and job market for truckers is tough right now. If I have my choice of candidates as a recruiter, HR admin, or company owner and I have 10 applications for each job I am going to wittle those down by safety and job history, their time is valuable and they will invest it in the best candidates on paper. Your best bet is to try and find a small company that is local that you can meet face to face and present yourself over those things in your past. Don't give up, don't look for excuses and own up the things that were under your control.

Let me ask this, if the fueling incident would have never happened would you still want to be with your first company?

As stated it's equipment damage (no matter what it cost to repair.)

As stated, it's negligence. If you were doing your due diligence, and actually paying attention, it wouldn't have happened.

I'm not 100 percent certain the things you claim about W.E. are based in fact. Your perception of situations is called into question due to your failure to recognize WHY you were terminated.

If you, by some miracle, find another company to hire you, you should probably make safety, increased situational awareness, and accountability part of your daily practice. You are definitely fighting an uphill battle.

As stated it's equipment damage (no matter what it cost to repair.)

Yep. I got a preventable for hitting an angling iron. All they did was well weld it back on. It took 5 minutes and cost no money.

I'm confused as to how the nozzle thing was a safety issue since no one was ever unsafe.

Like others have stated, it's negligence. Every company stresses the importance of GOAL and being aware of your surroundings. You failed to do that on something minor, so the fear is that you'll fail to do it on something major.

Thanks all for taking the time. Negligence always equals safety. Makes sense to me. I have definitely increased my diligence since. Unfortunately, I only have 5, rather than six, safe months since. Really appreciate the candid input.

Have you tried Western Express again? If you are eligible for rehire that might be your best bet. You now have the support and guidance of the experienced drivers here at TT.

If you tell us what went wrong your first time with them we can probably help you learn how to deal with those problems. Just keep an open mind and consider the answers you receive. They may not be the ones you want to hear but they will help you.