I've recently change employers. The previous outfit paid per diem, and cell phone allowance in the form of cash on the COMDATA card. Nice. Others have provided a company phone.
My new employer pays expenses, which means I've got to save and submit receipts on each trip.
During the first month, and thereafter, I have utilized my personal cell phone to call my employer, my employer's clients, shippers, and repair services. To recoup my "expenses" I analyzed my cell bill for the period and figured I was owed about half of one phone's portion of a family plan, or about $30. I submitted a request for reimbursement of this expense, complete with a copy of the call history, highlighting the calls made specifically for the benefit of my employer.
The request was denied, stating they would not pay for employee's cell phones. #####!!!
The usage did not cause my bill to be higher because of the plan I have. In fact, I don't use 50% of my allotted minutes, there is no roam, and no long distance. The cost is there, regardless of letting my employer benefit from the use of it. However, I feel really taken advantage of in this situation because they are getting something from me for free.
My options are to stop and use land lines charged to the company VISA card, and of course the toll free numbers when possible, or, I could eat my pride and continue using the cell. The cell is obviously more convenient for me.
I am seriously considering not answering calls from the company (I'll ID the caller, and land line 'em back), and make them handle break-down calls, shipper appointments and the like. The only time the cell would get used for the company would be if I were broke down on the side of the road and there was no pay phone in sight.
Is 2xR being a brat, or is my anger on target? I am still new here, having just about wrapped up my 90 days of probation. I don't feel strongly enough about the issue to resign, and I sure don't want to get canned, but right is right, and they're doing me wrong.
Does Your Employer Use Your Cell Phone???
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by 2xR, Oct 30, 2007.
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When first got a cell phone and minutes were 'expensive,' most employers wouldnt call you on it! But now, I prefer using it to communicate with dispatch rather than relying on the Qualcomm---having to stop to read it (turned all ours off when 'vehicle in motion' years ago after 1 idiot wrecked while reading directions off of it!). Have been turned around or had a load canceled on the Qualcomm while in L.A. traffic and didnt find out about till stopped way later!! Told dispatch better 'call' me on my cell the next time that happens!!!!
So, the cell phone is for my benefit and worth the time saved to do my job!! Call me, anytime....ha ha
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i do not currently have a cell phone but i am looking into it. it seems to me if it is a necessity, then the company should pay for it. it is getting pretty hard to find a payphone these days. say i have to travel out of route to find a phone or i breakdown and the qc isn't working or no-one is responding, or i am in an accident then what? you have to call shippers or receiver to schedule pick-ups or deliveries, call for repairs, resopnd to all sorts of things at the company that can not be conveyed in a canned message
. the company you work for should provide free of charge a cell phone for company drivers. i am new to the industry and wouldn't go on the road without one so i guess i'll eat the $70 a month bill for nationwide acccess. i feel that i shouldn't have to do this though because i feel it is %100 necessary to do the job. that's my 2 cents worth---lockednloaded
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