Pinned under his own car carrier!

This reported on the CourierNewsOnline. they even have a short video.

ELGIN — The broad smile across Eddie Silva’s face spoke volumes about his relief and good fortune after emergency workers freed the 39-year-old truck driver who was trapped under his rig Thursday afternoon.

“I was just tying to fix the trailer,” said Silva, who was transporting vehicles from Copart Auto Auction Inc., 1475 Bluff City Blvd., for his company, Rojo Used Auto Parts of Hidalgo, Texas. “So when I finished, I was trying to get out, and my head got stuck on a piece of pipe.”

Silva had just left Copart when he said he heard what he thought was an air leak. He pulled the truck over, and crawled underneath to investigate when the truck came down on him, trapping his neck under a metal bar located between two rear wheels for about an hour.

Our Industry Lost a Great Driver: David Allen Adams

David was a transport driver for Sars Auto Transport out of Tucson and was involved in a horrible accident with a gasoline tanker near Bullhead AZ on July 6th.

Rodney White wrote:

David Allen Adams lost his battle with his 3rd degree burns. Dave was pronounced dead around 2:30 on Sunday afternoon, 7-13-08. I lost my best friend in the whole world. This man was more than a friend, he was my brother and this so far is the hardest thing I ever had to go through. I can’t say enough about Dave. He was caring, giving, and he loved everybody. Dave leaves behind his mother & father and 3 brothers who loved him very much and will truly miss him. He also leaves a wife Norma & 3 children who will sadly miss their provider, their hero. DAVE, WE LOVE YOU MAN FOR ALWAYS. R.B.W

Teresa Martin wrote:

Dispatching for SARS for only six months I grew very fond of Dave Adams. He was a kind hearted man that always had a smile. Those that knew him have lost a great and deeply devoted friend. Everyone that knew or came in contact with Dave will cherish the memories of his constant smile and truely good heart. His loyal friendship to those he cared for will forever be a personal reminder to me that time is short and remember to always treasure those that bless you with their friendship. Smile down on us Dave, for that is the way I remember you… smiling laughing and enjoying your friends…my heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to Dave’s wife Norma and their children as well as Rodney, Ray and friends…time may help heal the pain, but Dave, you will never be forgotten…rest in peace.

Joe & Jacqui wrote:

Dave was a driver that you could really depend on to get the job done. Whether it is a one stop full load or a multiple picks and drops if Dave was dispatched on it, then you know it would get done. That was the difference; Dave was an old school driver. Finding a driver like Dave in this business is rarity and for that he will truly be missed.
One thing that was for sure, when Dave came to the office, you better be ready to laugh. He had a carefree spirit about him that would always keep a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. It would follow him everywhere he went because we sure did laugh a lot when he was around.
Outside of work Dave was always fun to be around. He was full of stories and had a zest for life. He could always find something good in things that were bad. It is truly an honor to have a friend like Dave. In life you meet a lot of people, but only the ones like Dave are truly called friends.
Our heart goes out to Dave’s family, friends and especially to his wife and kids. Their loss is one that can never be replaced. One thing is for sure we have lost someone very special. Dave, may you rest in peace and Thank you for all of the memories.

Dale & Pat wrote:

We all lost a good friend. Dave was very caring and was always fun to be with. He would always made you laugh. Dave we had many good times and we will not forget them. You will never be forgotten.Keep that smile in heaven. Our hearts go out to Daves family. Rest in peace

Amanda, Patrick and Bradley wrote:

Dave was a great man. Its very tragic that this had to happen to him. Im going to miss him so much.He was a part of my families life for a long time and i knew him through most of my childhood. We will miss you dearly Dave. We love you and may you rest in peace.

Cindy S. wrote:

I had the pleasure of working with dave for a number of years & I am so sad to hear that one of the nicest people i will ever know is gone & in such an undeserved way. Dave was one of those people that you were always happy to see & you always ended up having a laugh or two while you were talking. I send my prayers & thoughts to his wife, children & family. The world has lost a wonderful man & for those who never met dave, you missed out. It will be quite some time before i will be able to think of dave without crying. I am greatful that i was among those who got to call him friend. I just got the call & I am so sorry that this has happened, The world is full of so much bad & now there is less good in the world. Rest in peace my friend, we will all miss you. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

Melissa And Tom wrote:

We will forever miss you Dave.He were a great man and a very hard worker. He always lended us a hand when we were little and helped look after us when dad was out of town. He has been a part of our family for many years and always treated us a little sisters or even his own kids. We love you so much and not a day goes by that we don’t think about you. May our rest in peace and always look after us from above

Raymond Wilson wrote:

Dave was like my truck driving son, I am going to miss him as much as I would miss my own son if something happened to him. I spoke to Dave everyday so not only will I miss him but daily routine has been shot to hell.

For those that did not know him, Dave was a good man who treated everybody fairly and he always had a smile on his face or made you smile.

My prayers go out to your wife and kids hopefully there lives continue on the path that you wanted it to go.

Dave, now you are up in heaven with my Mom I know that she will take as good of care of you as she did me.

Keep smiling down on us,

Love and miss you both,

Ray

PREMIER SERVICES wrote:

We met Dave loading cars one day and never forgot his happy face that he always had… Dave your smile will be missed and our prayers go out to his wife and kids!! WE WILL MISS YOU!! Hang in there Rodney!!

The carhaulers will most likely send negotiators back to the table

here is a post from The Carhauler that indicates the direction the vote is headed

Georgetown, KY Says NO!

Posted by: carslinger911 in Carhaul News As for our brothers in Georgetown, KY they also said no. They too understand the forty years of language that is at risk of being extinct. If we don’t stick together as Brothers and Sisters we to will be extinct. We have an uphill battle to fight, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The teamsters need to hire Reegan here to do the negotiating!! He can’t speak real clear yet but he gets his point across.

I had the pleasure to be at this meeting and was given the opportunity to speak. They tried to tell us that the reason the contract was gutted was, because the economic state of the auto industry. The number of units cut in production, and the loss of jobs in all of the industries. They also spoke of the companies and there financial state. They said that: “WE the union have controlled the business of the big three, and that are contract is the cause of their financial issues.” There was at least a couple of hundred men there and we were all shocked. Then we got the chance to speak, and some spoke of Article 48 and how it would effect the job we all love. They said any abuse by the employer, and we would have the grievance machine backing us. I found that to be comical, because they can’t handle the ones they have now. Can you imagine the thousands that would be presented to them if this BS contract passed? When it was my turn to speak I said: ” I’m not here to represent the TDU or any other organization. I’m here representing my brothers in this room, and my car-hauling brothers and sisters trough out this country. You are gutting 40 years of language and our brothers of the past sacrificed blood and tears to get us here.” I spoke of the articles of concern and the men cheered! I have not felt that type of passion in all my years as a Teamster. I spoke of Article 40 note 3 and how this article is set up to have us all fired before we retire, to be replaced by two tier drivers. We called for a show of hands and we knew, that our job there was done. A no vote sends them back to the negotiation table. We need to send those words all the way to Washington D.C. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

TDU leads the charge to limit concessions in teamster contract

Here is some examples of what the members are posting on TDU: .

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Local 604, St. Louis
Members Vote Unanimously to Oppose Deal

“We had over 130 carhaul members at our contract meeting. Not a one supported the contract when they spoke. We had a unanimous No vote. There’s nothing in this contract for the membership. It’s a sad day when all that was fought and bled for just gets bargained away. We need to stand up and fight to maintain our jobs. We’re Voting No to send them back to the bargaining table.”
Gary Burch, Jack Cooper
Local 604, St. Louis

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Local 327, Nashville, Tenn.
“The IBT Says Article 48 is Not Gutted. But Members Think Otherwise.”

“Local 327 held a carhaul meeting on Monday morning to go through the proposed changes. Our steward and our members made it very clear that this agreement is not acceptable. Jimmy Neal did not leave with any uncertainty: he knows the contract is going down in our local.

“The IBT says Article 48 is not gutted. But members think otherwise. Members are up in arms about being forced to haul up to two loads from a foreign terminal and being forced out onto five tours.

“Also there’s no snap-back to bring ‘New Business’ up to the full contractual rate.

“We all know that times are tough and the car industry in particular is in a bad spot. We also know that what we give up, we don’t get handed back. It’s been a long hard fight to get where we are. We’re not about to give it all up because times are tough.

“We made plans to mark and mail our ballots together and turn out the strongest possible No vote here in Local 327.”
Matt Studd, Cassens
Local 327, Nashville

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Local 41, Kansas City
“I Can’t Find a Driver That Supports the Contract”

“I can’t find a driver here in Kansas City that supports the contract. We’re already living with a 15 percent pay cut. There’s nothing in this contract that’s for the members; it’s all about money savings for the companies.”
Jimmy Travis, Allied
Local 41, Kansas City

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Local 120, Twin Cities
“We Need Clear Language Not Promises.”

“We’re concerned about the five tour deal and getting home off the road. At our meeting, we got an explanation about how this will work out for us drivers. But none of that’s written in the contract. 24 years in the Teamsters has taught me not to count on interpretations. We need clear language in the contract or the companies will run right over us.”
Dave Murphy, Allied
Local 120, St. Paul

• July 13th, 2008 at 7:49 pm

  ethan Says:

  I KNOW OF TWO DRIVER AT THE COOPER FAIRFAX TERMINAL THAT SUPPORT THE NEW CONTRACT, ITS NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY, WANTING TO BUILD A TWO YEAR RECORD AGAINT A DRIVER IS B.S. , NOT TO MENTION BEING FORCED TO RUN AND ADDITIONAL UP TO 5 LEGS AT HALF/ RATE.

Straw-vote on teamster carhaul contract a resounding NO!

The Cassens Transport drivers out of local 327 in Nashville, Tn told there BA to stick it and made a verbal 100% no vote in meeting earlier this week. They will also have their ballots counted at the Smyrna, TN barn, for a sure count. This is what we all have to do, to assure us a true vote, because you know that there will be dead drivers, widowers, retired, and even management voting on this contract. I will be getting with some drivers that are going to organize a legal fund for us all, and supported by our donations. God knows we will be needing it, to investigate the clowns in D.C.

UPDATE:

gonzo says:
July 10th, 2008 at 8:10 am - Edit NO NO NO NO NO NO
From what I understand Local # 604 St Louis had a 130 to 0 No Vote.

New Car BBQ

Channel 13 from New York has a very good report on an accidental BBQ on a new-car hauler. They not only have a slide show posted but also a video report as well.

The truck driver–Timothy Misuraca, 33, of Blasdell N.Y.–told authorities that he had been traveling south when an outside tire on the rear of the trailer blew out. When he pulled over to inspect the tire, he saw that an inside tire was on fire.

Misuraca said he ran to his tractor to get a fire extinguisher and when he returned, the rear of the trailer was fully engulfed in flames.

Car carrier driver David Adams in critical condition. Prayers needed!

SAD UPDATE

rodney white Says:

well this is one comment i never wanted to post, david allen adams lost his battle with his 3rd degree burns. dave was pronounce dead around 2:30 on sunday afternoon, 7-13-08. i lost my best freind in the whole world. this man was more than freind he was my brother,and this so far is the hardest thing i ever had to go thru. i cant say enough about dave, he was carring, giving, and he loved every body. dave leaves behind, mother & father and 3 brothers, who loved him very much and will trully miss him, also he leaves a wife norma & 3 children who will sadly miss there provider there hero. DAVE WE LOVE YOU MAN FOR ALWAYS. R.B.W

I read on Mohave Daily News that a car carrier collided with a fuel tanker at milepost 14 on Hwy. 68 and that one of the drivers was flown out on a helicopter.

Here is an update from the Kingman Daily Miner:

Around 2:30 p.m., two trucks collided on the route, closing both lanes for more than six hours.

According to the Arizona Department of Highway Safety, a tanker truck carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline in the westbound lanes drove into the back of a car hauler headed in the same direction. Both trucks caught fire.

The tanker truck came to a rest and burned in the westbound lanes. The car hauler crossed the median and came to rest and burned in the eastbound lanes. All eight cars on the car hauler, including one that fell off, burned.

Both the east and west bound lanes were closed until 9:20 p.m.

David Alan Adams, 41, the driver of the car hauler, was flown to University Hospital in Las Vegas for third degree burns.

Salvador Miguel Pizano, 43, the driver of the tanker truck, was treated for neck pain and released.

DPS is investigating the crash. It is unknown at this time if driver error or something else caused the crash.

Posted: Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Article comment by: rod white

dave adams is one of few well experiance car hauler’s he has driven auto hauler’s for about 10 years +. and as of today he remains in critical condition, this is extreamly difficult to deal with as his best freind of 17 years.just imagine his kids 3 and wife norma adams. this kinda stuff happens all the time, and usally the driver is blamed. there was a car involved with this wreck, my information is that there was a ford mustang that cut off the tanker driver which created this whole mess. mr dave adams has only a 60%chance of survival. as daves best freind i can only encourage anyone who has a better description of this mustang or have any other information please contact your local police dept. think of mr adams very young family, and remember just a professional car hauler hard at work supporting his family, now on his back helpless as a newborn baby. please help in the way you can.

Lets all remember to pray for Dave and His wife Norma as well as the 3 children

This update from the Mojave Daily News contradicts the Kingman Daily Miner

BULLHEAD CITY - Arizona Department of Public Safety officials have released additional information on the truck collision that closed Highway 68 for several hours Saturday.

Around 2:26 p.m., a car carrier westbound near Milepost 14 reportedly drove into the back of a fuel tanker carrying about 9,000 gallons of fuel.

The impact ruptured the tanker, igniting both trucks, officials said.

Is our current Broker/Carrier system broken?

First read this excerpt from a blog post titled tales of a car-hauler:

“Well, my contract says we have door-to-door service, so I expect it to be delivered to my door- I’m doing you a favor by meeting you in the street.” I seriously wanted to hit the guy, but whatever, he just paid a butt-load of money to have his precious Volvo hauled from Massachussets to WA, he was beyond snotty, and wasn’t going to understand. Just b/c the people he signed the contract with (who then find car carriers, us, to haul for them) of course don’t have the same contract with us. So it’s not totally his fault- those original people that he found will promise people anything just to get them to sign a contract, knowing full well that we, the deliverers, get screwed in the process.

Then let me tell you that I hear this all the time. The broker/sales agent isn’t there in the middle of the street at midnight so the drivers gets yelled at instead. In this case Mcwife yells back (read her blog).

This wreck is off of tow911 If you click the link you can see all of the pictures.

3-vehicles had shifted on the trailer almost coming off and 1-vehicle did come off and rolled over on the southbound lanes

Chipmunk Transportation Inc. and AAA Ark Auto Transportation, closed by the Attorney General

Here is a copy of the press release:

Judge grants Nixon’s request for temporary restraining order against St. Peters Auto Transport service

Jefferson City, Mo. — A St. Charles County Circuit Court judge today issued a temporary restraining order at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon against a St. Peters automobile transport service and its owner. The order prohibits Caran R. Vinson and two businesses she owns, Chipmunk Transportation Inc. and Chipmunk Auto Logistics Inc., from advertising and engaging in the businesses of providing automobile transportation and transportation brokerage services and from accepting money from consumers for transport services.

Nixon sued Vinson in May 2002 for defrauding consumers of money paid for auto transport services that were never provided. The lawsuit alleged that at least 22 consumers from around the country paid more than $5,400 total to Chipmunk Transportation to have their vehicles picked up and delivered to another location. Nixon said that the company did not inform consumers that their payments or down payments were nonrefundable or misled them into believing that refunds would be forthcoming.

Nixon said that since the time the lawsuit was filed, his office has received at least 21 additional complaints from consumers, including reports that Vinson has operated under other business names, including AAA Ark Auto Transportation.

Judge Lucy D. Rauch set a July 17 date on Nixon’s request for a preliminary injunction against the defendants.