Why Do Semi-Trucks and Truck Drivers Speed So Fast?

Truck drivers operating semi-trucks are required to make scheduled deliveries called that are on-time. When the truck driver fails to deliver the scheduled delivery within the time frame demanded they can be penalized.

Penalties for late deliveries can include:

• Spoilage. Fees from the shipper due to spoilage and destruction of consumer goods which may be passed on to the truck driver’s monthly pay.

• Warnings. The trucking company gives an oral or written warning to the truck driver instructing them not to be late again.

• Temporary suspension. The trucking company may suspend the driver for a period of 2 or 3 days so the driver understand not to be late again.

• Termination. The trucking company fires the truck driver because of tardiness and the driver must find a new job.

• Salary reductions. The trucking company reduces the truck drivers pay for the load and shifts part of the financial loss onto the truck driver.

What is the Effect of Penalties on the Truck Driver for Late Delivery?

• Speeding. The truck driver speeds over the legal speed limit to ensure timely delivery to avoid being penalized.

• Exceeding Maximum Hours of Driving Time Limits. The effect of the on-time delivery makes truck drivers exceed the FMCSR hours of service.

• Fatigue. Making a truck driver exceed maximum limits of driving time and speeding causes the driver to become fatigued and overworked out of fear of losing their job.

• Accidents. The worst effect of making truck drivers speed and exceed hours of limits rules of the FMCSR is that the truck driver is much more likely to be negligent and cause and accident with another vehicle leading to bodily injuries and death.