Thats not Patience...he was truly stoopid and blind to risk his life for full 3 Months. Wouldve never set on in a truck with that guy at day 1-2. -.-* Even if it costs the Job and Money...those things always come back.
My husband was a truck driver for most of his career. We listened to this and he laughed and shook his head. Saying that the Kevin stories was why he never had a second driver, he was local only. Sadly we lost him three weeks ago. I will cherish the memories of the two of us sitting his his pick up truck at a local park and laughing. Thanks for the all too funny stories.
It's hard to believe i listened to a 2.5-hour story about a trucker and his partner in one sitting, but it was such a gripping and fascinating story - thank you so much for sharing it. Heck, it might almost make for a good book or TV film (not sure about a motion picture, but might make for a "12 angry men" style of film where it's mostly set in a single location... a truck cab!)
After listening to all nine stories about Kevin I realized the most important question was never answered… Was the 12 V Outlet in the bunk area ever fixed?
It must have been or he’d have kept effing with it since he wouldn’t have remembered why he shouldn’t. They probably replaced its fuse when fixing the fuse that was preventing the heater from working.
OP (Strongbadjr) is a really talented story teller...the rhythm & cadence was impeccable...the endings (cliff-hangers) of each one perfect...the culmination divine. You should be really proud OP!
Damn, I put this on to fall asleep, but now here I am making popcorn. This is the best story I've ever heard, and I've never driven a truck of any kind.
My husband drove with a Kevin once. Guy tried to drive through a road closure sign and went the wrong way on a one way street as well as regularly insisting on switching drivers on the side of the highway( very big no no) and was completely incapable of backing up the truck. At the time my daughter was only a few months old(now 4) and I told my husband flat out tell them you won't drive with him anymore because he's going to get you killed. When he told his fleet supervisor they told him to return to the main hub and said that he had to finish of his 3 month period before he could switch or be fired so he said fine fire me and they did. They first said he would have to pay back his tuition cost but he then informed them he would report them to osha if they tried to pull that crap because forcing him to drive with a person who should have never had a cdl was definitely willfully endangering his life so they dropped it. But he was still held to contract as far as not being able to drive for any competition for a full year. A week after he got home he started working for a dump truck company and worked with them until they went out of business(poor management) 3 yrs later. He is actually doing long haul again driving solo, which he loves, and is home for 3 days every 2 weeks and gratefully is able to fully support our now family of 4 so I can stay home with the kids.
Ya these trucking co need to learn that they need to take care of there drivers and they have the final day. If a driver say no to driving because of bad weather or wind and they have no advisery to do so they co should stand behind that driver. It's better then ending up in a ditch some were or worse dead. No job is worth your life
I hate videos riddled with so many adds, but this video is an exemption. The cliffhanger with the youtube adds felt like I was watching a great tv series. Topnotch narration and great writting.
@@rogerbayless most youtube ads are based on age and location and other factors. Maybe some of the ads that appeared on me does not appear on your location? But any way I didn't mind the ads because the story and narration is great.
This was... Well, an excellent hearing. Been avoiding this story for weeks thinking it was a Karen-like story that I wasn't up to cope with, but I'm happy I did clicked on it while playing. Narration was on point, as always, and the writing was... oooooh, it was perfect. Keep up the good work Rob, and thanks to the writer for the story.
If fleet manager knew (or suspected) about Kevin, why did OP go through so much hell getting blamed for that crap? He wouldn't have had to send the nuclear email if they had listened to him.
Because half the time they won't listen and just say drive the truck or be fired most people won't fight it. But op shuer did and held his company accountable.
And to add, depending on the number of employees it takes time to get caught, especially if "there is a Driver that is worse" - What gets me is that he was hired despite his driving record. I had an accident on mine when I applied to drive for city transit I still had to meet with Safety and Training about my accident before they decided whether it was "just a one off" or a "yeah no, we don't want this Driver". It sucked doing an extra step in an already long hiring process, but totally worth the anxiety.
Trust me, there are. Schools rush you through classes, companies rush you through training, and dispatch rushes you period. And too many people come into this line of work thinking it's easy money with little responsibility. I've only been a driver 13 yrs (still a rookie compared to most drivers) but I know a moron driver when I see one.
40 years as a trucker with a year as a driving instructor at a major school south of Atlanta. My company decided they wanted to try this new idea about OJT for your CDL and my driving record made me a damn trainer! I had a guy that had no idea about trucking. He was from OKOK and was a dump truck driver. Still no idea about driving OTR but he knew OKOK like the back of his hand so reading wasn't necessary. I'm in the sleeper when I hear him go WTF?? I turn onto my side and pull the curtain to look out and see the scales at Foristell, Mo ahead of us which was NOT on our route. This guy could not read letters OR numbers! We go through with no problem but I have him pull into the TA. He manages to put the truck in between the lines in the parking lot and I tell him to go eat breakfast. I call dispatch and tell them what this guy has done through both runs so far and tell dispatch this guy is an accident waiting to happen. Case in point was we were being passed by a set of doubles. The first trailer gets by and this fool flashes the headlights at him that he was clear. I told him to keep his fingers off the headlight switch! Thankfully that driver wasn't even looking in his mirrors as he knew that he wasn't past us yet and didn't move over but I went ballistic! I chewed his ass about wanting to be cool and flash his lights at the driver! Oh. That part of I70 had a really steep bank on my side like looking down a slope at a ski resort! Dispatch knew I was good at training and told me to put him out of the truck and they let him go. And yes back until about the late 80s companies would fire you no matter where you were! The last I saw of this guy was him dragging his duffel into the TA and my nerves went into breakdown!
Anyone who knows ANYTHING about engineering or trucking would tell you a jake brake is excellent. The design of jake brakes is awesome. It saves your brakes, is highly effective, doesn't damage the truck, is extremely reliable, and almost mandatory in mountainous regions. It truly is a marvel of engineering.
I guess you've never been in a truck where the Jake brake failed. Multiple times. Sometimes they just don't activate when they are supposed to. That said, no way will I drive a semi without a Jake brake AND a Johnny bar.
As someone who drives a truck, I find these CDL mills appalling. Some of these same mega carriers that practically give away CDL's will reject experienced drivers who have a minor speeding infraction, or not having the right kind of or verifiable experience.
WOW! I've been driving since '92. I suspect OP got his first gig with the flying shoe (what I call a certain company with that symbol). When I was in school, I heard that they paired rookie drivers together, and refused to apply to the flying shoe for that reason. If I was going to drive team, I was determined to have a REAL driver with me. Not some guy holding onto a steering wheel while the truck drove him. The stuff he messed with on the truck... I'm speechless. As we know, FK wasn't in his right mind, which prevents me from asking the "Who, in their right mind would..." questions. I feel bad that OP had to deal with such moronacy (don't know if that's a word, but it is now). No one should have to put up with that. When I first started, I got the best compliment ever. My trainer said that he got the best nights sleep that he's had in the truck since he started training drivers. He said that he had told safety that he felt that I could drive fine, and only needed a little guidence with paperwork. Because of that, there were a couple times when the company had us convoy in two separate trucks with freight coming from, and going to the same locations. Now I drive local and, oddly enough, still drive the same truck that I drove for a former employer. When the time comes for me to move on, I hope to keep the old Streamliner (KW T-800) for myself, and put it into service as an RV tractor. My current boss doesn't like KW, and said that I should make him an offer if I leave. I LOVE my ugly truck. I hope FK found work more suitable for him, and I hope OP is doing well.
I quite agree with OP, that it is hard to really hate FK. The divorce arrangements are disadvantageous to him, and he clearly is incapacitated yet there was no medical follow up to make sure he is ok. It is correct to ensure he doesn't operate a deathbox, but what landed him in the predicament can't be completely ignored. I'm just glad OP is alive and unharmed. That company sounds horrendous and I'm surprised it's still alive
Hearing this story makes me glad I am a hermit and hardly leave the house...... Folks like FK should be locked up/housed somewhere for public safety...
@@electronauticon9617 Someone openly willing to state about considering running contraband across the Mexican border is not really material for citizen of the year award.
You know what the sad thing is about this? The fact that companies really do shit like this all the time, this time it was lucky to have ended in the uncovering of all the bad stuff and without serious damage to person or property. Also Strongbadjr should consider becoming an author.
Yeah, it's really sad that this isn't nearly as uncommon as we would like to think. I really feel that the quality of work and competence of many truck drivers and CNAs currently in the workforce is way below standard, mostly because of subpar pay and a massive lack of qualified applicants. It only takes a few weeks to get certification for both jobs, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree. A lot of incompetent people can squeak in under the radar because businesses are desperate to hire employees willing to do the work and put up with all of the BS involved with either job for not nearly enough pay. SMH 😔
I'm guessing it's Prime out of Springfield since he had to go back there. I had words with them about my sins trainer....6months total trucking time. Then I saw his brand new truck they gave him. Airlines from cab to trailer were so long they almost touched the ground....I came unfucking glued they didn't teach him this stuff and they ok'd this truck to leave.
Check the red flags... This is a great fiction... Check my comments and see the hole... For one thing with the guys med back ground no doctor would have signed the med paper work for CDL...
At first it was infuriating to hear about FK's dumbfuckery. Specifically the fuse hubbub. But then "Are we still in Illinois?" just made me sad. Profoundly sad for him.
@@DrewB1442 I thought the same thing. If he wasn’t a douche or a racist, I would actually feel real bad for the guy. Sounds like he’s going through something real rough
@@DrewB1442 Yep. I was like, “Oh, Jesus, this guy is a mess, I feel sorry for him.” Then the racism appeared and I thought, “Oh. Never mind. Go scorched earth, OP.” I will say, I wonder if his brain damage made him racist. Not all people with head trauma are bigots, but a lot of bigots have head trauma or similar issues.
@@83gemm Well see the issue about this entire ordeal is that he lied on his medical form stating that he was in a koma for 21 hours when it was actually 21 days. He never should have got his CDL to begin with
I am again listening to this story, 11/22. Thank you to KCC for this incredible story. In the world of the interweb this is one of the best ever. Your story telling ability and having such a great voice it is definitely worth another listen. There is very few channels that can tell a story with such great personality. Thank you once again brother, stay strong. I listened to the story in real time as we all waited for the next chapter to drop. Thanks again for the compilation. It sure makes it much easier. Lol, I remember in the comments, everyone waiting and questioning when the next part would come out. Thanks again brother.
Epic. Completely EPIC. Thank you OP, this was worth it listening in one long video. Thank goodness you are able to share this with us. I STILL can't believe this is only FIRST Kevin... Thanks for sharing with us this saga. Wow.
I made a mistake deciding to put this on before going to sleep as I ended up listening to the entire story! Well 3:30 am is as good a time as any to go to bed, right?
Part 7 had me in tears with laughter. Only because I know the grade that there driving down. And let me tell you he's not wrong in his fears of having an idiot like that driving down it. I have a few experiences going down to Lewiston not in a truck.
I drive a Honda Civic and am good enough at driving that going 90 practically all the way from Bozeman MT to Missoula MT in the winter isn't a big deal. The road into Lewiston ID still scares me.
This was an utterly engrossing story that I eagerly downed in two sittings. Well told, and worthy of a short novella. Brilliant, and thank you! (subscribed)
what an impresive story, had me interested in it form start to end, thanks to the poster and to KCC narration, as always, intersting stories that always keep us returning to the channel. it almost feels like an audiobook
A friend recommended this to me, and I started laughing when I realized in the rock springs shut down that I met them. Gotta say, OP took it easy on FK. FK was a lot slower, and a lot denser than he made him seem. The OP was really a nice dude though, felt bad for him then, but now listening to this and realizing how much more he endured. I feel even worse for him.
I have listened to the whole series when Rob first started reading them. This particular video I have watch more times than I can remember. Thank you Rob and thank you Strongbad for an amazing story.
Aw you removed the previous video. But then I'll say it again. I've loved reading these stories and listening to you narrate them as well. OP you are one hell of a writer and KCC you narrate them so very well. Thank you for brining these to us and I look forward to future stories :)
Omg this story was amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat. But they knew that this guy was most likely would be a problem so they gave O.P. the headache. So to say sorry to O.P. they gave him a promotion.
Wow! What a story! I am amazed that I stayed on for the entire two and a half hours, but like a good book, once the story begins you’ve GOT to see how it ends. OP’s use of metaphors and similes, as well as his humor makes this story fascinating. I can’t wait for the movie to come out.
This series was exceptional! Worth the crick in my neck. I've read things by professional writers that weren't as well written nor entertaining. So glad the author survived his ordeals! And I too hope FK got the help he so obviously and desperately needed. That individual should not have any type of drivers license, much less a CDL. I don't remember if it was ever mentioned in this saga if FK was at fault in his TBI automobile accident, but, if so, his driving skills were questionable prior to the TBI. Thanks for sharing. Great channel content, Rob.
This is my favorite story of all time. Rob you are my favorite narrator. Someone else had recorded these stories also and had to turn him off and had to go find KCC. You are the best, personable and real. I also signed up for "Rob's Real Stories" and have liked the stories so far. Keep up the good work.
1 - 9 compilation? Sweet! Btw, I live in Alaska and have driven between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The end of chapter 8 and all of chapter 9... I had flashbacks to driving dad's old Econo-line Van. If I had a beer, I'd raise it.
Just had to relisten. This is an AMAZING story and I thank OP and KCC for this. I can't get over how crazy it is still... all these months later. Until next time, just say NO TO KEVIN.
You are such a fantastic story teller. I loved hearing all about the absolute nightmare FK was and how he was even allowed behind the wheel. I am so glad that you were able to send him to where ever hell hole that he crawled out off. I really loved how at the end of one part you left it with a cliffhanger and I wanted to read more. I am so glad that you found a better job.
Great story glad I didn’t become a truck driver like several family members have. I went to college instead and then was a machinist and worked on a few long haul trucks installing stuff to make it more comfortable for the driver like a television satellite dish and I also did a portable shower on the back of the sleeper one made for camping but with a DC heater in it okay it was a 110 outlet heater but with a converter it worked fine just don’t confuse the 24v for the 12v
My father was a long hauler for years. He passed last December but he was an exemplary driver. He had little patience for incompetence and would have ditched first Kevin at the first sign of a memory lapse. By that, I mean he would have stopped his haul in the middle if he had to, and reported his findings, and kept reporting till he got the answer he needed. OP did it well enough, if not a little underhandedly. Dad was good at keeping records to begin with and would have already had what ammo he needed. Clearly FK was a walking safety hazard. I am surprised OP didn’t see what he needed to do sooner. Either way, I am pretty sure Dad would have enjoyed this story. Thank you for reposting it.
This is my first contact with this story and Thank You for making it 1 whole piece. I felt like I was sitting right there with OP. but honestly, I'm nowhere near as nice. he would have been walking and I would have told them he had serious brain damage had a mental break and just walked away. either way, I would have most definitely gotten fired for beating the crap out of him... assuming he remembered it happened and told on me. Great story!
Say you're a Swift driver without saying you're a Swift driver. Protip: head southwest to Pendleton and go to Boise from there. Adds 60 miles and removes an hour.
What good narration! Given the length of this, I did not think I would listen past the first part - but then, it was so engaging, I listened all the way through - two and a half hours! Like watching a movie!
Between destroying the heater and repeatedly trying to sabotage the brakes, I can't help but wonder if Kevin was trying to commit life insurance fraud.
2:18:27, The reason this Report is Super important is because Truckers are BANNED from driving for any company if they get in more then 3 accidents in a year... He had already been in Four before applying.
Wow! This needs to be a movie series! My late husband was a cross country trucker and he had a lot of great stories both with and without a co-driver. I was riveted by this series and I hope OP submits more stories from on the road.
OP should be a writer. This is the first time Ive watched a 2.5 hour story about truckers. It sure explains how so many dangerous Swift drivers and other cheap companies stay on the road.
OP's Conscience: Are you sure this is the right thing to do? OP: Maybe you're right . . . (Kevin causes OP to hit his head yet again) OP: You were saying? OP's Conscience (in Palpatine voice): Do it!
Dude 👏👏👏!!! Excellent story and Narration!! As someone has already stated, KermitdeFrog’s story was great but Strongbadjr, well done sir. Well done!! Karma Comment, in my humble opinion, you’re one the best narrators of Reddit stories on TH-cam. I can’t wait for more Kevin in a big rig stories. I’ve been checking daily for any more stories Strongbadjr. Such great writing. You should really think of writing a book.
Great story. As a former driver I can relate. My first commercial driving job they put me with a trainer who weighed over 500 pounds. We were supposed to drive as a team but he would stay in the cab sleeper and refused to get up. I was with him for over two weeks and couldn’t take it anymore. I had already been driving for 13 years in the army how much more experienced than him. He scared me countless times when he did drive. He even admitted to me that he had turned a rig over by taking a curved exit ramp too fast. We broke down in Kokomo Indiana blowing out two of our trailer tires. He threw a fit when the company sent the check to the people fixing it for $.10 less than the bill. I called my wife and told her we were going through Covington Kentucky which was our next fuel stop to meet me there. When he got out of the truck at the fuel lane I fueled up the truck parked it cleaned out my stuff, called dispatch and told them I quit. We drove off back to Ohio and I never went back to that company. I figured if that’s the kind of trainer they used I didn’t want to work for them. I had a new job driving tankers the very next day. And after a year I got a new driving job for a feed company for 15 years. I had over 2 million accident free and took a early retirement.
I loved watching this video, if Strongbadjr ever write a book about all of this, I'm buying it. By the way, is there any other 1/2H video on the channel?
my daughter sent me this video and WOW that was a insane saga. i grew up in wyoming i know EXACTLY what hell OP drove through on that last trip with kevin and i am amazed he managed it. Those storms were the only snow days i got as a kid. Essentially unless you literally couldnt get out of your home, school still happened.
This post brought back a lot of memories about my own trucking career some good, some BAD. I never had a co-driver as dangerous or stupid as Kevin, but if I had and my company refused to let me get away from such a menace I would have contacted DOT AND my company's insurance carrier.
I'm a driver with 15 years of experience. OP your story about the Kevin's makes me thankful that I never had to team and that I never worked for a company that would make it's drivers sleep in a truck with no heater in weather below freezing. I'm driving OTR now but before this I was a CDL instructor at a CDL academy. I always stressed to my students about using engine braking when pulling mountains.
I will say that I always knew I didn't have the drive to want to be a truck driver but now I know there are people out there more screwed up than me but at least I still have a little common sense. I am not sure that the wreck he was in that put him in a coma may have done more to mess up him brain than the coma itself. I was in an induced come for 5 weeks due to severe double pneumonia 3 years ago. The coma has caused memory problems with both my short term and my long term memories but as I said at least I still have some common sense and could follow a GPS route. OP I feel sorry that you had to deal with that nightmare and at least you're safe and have a good job. I will also give every truck driver a big salute and thank you for doing what you do. I know pretty much everything we buy was delivered by you and I will say it again THANK YOU for the job you do.
Man oh man. I found myself sympathizing with Kevin more than I probably should have. First, let me state, this man had no business driving anything, especially a big rig. His hiring was the result of gross negligence and it looks like people just not wanting this guy to lose his job. It makes me wonder what else slides, but I digress. My mom had brain surgery when I was six. It wasn't until after she had passed that it really hit me that the surgery counted as a TBI. My brother and sister always told me that her personality changed drastically after the surgery but I had no frame of reference because I don't remember her before the surgery. My mom was brain damaged and because she was very functional, we all treated her as if nothing had happened and that she was normal, but she wasn't. I wish Kevin's family had paid more attention and given him the extra support that one needs for the rest of their lives after a TBI but I suspect since he was pretty functional that they just figured his memory was shit but he's mostly recovered. That, clearly, isn't the case and I wonder if his personality changed enough to facilitate his divorce. Speculation on my part but I truly hope someone realized/realizes before it's too late and treats him with perspective. I wish I had treated my mom better.
My son just sent me this and OMG! As a driver I have to applaud OP for having the patience of a saint. Glad you survived it driver
I sent this to my dad since he was a driver I figured all of this would hit him harder since he lived it
Thats not Patience...he was truly stoopid and blind to risk his life for full 3 Months. Wouldve never set on in a truck with that guy at day 1-2. -.-* Even if it costs the Job and Money...those things always come back.
My husband was a truck driver for most of his career. We listened to this and he laughed and shook his head. Saying that the Kevin stories was why he never had a second driver, he was local only. Sadly we lost him three weeks ago. I will cherish the memories of the two of us sitting his his pick up truck at a local park and laughing. Thanks for the all too funny stories.
Well wishes to you and your family
It's hard to believe i listened to a 2.5-hour story about a trucker and his partner in one sitting, but it was such a gripping and fascinating story - thank you so much for sharing it. Heck, it might almost make for a good book or TV film (not sure about a motion picture, but might make for a "12 angry men" style of film where it's mostly set in a single location... a truck cab!)
*cough Black Dog *cough
if Black Dog can be made into a movie. this certainly can. :)
I would love to say that I have only listened to this one time but I have at least 5 times so far.
It's helping me get through my day, honestly. ^.^
OP is a great writer, great story teller. This could be made into a small book.
After listening to all nine stories about Kevin I realized the most important question was never answered… Was the 12 V Outlet in the bunk area ever fixed?
I wonder this too
It must have been or he’d have kept effing with it since he wouldn’t have remembered why he shouldn’t. They probably replaced its fuse when fixing the fuse that was preventing the heater from working.
I'm guessing they fixed it when they had to fix the heating vent fan
Knowing these mega trucking companies like I do, I doubt it. If it's not DOT mandated it don't get done.
I believe its fixed; otherwise it would get mentioned again in another chapter
OP (Strongbadjr) is a really talented story teller...the rhythm & cadence was impeccable...the endings (cliff-hangers) of each one perfect...the culmination divine.
You should be really proud OP!
Hearing about people dumber than myself is my new favourite type of joy
One of us! One of us!
Don't beat yourself up like that. You are not dumb.
Best learn from others mistakes right?
Guess what you're not dumb. If you can find the humor in Kevin/Karen stories you're actually pretty emotionally intelligent
Sameeee
If there's a First Kevin, there must be a Second Kevin: The Rec-Kevin-ing.
Kevin 2: the kevenge
@@eldeano9964 you win. Best tittle ever, it it was a movie I’d definitely would watch on name alone.
Lol
@@rogerbayless probably be a whole lot less cringe than that 'Karen' movie 😂
There is in the first story (Kevin disobeys parol or something like that)
Damn, I put this on to fall asleep, but now here I am making popcorn. This is the best story I've ever heard, and I've never driven a truck of any kind.
Ikr I'm up at 1 am. and have about 40 minutes to go, and I've got to be up in about 4-5 hours
My husband drove with a Kevin once. Guy tried to drive through a road closure sign and went the wrong way on a one way street as well as regularly insisting on switching drivers on the side of the highway( very big no no) and was completely incapable of backing up the truck. At the time my daughter was only a few months old(now 4) and I told my husband flat out tell them you won't drive with him anymore because he's going to get you killed. When he told his fleet supervisor they told him to return to the main hub and said that he had to finish of his 3 month period before he could switch or be fired so he said fine fire me and they did. They first said he would have to pay back his tuition cost but he then informed them he would report them to osha if they tried to pull that crap because forcing him to drive with a person who should have never had a cdl was definitely willfully endangering his life so they dropped it. But he was still held to contract as far as not being able to drive for any competition for a full year. A week after he got home he started working for a dump truck company and worked with them until they went out of business(poor management) 3 yrs later. He is actually doing long haul again driving solo, which he loves, and is home for 3 days every 2 weeks and gratefully is able to fully support our now family of 4 so I can stay home with the kids.
Ya these trucking co need to learn that they need to take care of there drivers and they have the final day. If a driver say no to driving because of bad weather or wind and they have no advisery to do so they co should stand behind that driver. It's better then ending up in a ditch some were or worse dead. No job is worth your life
Oooppoploooooo
I hate videos riddled with so many adds, but this video is an exemption. The cliffhanger with the youtube adds felt like I was watching a great tv series.
Topnotch narration and great writting.
You say that, but I felt that there was less ads on this video than I have seen on 10-20 minute videos.
@@rogerbayless most youtube ads are based on age and location and other factors. Maybe some of the ads that appeared on me does not appear on your location?
But any way I didn't mind the ads because the story and narration is great.
Fast forward to the end, as long as you're not watching a list style, you can replay and no ads
TH-cam has ads?
*Adblocker*
@@kalishiva18 seen this twice before so no ads
This was... Well, an excellent hearing. Been avoiding this story for weeks thinking it was a Karen-like story that I wasn't up to cope with, but I'm happy I did clicked on it while playing. Narration was on point, as always, and the writing was... oooooh, it was perfect.
Keep up the good work Rob, and thanks to the writer for the story.
If fleet manager knew (or suspected) about Kevin, why did OP go through so much hell getting blamed for that crap? He wouldn't have had to send the nuclear email if they had listened to him.
Because half the time they won't listen and just say drive the truck or be fired most people won't fight it. But op shuer did and held his company accountable.
The company sounds like Swift......From what I hear from other drivers if they see a swift truck, the move aside to get away from it.
You overestimate their competence.
And to add, depending on the number of employees it takes time to get caught, especially if "there is a Driver that is worse" - What gets me is that he was hired despite his driving record. I had an accident on mine when I applied to drive for city transit I still had to meet with Safety and Training about my accident before they decided whether it was "just a one off" or a "yeah no, we don't want this Driver". It sucked doing an extra step in an already long hiring process, but totally worth the anxiety.
Maybe fk had friends in high places
Omg....my heart was in my throat through this entire saga. Thank God first Kevin is off the road. Although I suspect there are more drivers like him.
Trust me, there are. Schools rush you through classes, companies rush you through training, and dispatch rushes you period. And too many people come into this line of work thinking it's easy money with little responsibility. I've only been a driver 13 yrs (still a rookie compared to most drivers) but I know a moron driver when I see one.
40 years as a trucker with a year as a driving instructor at a major school south of Atlanta. My company decided they wanted to try this new idea about OJT for your CDL and my driving record made me a damn trainer!
I had a guy that had no idea about trucking.
He was from OKOK and was a dump truck driver. Still no idea about driving OTR but he knew OKOK like the back of his hand so reading wasn't necessary.
I'm in the sleeper when I hear him go WTF??
I turn onto my side and pull the curtain to look out and see the scales at Foristell, Mo ahead of us which was NOT on our route.
This guy could not read letters OR numbers!
We go through with no problem but I have him pull into the TA.
He manages to put the truck in between the lines in the parking lot and I tell him to go eat breakfast.
I call dispatch and tell them what this guy has done through both runs so far and tell dispatch this guy is an accident waiting to happen.
Case in point was we were being passed by a set of doubles. The first trailer gets by and this fool flashes the headlights at him that he was clear. I told him to keep his fingers off the headlight switch!
Thankfully that driver wasn't even looking in his mirrors as he knew that he wasn't past us yet and didn't move over but I went ballistic!
I chewed his ass about wanting to be cool and flash his lights at the driver!
Oh. That part of I70 had a really steep bank on my side like looking down a slope at a ski resort!
Dispatch knew I was good at training and told me to put him out of the truck and they let him go.
And yes back until about the late 80s companies would fire you no matter where you were!
The last I saw of this guy was him dragging his duffel into the TA and my nerves went into breakdown!
@@rolloverriderpgr is he off the roads?
@@WildArtistsl IDK as this was way back in about 1993!
@@rolloverriderpgr I am praying that no soul has been hurt
Anyone who knows ANYTHING about engineering or trucking would tell you a jake brake is excellent. The design of jake brakes is awesome. It saves your brakes, is highly effective, doesn't damage the truck, is extremely reliable, and almost mandatory in mountainous regions. It truly is a marvel of engineering.
I think the Feds should make those "Engine Brakes Resticted" signs obsolete. I hear Jake's going through town, I hear a safe driver.
I guess you've never been in a truck where the Jake brake failed. Multiple times. Sometimes they just don't activate when they are supposed to. That said, no way will I drive a semi without a Jake brake AND a Johnny bar.
I enjoyed this story immensely. Best story I've heard in some time. Thank you OP for sharing and KCC for the narration.
Thanks for listening
I'm a driver been driving 10 yrs.. I'm so glad you put to this together.. i'd love to hear more driver stories
As someone who drives a truck, I find these CDL mills appalling. Some of these same mega carriers that practically give away CDL's will reject experienced drivers who have a minor speeding infraction, or not having the right kind of or verifiable experience.
It's the insurance companies that are responsible for this idiotic bull-shit.
Kevin in a big rig, what a story teller, brilliant really. It's afloat art form, thank you.
Great story written by a really good story teller. Thanks, OP, for sharing!
Without these videos I don't think I'd be able to make it through the work day, you're a real one
Thanks for putting ALL these stories of First Kevin together!!! So much fun listening😁🖖
Thank you for truly having a kind heart for the first Kevin and hoping he got the help that he needed. That is above and beyond the call if duty.
WOW!
I've been driving since '92. I suspect OP got his first gig with the flying shoe (what I call a certain company with that symbol). When I was in school, I heard that they paired rookie drivers together, and refused to apply to the flying shoe for that reason.
If I was going to drive team, I was determined to have a REAL driver with me. Not some guy holding onto a steering wheel while the truck drove him.
The stuff he messed with on the truck... I'm speechless.
As we know, FK wasn't in his right mind, which prevents me from asking the "Who, in their right mind would..." questions.
I feel bad that OP had to deal with such moronacy (don't know if that's a word, but it is now). No one should have to put up with that.
When I first started, I got the best compliment ever. My trainer said that he got the best nights sleep that he's had in the truck since he started training drivers. He said that he had told safety that he felt that I could drive fine, and only needed a little guidence with paperwork. Because of that, there were a couple times when the company had us convoy in two separate trucks with freight coming from, and going to the same locations.
Now I drive local and, oddly enough, still drive the same truck that I drove for a former employer. When the time comes for me to move on, I hope to keep the old Streamliner (KW T-800) for myself, and put it into service as an RV tractor.
My current boss doesn't like KW, and said that I should make him an offer if I leave.
I LOVE my ugly truck.
I hope FK found work more suitable for him, and I hope OP is doing well.
DeBoer?
@@jenniferclark9842
We don't mention names online ☺️
@@jenniferclark9842 In Dutch that name means : TheFarmer.
I quite agree with OP, that it is hard to really hate FK. The divorce arrangements are disadvantageous to him, and he clearly is incapacitated yet there was no medical follow up to make sure he is ok. It is correct to ensure he doesn't operate a deathbox, but what landed him in the predicament can't be completely ignored. I'm just glad OP is alive and unharmed. That company sounds horrendous and I'm surprised it's still alive
Personally, I find it quite easy to despise the man, sob stories don't mean much to me, especially if someone else put me through a hell like that
With the amount of crap FK had pulled if I were OP I wouldn't believe him.
Hearing this story makes me glad I am a hermit and hardly leave the house...... Folks like FK should be locked up/housed somewhere for public safety...
@@electronauticon9617 Someone openly willing to state about considering running contraband across the Mexican border is not really material for citizen of the year award.
FK was driving around in circles for two days less than 2 miles from the delivery point, and they still allowed him to continue with OP??
You know what the sad thing is about this? The fact that companies really do shit like this all the time, this time it was lucky to have ended in the uncovering of all the bad stuff and without serious damage to person or property. Also Strongbadjr should consider becoming an author.
Yeah, it's really sad that this isn't nearly as uncommon as we would like to think. I really feel that the quality of work and competence of many truck drivers and CNAs currently in the workforce is way below standard, mostly because of subpar pay and a massive lack of qualified applicants. It only takes a few weeks to get certification for both jobs, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree. A lot of incompetent people can squeak in under the radar because businesses are desperate to hire employees willing to do the work and put up with all of the BS involved with either job for not nearly enough pay. SMH 😔
I'm guessing it's Prime out of Springfield since he had to go back there. I had words with them about my sins trainer....6months total trucking time. Then I saw his brand new truck they gave him. Airlines from cab to trailer were so long they almost touched the ground....I came unfucking glued they didn't teach him this stuff and they ok'd this truck to leave.
Thats what I said
i drive a rotator for a recovery company, FK's keep me in business and there are honestly far too many of them.
Check the red flags... This is a great fiction... Check my comments and see the hole... For one thing with the guys med back ground no doctor would have signed the med paper work for CDL...
At first it was infuriating to hear about FK's dumbfuckery. Specifically the fuse hubbub. But then "Are we still in Illinois?" just made me sad. Profoundly sad for him.
Yeah but then you realize that FK literally tries to kill himself and OP by trying to cut the engine brakes.
I lost sympathy when he revealed he wanted to run drugs for the neo-nazis.
@@DrewB1442 I thought the same thing. If he wasn’t a douche or a racist, I would actually feel real bad for the guy. Sounds like he’s going through something real rough
@@DrewB1442 Yep. I was like, “Oh, Jesus, this guy is a mess, I feel sorry for him.” Then the racism appeared and I thought, “Oh. Never mind. Go scorched earth, OP.”
I will say, I wonder if his brain damage made him racist. Not all people with head trauma are bigots, but a lot of bigots have head trauma or similar issues.
@@83gemm Well see the issue about this entire ordeal is that he lied on his medical form stating that he was in a koma for 21 hours when it was actually 21 days. He never should have got his CDL to begin with
There’s 9!!! This is crazier than that Christmas revenge!
Ooh it's no longer private. Now I have a long video to listen to while I take fuel across Houston. :D trucker listening to a tale about truckers
As a trucker, how many times did you cringe listening to that?
I’m half-convinced that Rob is the OP who wrote this series lol. Regardless, I don’t disagree, your channel rocks
Nope lol. I drove a tow truck, not a big rig 😉
@@KarmaStoriesPodcast Do you have any Kevin/Karen in a Tow Truck stories of your own?
Op reminds me of Lawtechie, who wrote stories about Ian.
I am again listening to this story, 11/22. Thank you to KCC for this incredible story. In the world of the interweb this is one of the best ever. Your story telling ability and having such a great voice it is definitely worth another listen. There is very few channels that can tell a story with such great personality. Thank you once again brother, stay strong.
I listened to the story in real time as we all waited for the next chapter to drop. Thanks again for the compilation. It sure makes it much easier. Lol, I remember in the comments, everyone waiting and questioning when the next part would come out.
Thanks again brother.
I truly appreciate your kind comments! Thanks for being here!
11 points out of 22 points seems a little low for such an amazing story. 22/22
OP is a great person and in other words, OP actually helped saved the lives of many people
Epic. Completely EPIC. Thank you OP, this was worth it listening in one long video. Thank goodness you are able to share this with us.
I STILL can't believe this is only FIRST Kevin...
Thanks for sharing with us this saga. Wow.
While this is a great story, I still believe that KermitDeFroggs saga was the best on this channel!
That was solid. More cliffhangers than a Clive Cussler novel. Thanks, and now I am subbed
I made a mistake deciding to put this on before going to sleep as I ended up listening to the entire story! Well 3:30 am is as good a time as any to go to bed, right?
Followed this story!!! I loved it! Great reading Robb!!
Cheers from Kansas...
Part 7 had me in tears with laughter. Only because I know the grade that there driving down. And let me tell you he's not wrong in his fears of having an idiot like that driving down it. I have a few experiences going down to Lewiston not in a truck.
I drive a Honda Civic and am good enough at driving that going 90 practically all the way from Bozeman MT to Missoula MT in the winter isn't a big deal. The road into Lewiston ID still scares me.
SWEET! We've all heard these, but you KNOW we're gonna listen again. This dude, the OP, should write a book!
This was an utterly engrossing story that I eagerly downed in two sittings. Well told, and worthy of a short novella. Brilliant, and thank you! (subscribed)
Your trainer forgot to tell you: the gear you go up in IS THE GEAR YOU GO DOWN IN, OR ONE LOWER !!!
Not good advice for some people 😂 I go up in wayy higher of a gear than I go down
Um? Not necessarily true, that is what it claims in the manual but the grade, load, etc doesn't always support that:p
what an impresive story, had me interested in it form start to end, thanks to the poster and to KCC narration, as always, intersting stories that always keep us returning to the channel. it almost feels like an audiobook
A friend recommended this to me, and I started laughing when I realized in the rock springs shut down that I met them.
Gotta say, OP took it easy on FK. FK was a lot slower, and a lot denser than he made him seem. The OP was really a nice dude though, felt bad for him then, but now listening to this and realizing how much more he endured. I feel even worse for him.
Man, that's actually really cool!
You met a living legend.
OMFG thank you for the stories and narration. How terrifying
I have listened to the whole series when Rob first started reading them. This particular video I have watch more times than I can remember. Thank you Rob and thank you Strongbad for an amazing story.
Great stories, was on the edge of my chair the whole time.
The way how the story was written is amazing
Thanks Rob for the compilation video!
As always a Job very well done!!!
I have to say, I LOVE the dark sarcastic humor of the writer. I can relate bro👊
Loved this series of FK! Great job of putting it all together in a cliffhanger saga. Thank you!
Best story and narrator that I've enjoyed in ages. Hope to hear more from author Edgar-Bibbs.
Aw you removed the previous video. But then I'll say it again. I've loved reading these stories and listening to you narrate them as well. OP you are one hell of a writer and KCC you narrate them so very well. Thank you for brining these to us and I look forward to future stories :)
When you remove the video, you also remove the comments. No bueno.
Omg this story was amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat. But they knew that this guy was most likely would be a problem so they gave O.P. the headache. So to say sorry to O.P. they gave him a promotion.
Wow! What a story! I am amazed that I stayed on for the entire two and a half hours, but like a good book, once the story begins you’ve GOT to see how it ends. OP’s use of metaphors and similes, as well as his humor makes this story fascinating. I can’t wait for the movie to come out.
This series was exceptional! Worth the crick in my neck. I've read things by professional writers that weren't as well written nor entertaining.
So glad the author survived his ordeals! And I too hope FK got the help he so obviously and desperately needed. That individual should not have any type of drivers license, much less a CDL. I don't remember if it was ever mentioned in this saga if FK was at fault in his TBI automobile accident, but, if so, his driving skills were questionable prior to the TBI.
Thanks for sharing. Great channel content, Rob.
And I thought Kermit_Defrogg had a big story! In comes Kevin with THIS!
This is my favorite story of all time. Rob you are my favorite narrator. Someone else had recorded these stories also and had to turn him off and had to go find KCC. You are the best, personable and real.
I also signed up for "Rob's Real Stories" and have liked the stories so far. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for the kind comment! This is in my top 5 on the channel for sure!
1 - 9 compilation? Sweet! Btw, I live in Alaska and have driven between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The end of chapter 8 and all of chapter 9... I had flashbacks to driving dad's old Econo-line Van. If I had a beer, I'd raise it.
I'm glad I got the whole story all at once. Part 9 about to start!
Just had to relisten. This is an AMAZING story and I thank OP and KCC for this. I can't get over how crazy it is still... all these months later. Until next time, just say NO TO KEVIN.
You are such a fantastic story teller. I loved hearing all about the absolute nightmare FK was and how he was even allowed behind the wheel. I am so glad that you were able to send him to where ever hell hole that he crawled out off. I really loved how at the end of one part you left it with a cliffhanger and I wanted to read more. I am so glad that you found a better job.
WHAT a Saga! Such a good and terrible story. Thank you for delivering the goods!
"You can't launch the professional email equivalent of a nuclear warhead and play innocent."
Those emails weren't a nuclear warhead. They were a MIRV.
Great story glad I didn’t become a truck driver like several family members have. I went to college instead and then was a machinist and worked on a few long haul trucks installing stuff to make it more comfortable for the driver like a television satellite dish and I also did a portable shower on the back of the sleeper one made for camping but with a DC heater in it okay it was a 110 outlet heater but with a converter it worked fine just don’t confuse the 24v for the 12v
LOL!
My father was a long hauler for years. He passed last December but he was an exemplary driver. He had little patience for incompetence and would have ditched first Kevin at the first sign of a memory lapse. By that, I mean he would have stopped his haul in the middle if he had to, and reported his findings, and kept reporting till he got the answer he needed.
OP did it well enough, if not a little underhandedly. Dad was good at keeping records to begin with and would have already had what ammo he needed. Clearly FK was a walking safety hazard. I am surprised OP didn’t see what he needed to do sooner. Either way, I am pretty sure Dad would have enjoyed this story. Thank you for reposting it.
This is my first contact with this story and Thank You for making it 1 whole piece. I felt like I was sitting right there with OP. but honestly, I'm nowhere near as nice. he would have been walking and I would have told them he had serious brain damage had a mental break and just walked away. either way, I would have most definitely gotten fired for beating the crap out of him... assuming he remembered it happened and told on me. Great story!
This was cool and well worth the time!! Thank you
Say you're a Swift driver without saying you're a Swift driver.
Protip: head southwest to Pendleton and go to Boise from there. Adds 60 miles and removes an hour.
What good narration! Given the length of this, I did not think I would listen past the first part - but then, it was so engaging, I listened all the way through - two and a half hours! Like watching a movie!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Kevin in a BIG RIG. An all-time favorite of mine!!!!!!!!!
Between destroying the heater and repeatedly trying to sabotage the brakes, I can't help but wonder if Kevin was trying to commit life insurance fraud.
2:18:27, The reason this Report is Super important is because Truckers are BANNED from driving for any company if they get in more then 3 accidents in a year... He had already been in Four before applying.
This story was really well written, I really enjoyed it
I LOVE this narrated version of this story its like a audio book
Wow! This needs to be a movie series! My late husband was a cross country trucker and he had a lot of great stories both with and without a co-driver. I was riveted by this series and I hope OP submits more stories from on the road.
Thanks for the compilation! Saved so I can watch it whenever
OP should be a writer. This is the first time Ive watched a 2.5 hour story about truckers. It sure explains how so many dangerous Swift drivers and other cheap companies stay on the road.
No wonder the Canopener bridge still bites trucks despite having been lifted specifically to prevent itself from biting into trucks.
OP's Conscience: Are you sure this is the right thing to do?
OP: Maybe you're right . . .
(Kevin causes OP to hit his head yet again)
OP: You were saying?
OP's Conscience (in Palpatine voice): Do it!
Loved this story!!! Cliffhangers and all!!
Dude 👏👏👏!!! Excellent story and Narration!! As someone has already stated, KermitdeFrog’s story was great but Strongbadjr, well done sir. Well done!! Karma Comment, in my humble opinion, you’re one the best narrators of Reddit stories on TH-cam. I can’t wait for more Kevin in a big rig stories. I’ve been checking daily for any more stories Strongbadjr. Such great writing. You should really think of writing a book.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great story. As a former driver I can relate.
My first commercial driving job they put me with a trainer who weighed over 500 pounds. We were supposed to drive as a team but he would stay in the cab sleeper and refused to get up. I was with him for over two weeks and couldn’t take it anymore. I had already been driving for 13 years in the army how much more experienced than him. He scared me countless times when he did drive. He even admitted to me that he had turned a rig over by taking a curved exit ramp too fast.
We broke down in Kokomo Indiana blowing out two of our trailer tires. He threw a fit when the company sent the check to the people fixing it for $.10 less than the bill. I called my wife and told her we were going through Covington Kentucky which was our next fuel stop to meet me there. When he got out of the truck at the fuel lane I fueled up the truck parked it cleaned out my stuff, called dispatch and told them I quit. We drove off back to Ohio and I never went back to that company. I figured if that’s the kind of trainer they used I didn’t want to work for them. I had a new job driving tankers the very next day. And after a year I got a new driving job for a feed company for 15 years. I had over 2 million accident free and took a early retirement.
Wow what a great series!! thank you! that was fun to listen to. :)
I loved watching this video, if Strongbadjr ever write a book about all of this, I'm buying it.
By the way, is there any other 1/2H video on the channel?
This is such an amazing stories. I have so much more respect for truck drivers. I do hope to meet the driver who wrote this
Loved all of this, thanks.
my daughter sent me this video and WOW that was a insane saga. i grew up in wyoming i know EXACTLY what hell OP drove through on that last trip with kevin and i am amazed he managed it. Those storms were the only snow days i got as a kid. Essentially unless you literally couldnt get out of your home, school still happened.
Your daughter sounds like a wonderful person 😁
This post brought back a lot of memories about my own trucking career some good, some BAD. I never had a co-driver as dangerous or stupid as Kevin, but if I had and my company refused to let me get away from such a menace I would have contacted DOT AND my company's insurance carrier.
I come back to this story again and again. It always makes me smile. A great saver for a bad day that makes me smile.
I'm a driver with 15 years of experience. OP your story about the Kevin's makes me thankful that I never had to team and that I never worked for a company that would make it's drivers sleep in a truck with no heater in weather below freezing. I'm driving OTR now but before this I was a CDL instructor at a CDL academy. I always stressed to my students about using engine braking when pulling mountains.
I will say that I always knew I didn't have the drive to want to be a truck driver but now I know there are people out there more screwed up than me but at least I still have a little common sense. I am not sure that the wreck he was in that put him in a coma may have done more to mess up him brain than the coma itself. I was in an induced come for 5 weeks due to severe double pneumonia 3 years ago. The coma has caused memory problems with both my short term and my long term memories but as I said at least I still have some common sense and could follow a GPS route. OP I feel sorry that you had to deal with that nightmare and at least you're safe and have a good job. I will also give every truck driver a big salute and thank you for doing what you do. I know pretty much everything we buy was delivered by you and I will say it again THANK YOU for the job you do.
WE need more
Keven in a Big Rig! 😂😂😂😂
i listened to these part by part now im listening to the whole thing together Thank you Rob and Thank you Strongbadjr
This was one of your best reading 🌟🌟⭐️🌟🌟 stars
Thankyou
I hope that safety for truckers are made to listen to this along with companies so that they can learn from this.
This was awesome I loved it thanks for reading all of this and for giving us the story OP
Man oh man. I found myself sympathizing with Kevin more than I probably should have. First, let me state, this man had no business driving anything, especially a big rig. His hiring was the result of gross negligence and it looks like people just not wanting this guy to lose his job. It makes me wonder what else slides, but I digress. My mom had brain surgery when I was six. It wasn't until after she had passed that it really hit me that the surgery counted as a TBI. My brother and sister always told me that her personality changed drastically after the surgery but I had no frame of reference because I don't remember her before the surgery. My mom was brain damaged and because she was very functional, we all treated her as if nothing had happened and that she was normal, but she wasn't. I wish Kevin's family had paid more attention and given him the extra support that one needs for the rest of their lives after a TBI but I suspect since he was pretty functional that they just figured his memory was shit but he's mostly recovered. That, clearly, isn't the case and I wonder if his personality changed enough to facilitate his divorce. Speculation on my part but I truly hope someone realized/realizes before it's too late and treats him with perspective. I wish I had treated my mom better.
I love coming back and rewatching this every month or so
Exceptional & exceptional fun, this one is a keeper. Story took off out of control, so I held on for the wild end. Whew!
Wow damn this story was scary, the OP was very patient and very smart
I loved these stories and would love to hear more