The Company Vehicle

A company-owned vehicle (car or truck) is provided for designated employees to use on company-authorized travel only. Adequate insurance coverage for the vehicle and its driver must be maintained at all times. Any employee who drives the vehicle must have a current driver’s license, and those without a clean driving record may be prohibited from driving the company vehicle. If at any time you are charged with a moving violation (speeding, DUI, etc.) you must report it to HR and refrain from driving the company venicle until cleared again.

Only those employees who are listed on our insurance policy may drive a company-owned vehicle. Employees not listed may only drive their own vehicles and will be reimbursed for mileage expense.

Current evidence of insurance and registration is kept in the glove compartment of the vehicle at all times. Copies are kept on file in the Accounting Department.

The Logistics Manager is responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of the vehicle. It’s important to the safety of those who drive the vehicle to keep it in good repair, serviced, and washed on a regular basis, with oil changes every 3000-5000 miles or per the manufacturer and tire pressure checked weekly. It’s also important to preserve the value of the vehicle as a company asset.

The company vehicle is never to be used for personal errands. Only owners are authorized to use the company vehicle without the express permission of an Officer of the Company.

No passengers other than employees are permitted in the company vehicle at any time without the express permission of a Company Officer.

A company credit card is provided to be used only for fueling the company vehicle. Buying fuel for one’s personal auto using the company credit card is stealing and is grounds for termination.

Valuables of any kind are never to be left in the vehicle unattended, even while getting gas. If you are carrying valuables, drive directly to your destination without making any stops along the way. This requires that gas is purchased on the way to pick up valuables or on the way back from delivering the valuables.

If you notice a mechanical problem with the vehicle, notify the Logisitcs Manager as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the mechanical problem can be repaired.

The vehicle must always be parked in a safe and legal area when not in use. The company will pay for any parking tickets acquired while an employee is using the vehicle on a company errand; however, repeated violations may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Any moving violation ticket received by the driver while using the vehicle is the responsibility of that driver and the company will not pay for any resulting fine.

Employees are prohibited from operating the company vehicle while using a cell phone unless a hands-free device is utilized.

Employees are prohibited from operating the company vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, which impair one’s ability to drive safely.

Employees are prohibited from eating food or drinking beverages other than water in the company vehicles. Please remove any trash when you exit the vehicle. Employees who leave a mess in the vehicle may have their driving privileges suspended.

If you are pulled over by the police:

1. If it’s a marked CHP or Sheriff vehicle, pull over safely. Roll down the window, place both hands on the steering wheel at 2 and 10 and wait for the officer to give you further instructions. Do not make any sudden movements. Do not reach for ID or insurance/registration until instructed to do so.
2. If you are carrying valuables and it’s an umarked car with a temporary cherry light stuck on the roof trying to pull you over, continue driving to the nearest police or fire station. Police should understand that citizens are nervous about pulling over for police in unmarked vehicles.

If you get into an accident:

1. If you are carrying valuables and for any reason you suspect you are being robbed, stay in the car with the doors locked and call the police. Do not roll down your window to speak to the other driver. Tell them through the rolled up window that the police are on the way. Try to take a photo of the other driver and their license plate through the rolled up window. Wait for police to arrive.
2. If you are hurt, stay in your car with doors locked and dial 911 for an ambulance. Tell the other driver through your rolled up window that you are hurt and an ambulance is on the way. Try to take a photo of the other driver and their license plate through the rolled up window.
3. If you can safely get out of your car, take a photo of the other driver before getting out. Next ensure everyone is okay; if not, call 911 to get an ambulance.
4. If you have valuables in your car, keep them on your person at all times – do not leave them in the car.
5. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, and insurance information.
6. Give the other driver your, name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
7. Take a photo of the other driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
8. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the area where the accident happened.
9. If the car is not drivable, call a tow truck.
10. If the car is drivable and you are not upset, return to work.
11. If you are upset and can’t return to work, call HR.
12. If you have valuables and can’t return to work, ask HR how to get them back to the office.