MERCEDES – A local truck driver, in danger of being arrested, claims the responsibility rests with his former employer.

The Mercedes man said his former employer, All Valley Metals, did not keep his word.

Jose Siller has provided for his wife and young son by driving trucks for eight years.

He said he began working for Donna-based All Valley Metals late last year. That’s when he was pulled over by a Department of Public Safety trooper.

“When he finally inspected the truck, he said that the trailer was unregistered. So, I called the boss. I called him and his wife right there in front of the DOT. They said that they will take care of it, that it should have been registered and they don’t know why it wasn’t,” he said.

Siller said he quit his job in January. Three months later, he received a letter explaining the $399 ticket was delinquent and a warrant may be issued for his arrest.

“I came home and I saw the letter, so I called him. I sent him the picture like he asked me to. And he said he would take care of it, and he never did. Since he didn’t pay it, they want me to pay it,” he said.

Siller said his former employer stopped responding to his texts and calls.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS tried calling the owner of All Valley Metal multiple times. We also went to their office to try to find out why they haven’t paid his ticket. We have yet to hear a response.

Aldo Ortiz, operation director at a CDL truck rental company, explained how drivers can protect themselves from falling into this situation. “Doing their pre-trip inspection, it’s not only checking your truck mechanically. It is also very important to also check their documents. It’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure that everything is up to date and in order and in compliance with the law,” he said.

Ortiz said protecting a driver’s CDL license is ultimately the driver’s responsibility. Siller said he’s upset his former employer didn’t keep his word. But said he plans on doing what has to be done to keep his CDL license in good standing.