Subsim Truckers

[Wolferz]

Looks like he hit the edge of the overpass the divider for the pedestrian/bike path. Oops. I think I'd have taken things just a little slower.

The other day I was at a traffic light they where doing something with the water lines under the right and left lanes so you had to use the left turn lane to go straight,turn right and turn left :shifty:. Of course no flagman and no cops. I wanted to go straight this would have been easier if the Werner truck in front of me had not decided to sit though the entire light cycle before he turned left.There was a nice little jam behind me luckily they realized it was Dollar General and not me not like I really care if someone gets impatient behind me anyway they should leave an hour earlier then they wont be late from unplanned delays.

Funny thing was there where about a dozen workers present one actually working and 11 supervisors.

He wasn't watching his dollies and that Jersey barrier snuck up and bit him really hard. I'm just glad it wasn't me. :haha: Of course, if it were me, I would have been minding the tail end and that wouldn't have happened. :shifty: I would have loved to see the look on his face when that beam flipped his tractor.

If he were in California, they would have nailed him for his bridge length. :roll:

[Stealhead]

Yeah he had the whole road there no reason to have made that mistake.

[swamprat69er]

Here I sit doing another reset. gonna charge 7 hours for the 'rain day' today and maybe tomorrow, too. It is sunny here in North bay, but supposed to rain a good bit in Cochrane tomorrow. The foreman doesn't want to get caught like he did last weekend.....I delivered on Monday morning and they couldn't unload me until Wednesday due to rain on Monday and Tuesday.
Last 2 weeks' pay was just under $4,000.oo clear. Not bad $$'s.

[Mr Quatro]

I AM IN TEXAS AND EATING BBQ!

Chopped or sliced?

Beef or Pork?

Sauce in a bottle on the table?

or on the meat itself?

[Wolferz]

How are your backing skills coming along? Can you put a 53 footer in any location yet? Oh, wait, you're pulling tankers.
Never mind.

[swamprat69er]

I just found out today that IF I come back up to the Northwestern Ontario area next year I can keep my Freightshaker AND they will put whatever toys/repairs on it I want up to and including a new motor if it needs it. YA HOO!! Dual 8" straight pipes coming up!

[Lionclaw]

Maybe a bit off topic, I'm not a truck driver.

Virtual trucker though, Euro Truck Simulator 2. :O:

I wanted to be a truck driver when I was a kid though. :)

Straight pipes are nice, especially on a Scania V8! Brings a smile to my face when one of those goes by. :D

Found a clip from YT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ovJXO2P1A


You can hear those from several kilometres away. :yeah:

[swamprat69er]

The same motor I have with different body. Mine is a Freightliner.

http://youtu.be/QXkaIW_icK0?t=33s

[Lionclaw]

Awesome stuff! :yeah:

[swamprat69er]

I am half deaf (too many rock concerts and 'floor' tickets) anyway, so the noise doesn't bother me.

[Wolferz]

I prefer mufflers so I can hear when the turbo charger lets go and to keep the jake from waking up the co-driver.:timeout:

[swamprat69er]

I don't do the sleeper team thing. I did it twice, the first and last time.

[Stealhead]

Euro Trucker 2 makes driving look easy.
Scania V8 sounds ok but nothing beats the old Detroit Diesels.

Lots of places will ticket you for have a loud jake anymore. Youll see signs no compression brakes.

What makes me laugh are the guys with full size pickups pretending to be big rigs with the pipes and loud waste gates.

I am with swamprat screw team driving.

[swamprat69er]

In towns I usually shut the Jake off. It is only really effective at speeds over 50mph anyway.

[Stealhead]

Yeah more of a "cool" thing like canted foward cb anttena. Not really my thing and most people are not paying attention anyway.

I am happy with my dog sitting in the passenger seat watching world zip by.

[swamprat69er]

I got the official word today. The company won't go for the dual 8"pipes, so when I come up next year I will just gut another muffler. Just like I did this one, and add a 5-7 adapter and go with a 7" pipe.

[Jimbuna]

Still better than nothing and your still in work.

[swamprat69er]

Still better than nothing and your still in work.
As long as I pass my medical (68 this fall), I will be driving for them.

[Stealhead]

Is it harder in Canada? The DOT one is pretty easy. I was suprised the first time I took one. No walk like a duck to test if you can squat or anything. Course I have good blood pressure and all of that. Dont have sleep apnea.

[swamprat69er]

As long as your blood pressure isn't through the roof and you can see out of both eyes 20/30 or better and can hear you are good to go. It helps if you have all your limbs. You can't be an insulin dependent diabetic or a junky either. They don't test for sleep apnea.

[Stealhead]

Most larger companies in the US do now test for it and also some will make you walk on stair machine and check your heart rate. Based on some drivers I have seen I think theyd be in trouble if they feel down the issue would be getting back up talking van pullers of course.

I talked to a guy the other day that had to have been 65~70 the other day he looked pretty fit though he pulled skateborads like me Id trust him over many younger drivers I have seen. I heard someone say that the median age that make the best drivers is 56.

[swamprat69er]

We've got a tanker yanker here that just this year decided that he couldn't get up the ladders anymore. For the past 5 years someone has been loading his tank for him and when he gets to the unloading spot someone else opens his hatch for him. He tips the scales at 380lbs, is diabetic but only on the pills. He is hauling gravel, now. His age is 69.

[Aktungbby]

http://dqydj.net/should-you-get-a-degree-or-drive-a-truck/ (http://dqydj.net/should-you-get-a-degree-or-drive-a-truck/) Since a lot of us (princes of the open road):O: have college and truck licenses...the best of both worlds! I heard the same age 50's statistic; a little like the 100 hour flying peril: your just 'safer' by the mid century mark-survived a few near fatalities and/or observed others and scribed their examples into you personal low percentage maneuver index under do not repeat:doh:. Hence the gruesome photo slide show over a sumptuous Omaha corn-fed steak dinner at the company HQ in Ft. Scott back in the day. To get fed next month: don't do those things. If nothing else, mid-century age guys are real good about sleep time-fatigue is the leading killer- and that job 'll 'be there in the morning'. Percentage maneuver rule #1: don't learn from your mistakes- learn from from Dumbo's mistakes:dead:-it saves energy and you live to age 56. The dispatcher can spin in his office chair:/\\!! I'm getting in a nap...:up: and that takes a half century of wisdom.:know:

[swamprat69er]

http://dqydj.net/should-you-get-a-degree-or-drive-a-truck/ (http://dqydj.net/should-you-get-a-degree-or-drive-a-truck/) Since a lot of us (princes of the open road):O: have college and truck licenses...the best of both worlds! I heard the same age 50's statistic; a little like the 100 hour flying peril: your just 'safer' by the mid century mark-survived a few near fatalities and/or observed others and scribed their examples into you personal low percentage maneuver index under do not repeat:doh:. Hence the gruesome photo slide show over a sumptuous Omaha corn-fed steak dinner at the company HQ in Ft. Scott back in the day. To get fed next month: don't do those things. If nothing else, mid-century age guys are real good about sleep time-fatigue is the leading killer- and that job 'll 'be there in the morning'. Percentage maneuver rule #1: don't learn from your mistakes- learn from from Dumbo's mistakes:dead:-it saves energy and you live to age 56. The dispatcher can spin in his office chair:/\\!! I'm getting in a nap...:up: and that takes a half century of wisdom.:know:
No truer words were ever said.
There is nothing in that wagon that is worth my life. Is one reason i have used in the past.
The other one I have used is, 'would you rather have your load splattered all over the highway? Or just a bit late?

[Stealhead]

Well I am a few years yet from 56. I think it might have as much to do with work ethic than anything. A person mid fifties has set their ways and also in most cases has some plot of land or kids in college or is finishing up on a nest egg. Therefore they tend to be a more reliable worker.

Of course that is a stat so it will not apply to everyone some people have 30 years of bad work habits too.

I think for certain driving industry wise a person mid fifties is less likely to jump ship after a bad week while a younger person is more likely to swap companies and discover that the grass is greener because the dog craps in that spot.

[swamprat69er]

It took me less than a year and two different companies to figure that one out. That is why I am working on my 28th year with this company and already have my gold watch. For me, the grass is greenest right where I am at.

[Wolferz]

Finding a good company isn't easy. Staying with them is.:up:
I heard more than a few horror stories regarding certain trucking outfits.

Then, the irony sets in...

I started way too late to get a decent trucking career going but , I think I started with one of the best when I did. Cedar Rapids Steel Transport (CRST) had all late model tractors and they were highly concerned with safety.
I pulled for them for about a year until my health suddenly went south and I reluctantly had to give it up.:down: I made good money at the starting mileage rate of $0.18 per mile and I got plenty of miles every month. Mostly cross country runs. No incidents during my time on the highways that garnered an A-1 rating in the eyes of other trucking companies/ After the stroke, Swift was after me for months to accept a dedicated Wal-Mart run. which would have beaten the socks off of that 21 days out with a 4 day break BS. Had to turn them down.:wah:

[swamprat69er]

Finding a good company isn't easy. Staying with them is.:up:
I heard more than a few horror stories regarding certain trucking outfits.

Then, the irony sets in...

I started way too late to get a decent trucking career going but , I think I started with one of the best when I did. Cedar Rapids Steel Transport (CRST) had all late model tractors and they were highly concerned with safety.
I pulled for them for about a year until my health suddenly went south and I reluctantly had to give it up.:down: I made good money at the starting mileage rate of $0.18 per mile and I got plenty of miles every month. Mostly cross country runs. No incidents during my time on the highways that garnered an A-1 rating in the eyes of other trucking companies/ After the stroke, Swift was after me for months to accept a dedicated Wal-Mart run Would have beaten the socks off that 21 days out with a 4 day break. Had to turn them down.:wah:
So that is what CRST stands for....They do have good looking iron.
What is stopping you from becoming a dispatcher? Other than being called everything under the sun and none of it complimentary?

[Aktungbby]

... just out of driving school; fortunately, I had been a big city UPS delivery and Union bob-tail driver so I had some 'astute combat' training prior to going to the interstate rigs. I only became a lead driver when mine 'jumped truck' and someone had to drive it 1500 miles back to the Fort Scott depot.:oops:

Well I am a few years yet from 56. I think it might have as much to do with work ethic than anything. A person mid fifties has set their ways and also in most cases has some plot of land or kids in college or is finishing up on a nest egg.

Of course that is a stat so it will not apply to everyone some people have 30 years of bad work habits too.

I think for certain driving industry wise a person mid fifties is less likely to jump ship after a bad week while a younger person is more likely to swap companies and discover that the grass is greener because the dog craps in that spot. You would think huh! my captain, age 56, jumped truck on me at LA-family issues- and that's how I Became lead helm...like so many breaks in life-by default: age 26; some of my older co-drivers had issues with a kid for a boss!:yeah:

[swamprat69er]

I'm 68 in September and my foreman is just nudging 40. He is a great guy to work for. I was the one that trained him on the proper way to unload tankers way back when he was an oiler driver. (Spraying the oil on the road so the chip spreader can cover it with gravel.)
Now he is the foreman of the same crew he started on and also has signing authority on buying chip spreaders.

[Wolferz]

So that is what CRST stands for....They do have good looking iron.
What is stopping you from becoming a dispatcher? Other than being called everything under the sun and none of it complimentary?

Uhh, disability. I can't handle stress without possibly going into permanent lock up.

Other drivers referred to us as...


Constantly
Rolling
Semi
Trucks



Better than the derogatory terms used for Swift.:haha:

[swamprat69er]

Uhh, disability. I can't handle stress without possibly going into permanent lock up.

Other drivers referred to us as...


Constantly
Rolling
Semi
Trucks


Better than the derogatory terms used for Swift.:haha:

I have never heard any derogatory terms for Swift, although I did meet one driver once and thought he might be a little light in the loafers.

[Stealhead]

Another name I have heard is Crash Roll and Stunt Company.

[swamprat69er]

I have heard a few for J.B.Hunt, which I won't repeat here. And we can't forget the Pumpkin trucks.
I have been asked many times in both Canada and the U.S. what M.P. stands for and I usually tell them 'More Pay'.

[Wolferz]

I have never heard any derogatory terms for Swift, although I did meet one driver once and thought he might be a little light in the loafers.

SWIFT...


Slow
White
Ignorant
Friggin
Truckers

Or backwards...


Two
Faggots
In
White
Sleeper

:haha:

[Wolferz]

Another name I have heard is Crash Roll and Stunt Company.

Constantly Rolling didn't always refer to spinning the wheels.:03::haha:

I once gave a flat bed stake driver a new nickname...
He was hauling onions out of Cali and I called him a tear jerker on the ray-day-oh.

He responded with, "I must have it vented right.":up:

[Jimbuna]

As long as I pass my medical (68 this fall), I will be driving for them.

You'll be just fine...sounds like you're in good shape :sunny:

[Wolferz]

You'll be just fine...sounds like you're in good shape :sunny:

I hear he stays busy and we all know that if you stop, you'll rust in place like a tin woodsman.:O:
My dear old dad, God rest his soul, drove from age 25 to 70. After serving the last two years of WW II in the US Navy. 45 years on the road ain't bad!

[swamprat69er]

You'll be just fine...sounds like you're in good shape :sunny:
If you call 279lbs/19.9stone 'good shape' for 6'4", then thank you.:D

[Jimbuna]

If you call 279lbs/19.9stone 'good shape' for 6'4", then thank you.:D

Put it this way...you don't want to die healthy, that'd be such a waste :03:

I'm not quite six feet and weigh 15 1/2 so we are both probably proportionate :)

[swamprat69er]

Put it this way...you don't want to die healthy, that'd be such a waste :03:

I'm not quite six feet and weigh 15 1/2 so we are both probably proportionate :)
Size 44 (US) Jeans. My belly is bigger around that my legs are long(34).:wah:
My knees won't allow me any more exercise than I already get. (painful)

[Wolferz]

Size 44 (US) Jeans. My belly is bigger around that my legs are long(34).:wah:
My knees won't allow me any more exercise than I already get. (painful)
There's only one exercise for you...
Push Aways.:O:

[swamprat69er]

There's only one exercise for you...
Push Aways.:O:
In the summer time I do eat a lot of salads. I prefer iceberg (head) lettuce over that leafy stuff and I have a bunch of radishes in water in the cooler all the time for snacking.

[Wolferz]

In the summer time I do eat a lot of salads. I prefer iceberg (head) lettuce over that leafy stuff and I have a bunch of radishes in water in the cooler all the time for snacking.
Rabbit food?

I eat a balanced diet which has made my waist the same as my inseam... 34,34.:D It also made my former co-driver jealous. He was rotund!
Dunlop had jumped all over him.:haha: He did love his steaks.:-?

[Jimbuna]

So did the Michelin Man :)

[swamprat69er]

Rabbit food?
I eat a balanced diet

When I go shopping, I balance what I want to eat that week in my right hand with what is in my left hand.:D
The only time I eat meat is when what is on the menu appeals to me and that depends on which T/S I am in. Up here, truck stops are few and far between and good truck stops with good food are fewer. Where I am right now in Thunder Bay, ON the food is pretty good and the salads are great! Where I will be delivering my load to the food sucks except for the toasted western sandwhiches. So I have some radishes for snacking.

[Onkel Neal]

Arrived at a plant in South Bend, IN, on time as usual. They are telling me I am early....days early. They have the unload scheduled for Aug 1. :har: So here I sit, waiting for my company and the consignee to work it out. $10 an hour. But hey, not actually working, just chilling, so it's all cool. :shucks:

[Jimbuna]

Arrived at a plant in South Bend, IN, on time as usual. They are telling me I am early....days early. They have the unload scheduled for Aug 1. :har: So here I sit, waiting for my company and the consignee to work it out. $10 an hour. But hey, not actually working, just chilling, so it's all cool. :shucks:

Could never grow tired of that experience :sunny:

[Aktungbby]

Hey you can take in the Studebaker National Museum while you're killin' time! http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?channel=ta.desktop&center=41.674667,-86.261497&zoom=14&maptype=roadmap&size=300x150&client=gme-tripadvisorinc1&sensor=false&markers=icon:http%3A%2F%2Fc1.tacdn.com%2Fimg2%2Fma ps%2Ficons%2Fpin_v2_CurrentCenter.png|41.674667,-86.2615&signature=lYV6mZBqfCtVRB_OBZuUutsbwt8=:yeah::woot:

[Wolferz]

Could never grow tired of that experience :sunny:


Watching the popcorn grow no doubt.:D I could do that for $10.00 an hour.

[Jimbuna]

Watching the popcorn grow no doubt.:D I could do that for $10.00 an hour.

Too bloody right :yeah:

[em2nought]

Arrived at a plant in South Bend, IN, on time as usual. They are telling me I am early....days early. They have the unload scheduled for Aug 1. :har: So here I sit, waiting for my company and the consignee to work it out. $10 an hour. But hey, not actually working, just chilling, so it's all cool. :shucks:

My buddy would blow a gasket having to wait that long. lol

[Onkel Neal]

yeah, waiting is the worst part of the job. A lot of plants have operators who move so slow and don't care

[Mr Quatro]

Today is August 1st unload and go time ...

Hope you make it home in time for The first preseason NFL football game this Sunday August 3rd I forget who's playing it, but who cares it's football :yep:

Oh yeah it's New York Giants take on the Buffalo Bills in the Hall of Fame Game ...

[Onkel Neal]

Well, my luck ran out last night. I usually plan my day as 3AM to 3PM, and parked by 3:30PM. My load took longer than expected, and traffic in Indy on 270, slowed me down, and a time change didn't help. I pulled into a truck stop in Columbus with 1 hour to go on my 14. Now, a smart guy would have decided that a full truck stop means look somewhere else, fast. But I was meeting a friend and decided to risk it--I parked sort of wonky by a curb behind the fuel aisle. I was not blocking anyone in, and I have seen a hundred guys parked like this, so I figured, hey, squeeze in it where you can. Everyone understands that, right?

Well, my friend and I talked for about 3 hours (2 hours past the end of my 14), and I went back to the truck, surfed the web for an hour, and was just about to go to sleep when ---

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

All jeez, what now?

Yep, a kid from the truck stop told me I was parked in the bobtail section, and needed to move. I said ok. I walked the lot, still no empty spaces (but about 10 bobtails occupying full spaces, same as when I arrived). I went inside to plead my case with the manager. I guess he's heard this a million times before, cut to "move it or get towed".

I've heard with elogs you can creep at 5mph and not go on duty...I was about to test that theory. Next to the truck stop, a street with semis lining the side for 4 blocks. Again, no open spaces...

WTH, I just started creeping away on a side street. It seemed like an an industrial area, there were many facilities with trucks and trailers parked. But I knew they would be able to tell I'm an impersonator, not one of their trucks :wah: so I kept going. After about a mile, I saw a parking lot with two brick warehouses, a hopper, and some totes, and the most beautiful sight of all--a LEASE sign. It did look like it was not active, so I rolled in, back into a dock, and called it a night. For about 3 hours :know: ... I set my alarm for 5am so I could sneak away before daylight. I crept back to the truck stop, found a spot, and waited another hour and a half for my 10hour break to complete, so I could leave.

And they wonder why truck drivers have accidents from driving tired!:stare:

[Wolferz]

Can't say you weren't warned Neal, because you were.:D

Do you have an up to date Exit Guide?

There's always the Walmart parking lot. Park in the back so the four wheelers don't block you in. If push really comes to shove, a home improvement store lot is a good place to take some down time. Beats doing it on a ramp any day.:up:

[Onkel Neal]

I use All Stays truck app, it shows me a million places. But I will have to get there early, no matter how many are around.

As a matter of fact, I did call the closest WalMart. I have stayed at a few, but I always call first. This particular one warned me that semis were not permitted on their lot, they would tow. The days of being welcome at Wally World are going away.

[Wolferz]

I use All Stays truck app, it shows me a million places. But I will have to get there early, no matter how many are around.

As a matter of fact, I did call the closest WalMart. I have stayed at a few, but I always call first. This particular one warned me that semis were not permitted on their lot, they would tow. The days of being welcome at Wally World are going away.

I guess it depends on the Walmart. The one here in town has loads of parking by their receiving dock and more on the opposite end near their auto shop. You'd think that they would want you to come on in and spend your money.:-?
Our local Lowes always has trucks parked in their lot in the spaces furthest from the storefront.

[Stealhead]

I guess it depends on the Walmart. The one here in town has loads of parking by their receiving dock and more on the opposite end near their auto shop. You'd think that they would want you to come on in and spend your money.:-?
Our local Lowes always has trucks parked in their lot in the spaces furthest from the storefront.

I know that Lowes and Home Depot will allow trucks making a delivery to stay over night. One thing I like about flat bedding is the majority of customers(or at least the ones I deal with) do not care if you stay overnight so long as you are out of the way. Of course often times the lot is not large enough for you to do this or it in an area I'd rather not hang around in.

I have never asked having no need but the nearest Wally World to my home very often has 5 or 6 trucks parked in the lot. Usually they are there from around 10pm to 7am after that the lot is empty so I assume that the manager allows parking only during certain hours.

You know the company Averitt Express? They have several hundred lots some have full facilities like a mini-terminal and some might just be a lot with a small building that has a bathroom and shower. Anyway they have enough properties that their drivers almost never have to stop at a truck stop overnight if they do not want to. One of their drivers told me that he stays at a truck stop one day in ten and he was an OTR driver.

[Mr Quatro]

Are you sure you want to be a tanker driver?

It doesn't seem to be a very safe job lately ... :o

8,000 gallons down the drain for taking a corner too fast

http://www.wsmv.com/story/26284063/residents-voice-concerns-following-tanker-truck-explosion


NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
The day after a tanker truck exploded in west Nashville, Metro officials described it as a "disaster avoided" Thursday.

Fuel from the explosion went into storm drains, and some have expressed concerns about the impact it could have on the neighborhood.

"We have had our boats out this morning monitoring the Cumberland River," said Sonia Harvat with Metro Water. "There is no product that has made it to the Cumberland River."

Crews have been testing the underground Metro sewer system to make sure no explosive fuel content is left behind, possibly causing more explosions.

[Stealhead]

Well if you drive like an idiot you tend to...explode.
Schneider has some of the best CSA scores. One fatal accident in 2013 with
I think around 11,000 trucks on the road in the US and Canada.

[swamprat69er]

Are you sure you want to be a tanker driver?

It doesn't seem to be a very safe job lately ... :o

8,000 gallons down the drain for taking a corner too fast

http://www.wsmv.com/story/26284063/residents-voice-concerns-following-tanker-truck-explosion

A valid case for a careless driving charge there.
The load shifted, my Aunt Fannies a**! Liquid loads are always moving, slopping around.

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks for the reminder, I try to follow Schneider policy, -10 MPH from posted in curves.:up:

[swamprat69er]

Thanks for the reminder, I try to follow Schneider policy, -10 MPH from posted in curves.:up:
At least, especially with 'shotgun' tanks.

[Wolferz]

Thanks for the reminder, I try to follow Schneider policy, -10 MPH from posted in curves.:up:

I practiced that philosophy with dry vans. You never know when a load might shift from inertial forces and leave you laying on your side. :timeout:

[swamprat69er]

Besides, it pisses off the 4 wheelers when you slow right down on a curve/corner that they can take at the limit.

[Wolferz]

:haha:Besides, it pisses off the 4 wheelers when you slow right down on a curve/corner that they can take at the limit.

I've had a few yelling at me.:haha:

Guess what... Don't care!

[swamprat69er]

They cuss me out when I climb hills that don't have a passing lane on them. Sometimes I think my 475hp Cat should be bigger, especially when I am loaded 138,000 lbs gross and that is legal.
Very seldom do I get the chance to run on the big street (4 lane highways).

[Wolferz]

They cuss me out when I climb hills that don't have a passing lane on them. Sometimes I think my 475hp Cat should be bigger, especially when I am loaded 138,000 lbs gross and that is legal.
Very seldom do I get the chance to run on the big street (4 lane highways).

You could run the big trains in the Australian Outback.:D

[swamprat69er]

You could run the big trains in the Australian Outback.:D
I would like to give that a shot. I imagine 'U' turns would be a hoot!

[TarJak]

You could run the big trains in the Australian Outback.:D

I would like to give that a shot. I imagine 'U' turns would be a hoot!

Not many 4 lane highways out there though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln0wxlegsVc

[swamprat69er]

Not many 4 lane highways out there though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln0wxlegsVc
2 lane highways is what I run most of the time.

You got Camels?

You got the jockeys, too?

[TarJak]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGPI7wuNdfM

:yep:

[Stealhead]

With one of those road trains if you missed a gear on a hill it would be hard to get going again you'd have to uncouple each separate trailer pull them one at a time if you where in the middle of nowhere. In Australia they do not have a truck stop to pull into either not for 90% of the trip anyway.

I'd try it.

[Aktungbby]

I would like to give that a shot. I imagine 'U' turns would be a hoot!

There are few U turns- you usually have to shorten the train -some re-assembly required-:D I came to regard the whole concept as a way to save the company money on wages...:down:If two drivers can pull 6 wagons it saves the $alary on a third driver. The welfare and safety of the driver was a secondary concept to management. Doubles is sufficient.:/\\!!http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/steve_port/2006/12-09/garrett-triples-1st-set_sml.jpg (http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/steve_port/2006/12-09/garrett-triples-1st-set.jpg)Greed is a motivating factor in the freight biz...:down: My back came to hate pushing 1500 lb. con-gears around when makin' the train..:nope: If the middle pup gets to rockin' you've got problems...@ Stealhead: not worth tryin'!

[swamprat69er]

There are few U turns- you usually have to shorten the train -some re-assembly required-:D I came to regard the whole concept as a way to save the company money on wages...:down:If two drivers can pull 6 wagons it saves the $alary on a third driver. The welfare and safety of the driver was a secondary concept to management. Doubles is sufficient.:/\\!!http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/steve_port/2006/12-09/garrett-triples-1st-set_sml.jpg (http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/steve_port/2006/12-09/garrett-triples-1st-set.jpg)Greed is a motivating factor in the freight biz...:down: My back came to hate pushing 1500 lb. con-gears around when makin' the train..:nope: If the middle pup gets to rockin' you've got problems...@ Stealhead: not worth tryin'!
That is why I like 'B' trains, NO converter dolly.

[Onkel Neal]

:haha:

I've had a few yelling at me.:haha:

Guess what... Don't care!

That's really all you can do, mate :salute:

[swamprat69er]

I've had quite a few 4 wheeler drivers give me the one finger salute. I give them a whole bouquet of them in return. If the owner of the company catches wind of us giving someone the bird, then we are automatically fired. That is why the bouquet, let him prove that it was the one finger salute times 4.

[Wolferz]

Palm side out so there's no miscommunication that can get you fired.:timeout:

I only had one chump that I wanted to show the weather gesture to. A Jeep driver who jumped in front of me and stepped on the brakes at the base of Mont Eagle in the Volunteer state. I had to climb that mountain in third gear.:stare:
Just as well I guess because a skateboard driver had lost his brakes on the downhill side and delivered his load into a lumber yard, starting a big ol' bonfire in the process.:huh:

I may be slow but I'm ahead of you!:haha:

[swamprat69er]

A bumper sticker I need to get for my Heep....I've got two speeds, If you don't like this one, you sure as heck won't like the other one.

[Wolferz]

A bumper sticker I need to get for my Heep....I've got two speeds, If you don't like this one, you sure as heck won't like the other one.

The average motorist harbors the misconception that you can stop 40 tons on a dime. 60 tons in your case.:haha:

[swamprat69er]

The average motorist harbors the misconception that you can stop 40 tons on a dime. 60 tons in your case.:haha:
and give 9 cents change......'you've got all those tires!' is always their answer.

[Wolferz]

and give 9 cents change......'you've got all those tires!' is always their answer.
And 18 contact patches the size of football fields.

:har::har::har:

Those are the peeps you want to introduce to a split ring at 200 PSI...without the retainers.:arrgh!:

[swamprat69er]

And 18 contact patches the size of football fields.

:har::har::har:

Those are the peeps you want to introduce to a split ring at 200 PSI...without the retainers.:arrgh!:
and hopefully a worn out ring. can we say, 'by, by head?'

[Wolferz]

and hopefully a worn out ring. can we say, 'by, by head?'

I was going for the whole torso. Just to be sure.:arrgh!::O:

[swamprat69er]

A guy from Manitoba passed me the other day and when he cut back in on the two lane road, he left me with 1/2 a mini-van length of stopping space....the OPP was right on his donkey and pulled him over at the next wide spot in the road. Most likely the cop got him for speeding first and then just added up the charges after that. I didn't feel the need to stop and carried on.:up:
A lot of tankers run on that section of road, (Thunder Bay,ON and points East as far as Sault St. Marie (on Hwy 17) and Hearst, ON (on Hwy 11) get their fuel from Manitoba, so the cop couldn't tell if I was loaded or empty, [my lead trailer was 3/4 full] therefore couldn't tell how fast I could stop IF I had to.) IF something had happened within the mini-van and he stopped suddenly, I wouldn't have gotten my foot off the go bar before I hit the van. And a cop as a witness. It doesn't get much better than that.:yeah:

[Onkel Neal]

Man, what a week. Pump stopped working Weds, so had to spend a day in the OC waiting to get it fixed. Now stuck at a TA in Jacksonville, my engine has a bad injector and the Freightliner dealer is closed on Sun :wah:

[Wolferz]

Man, what a week. Pump stopped working Weds, so had to spend a day in the OC waiting to get it fixed. Now stuck at a TA in Jacksonville, my engine has a bad injector and the Freightliner dealer is closed on Sun :wah:

Yeah, normal people get weekends off.:-?

Aren't you glad that you're special?:D

On the one hand, I'm glad I'm not making the 21 day tours of the lower 48, but on the other hand...
I miss it.:wah:

[Onkel Neal]

I don't mind the 21 day tours (actually, I'm stretching it out to 25), it's all part of the job. But I am pretty tired of sitting in the truck at truck stops watching John Wayne movies. I wanna roll!:Kaleun_Wink:

[Wolferz]

Neal has the itchy feet.:D:up::O:

[Onkel Neal]

Actually, no itchy feet, but my right arm has been tingling like it's asleep for about a week now. First, I noticed the tip of my thumb had no feeling, and then it spread to my index finger. And a few days ago I began getting some strange tingling in my bicep. Now it's like my arm is asleep. Very weird! I'll need to see a doctor, if I can ever get home :06:

[TarJak]

Actually, no itchy feet, but my right arm has been tingling like it's asleep for about a week now. First, I noticed the tip of my thumb had no feeling, and then it spread to my index finger. And a few days ago I began getting some strange tingling in my bicep. Now it's like my arm is asleep. Very weird! I'll need to see a doctor, if I can ever get home :06:

Neal,

Don't wait till you get home. Get to see a sawbones ASAP. That condition doesn't sound good and you need to go see someone pronto to get it looked at and if possible sorted out.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Neal,

Don't wait till you get home. Get to see a sawbones ASAP. That condition doesn't sound good and you need to go see someone pronto to get it looked at and if possible sorted out.Agreed. Those kind of symptoms can be caused by nerve compression or stroke both of which should be treated immediately.

[Jimbuna]

Neal,

Don't wait till you get home. Get to see a sawbones ASAP. That condition doesn't sound good and you need to go see someone pronto to get it looked at and if possible sorted out.

Agreed. Those kind of symptoms can be caused by nerve compression or stroke both of which should be treated immediately.

Most definitely....GO NOW BIG FELLA!!

[Wolferz]

Yes, by all means , get yourself to an ER ASAP.

I ignored symptoms while I was on the road and a month later I suffered a massive stroke. The symptoms, as it turned out, were mini strokes.:huh:

[Onkel Neal]

Well, I would like to, but it's impossible without a car, and a driver to take over my truck :-? ( I'm sure if I call my manager and push for it, but I have only been working this job for 6 months, I can't afford to ruffle feathers.) I know, it's rolling the dice, I have to take the risk though if I want to keep the job. So far it's just a strange sensation, no pain or loss of motion. If it gets worse, we'll see One thing I've noticed while getting older, there are a lot of odd unexplained pains and aches. I think that comes with the territory.:88)

[swamprat69er]

Well, I would like to, but it's impossible without a car, and a driver to take over my truck :-? ( I'm sure if I call my manager and push for it, but I have only been working this job for 6 months, I can't afford to ruffle feathers.) I know, it's rolling the dice, I have to take the risk though if I want to keep the job. So far it's just a strange sensation, no pain or loss of motion. If it gets worse, we'll see One thing I've noticed while getting older, there are a lot of odd unexplained pains and aches. I think that comes with the territory.:88)

Screw the company! Drop your wagon and bobtail to ER. Your life is not worth all the jobs in the world. Nor all the loads. Just do it and do it now! Before it is too late.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Well, I would like to, but it's impossible without a car, and a driver to take over my truck :-? ( I'm sure if I call my manager and push for it, but I have only been working this job for 6 months, I can't afford to ruffle feathers.) I know, it's rolling the dice, I have to take the risk though if I want to keep the job. So far it's just a strange sensation, no pain or loss of motion. If it gets worse, we'll see One thing I've noticed while getting older, there are a lot of odd unexplained pains and aches. I think that comes with the territory.:88)Well I understand your point of view. However is that job really worth it? What if it is stroke and it gets worse while driving? Who will take over if your head hits the steering wheel?

[em2nought]

I used a knife to prune some trees a few months ago, and my thumb, index, and middle finger have been similar to that ever since. I was thinking of seeing the acupuncturist. I'm too poor having just paid for Volvo #2 and still needing to spend about half again that to fix this and that. lol

[Wolferz]

If you happen to be traveling through Iowa on I-80, there's a huge truck stop there not too far west of the Illinois border that has medical care available. Doctor, Dentist et cetera.
You definitely need to get that checked out. I'm hoping that it might be something as simple as vibration syndrome or a pinched nerve causing the tingling and numbness. Be mindful of any other stroke symptoms like, sudden unexplained headache, sinus pain, inability to understand speech in one ear or the other, reading material that suddenly has the words flow together like looking at sausage fingers that makes you extremely dizzy or an odd ache in a main artery that pulses every time your heart beats.

Be safe. Be well.

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Wolferz. I don't have any other symptoms. I know you had a major stroke and you know what you're talking about. I think it's something like a pinched nerve, probably from sitting so much. I will definitely have the doc check it out next week when I get home.

If I ever get home, gotta get the injectors on my truck fixed and I've been here all day :/\\!!:/\\!!

[Wolferz]

Thanks, Wolferz. I don't have any other symptoms. I know you had a major stroke and you know what you're talking about. I think it's something like a pinched nerve, probably from sitting so much. I will definitely have the doc check it out next week when I get home.

If I ever get home, gotta get the injectors on my truck fixed and I've been here all day :/\\!!:/\\!!

Knowing what I'm talking about...
That could be debated.:doh:

Anyhoo, You could take a taxi to a medical facility while you're waiting on the repairs.:yep:

[Onkel Neal]

Man, why did I even imagine they could get my truck fixed in a day!:/\\!!

Well, Tues the shop finally put it in the bay, so I called my manager and got a hotel room. Comfort Suites in Jacksonville is NICE. Oh, well, I guess any place with a private bathroom, carpet, and a real bed is pretty nice.

Stayed there Weds.....

Today, called the shop, truck is ready! Whoop! Ok, got an assignment to pick up an empty, go to Savannah and load in the morning. So, I get to the trailer wash.... no trailer. I call, and wait. Four hours later they send me back to the same area as the truck shop to get another trailer

:/\\chop

It's almost 7pm, I'm staying put until 4am. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
:ahoy:

[swamprat69er]

It's almost 7pm, I'm staying put until 4am.
Aren't you supposed to be sleeping? At least what I hear from the radio (Sirius) [road dog channel] you are supposed to sleep even when you aren't tired.

[Wolferz]

I've spent many a wasted hour chasing down ghost trailers. The last time was in Columbus, Ohio.:-?
As they say here in Pa.
What are you gonna do?

[Onkel Neal]

Eight days off--worked on my daughter's landscaping, visited my other two, got a few hours of riding in between the rain and got a review done. Productive week, time to hit the road again.:shucks:

[Jimbuna]

Eight days off--worked on my daughter's landscaping, visited my other two, got a few hours of riding in between the rain and got a review done. Productive week, time to hit the road again.:shucks:

SINK EM ALL!! http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8636/cdw.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/cdw.gif/)

[swamprat69er]

Last Friday I got a bath in product.....long story short.....cost me a $180.oo pair of boots, a $50.oo pair of jeans (company supplied) and a pair of gloves also company supplied. My pup trailer looked a mess and it still does. I was lucky, the products' maximum temperature is 180 F and the stuff that hit me was about 160 F. We spilled about 5 gallons of the stuff. The slop pail is still in the trailer. As soon as the product hit my hand i dropped the pail and bailed off the rack getting the gloves off me quickly.

[Wolferz]

:hmmm:Now where did I leave that bag of feathers?:arrgh!:

[TarJak]

Eight days off--worked on my daughter's landscaping, visited my other two, got a few hours of riding in between the rain and got a review done. Productive week, time to hit the road again.:shucks:

And the doctor? Did you see one?

[swamprat69er]

And the doctor? Did you see one?
Nope. Didn't need one. Cleaned off the tar, changed my clothes and the terminal manager finished loading the trailer. Buttoned her up and I delivered the load. The guy that did the deed will most likely get fired over it.

[Onkel Neal]

And the doctor? Did you see one?

No :oops: Of the 7 days off, two were weekend, one was a holiday, and two were spent running up to Dallas to help my daughter. I'm not sure truck driver can go to the doctor.

[TarJak]

Nope. Didn't need one. Cleaned off the tar, changed my clothes and the terminal manager finished loading the trailer. Buttoned her up and I delivered the load. The guy that did the deed will most likely get fired over it.

Not you, Neal. Just so long as you stay away from Wolferz with his bad of feather's you'll be fine. The Onkel on the other hand...

No :oops: Of the 7 days off, two were weekend, one was a holiday, and two were spent running up to Dallas to help my daughter. I'm not sure truck driver can go to the doctor.
Seriously? Get it looked at mate. Don't want to hear about you falling of your perch just yet.

[Jimbuna]

'Feathers' 'Perch'.....has Neal turned into a parrot? :o

[TarJak]

'Feathers' 'Perch'.....has Neal turned into a parrot? :o

Well no-one wants him to be an ex-Onkel do they?
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/4623108/dead-parrot-sketch-o.gif

[Jimbuna]

Well no-one wants him to be an ex-Onkel do they?
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/4623108/dead-parrot-sketch-o.gif

Oh I should imagine there are one or two hearabouts who may well do :)

[Onkel Neal]

:o

.

[Sailor Steve]

Oh I should imagine there are one or two hearabouts who may well do :)
SHHHH!!! Pinky, I can't trust you with anything! :nope:

:o
Too late now. We'll have to plan something else for tomorrow night. :dead:

[Onkel Neal]

A mutiny, eh? I knew the day would come. But I always thought it would involve a sensuous lady spy and some spice gin.....with a movie camera whirring away somewhere.....

[Jimbuna]

We couldn't find a dress Steve felt comfortable in :)

[swamprat69er]

We couldn't find a dress Steve felt comfortable in :)

Maybe he would feel more comfortable nekid.:haha::o

[TarJak]

Maybe he would feel more comfortable nekid.:haha::o

Those of us who've met Jim know that's his preferred attire.:O:

[Aktungbby]

http://lowres.cartoonstock.com/religion-priest-see_no_evil-speak_no_evil-evils-priesthood-glln194_low.jpg:har:

[Jimbuna]

Those of us who've met Jim know that's his preferred attire.:O:

And to think you missed your chance just two months ago :)

http://s28.postimg.org/x92mowa2l/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[TarJak]

Avoided at all costs more like.:O:

[Onkel Neal]

Haha, ladyboys Bangkok. Great PS work, whoever did it

[TarJak]

Not Photoshop. Jim was browsing that site for real. With no clothes on.:o. He wandered off, muttered something about doing a bit of research, a bit later on, when Tony opened their hotel room door, this was the sight he was confronted with. Jim said something like "Hey there big boy!" and Tony ran screaming back to the pub.

[Onkel Neal]

Not Photoshop. Jim was browsing that site for real. With no clothes on.:o. He muttered something about doing a bit of research, then when Tony opened their hotel room door, this was the sight he was confronted with. Jim said spending like "Hey there big boy" and Tony ran screaming back to the pub.

:rotfl2:


SHHHH!!! Pinky, I can't trust you with anything! :nope:


Too late now. We'll have to plan something else for tomorrow night. :dead:


I'll make it easy for you, I should be in Salt Lake City sometime on the evening of Sept 14, :up: barring any breakdowns, meltdowns, or running off a cliff in the Rockies.

You have a car, right? Meet me at the Dennys, Flying J Travel Plaza, I-15 and I-80. I'll post here when I get closer, say on the morning of the 14th.

[Sailor Steve]

Message recieved and understood. Have car, will meet. Awaiting reception of ETA. SS out. :sunny:

[Onkel Neal]

Excellent, be sure you have an appetite, dinner is on me!:up:

[swamprat69er]

Excellent, be sure you have an appetite, dinner is on me!:up:
Free dinner at the J in Salt Lake! I ALWAYS have a healthy appetite.:D
Unfortunately, I can't go. I got work to do.:) And I can't get into the 'states anyway. No passaport.

[Sailor Steve]

HEY! That conversation was heavily encrypted! Where did you get a secret decoder ring? :stare:

[Jimbuna]

Haha, ladyboys Bangkok. Great PS work, whoever did it

ROFLMAO....that was HB (Tony's) work :)

Take no notice of the criminally insane criminal above...not that you would having already had the misfortune of meeting him whilst he was on parole :nope:

[Wolferz]

Carry a concealed tire billy into the restaurant and don't sit with your back to any portals.:timeout:

[Jimbuna]

Carry a concealed tire billy into the restaurant and don't sit with your back to any portals.:timeout:

No need...I doubt TarJak will be there :)

[TarJak]

I dunno. Been thinking about the next trip overseas and SLC is nice this time of year. ;)

Can't have Neal being too relaxed now can we?

[Onkel Neal]

Lol, now come on. :arrgh!:

[swamprat69er]

HEY! That conversation was heavily encrypted! Where did you get a secret decoder ring? :stare:

Out of a box of Cracker Jack.:haha:

[Sailor Steve]

Out of a box of Cracker Jack.:haha:
Same place I got mine. I shoulda known. :dead:

[swamprat69er]

That is where I got my drivers license, too.:haha:

[Jimbuna]

That is where I got my drivers license, too.:haha:

Yeah we guessed that after seeing the Youtube videos :)

[Onkel Neal]

Left West Memphis yesterday, spent the night east of KC. Just got to Nowhere, Nebraska for the night. Should hit SLC tomorrow around 16:00

[Sailor Steve]

Oops! I just remembered - I'm leaving for Denver tomorrow morning! :O:

[Onkel Neal]

That's ok, leave a key under the mat and the fridge full of Dr Pepper :arrgh!:

[Jimbuna]

Left West Memphis yesterday, spent the night east of KC. Just got to Nowhere, Nebraska for the night. Should hit SLC tomorrow around 16:00

You are being tracked but not by drones :03:

[Wolferz]

You are being tracked but not by drones :03:

Must be Santa Claus then.:D

[Onkel Neal]

Arrived, Salt Lake City.

Give me an hour for a shower, then come by when it is convenient for you.

Schneider
35 N 700 W
North Salt Lake, Utah 84054

[Sailor Steve]

:rotfl2:

At the time he was posting that I was already sitting outside the Truck Place. We came straight back here and he's in my shower now. :sunny:

[nikimcbee]

So Neal, when are you coming to ore-gone?

[Onkel Neal]

You gonna let me use your shower? :arrgh!:

Here we are at Denny's, two of the Subsim Triumvirate :shucks:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=727&pictureid=7698

[nikimcbee]

Where's the Hawaiian shirt?

Watch out for those Ut drivers, they are the worst!:dead:

[TarJak]

You mean the lighthouse shirt?

[nikimcbee]

You mean the lighthouse shirt?

Yes.:hmmm:

[Onkel Neal]

Oh man, I forgot it. Actually, I left home without thinking there would be photo ops.

[Jimbuna]

:rotfl2:

At the time he was posting that I was already sitting outside the Truck Place. We came straight back here and he's in my shower now. :sunny:

Pictures or it didn't happen :)

http://s8.postimg.org/7bt0mvspd/Belly.gif (http://postimage.org/)

Sorry to say it but that picture angle isn't exactly the best....both your heads look as if they've been photoshopped into position :)

[Jimbuna]

Where's the Hawaiian shirt?

Watch out for those Ut drivers, they are the worst!:dead:

You mean the lighthouse shirt?

Yes.:hmmm:

Oh man, I forgot it. Actually, I left home without thinking there would be photo ops.

No worries, I've got a spare :03:

http://s23.postimg.org/yv0bnaqaz/IMG_0419.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[Wolferz]

No worries, I've got a spare :03:

http://s23.postimg.org/yv0bnaqaz/IMG_0419.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

Forget the shirt. Look at all the junk food!:haha:

[TarJak]

Look at it? Jim ate most of it. (I helped a bit... as did the rest of the Subsim meet)

[Wolferz]

Look at it? Jim ate most of it. (I helped a bit... as did the rest of the Subsim meet)


:yeah::D

[Jimbuna]

Look at it? Jim ate most of it. (I helped a bit... as did the rest of the Subsim meet)

Helped get rid of the taste of that Lone Star Ale you purchased at the gas station :)

[em2nought]

Stop interrupting Steve's model building, that Hansa isn't going to finish itself. :D

Any tips for making a Thai driver look more American and less Mexican? We don't need to get stopped so often by the fuzz. LOL Maybe it won't follow us from Oklahoma to the open road, fingers crossed. :hmmm:

[swamprat69er]

I got the next two days off and then load up and head out to Chapleau,ON. the load delivers Wednesday morning half way between Chapleau and Thessalon,ON.Then go to North Bay and reload for the same place. About 7.5 to 8 hours from here (Thunder Bay,ON) and 5.5-6 hours from North Bay. I am getting closer to home.:up:

[Aktungbby]

swamprat69er: Cleaned off the tar, changed my clothes and the terminal manager finished loading the trailer. Buttoned her up and I delivered the load. The guy that did the deed will most likely get fired over it. __________________
Just be Extra careful out there ...http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100728070618/disney/images/thumb/f/f7/Tarbaby1.jpg/256px-Tarbaby1.jpg (http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100728070618/disney/images/f/f7/Tarbaby1.jpg) the hot product and gravity are not your friends!:salute: At our age, swift retreats are not an option. :hmmm:

[swamprat69er]

The guy that did the deed still hasn't been fired yet but I don't think he will be recalled in the spring. (Layoffs happen for the junior guys every fall.)
He also does NOT load me at all any more. I won't have him on the rack with me.

[Wolferz]

The guy that did the deed still hasn't been fired yet but I don't think he will be recalled in the spring. (Layoffs happen for the junior guys every fall.)
He also does NOT load me at all any more. I won't have him on the rack with me.

That should foil Brer Fox in the future.

No more Tah baby.:up:

[Jimbuna]

The guy that did the deed still hasn't been fired yet but I don't think he will be recalled in the spring. (Layoffs happen for the junior guys every fall.)
He also does NOT load me at all any more. I won't have him on the rack with me.

A danger to himself and others no doubt.

[swamprat69er]

I think that too many 'roids (steroids not hemorrhoids) [he is a weight lifter] have addled his brain.
He wont be loading me tomorrow morning either.

[Aktungbby]

Forget the hat, boots and gloves! for your next hop off the 'rack'...https://www.apexbase.com/image/cache/data/about-343x159.jpg (https://www.apexbase.com/about-apex-base)

[swamprat69er]

Forget the hat, boots and gloves! for your next hop off the 'rack'...https://www.apexbase.com/image/cache/data/about-343x159.jpg (https://www.apexbase.com/about-apex-base)
The insulated gloves protect your hands from the heat, but by the same token they will hold the heat in, so when there is tar inside the gloves with your hands, you want them off as soon as is humanly possible. The product might have been 100-140F as it was already in the slop pail and the hotter stuff from the pipe splashed it out and onto me. That is why I dropped the pail (screw where it ends up)[in this case it is inside the tank] and got rid of the gloves. The hard hat is just a P.I.T.A. anyway. I have always said that if and when you get burned, any cooler liquid than what you have on you will take away the heat. [water, diesel fuel, gasoline,whatever is cooler], I don't care what it smells like.

[Aktungbby]

Your a braver man than I! I used to haul bagged onions in a meticulous hand-loaded air stack with the front and rear hatches open for airflow. And hauled 5 lb bags of sugar. A fire to either from friction of the rocking action of the van is devastating and nearly impossible to put out-dry onion skin is very flammable and sugar will explode. In fact a sugar plant I used to load at exploded in 2008, killing 14 workers. Generally, much attention is paid to lining the van with cardboard to prevent a friction fire. "Self heating / Spontaneous combustion: Unextinguished cigarette ends may cause sugar fires, which are greatly feared because they are difficult to extinguish. Ash acts as a catalyst in combustion. Sugar fires are extinguished with CO2 or chemical extinguishing agents. Smoking is absolutely prohibited in holds and containers." Full 20 ton loads of dry cleaning solution were no joy either. I did try not to carry pesticides and sporting ammo at the same time:doh: and came to prefer kitty litter and cat food; the staples of life!:03:
Throw in the two collapsed bridges, earlier in this thread, and I figure I'm down to 3 of 9 lives left in this ol' cat and I ain't talkin' about the engine type!:D Enjoy your 5lb. bag of sugar from Kroeger BBY!
..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Georgia_sugar_refinery_explosion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Georgia_sugar_refinery_explosion) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Imperial_Sugar_Georgia_Two.jpg/1024px-Imperial_Sugar_Georgia_Two.jpg

[Wolferz]

How about a load of powdered coffee creamer to go with your sugar?:O::huh:

[swamprat69er]

WOW! What a mess!

[Wolferz]

WOW! What a mess!

Only if it catches on fire.:huh:
Have you ever seen what powdered coffee creamer does when expelled into an open flame? It's like throwing in gasoline.:yep: Ordinary flour is combustible too.

Silly String at a wedding reception...
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIWzYhlUHQcAOTv7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByZ2 N0cmxpBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMg--?p=silly+string+wedding+fire&vid=8288f0ff2aafee203f62b3c79c12459a&l=00%3A40&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.6 08036944132113126%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveleak.com%2Fview%3Fi%3D90 5_1243809090&tit=Bride+and+Groom+go+up+in+Flames&c=1&sigr=11dlqb4lf&sigt=10vjnfq97&age=0&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb&hspart=SGMedia&tt=b

NOT GOOD!

[Sailor Steve]

Have you ever seen what powdered coffee creamer does when expelled into an open flame? It's like throwing in gasoline.:yep: Ordinary flour is combustible too.
What worries me is how you would know this in the first place. :o

[Aktungbby]

:D http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Anarchistcookbookdsfg.jpg/220px-Anarchistcookbookdsfg.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anarchistcookbookdsfg.jpg)footnote: In 2007, a 17-year-old was arrested in Britain and faced charges under Terrorism Law in the UK for possession of this book, among other things. He was cleared of all charges in October 2008, after arguing that he was a prankster who just wanted to research fireworks and smoke bombs.

[Wolferz]

What worries me is how you would know this in the first place. :o

Mythbusters and the military.:03:

A topless 55 gallon drum, dug in at an angle and blocked at the base, then filled with the right ingredients(mostly thickened diesel fuel and all the metal garbage you can find) and primed with half a block of C-4 or a Claymore anti-personnel mine makes for a very effective frontal assault deterrent.:huh::up:
The Claymore APM can even be rigged with a trip wire, et joila. Flaming bloody ducks.:arrgh!:
I take it your time in the Gulf of Tonkin was all spent aboard a ship?

You can do about the same thing with an ammo can and a trip flare. Then you point from your foxhole and say "Trip flare!" when it goes off. Because it's against the Geneva convention to use booby traps.:salute:

[swamprat69er]

For the past few days I've been running over the 'roller coaster'....Local talk for Hwy 129 North from Thessalon, ON to Aubrey Falls Provincial Park,ON. A narrow 2 lane hwy? maximum speed, 50mph IF you have guts enough to do it. In places, if it isn't up hill, (3rd gear max) then it is down hill with a sharp curve at the bottom. Every one of the curves on the map is connected to either a up hill or a down hill. You can't get a run at the hills because of the sharp curves/corners. I am trying to get a good video of this haul.

http://www.mapquest.com/ca/on/thessalon

[Aktungbby]

I've done the left of that map in '78 from Green Bay in a nasty ice blizzard (Chicago's O'hare was closed) to gain the Mackinac bridge to Detroit thru to Philly. The bridgemaster couldn't believe I was taking a rig onto the , bridge (Heated) and advised a lot of caution as a "lot of cars would be following in my tracks". I cut it kind of fine; Made it to Toledo to a 'half card' fuel station pulled into the pumps and listened to my engine rattle down...outta fuel!. I had to reprime the fuelfilter! From which we get the expression: Holy Toledo !:timeout:

[swamprat69er]

At a 1/4 tank on the gauge I am looking for fuel. But I carry 4 company cards plus my own cards. I ran out of fuel once :wah:and that was once too often.

[Sailor Steve]

Mythbusters and the military.:03:
Oh good. I was afraid you had done something stupid on your own.

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You'll never live long enough to make them all yourself."
-attributed to Grouch Marx, among others.

[swamprat69er]

Mythbusters and the military.:03:
You can do about the same thing with an ammo can and a trip flare. Then you point from your foxhole and say "Trip flare!" when it goes off. Because it's against the Geneva convention to use booby traps.:salute:
It is odd that everybody we (the allied forces) fight cannot use the same tactics as the ones we are fighting. We gotta take a knife to a gun fight.

[em2nought]

Silly String at a wedding reception...
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIWzYhlUHQcAOTv7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByZ2 N0cmxpBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMg--?p=silly+string+wedding+fire&vid=8288f0ff2aafee203f62b3c79c12459a&l=00%3A40&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.6 08036944132113126%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liveleak.com%2Fview%3Fi%3D90 5_1243809090&tit=Bride+and+Groom+go+up+in+Flames&c=1&sigr=11dlqb4lf&sigt=10vjnfq97&age=0&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb&hspart=SGMedia&tt=b

NOT GOOD!

Holy crap! :o

[Onkel Neal]

For the past few days I've been running over the 'roller coaster'....Local talk for Hwy 129 North from Thessalon, ON to Aubrey Falls Provincial Park,ON. A narrow 2 lane hwy? maximum speed, 50mph IF you have guts enough to do it. In places, if it isn't up hill, (3rd gear max) then it is down hill with a sharp curve at the bottom. Every one of the curves on the map is connected to either a up hill or a down hill. You can't get a run at the hills because of the sharp curves/corners. I am trying to get a good video of this haul.

http://www.mapquest.com/ca/on/thessalon

Oy, I hate routes like that. Especially with no shoulders, and steep hills and sharp curves....my poor old Cascadia doesn't have a lot of power, so on full loads I am roaring along at 25 mph -- a bundle of nerves.

Looks like I am sitting today in Gary, IN, my next load is not until tomorrow. That's twice in a week I've had to sit a day. Well, I just checked my last pay statement and I got a sizeable increase, so I guess it's all good (great, actually!). :rock:

[Wolferz]

It is odd that everybody we (the allied forces) fight cannot use the same tactics as the ones we are fighting. We gotta take a knife to a gun fight.

We used them. Hence the "Trip Flare" declaration.:03::arrgh!: It kept the nasties well away from the B-52's.:up:

[Sailor Steve]

Looks like I am sitting today in Gary, IN, my next load is not until tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihLS-jA_Dg
Skip ahead to 2:00 if you like.

[Wolferz]

Hope you don't wake up to find your tractor up on blocks.:doh:

[swamprat69er]

Oy, I hate routes like that. Especially with no shoulders, and steep hills and sharp curves....my poor old Cascadia doesn't have a lot of power, so on full loads I am roaring along at 25 mph -- a bundle of nerves.

Looks like I am sitting today in Gary, IN, my next load is not until tomorrow. That's twice in a week I've had to sit a day. Well, I just checked my last pay statement and I got a sizeable increase, so I guess it's all good (great, actually!). :rock:
You don't want to come up to Northern Ontario, all the roads up here have very little (2') shoulders. Especially the lesser roads. Even the Trans Canada highway has little to no shoulder.
But nice scenery this time of year.
http://youtu.be/t62ugu9Xg5E
Turn your sound OFF! You don't need to hear the rattling of the Freightshaker.

[swamprat69er]

I gotta reset my log book so I am taking Friday and Saturday off besides the last 1/2 of today. I will go and load on Sunday afternoon and deliver 5 hours away for first thing Monday morning. (8AM)

[Onkel Neal]

I'm in Dallas, and freight has been slow lately. So, even though I have a load to LA, and I have 6 hours of driving....I'm going to take my 10 hr break now and start out at 2am.

Originally, I thought I would have time to visit my daughter here, but it turns out she is going to my home town when she gets off work, so, bad timing :shifty:

My last unload, the plant wanted me to back into a really tight space, I had at MOST 4 inches on either side.

And then yesterday on the phone in safety meeting I heard that we are not supposed to load/unload near trains :o Makes sense, I guess next time I will have an issue when the plant wants something like this....cuz I know they are going to insist, and after 3 hours of delay I will be cleared to do it.

[swamprat69er]

And then yesterday on the phone in safety meeting I heard that we are not supposed to load/unload near trains :o Makes sense, I guess next time I will have an issue when the plant wants something like this....cuz I know they are going to insist, and after 3 hours of delay I will be cleared to do it.
So it is safe after sitting and waiting on your nickle for 3 hours? How is that any safer than backing right in and unloading without waiting the three hours?

[Wolferz]

So it is safe after sitting and waiting on your nickle for 3 hours? How is that any safer than backing right in and unloading without waiting the three hours?

I think he meant that he had to wait three hours while the home office made up their minds to allow it.

I've put 53' dry vans in spots where most wouldn't dare to back a car into.:huh: Like a very small LTL yard and dock with the whole area stuffed with trailers. The dock was crammed full with about 2" to spare between two trailers. Needless to say, I was sweating profusely by the time I slipped her into neutral and popped the parking brake.:timeout:

I've been with my pop when he "L" parked a 53 footer in an alley dock. Tractor just inches from somebodies back fence.
That took some skill!:up:
I've only "L" spotted in one dock but, had to do it numerous times a day and I got really good at it.:D

[Onkel Neal]

Exactly. That's something I learned real quick, anything other than a smooth run will cost me $$$

Such as, about 1 out of every 5 trailers I pick up has some serious maint. issues, usually tires. Which means the driver who dropped the trailer either did not do a pretrip, or he declined to call it in, or the company did not follow through. So, Neal gets to locate a Wingfoot to change the tire, usually a 2 hour process.

But, there's not really much I can do, sure can't go forward with a tire like this.

[Onkel Neal]

Other interesting sights from the road!

[swamprat69er]

Other interesting sights from the road!
Both of those tires look like they seen better days.

Those chipper dumpers are a trip! Seen from afar. I've got a buddy that pulls chiptrains and he is right in love with them.

[Wolferz]

Exactly. That's something I learned real quick, anything other than a smooth run will cost me $$$

Such as, about 1 out of every 5 trailers I pick up has some serious maint. issues, usually tires. Which means the driver who dropped the trailer either did not do a pretrip, or he declined to call it in, or the company did not follow through. So, Neal gets to locate a Wingfoot to change the tire, usually a 2 hour process.

But, there's not really much I can do, sure can't go forward with a tire like this.

Yes sir, A nice fat DOT fine if you get pulled into a chicken coop and they see tires like those.:down: When I was on the road I was a driver and nothing more. I didn't change flat tires or unload trailers. Ever! My Co and I wasted way too much time waiting to have a maintenance gig fixed. My very first run was hooking to a trailer with a huge crack in the side rail. We refused to pull it until it was fixed. Luckily we were in the terminal in Carlisle, PA.
But, we have done drop and hooks at LTL yards and found the loaded trailer sitting there with one or more flat tires.:-? The outfit I pulled for was a stickler on maintenance and safety issues, so the flats were always on the driver/s who dropped the trailer.
Picked one up in A LTL yard in Chicago one time that had a glad hand completely separated from the nose of the trailer. Six hours later, it was fixed by a field mechanic. We didn't get paid by the hour for sitting there and it could have been fixed long before we got there if the previous driver had reported it. :stare:

[swamprat69er]

Way back in the dark ages, (before I discovered tanking) I hooked up to a load of paper in Fort Frances, ON. When I 'hit the pin' I thought the trailer moved so I hit the pin a second time and sure enough it moved! Now this drop yard was all covered in slushy snow EXCEPT for one spot which was snow covered, so I pulled the trailer into that spot and got my 9/16 wrench and hammer out and crawled under. Sure enough, it was one of the oldest trailers the company had and had the old manual slack adjusters on it. It seems that one of the kids that had the trailer before me had adjusted the brakes on it, backwards. I took the 10 minutes and set them up and off we go. Another case of the previous driver not reporting anything or the company not acting on the report before the trailer gets dispatched out again.

[Wolferz]

Way back in the dark ages, (before I discovered tanking) I hooked up to a load of paper in Fort Frances, ON. When I 'hit the pin' I thought the trailer moved so I hit the pin a second time and sure enough it moved! Now this drop yard was all covered in slushy snow EXCEPT for one spot which was snow covered, so I pulled the trailer into that spot and got my 9/16 wrench and hammer out and crawled under. Sure enough, it was one of the oldest trailers the company had and had the old manual slack adjusters on it. It seems that one of the kids that had the trailer before me had adjusted the brakes on it, backwards. I took the 10 minutes and set them up and off we go. Another case of the previous driver not reporting anything or the company not acting on the report before the trailer gets dispatched out again.

Dispatchers just don't care.
The last place I worked, the shop manager handed me this spiel that they couldn't fix everything that was wrong with our tractors. I said; "That's all well and good for you buddy, where do I send the ticket so you can pay the fine? If it's on the rig it has to work and DOT inspectors are not forgiving!"

[DragonRider]

I'm not really a "Trucker" just a class C1+ truck driver but the upside is the firm I drive for .... Krispy Kreme :D

[swamprat69er]

I'm not really a "Trucker" just a class C1+ truck driver but the upside is the firm I drive for .... Krispy Kreme :D
That should make you popular with the cops/coppers.

[Jimbuna]

That should make you popular with the cops/coppers.

Not anywhere near as popular as the dray wagons :03:

[Onkel Neal]

I'm not really a "Trucker" just a class C1+ truck driver but the upside is the firm I drive for .... Krispy Kreme :D

That's a trucker in my book! :salute:

A few more pics from the Road :arrgh!:

First day of CDL class back in Feb.
The Subsim Office on the Road.
What you do not want to see....

[nikimcbee]

Looks like Portland traffic.:dead:

[Schroeder]

You definitely have a bit more space there than your European colleagues. :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Looks like your well stocked up with munchies :cool:

[Onkel Neal]

Argh, had a 600 mile day planned, made it 10 minutes out of the truck stop, all the lights on the trailer quit. Frustrated!!:/\\!!

:rotfl2: Checked fuses, bulbs, plugs...Waiting for the mechanic.

[Schroeder]

600 miles in a semi?:o
Don't you have rules for mandatory periods of driving and resting?
Over here a driver isn't allowed to be behind the wheel for more than 9h a day and only twice a week he can go for 10h. No way one can go 600 miles in that time.

[Rockstar]

I'm assuming these days most reputable trucking companies have fuel/speed regulators installed in their trucks. And I'm sure not all trucks are calibrated using the same equipment either but they are all for the most I think pretty close. Especially when I find myself stuck behind them.

Why in blue blazes does one trucker having maybe a .5 to 2 MPH advantage over another trucker even consider passing the other truck? Only to jam up faster traffic behind him while it lumbers along with a 1 MPH advantage. Its like watching two battling hippos.

[Schroeder]

Its like watching two battling hippos.
Over here we call that an Elephant Race.

[Wolferz]

Schroeder is correct. The USDOT figures the average speed for a semi to be 40 miles per hour. Anything logged over that speed and they'll think they're within their rights to write you up for speeding or whatever other infraction they deem fit to use in stealing your moolah.

When I was running team, I could put more than 320 miles behind me when running all interstate from start to end of an 8 hour shift but, if I logged more than that, the safety department would flag me for it and bitch a little. I'm certain that repeated infractions would have given them grounds for termination.:huh:
Add in pre- trip inspection, breaks and the odd fuel stop here and there and your mileage decreases even more.
The DOT is still lagging behind in regard to the capabilities of modern equipment. Their regs are still languishing in the days of the Rolls-Canhardlies. :-?

[Jimbuna]

Over here we call that an Elephant Race.

I used to call it 'Time to write someone a ticket for causing a temporary obstruction' and 'driving without due care and attention toward other road users' :)

[Rockstar]

I used to call it 'Time to write someone a ticket for causing a temporary obstruction' and 'driving without due care and attention toward other road users' :)

You should write a manual and develope a certification program for officers called Jimbuna's guide to better traffic managment. You could make a ton of money like that CALEA program.

[Jimbuna]

You should write a manual and develope a certification program for officers called Jimbuna's guide to better traffic managment. You could make a ton of money like that CALEA program.

Too many inconsiderate drivers on the roads these days to make any change but could be a way of making a quick buck/pound or two.

[nikimcbee]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/29/1411987039117_wps_36_Mad_Max_jpg.jpg

Neal?

[Wolferz]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/09/29/1411987039117_wps_36_Mad_Max_jpg.jpg

Neal?

He wishes I'm sure.:D Especially when he gets stuck behind a SWIFT truck.

[swamprat69er]

I know of a mobile mechanic that has a reinforced moose bumper on his service truck (A converted class 8 tractor converted into a box truck) that would do the deed and still look good.

http://crazydaveroadsideservice.com/

Check it out.

[swamprat69er]

I'm home for today and Tuesday, back up to Iroquois Falls for 8:30 on Thursday (load Wednesday afternoon) with a part load 35,000 kgs/77,000lbs. That ought to be a 'fun' ride, slop and slosh. I would much rather have a full load of 93,700 lbs/42,500kgs payload.
I will put 20,000 in the lead and 15,000 in the pup. That should smooth it out some.

[Mr Quatro]

Have any truckers here ever run into miles of squished rabbits all over the road?

I did up in Wyoming one time late at night coming out of Salt Lake City it was a flat land route with dead rabbits for miles.

I wonder what roads would look like if the Buffalo still roamed? :o

[Aktungbby]

Are you kidding?!! there's a movie about this! http://www.headinjurytheater.com/Entertainment/NL%20title.jpghttp://www.headinjurytheater.com/Entertainment/NL%20general%20store.jpg Never pass up a good thing though, 'road-kill' Hasenpfeffer :03: "With a little Chianti Clarice"! http://images.media-allrecipes.com/userphotos/250x250/00/75/00/750000.jpg (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hasenpfeffer-rabbit-stew/photo-gallery.aspx)http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hasenpfeffer-rabbit-stew/ (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hasenpfeffer-rabbit-stew/)

[swamprat69er]

I'm home for today and Tuesday, back up to Iroquois Falls for 8:30 on Thursday (load Wednesday afternoon) with a part load 35,000 kgs/77,000lbs. That ought to be a 'fun' ride, slop and slosh. I would much rather have a full load of 93,700 lbs/42,500kgs payload.
I will put 20,000 in the lead and 15,000 in the pup. That should smooth it out some.

The load got moved up one day...I delivered at 8 this morning and at noon I got to take it back to North Bay and pump it off. At that time I found out the job got cancelled until next year,:down: so that is it for the north for this year. I will take thanksgiving (CDN) at home :woot:and go to the yard on Wednesday. I'll need to spend all day Thursday cleaning the trailers. I should be able to 'milk' it for at least 10 hours.

[Mr Quatro]

Don't forget to check in once in awhile Neal and watch out for Black ice usually on the freeway overpasses :o

[Sailor Steve]

Have any truckers here ever run into miles of squished rabbits all over the road?

I did up in Wyoming one time late at night coming out of Salt Lake City it was a flat land route with dead rabbits for miles.
We have a small species of mammal related to the rabbit, called a pika. The local kids call them "potguts". Anywhere in the back mountain roads around Salt Lake you can see dozens of them at any one time. While driving tourists in the mountains I once had one run out in front of my van. He was safely in the other lane when he changed his little furry mind and ran right back under my wheels. There was no way I could swerve around him without scaring my passengers, so that was all for him. Yes, you also see a lot of dead ones around.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pika

I wonder what roads would look like if the Buffalo still roamed? :o
Probably a lot of wrecked cars. :dead:

[Aktungbby]

I wonder what roads would look like if the Buffalo still roamed? :o

OR an interesting convoy! :Dhttp://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/files/yell-bison_bikes_ddixon_600.jpg

[Catfish]

I like the idea .. does not have to be a russian truck of course:

http://englishrussia.com/2014/10/17/kamaz-truck-reimagined-as-a-home/

[Onkel Neal]

600 miles in a semi?:o
Don't you have rules for mandatory periods of driving and resting?
Over here a driver isn't allowed to be behind the wheel for more than 9h a day and only twice a week he can go for 10h. No way one can go 600 miles in that time.

US truck drivers are allowed to drive up to 11 hours. The math says at 60 mph I can knock down 600 miles in 10 hours. It's not really that difficult. I am really disciplined about getting my full 7~8 hours of sleep each evening.

I'm assuming these days most reputable trucking companies have fuel/speed regulators installed in their trucks. And I'm sure not all trucks are calibrated using the same equipment either but they are all for the most I think pretty close. Especially when I find myself stuck behind them.

Why in blue blazes does one trucker having maybe a .5 to 2 MPH advantage over another trucker even consider passing the other truck? Only to jam up faster traffic behind him while it lumbers along with a 1 MPH advantage. Its like watching two battling hippos.

Well, think about it. If you have to cover 1400 miles, are you going to drive 2 mph slower, or pass that truck in front of you? Just be patient. How far are you going, 15 ~45 miles? You'll get there. Now you know how it feels to be a motorcycle rider like me, and you have to watch the slow-arsed cars lugging along, blocking the road. :D

Don't forget to check in once in awhile Neal and watch out for Black ice usually on the freeway overpasses :o

Yes sir, I am still running. Been getting pretty good miles. I'm in Atlanta on my 34 hour reset, will be heading to PA tomorrow evening. Lord, I do not look forward to snow, ice, and cold weather. They really should restrict that kind of driving to the people who choose to live in those areas. Keep me in the South, brother, where the sun shines and snow is something to see on TV and smile about.

[Aktungbby]

Keep me in the South, brother, where the sun shines and snow is something to see on TV and smile about.

Do not pull into little bars in the winter time in Minn.(Moosebar?)...even for a Hamm's or to use the phone even with autos/pickups parked alluringly out front...those could be Ice-fishing bars hauled onto one of the 10,000 ice-covered lakes...one of our guys did and ended up swimming!. The truck and paper loaded trailer were completely under water.:nope: http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mlO5Xdz6Y3b1IOysDS8w1aA.jpg< strongly resembles my baby# 8485 C'MON now!:O: one little trip up I-35 to Duluth, MN around XMAS before ya call it a well-rounded career! Just have a propane torch to unthaw the shifter and a stout cable or rope with hook to yank the fifth wheel so you don't separate your shoulder or rotator cuff...and starter ether; but don't turn off the engine-24/7 if posssible! No need to thump the tires; frozen rubber all sounds alike! Check for ice (look down) on the stirrup or step before alighting from the cab into -40 degrees in poorly plowed truckstops fer that cuppa hot JOE. Do not get stopped for a violation; cops hate getting outta their warm squads and are mad at ya-automatically-ticket pens freeze! http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mQoyZ4CKNYLSzyk57To1Umw.jpg< required equipment when the heater dies!:har: REMEMBER ": North Dakota, where the unofficial state motto is: “30 degrees below zero keeps out the riffraff.”:03: Michigan City, Indiana earlier this year I-94...15 semis ...I've seen worse. STAY SAFE!:up: http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/U.S./876/493/i94crash.jpg?ve=1&tl=1

[Onkel Neal]

Gawd, you didn't have to show me that! :o

[swamprat69er]

Neal, when you do pull into a truck stop and go to park it, roll forward and back for about 10 minutes or so. (It will cool off your tires and you wont make ice under the tires for when you decide to pull out.) It cost me $50.oo to learn that lesson. :down:
DO NOT put your trailer parking (maxi brakes) on, just use the tractor brakes for parking.

A little alcohol (Safety brake) in your red air line will help with frozen air lines and drain the air tanks EVERY day.

NEVER, EVER drive according to the other guys abilities. If you don't feel comfortable driving 60mph in the snow, then don't. Drive at the speeds YOU feel comfortable at.
I got my butt chewed off coming North through Ohio one February by a big time trucker (Billy Big Rig) because I was running at 40mph in a 60 zone pushing snow with my front bumper. 10 miles up the road Billy Big Rig trucker that did all the barking was turned around facing South in the comedian. I mosied on by at 40 mph and got where I was going without the aid of a tow truck. Feb. 1974 I-75 was closed right after I got past Lima, OH.

If you hear on the radio (CB or broadcast) that the road is closed in front of you, then find a safe haven, preferably a truck stop.

Never let your fuel tanks go below half in the winter up in the frozen north.
Even IF the price of fuel is higher in the north, most of the northern fuel is already 'winter' fuel. (Brand names) Summer fuel from down South will gell up sooner than northern winter fuel.

[swamprat69er]

:03: Michigan City, Indiana earlier this year I-94...15 semis ...I've seen worse. STAY SAFE!:up: http://a57.foxnews.com/global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/U.S./876/493/i94crash.jpg?ve=1&tl=1
That is the reason I don't truck in the winter any more. Ya, I know, a fair weather trucker and at 68 years old I already paid my dues and don't need to pay with my life.

[Wolferz]

Where ya headed to in PA? If you're coming up to Scranton, let me know and maybe I can buy you a cup of Joe and/ or a meal.

[Aktungbby]

You're forgetting the dinner slide-show they showed us once a month over an Omaha corn-fed steak at Ft. Scott of the month's disasters.:o DELISHUS BBY! before shipping me out to bring back trailer/cargo salvages. It's actually the best training-no mistakes! #1 cause was always lack of sleep! :hmmm: I-80 through Iowa during white-out blizzards were actually the worst. You can't pull in off the I-80 cause they're not (offramps) PLOWED; much less the pumps at the fuel stop-Des Moines. And you can't stop and you can't go faster than 10 mph all the way to Omaha and Sapp Bros when the weather usually clears at the Missouri River. Visibility is 20' in the daytime. And no way the boy-wonder co-driver is gonna do any it. Boy did I love to see this: http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/display/ba4a21b6-c782-440e-8a93-ff767474b909.jpg (http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=ba4a21b6-c782-440e-8a93-ff767474b909&gid=3) After that; it was blitz across Nebraska; a sprint through Wyoming (fuel at Bison) a dash through Utah(fuel at Salt Lake) and a serene ramble through Nevada....and Boomtown- hopefully with Donner temporarily closed:03:....followed by a slalom down the pass (preferably in slush to keep the drums cool-I really hated chaining up), and a cruise to my own pillow in San José! 26 hrs later! After which I would awaken clearheaded to beautifully fill out the log sheets...

[Onkel Neal]

Neal, when you do pull into a truck stop and go to park it, roll forward and back for about 10 minutes or so. (It will cool off your tires and you wont make ice under the tires for when you decide to pull out.) It cost me $50.oo to learn that lesson. :down:
DO NOT put your trailer parking (maxi brakes) on, just use the tractor brakes for parking.

A little alcohol (Safety brake) in your red air line will help with frozen air lines and drain the air tanks EVERY day.

NEVER, EVER drive according to the other guys abilities. If you don't feel comfortable driving 60mph in the snow, then don't. Drive at the speeds YOU feel comfortable at.
I got my butt chewed off coming North through Ohio one February by a big time trucker (Billy Big Rig) because I was running at 40mph in a 60 zone pushing snow with my front bumper. 10 miles up the road Billy Big Rig trucker that did all the barking was turned around facing South in the comedian. I mosied on by at 40 mph and got where I was going without the aid of a tow truck. Feb. 1974 I-75 was closed right after I got past Lima, OH.

If you hear on the radio (CB or broadcast) that the road is closed in front of you, then find a safe haven, preferably a truck stop.

Never let your fuel tanks go below half in the winter up in the frozen north.
Even IF the price of fuel is higher in the north, most of the northern fuel is already 'winter' fuel. (Brand names) Summer fuel from down South will gell up sooner than northern winter fuel.

Many thanks for the advise and tips, I will take all I can use. I never even drove on snow or ice much at all as a 4-wheeler. (Once or twice). I am definitely going to go slow and easy, at least until March or so :)

I wish I could use only the tractor brakes, but the air leaks down after a few hours so the spring brakes would engage anyway. I've asked maint. to look at this twice, I guess it's normal.

As a company driver, price of fuel means nothing to me, so I will bear that in mind and stick to Northern fuel.

Where ya headed to in PA? If you're coming up to Scranton, let me know and maybe I can buy you a cup of Joe and/ or a meal.

Aww, man that's nice of you. But it will be me that does the buying, my friend.

Ellwood City, not close enough to Scranton PA this go-round. I will let you know if they route me that direction. I think I have been there once already.

[swamprat69er]

A icy road will have a dull sheen to it. Watch the rear wheels of cars and other trucks passing you. IF there is no spray coming off their tires and the road looks wet, 10. bux says it is black ice you are driving on. Now black ice is only water that has frozen UNTIL you try to stop or turn suddenly. Then you are in for the ride of your life.

For freezing rain, look at your mirror brackets, if there is ice forming on them, then you are in freezing rain.

You will stay just as warm IF you direct the heat flow onto the floor and open your drivers' side window about 3-4". The fresh air will keep you awake and the windshields won't freeze up either. IF the windshields aren't hot (from defroster heat) then the snow won't partially melt and stick to them causing you to use a 55 gallon drum of windshield washer juice every 20 miles or so.

Your power divider is your best friend, as is the ATC if you have it. (Automatic Traction Control)

There are available in some truck stops a squeegee that is just wide enough to swipe down the west coast mirror without going over the edges. They have a hollow handle with internal threads so you can screw a longer handle into them. (I have two of them.)

Always remember, especially in winter, FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT.

If you don't already have one, get yourself a dash cam. It could save your bacon one day.

As Murray Westgate used to say, (old Esso commercials from the 50' and 60's) 'happy motoring'.

[Aktungbby]

For freezing rain, look at your mirror brackets, if there is ice forming on them, then you are in freezing rain.

You will stay just as warm IF you direct the heat flow onto the floor and open your drivers' side window about 3-4". The fresh air will keep you awake and the windshields won't freeze up either. That's the secret to it all IMHO!. I always drove with the window OPEN winter or summer; the blast keeps ya reeeeeal perky and you will not fall asleep! Wear a hat and gloves. I still drive patrol (nearly every night till 2AM) with the window down and the vent fans going. It's a lifesaver.

My jobs all seem to have sub/naval related titles. I've been a hotel manager on duty (MOD), a middle school substitute teacher (SUB), and now I drive TANKERS over the road. YUP When you're a trucker you are a man ASEA:know:

[swamprat69er]

In winter I wear a French Block Heater. Toque (Keeps my blockhead warm.)
I never wear gloves to drive and hardly ever wear them for snowball fights either. Only when the temps get below zero F do I consider wearing them.
That could be the reason I have frost bitten all my fingers a time or two

[Wolferz]

In winter I wear a French Block Heater. Toque (Keeps my blockhead warm.)
I never wear gloves to drive and hardly ever wear them for snowball fights either. Only when the temps get below zero F do I consider wearing them.
That could be the reason I have frost bitten all my fingers a time or two

When it's frosty out, don't put your fingers in your mouth.:03::O:

Neal,
If you feel too squirrelly to drive on a snow covered road, it's best to park it and wait for the plows to do their thing.:yep: You do not want to see your Mansfield bar passing your tractor.

[swamprat69er]

At temps below 20 below F, don't get any bright ideas about licking the frost off the steel pipe. Warm water will release the grip or you risk tearing your tongue. Use your imagination about where the warm water will come from.

[Onkel Neal]

When it's frosty out, don't put your fingers in your mouth.:03::O:

Neal,
If you feel too squirrelly to drive on a snow covered road, it's best to park it and wait for the plows to do their thing.:yep: You do not want to see your Mansfield bar passing your tractor.

I still remember my ill-advised trip to Dallas last winter when they had their freeze. The roads were littered with Texians in the distress, in ditches, and creeping about dismally. Each and every overpass was iced over and getting across was alarming. It was one controlled slide from Big D to Corsicana. And that was in my SUV, which I am more competent. I will not push any envelopes in this 40 ton truck.

I'm probably making more out of this than it warrants, I suppose about 90% of the time, even in the frigid north, as long as the roads are cleared and I see normal traffic, I can drive normally. I just don't have any experience at all driving a truck in the snow/ice. Cuz I'm new, I guess :03: But I do not want to learn any lessons the hard way, and being a MC rider, I am very familiar with that feeling of "oh $#!% !!" just as I discover the limits of traction.

I will be sure to keep my tanks no less than 1/2 full. Thank god this truck has a 130 and a 70 gal tank, some Schneider trucks just have two 50s.

[Onkel Neal]

Oh, forgot to mention, I hit a deer in Ohio. Or rather, she hit me. Big doe came streaking across the median at a 70 degree angle, smashed straight into my left fuel tank. Actually bent the steel steps and handrail back a bit.

[swamprat69er]

I'm probably making more out of this than it warrants, I suppose about 90% of the time, even in the frigid north, as long as the roads are cleared and I see normal traffic, I can drive normally. I just don't have any experience at all driving a truck in the snow/ice. Cuz I'm new, I guess :03: But I do not want to learn any lessons the hard way, and being a MC rider, I am very familiar with that feeling of "oh $#!% !!" just as I discover the limits of traction.

90% of the time IF everybody else is driving normally, that is when you should be the most wary. If the pavement is gray and dry, then hammer down. If it is black (as in fresh asphalt), then you can still hammer down as long as it is not wet/damp. All this is assuming the temperature is below the freezing point. (32*F) If it is windy and the temp. is at 31-35*F the road will still freeze. The wind chill factor will make it 'tighten up'.
I am making more of this than it warrants, but I have been driving in the snow and ice all my driving career. 46 years of big truck and 55 years total driving. I started at 13 on the farm.

Make sure your tires have way more tread than at the wear bars.


The difference between city boys and country boys;
The city boy says, 'oh $#!], this is gonna hurt!'
The country boy says, 'hold my beer and watch this!'

[Aktungbby]

Oh, forgot to mention, I hit a deer in Ohio. Or rather, she hit me. Big doe came streaking across the median at a 70 degree angle, smashed straight into my left fuel tank. Actually bent the steel steps and handrail back a bit.

Parallel lives! As in the 'hunting thread', a buck-4+ points- ran full tilt into me as I was at highway speed at 2AM-hit just in front of and dislodged my driver-mirror and caromed off the rear quarter of my Corolla leaving two dents in the body. Passed back by two hours later to see if there was enough for the Weber but no luck....my car now has a little more character and three deer to its credit. I've missed at least five within a few blocks of home this month alone. Whatever you do, don't hit a MOOSE en route to Duluth:up: while hauling fireworks!FOTO (It’s unclear what happened to the moose.) Or bear or a flock of 50 wild turkeys that crosses my path every AM at PRECISELY 7:20AM http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/18q4db0tvubx9jpg.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJVw41bwV_w (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJVw41bwV_w) GOOD HUNTING KALEUN! Ungulates ( are a diverse group of large mammals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal) that includes horses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses), cattle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle), pigs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig), giraffes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffes), camels (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camels), deer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer), hippopotamuses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamuses), whales (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whales) and dolphins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphins)?!!. Don't hit any marine-world transport vehicle either! :O: Swamprat, Wolfertz and I will tell you everything they sorta skipped in truck-em-up-school!:huh:

[em2nought]

Neal, when you do pull into a truck stop and go to park it, roll forward and back for about 10 minutes or so. (It will cool off your tires and you wont make ice under the tires for when you decide to pull out.) It cost me $50.oo to learn that lesson. :down:
DO NOT put your trailer parking (maxi brakes) on, just use the tractor brakes for parking.

A little alcohol (Safety brake) in your red air line will help with frozen air lines and drain the air tanks EVERY day.

NEVER, EVER drive according to the other guys abilities. If you don't feel comfortable driving 60mph in the snow, then don't. Drive at the speeds YOU feel comfortable at.
I got my butt chewed off coming North through Ohio one February by a big time trucker (Billy Big Rig) because I was running at 40mph in a 60 zone pushing snow with my front bumper. 10 miles up the road Billy Big Rig trucker that did all the barking was turned around facing South in the comedian. I mosied on by at 40 mph and got where I was going without the aid of a tow truck. Feb. 1974 I-75 was closed right after I got past Lima, OH.

If you hear on the radio (CB or broadcast) that the road is closed in front of you, then find a safe haven, preferably a truck stop.

Never let your fuel tanks go below half in the winter up in the frozen north.
Even IF the price of fuel is higher in the north, most of the northern fuel is already 'winter' fuel. (Brand names) Summer fuel from down South will gell up sooner than northern winter fuel.

gonna borrow this and facebook it to my driver buddies now that we might be drilling a bit less and traveling a bit more.

[swamprat69er]

IF you run out of Safety Brake you can use methanol SPAREINGLY! A very little bit goes a long way as it will dry out the rubbers and take out the diaphrams, guaranteed.

Use Kleen flo in the fuel according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Read the owners' manual for the truck and engine you are driving. Some say it is O.K. to put on a winter front, others say not to.

Old 318 (8V71) and 671 Detroits at -50F close them right up and pay attention to the water temps. that is the only way to get any heat out of them in the deep cold.

Make sure your shutter stat is working properly IF you have shutters on yer rad. Some of this advice is pretty dated (Old school).

I was stranded once in Kingston, Ontario with a frozen fuel filter in a Mack. It is a good thing she was old. I took the canister type filter apart and threw out the filter. She fired right up once she got fuel and off we went to the steel mill. (I was hauling crushed scrap cars, then.)

[Aktungbby]

Use Kleen flo in the fuel according to the manufacturers' instructions Nobody uses transmission fluid in the tanks anymore or am I dating myself? Was always good for the injectors.

[swamprat69er]

Nobody uses transmission fluid in the tanks anymore or am I dating myself? Was always good for the injectors.
I still use ATF once a month in my C15 Cat, only in the summer.

In winter you will be better off with fuel anti-freeze/anti-gel.

[swamprat69er]

IF you should be so unlucky to get into a skid with the tractor, gently let off the fuel and steer. Steer the same as you would with your car/pickup.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BRAKES! AND KEEP THE JAKE BRAKE SHUT OFF ESPECIALLY ON SNOW AND ICE.

If you get into a trailer skid, then pour the fuel to it and pray you have the space required to get everything straightened out.DO NOT TOUCH THE BRAKES!

Always remember, skidding wheels lead. Anti lock brakes are handy, BUT if the anti lock feature fails, then you've got good old 'old school'.

If, for whatever reason you find yourself heading for the ditch and there is no way out of it DO NOT try and steer back out of it. Turn into the ditch. It may save you from rolling. ALWAYS wear your seatbelt. Even if you hate them like I do.

[Onkel Neal]

Oh, I love seatbelts, been wearing them religiously since '76 and my first car.

KEEP THE JAKE BRAKE SHUT OFF ESPECIALLY ON SNOW AND ICE.

Do you mean to say, do not use the jakes at all in these conditions? Just the wheel brakes?

I have a sense of what to do in a skid, plenty of practice with cars (I was drifting long before it was called that, see Starsky & Hutch). However, I'm not at all confident that I can be super cool in a skid in the truck. I hope I don't have to find out, or if I do, my first skid is a baby skid I can get out of and then quit and turn in the truck :haha:

[swamprat69er]

Oh, I love seatbelts, been wearing them religiously since '76 and my first car.



Do you mean to say, do not use the jakes at all in these conditions? Just the wheel brakes?

I have a sense of what to do in a skid, plenty of practice with cars (I was drifting long before it was called that, see Starsky & Hutch). However, I'm not at all confident that I can be super cool in a skid in the truck. I hope I don't have to find out, or if I do, my first skid is a baby skid I can get out of and then quit and turn in the truck :haha:
Do you mean to say, do not use the jakes at all in these conditions? Just the wheel brakes?
That is exactly what I am saying. The Jake in slippery conditions will lock up your drives and then around you go.

I managed to get out of a tractor skid at 60mph (waaaaay too fast for the conditions) on the 403 headed for Oakville, ON.....Once....That was the second time I had been in a skid like that. The first time was turning a corner in a Northern Ontario town with a single axle tractor. I got out of them both the same way, turn into the skid. The one on the 403 took a lot more work. That God and International for fast power steering.

[Wolferz]

Jake brakes are not safe on wet roads either. I hope this was covered somewhere in your training.

The best way to prevent the current topic of discussion is to not be out there in those conditions.
During my orientation with CRST they showed us a video recorded by a husband and wife team who were bobtailing north on I-81 in this neighborhood. It was snowing pretty heavy and the pair were laughing at all the four wheelers skating on the road, until they went skating themselves. Right into the median. :roll:
CRST had a standing regulation to not be out there rolling in inclement winter weather. The pair got fired and tried in vain to sue for their jobs back and they tried using that video as evidence. I hope they found another job. Preferably not moving freight.
:rotfl2:

[swamprat69er]

One other tid bit of info, IF you see an animal on the road and can't stop....DO NOT SWERVE. Hit the thing and be done with it. Tankers are not forgiving when you swerve.

[Aktungbby]

That actually was the company rule; hit the thing no going off the road and claiming you were being 'kind' to animals. Bobtailing, unless specifically authorized, was expressly verboten; too dangerous because of braking traction...unless absolutely necessary to get to a repair facility-otherwise a termination offense. The stop I made on I-80 was mind boggling at the top of Parley's Pass east of Salt lake; actually had to make repeat trips to a parallel river 50-yards hike- to get water to sooth an overheating radiator and couldn't touch the ground in any direction from years of accumulated antelopes, deer, and elk- all clobbered on the freeway-that had staggered onto the shoulder before collapsing. So at 60 mph it's a big problem much less the moose or black bears I've seen in Minnesota on I-35. How's that hamstring?