Subsim Truckers

[swamprat69er]

Getting better slowly. I'm only using the crutches for the walks/hobbles to the kitchen (45'). I'm not going outside at all, until I can get to the kitchen and around the rest of the house without the crutches. The toilet is the next room to me so I am doing that with out aid other than the knee brace. No more goobers, at all.

Update; So far today 07:30hrs and have been up since 05:30, no knee brace, no goobers yesterday nor yet today, the pain is a dull ache and the limp is still fairly pronounced but that is to be expected. I think I will go to town this afternoon and get me an ice pick for the cane/walking stick.

[swamprat69er]

It kinda looks like SWIFT will be looking for another driver and maybe a truck to go along with it. They wiped one out somewhere near London, ON today. Trailer in ditch and tractor still on the road. Driver okay as far as I could see.

[Mr Quatro]

What if you had to get this rig to market?

http://truckgps.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bucyrus-mt6300ac.jpg

[swamprat69er]

I would have to say that is an O V E R S I Z E D load.

The Pete on the far side either has a big fat driver in it or a weak front spring.

[em2nought]

I would have to say that is an O V E R S I Z E D load.

No problem we've got two Volvos so we could do it with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7FIvfx5J10
him on board also. :D

[Onkel Neal]

Well, last week I was rolling up I49 in LA, steady 60mph in clear weather, when without warning I felt the truck surge forward a little... I thought, so when do I get surge after miles on the interstate at a steady speed ... ?

Looked in the mirror and saw a Dodge Ram 1500 break dancing on his front bumper behind me :doh: His back wheels were 4 feet off the road. He spun a few times, twirled off the shoulder down a wide embankment. The short of it, he fell asleep and hit me. Thankfully this was one of the few honest people who don't try to find some reason to blame the driver. And thankfully, he was not hurt, although his truck was a mess. My trailer suffered a slight bent bumper, was able to straighten it out with a chain and the wrecker.

PS: This latest govt spending bill will change the 34 restart rules for drivers, no more 1am-5am requirement and we will be able to take a 34 restart anytime during the week. Hurrah for common sense.

[swamprat69er]

Well, last week I was rolling up I49 in LA, steady 60mph in clear weather, when without warning I felt the truck surge forward a little... I thought, so when do I get surge after miles on the interstate at a steady speed ... ?

Looked in the mirror and saw a Dodge Ram 1500 break dancing on his front bumper behind me :doh: His back wheels were 4 feet off the road. He spun a few times, twirled off the shoulder down a wide embankment. The short of it, he fell asleep and hit me. Thankfully this was one of the few honest people who don't try to find some reason to blame the driver. And thankfully, he was not hurt, although his truck was a mess. My trailer suffered a slight bent bumper, was able to straighten it out with a chain and the wrecker.

PS: This latest govt spending bill will change the 34 restart rules for drivers, no more 1am-5am requirement and we will be able to take a 34 restart anytime during the week. Hurrah for common sense.
It is good to see that the guy that hit you wasn't hurt, just wide awake......Now....
It is about time the goobermint quashed that phoney 1-5 AM crap. I guess that means the one reset every 168 hours thing is out, too?
Example; I can start to work after a reset, work 10 hours and then take another 36 hour reset and then go for the maximum daily amount and take yet another reset. Basically, I can take however many resets in my week as I want to with no repercussions from the D.O.T.

[Aktungbby]

Well, last week I was rolling up I49 in LA, steady 60mph in clear weather, when without warning I felt the truck surge forward a little... I thought, so when do I get surge after miles on the interstate at a steady speed ... ? Glad that your ok; I got creamed by a Pinto drunk in '82 in the the truck descent lane on I-5's Tejon Pass in my GMC Detroit beer-hauler with McKinney trailer. He didn't realize I was at 25 mph. descending on the jake. He was totaled but too drunk (and his lady) to be hurt. The second was a sheriff's LT,:-? in his Crown Victoria cruiser, looking at his computer, instead of the road, who creamed my new Corolla in '05 stopped at the light!; he was mortified as I was in full kit-armed myself- and some professional courtesy including the CHP's independant report taker was thus unavoidable;:D(ie: no lies in the police report!) his county paid the $7-K tab-my camera work was unarguable!- and it's still my work car at 212,000-plus miles on the odometer-with three deer to it's credit this year alone?!! Both my wife in her '99 Forester, AND the daughter just got rear-ended her first week on her own in her '07 Forester- $1200- no deductible to me-:up: to AAA insurance! and now the young lady, who also took great pics, gets why she's (an only child) NOT in some cute little Cooper or Fiat 500! DADDY'S DEFENSE!:yeah: The poor young man's new month-old BMW appears totaled-no one was injured. Between you, my wife and lass and the rear-enders all unhurt...Merry Christmas where it counts!:yep: and put your loved ones in Forester wagons-they win!:rock:

[em2nought]

So is there anything out there that can help with properly being able to fudge on log books here and there to make things come out correctly? My buddy seems to have a hard time with the concept. Maybe an app? He's more of a phone guy than a paper guy.

[swamprat69er]

So is there anything out there that can help with properly being able to fudge on log books here and there to make things come out correctly? My buddy seems to have a hard time with the concept. Maybe an app? He's more of a phone guy than a paper guy.
Sorry bud, I do NOT teach how to make fudge. Nor how to fudge logs.:D A public forum is hardly the place to be asking that, anyway. (Something about promoting illegal activity.)

[em2nought]

Sorry bud, I do NOT teach how to make fudge. Nor how to fudge logs.:D A public forum is hardly the place to be asking that, anyway. (Something about promoting illegal activity.)

Maybe I phrased it wrong, how about is there something out there that can help you to understand what you're doing when filling out logbooks. The fudge I'm talking about is crumbs here and there, not a bakery full. :hmmm:

[swamprat69er]

What are you hauling? Freight? Tanker? Gravel?
IF you are participating in the loading (standing there counting the stuff as it goes on the trailer) then you are 'on duty not driving'.
If you are driving a tanker and sitting on a lawn chair at the back watching the hose, you are on duty not driving.
If you are snoozing in the bunk/sleeper berth while it is being unloaded, then you are in the bunk.
IF you are in the bunk, then you are in the bunk......
If you've gone for lunch while the trailer is being loaded, then you are off duty.
IF you are relieved of responsibility for the tractor and trailer while it is being loaded/unloaded, then you are off duty.
If the big wheels are turning and you are behind the wheel, then you are on duty/driving. The only exception to this is when there are two licensed drivers and one is in the passenger seat, then you both are on duty driving. If one is in the bunk (not necessarily sleeping) then he can log that time as '[B]in the bunk'.
It is not all that hard to comply with the rules. Now if you want lessons in 'creative writing', then you've come to the wrong place.

[Onkel Neal]

So is there anything out there that can help with properly being able to fudge on log books here and there to make things come out correctly? My buddy seems to have a hard time with the concept. Maybe an app? He's more of a phone guy than a paper guy.

We use elogs, but thanks anyway :)

[swamprat69er]

We use elogs, but thanks anyway :)
I knew you were on elogs. I dread the day that my company goes to elogs.

[Onkel Neal]

I don't mind it. I really don't care to stretch the miles and hours, I'm plenty happy with 600 a day. I like elogs because I spend almost no time keeping up with my logs, no math, drawing lines, etc.

It sure is cold up here in Minnesota. -12 I thought only polar bears could exist in temps that cold.

Drove in some snow for the first time yesterday. Scary stuff! :timeout:

[Aktungbby]

It sure is cold up here in Minnesota. -12 I thought only polar bears could exist in temps that cold.:haha:http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/car.jpg?w=680&h=450&crop=1 Minnesota nice’ sensibility

(http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/trailer.jpg)http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/trailer.jpg?w=680&h=450&crop=1If U see either of these Neal... U R 2 Far North :03:

[swamprat69er]

I don't mind it. I really don't care to stretch the miles and hours, I'm plenty happy with 600 a day. I like elogs because I spend almost no time keeping up with my logs, no math, drawing lines, etc.

It sure is cold up here in Minnesota. -12 I thought only polar bears could exist in temps that cold.

Drove in some snow for the first time yesterday. Scary stuff! :timeout:
Snow is neat and scary at the same time. How is your stopping distance in the snow? .....Lots? .....You got that right Ollie!

When you get to Diluth, go north on MN-61 for 190 miles and you will be in my summertime stomping grounds.

[Aktungbby]

Actually the snow is just training for the worst trucking experience of all! A verrrrry buxom Texas Lass coming up alongside U on I-10 (0r I-20:timeout: I'm still suffering from post traumatic TT syndrome) somewhere east of San Angelo TX in a Cadillac convertible (the top was down BBY!)...totally stark-nekkid- AAAHHHOOOOOOOGGGAAAAHHHH! Now keep 80,0000 lbs of tuna-fish catfood outta San Diego-for Winn-Dixie-on the straight an' narrow:o :88) :nope: with a no power-steering freightliner. I recollect I made it to Seymour, Indiana that night...in the dreamy time before E-logs:O: She might have been a redhead but at 65+ mph... :nope: I wasn't payin' attention to details.:huh:

[swamprat69er]

Some of the sights we've seen on the road aren't repeatable on a family forum.:haha:

[em2nought]

What are you hauling?

Mostly oil rig equipment or oversize loads. I think my buddy just has an aversion to paperwork. I'd probably have the same problem, but there's not much paperwork in mowing grass so I'm good. Either that or it's a cultural thing, where he comes from you just pay the bribe and be on your way. Much easier method. lol

[swamprat69er]

Oversize and oil patch has it own rules that I am not too familiar with. Here you can try to bribe the authorities, but you might find your butt in jail for it.

[Wolferz]

Maybe I phrased it wrong, how about is there something out there that can help you to understand what you're doing when filling out logbooks. The fudge I'm talking about is crumbs here and there, not a bakery full. :hmmm:
If it's just crumbs, there's no need for fudge.

I don't mind it. I really don't care to stretch the miles and hours, I'm plenty happy with 600 a day. I like elogs because I spend almost no time keeping up with my logs, no math, drawing lines, etc.

It sure is cold up here in Minnesota. -12 I thought only polar bears could exist in temps that cold.

Drove in some snow for the first time yesterday. Scary stuff! :timeout:

I'm still puzzled in how you can manage 600 miles in a day and not draw the attention of your safety manager and/or the DOT. Since the DOT considers the average speed of a semi to be 45 MPH. It equals 450 miles in a ten hour shift. Even though the E-Log ignores counting drive time under 5 MPH in a traffic jam, I still can't see you turning 600 miles legally.:06:
I can only hope that you don't get nailed at a chicken coop or a roving DOT checkpoint.:timeout: Maybe it's the color of your tractor.:haha:

[Aktungbby]

Perhaps they are Nautical miles! :O:

[swamprat69er]

I think colour might have something to do with it.

[swamprat69er]

Drove in some snow for the first time yesterday. Scary stuff! :timeout:
You are not a virgin anymore.

[Onkel Neal]

If it's just crumbs, there's no need for fudge.



I'm still puzzled in how you can manage 600 miles in a day and not draw the attention of your safety manager and/or the DOT. Since the DOT considers the average speed of a semi to be 45 MPH. It equals 450 miles in a ten hour shift. Even though the E-Log ignores counting drive time under 5 MPH in a traffic jam, I still can't see you turning 600 miles legally.:06:
I can only hope that you don't get nailed at a chicken coop or a roving DOT checkpoint.:timeout: Maybe it's the color of your tractor.:haha:

Well, 600 miles if nothing goes wrong, such as traffic, tire issues, or a buffett I cannot break away from. Once I hit the interstate, its 60mph for 11 hours.

[Onkel Neal]

Boy oh boy, no load, sitting in a quiet lot next to a tank wash and residential area. I'm going to wait about 1 more hour then go for a walk.

[swamprat69er]

Boy oh boy, no load, sitting in a quiet lot next to a tank wash and residential area. I'm going to wait about 1 more hour then go for a walk.
BE CAREFUL!

[swamprat69er]

@ Neal; We haven't heard from you since you went 'walkabout' in a strange neighbourhood.

[Onkel Neal]

No worries, no one gave me a second glance.

[nikimcbee]

I don't mind it. I really don't care to stretch the miles and hours, I'm plenty happy with 600 a day. I like elogs because I spend almost no time keeping up with my logs, no math, drawing lines, etc.

It sure is cold up here in Minnesota. -12 I thought only polar bears could exist in temps that cold.

Drove in some snow for the first time yesterday. Scary stuff! :timeout:


Texans driving in snow? Sounds scary. Can't be any worse than a Kali-fornian in the snow.:dead:

[swamprat69er]

Texans with a head on their shoulders and a little tiny bit of fear of the snow can be a good thing, as long as they keep right, so us lunatics can pass them and get on with gettin' on.
I passed a fellow from the south one day in a snow storm....he was doing about 30-40mph....I was doing 60mph, he asked me two questions about my speed and I told him that one, the big front tires (18:00x20) were just like skateboards and afforded me no more traction than he had with his 11.00x20's. I had 4 axles on the ground and the only thing they were good for was to give me a little more stopping power, but IF I was to loose it, I would be so far into the bush that Jesus and his disciples would have hard time finding me. That he was to keep on doing as he was and only drive according to his own abilities.
'Keeping up with the Joneses' in the snow and snow storms is a prescription for disaster.

[Onkel Neal]

"Someone get a fire extinguisher and stand by, please!"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/01/18/inches-from-death-in-a-26-car-pileup-an-oregon-man-cant-believe-hes-alive/?tid=hybrid_alt1_strip_2

“I see this head and he’s just like, starts speaking,” Karplyuk told The Washington Post. “It’s just this guy and he says, ‘I’m okay, I just can’t get out.’ He was just so calm that I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re totally okay? Your legs aren’t crushed and your knees are all right? He kept saying he was fine.’ “

[Jimbuna]

This guy can pick my lottery numbers for me at the weekend :o

[swamprat69er]

He must have a lucky horseshoe somewhere on/in his anatomy.:D

[em2nought]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/01/18/inches-from-death-in-a-26-car-pileup-an-oregon-man-cant-believe-hes-alive/?tid=hybrid_alt1_strip_2

Whoa! Whew! Shipping container was no worse for wear I see. :D

[Schroeder]

What sort of pickup would disintegrate like that? :o
Holy cow that must be the luckiest escape from a wreck that I've ever seen.

[swamprat69er]

What sort of pickup would disintegrate like that? :o
Holy cow that must be the luckiest escape from a wreck that I've ever seen.
A Chevrolet Silverado. I believe Wolferz has one.

[HW3]

He is actually a farmer from Mesa, Washington. That stretch of interstate 84 from Ontario, Oregon to Pendleton, Oregon is always bad in the winter.

[Jeff-Groves]

Was heading North from Columbus, Ohio yesterday and saw a shipping container with a door in the side heading North also.
You ain't moving are you Neal?
:haha:

[Onkel Neal]

I'm in Chicago, I told my dispatch I've had enough of this foolishness; I'm a Texas boy, send me back South, let them Yankee boys hall the freight up here in the Arctic.

Headed to Georgia in the morning!
:sign_yeah:

[Jeff-Groves]

Go visit the 505 while there.
:)
Oh, don't kiss the prop if anyone is watching. They get a bit uppity about that!
:har:

[swamprat69er]

I'm in Chicago, I told my dispatch I've had enough of this foolishness; I'm a Texas boy, send me back South, let them Yankee boys hall the freight up here in the Arctic.

Headed to Georgia in the morning!
:sign_yeah:
I don't blame you. Dealing with the cold and snow gets old real fast.

[nikimcbee]

So when are you coming out West?

[Onkel Neal]

I dunno, they sent me to Cali once, and then Salt Lake City once, but other than that, mostly Arkansas-Penn-Minnesota in a loop. In Atlanta tonight.

[Jeff-Groves]

I dunno, they sent me to Cali once, and then Salt Lake City once, but other than that, mostly Arkansas-Penn-Minnesota in a loop. In Atlanta tonight.
:hmmm:
So how many Bars did you burn down in California and Utah?
:haha:

[HW3]

Sometimes the little 4 wheelers do come in handy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0AcfVQNzYE

[Wolferz]

I dunno, they sent me to Cali once, and then Salt Lake City once, but other than that, mostly Arkansas-Penn-Minnesota in a loop. In Atlanta tonight.

Use great caution on the loop around Atlanta...
They drive like they're in the Daytona500 .... FAST!
Unless it starts raining. Then they speed up.:huh:

[Onkel Neal]

Back to work. Or at least, back in the truck, waiting for an assignment.

[Jimbuna]

Back to work. Or at least, back in the truck, waiting for an assignment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQV0hbK6P6c

[swamprat69er]

Yup, back in the truck.
http://youtu.be/8lEYaTvvq4g

Nice chirp on the exhaust!

[Onkel Neal]

In San Antone, then off to OK.

[Jimbuna]

Yup, back in the truck.
http://youtu.be/8lEYaTvvq4g

Nice chirp on the exhaust!

Interesting comments from Lawson Green.

[swamprat69er]

Lots of guys drive in their sock feet. I am not one of them, though. As for shifting two handed at the same time, it can be done either two handed or one handed. I can do it both ways, one handed is better in the city. I taught the one handed method, but would show my students the two handed method. Most of them opted for the one handed method. They didn't care for the idea of stuffing their arm through the steering wheel and letting go of the wheel altogether was out of the question, even with their left knee against the wheel to stop it wandering.

[Onkel Neal]

Hot dang, I'm off to Gillette Wyoming, then back to Chi Town. I'm gonna make me some money$. :rock::rock::rock: Mamma is gonna be wearing furs at last. I wish I could take that straight road (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Houston,+TX/Gillette,+WY/@36.5412404,-103.1496389,5z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x8640b8b4488d8501:0xca0 d02def365053b!2m2!1d-95.3698028!2d29.7604267!1m5!1m1!1s0x533494232dacbc 1f:0xc7202c31f4c9984b!2m2!1d-105.5022205!2d44.2910915), it's only 4 hours, but I think it's restricted to airplanes only :(

[swamprat69er]

Hot dang, I'm off to Gillette Wyoming, then back to Chi Town. I'm gonna make me some money$. :rock::rock::rock: Mamma is gonna be wearing furs at last. I wish I could take that straight road (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Houston,+TX/Gillette,+WY/@36.5412404,-103.1496389,5z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x8640b8b4488d8501:0xca0 d02def365053b!2m2!1d-95.3698028!2d29.7604267!1m5!1m1!1s0x533494232dacbc 1f:0xc7202c31f4c9984b!2m2!1d-105.5022205!2d44.2910915), it's only 4 hours, but I think it's restricted to airplanes only :(
Looks like the powers that be (travel agent) wants to keep the Southern Boy in the frozen north. Wyoming and then the windy city.

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, it was above freezing and pretty all the way to WY and back until I got to Chicago.:D Now I am inching my way to New Jersey. Made it as far as Amherst, OH before massive pileups on both sides of 80 convinced me to pull into a service plaza before I got stuck on the closed Interstate.:timeout:

[swamprat69er]

Yeah, it was above freezing and pretty all the way to WY and back until I got to Chicago.:D Now I am inching my way to New Jersey. Made it as far as Amherst, OH before massive pileups on both sides of 80 convinced me to pull into a service plaza before I got stuck on the closed Interstate.:timeout:
At least his tractor is going in the right direction, more or less.
Stay safe Texas boy! There is no load out there that is worth your life.

[Onkel Neal]

Aye, sir :salute:

[em2nought]

Reminds me, we really need to get some life insurance on my second driver. :03: guess on me too for that matter. :hmmm:

[Stealhead]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x5O72ZoLLs4

[swamprat69er]

I had a '71 Freightshaker COE I drove all over the 'states in 1985. My second one was a day cab and the third was a '88 COE. I had the 88 for 8 years. My current one is a 2001 FLD 120SD and I have had it for 9 years and expect to run it again this summer.

[Stealhead]

I passed a 89 or 90 Peterbilt COE the other day looked pretty good. Even driven an Agrosey? You can order a glider kit and convert an Aussie one to left hand(they make the Aussie ones in the US). I've seen inside one it has a flat floor too no dog house so very roomy. Just might get one if I can convince my cousin who has the larger share in our company to agree to it. We can just sell the Cascadia I drive its new only a 14.

I prefer the space you get in a COE with modern seats and suspension a COE is not such a bad ride the only true drawback of the old ones.

[swamprat69er]

Never drove an Argosy. My company will NOT ever buy another cab over. They are adamant that COE's are not fuel efficient. No truck is fuel efficient when you haul 140,000lbs of liquid. But I cannot convince them of that. I have tried proving it to them and when I am winning the argument, then they revert to the old adage that not many drivers would want to drive a cab over, and that I am nuts because I prefer them. I can't win so I quit trying and just drive the FLD. They want to take that away from me too and stick me in a Volvo. That is where I put my foot down and told them that they can't afford to loose 30 years experience with liquid. (There are only 3 out of 23 that have that much experience.) And that is not even thinking of reminding them that there are only three drivers out of the 23 that will even consider hauling 'B' trains and fewer still that will go out of town for 3-4 months at a time without whining.

[Aktungbby]

I had a '71 Freightshaker COE I drove all over the 'states in 1985. My second one was a day cab and the third was a '88 COE. I had the 88 for 8 years. My current one is a 2001 FLD 120SD and I have had it for 9 years and expect to run it again this summer.

I had three COE 70's freightliners. The two at Midwestern I lived in 350 logged days a year, for two years to all 48 states, generally with a co-driver hot-bunking. The third was a solo for 11 western states and Texas. Utterly reliable with 290 Cummins engines and simple to drive; With a 12 gear road-ranger setup to float gears..

[Wolferz]

I had three COE 70's freightliners. The two at Midwestern I lived in 350 logged days a year, for two years to all 48 states, generally with a co-driver hot-bunking. The third was a solo for 11 western states and Texas. Utterly reliable with 290 Cummins engines and simple to drive; With a 12 gear road-ranger setup to float gears..

You can make some mad cash running with a Co but, eight on and eight in the bunk wears thin after awhile. Especially if your Co is a former trainer for the company who suffered from a severe case of Dunlop disease and was real sensitive about it.:wah:


I used a sleeping bag and my own pillow so I didn't have to sleep in sloughed off whale scales.:timeout:


I've never had the pleasure of driving a COE, except virtually in ETS2(Volvo FH/ 6x2).
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/Wolferz_2007/ets2_00014.png
I've ridden in a few though.
My pop drove them for years.
Noisy buggahs!:down: The snub nosed tractors are much quieter and you don't have to climb in and out of a treehouse. Moby Dick and I drove an International Golden Eagle. Nice truck.:up:

[swamprat69er]

Getting in the drivers' side is a lot easier than into the jump seat.

[Wolferz]

Getting in the drivers' side is a lot easier than into the jump seat.
That steering wheel shaped handhold helps a lot.:D

[swamprat69er]

I've got long legs, so I would step on the second step from the bottom with my right foot and the left would go to the pocket under the door, while holding onto the grab bar with my right hand and the left on the window sill. Then transfer my right hand to the steering wheel and into the seat I would be.

[Aktungbby]

You can make some mad cash running with a Co but, eight on and eight in the bunk wears thin after awhile. Especially if your Co is a former trainer for the company who suffered from a severe case of Dunlop disease and was real sensitive about it.:wah:


I used a sleeping bag and my own pillow so I didn't have to sleep in sloughed off whale scales.:timeout:


I've never had the pleasure of driving a COE, except virtually in ETS2(Volvo FH/ 6x2).
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/Wolferz_2007/ets2_00014.png
I've ridden in a few though.
My pop drove them for years.
Noisy buggahs!:down: The snub nosed tractors are much quieter and you don't have to climb in and out of a treehouse. Moby Dick and I drove an International Golden Eagle. Nice truck.:up:

More typically it was 4 on 4 off so nobody gets bored. One guy does the logs to keep it all straight.:hmph:

[Stealhead]

I didn't think about that. I'm tall as well and in fairly good shape so climbing into and out of a COE is a none issue. I've ridden in some 90's COEs and also driven a 95 Freightliner FLA that an owner operator that drives for us owns. I liked it his did have some more modern air suspension and it had new air ride seats. A glider kit Argosy would have all that of course.

I agree the fuel milage claim I think is bogus giant air damn compared to giant air damn. Malarkey. If anything its maybe a 1% difference. Id also argue that a COE a modern one is equally as comfortable as a conventional (some are too cozy) and you have better mobility in tight areas.

[swamprat69er]

The 88 COE had Hendrickson 46,000 lb tandem spring ride suspension with a 20,000lb steer axle and huge super singles on it. Do you want to talk about brutal ride? The only air suspension was in the seat and the tires at 100lbs/sq".

The '01 FLD has both air ride and the 46,000 lb suspension, but with a 14,600lb steer on tapered springs. I blow all the air out of the seat and basically sit on the floor. There are 42" from my butt to the top of my head, so I can get away with 'sitting on the floor' and still see over the hood.

[Wolferz]

More typically it was 4 on 4 off so nobody gets bored. One guy does the logs to keep it all straight.:hmph:

I'd think that would waste too much time. Always switching out, plus the extra fuel for getting her rolling again. 8 on 8 off worked well for us. We put miles behind us and most always got eight hours of sleep in a stretch. Usually seven for me and an hour left over for reading and eating. We agreed on at least one hot meal a day which we tried to couple with a fuel stop. Or a short overnight in Reno or Vegas prior to heading into LA or an overnight at a nice truck stop/ restaurant in the mountains east of Seattle.
Going into a big city during rush hour is never a good idea.:down:

[swamprat69er]

Best time to go into any large city is 4 A.M. EXCEPT Toronto, where you need to go in at 3 A.M. Unless you are going anywhere near Jane & Finch, then it is 5.

[Aktungbby]

I'd think that would waste too much time. Always switching out, plus the extra fuel for getting her rolling again. :down:
Nah this was in the days of $1.00 a gallon fuel and no one in a sleeper can really rest for 8 hours with the noise. Any potty-break beside the shoulder will do for the a switch-over. Properly done and with some genuine team-driving enthusiasm: leave CA 6pm Friday Pacific time-arrive NY City 1 pm Monday Eastern time... the westerly tailwind and no mechanical or flat tire problems are essential.:smug:
Best time to go into any large city is 4 A.M. EXCEPT Toronto, where you need to go in at 3 A.M. Unless you are going anywhere near Jane & Finch, then it is 5. Not when your crossing the GW Bridge into Lower Manhattan with strawberrys; then its 2AM. And the trek across Jersey is the lead driver's duty ...in both directions!!! The inexperienced co-driver can resume driving in the relative safety of I-80 in Pennsylvania. Unless of course there's a sniper (There was in '78) then we pay extra tolls and use the Turnpike.:03:

[Stealhead]

The olden days there just can't do that anymore. Well except for crazy snipers you still have those jerks from time to time. That or dropping cinder blocks from overpass. I recall when I was stationed in Germany two dependant brats did this and killed a few motorists. In a rare case they got to face the wrath of German law.(the Germans where extremely angry about it understandably.)

[swamprat69er]

The olden days there just can't do that anymore. Well except for crazy snipers you still have those jerks from time to time. That or dropping cinder blocks from overpass. I recall when I was stationed in Germany two dependant brats did this and killed a few motorists. In a rare case they got to face the wrath of German law.(the Germans where extremely angry about it understandably.)
What was the outcome?

[Stealhead]

I don't recall honestly I remember reading it in the base paper. This was in Heidelberg the Army base. I think one kid was under age and the other an adult. I was doing short deployments to Turkey at the time so the outcome must have been posted in a paper I didn't read. No idea what the German judicial system is like on that level. I assume the younger got third version of juvie. The adult probably a few years.

[swamprat69er]

I don't recall honestly I remember reading it in the base paper. This was in Heidelberg the Army base. I think one kid was under age and the other an adult. I was doing short deployments to Turkey at the time so the outcome must have been posted in a paper I didn't read. No idea what the German judicial system is like on that level. I assume the younger got third version of juvie. The adult probably a few years.
So they deserve.

[Mr Quatro]

So what's your favorite meal at truck stops?

Mine was breakfast for sure three scrambled eggs (softly) with cheddar cheese hash browns or country fries all biscuits aren't the same so I like sourdough toast and jam out of a jar not those little plastic things.

Coffee and juice and leave a nice tip if I'm coming back that way again.

Are the truck stops you travel safe?
Do they feel safe? Do you get propositioned?
Any shady people thumping your tires?

[swamprat69er]

So what's your favorite meal at truck stops?

Mine was breakfast for sure three scrambled eggs (softly) with cheddar cheese hash browns or country fries all biscuits aren't the same so I like sourdough toast and jam out of a jar not those little plastic things.

Coffee and juice and leave a nice tip if I'm coming back that way again.

Are the truck stops you travel safe?
Do they feel safe? Do you get propositioned?
Any shady people thumping your tires?
favourite meal is 2 poached eggs soft, side bacon, OJ, Coffee, grits (when I can get them) and biscuits.
Truck stops here are safe.
We have our share of lizards.
Nobody screws with my truck, but I do keep it locked at all times.
Some trucks have been stolen, but I think they were at the shippers/receivers when they got scooped.

The cops were surrounding a Freightliner at a TS I frequent. I wandered over to take a gander and saw the drivers door had been pried open with a crowbar. I told the cop that whomever did the deed didn't know what he was doing. The cop asked why I would say such a thing and I told him that the person could have pounded in the little window on the passenger side of the truck and just reached up and unlocked the passenger door and crawled across the seats.

[Stealhead]

Ah yes lot lizards they can be highly annoying even if you put up a no solicitation sign they'll still try.

Had a friend tell me every summer his wife who was a school teacher would ride with him. Once while they where stopped in Denver they had a lizard come knocking. So my buddy said not interested the lizard kept persisting finally his wife said I'm his wife he dose not need company. The lizard I recon being the business savy type then offered to take part in a three way.

There are some stops I'd not stay at to be honest. Lucky for myself running mostly regional flatbed I can simply stay at a customers lot for the night in most cases. And I know some double secret probation locations where I can park.

[swamprat69er]

The pickle park at the top of Jelico hill on I75 both ways comes to mind. As well as the TA (I think it is a TA) on I75 at the bottom of MI.

[Onkel Neal]

Whew! Finally in from the road after 26 days. It took 3 days longer to get back home due to the weather. Now, in 2 days I will be with the company for 1 year, so what did I do? I scheduled my week of vacation after this period of home time so I am off until Mar 8. And today I got the word from another company that they will hire me, so I guess I will put in my notice now.:sunny:

[swamprat69er]

Whew! Finally in from the road after 26 days. It took 3 days longer to get back home due to the weather. Now, in 2 days I will be with the company for 1 year, so what did I do? I scheduled my week of vacation after this period of home time so I am off until Mar 8. And today I got the word from another company that they will hire me, so I guess I will put in my notice now.:sunny:
Why? Don't you like running punkin trucks?

[Aktungbby]

I'll bet he's negotiated no MAMA!! it's COLD! trips to Minnesota in the wintertime!:up:

[swamprat69er]

I'll bet he's negotiated no MAMA!! it's COLD! trips to Minnesota in the wintertime!:up:
and cruise around the state of taxes all winter?

Running within Texas might be a good thing. Depending..
I stay in Ontario and last year I made a little over 42 grand in 6 months, before taxes was took out.

[em2nought]

And today I got the word from another company that they will hire me, so I guess I will put in my notice now.:sunny:

My buddy is moving up to ATC shortly. Putting our eggs in more than one basket until my other buddy has a few more months in. Things have slowed considerably in Oklahoma.

[Aktungbby]

Well I feel his pain! I just went from high 70-80's in Palm Springs-putting 83 year old mother-in-law in residential community; to the bay area's tepid 50's all in a day 1200 miles in 3 days; including a 200 mile side trip to Santa Barbara for dinner with daughter. In some nasty offshore winds and rain in the biggest rental van Chevy builds (express 3500?). Had to do a first rate pad and strap-job on antiques to rival my professional bed-buggin' days outta the labor-hall. The wife's share of some three hundred year-old heirlooms: Grandparents' ledger desk, crates of china, one hutch and dining table, chairs etc. All rode without a scratch...my life depended on it:smug: SWMBO is rearranging the house as I blog...peace after three days with the in- laws:dead: All this on top of the sojourn two weeks ago with my own mom in the so-called 'blizzard of the century' in Pennsylvania and Connecticut:nope: I think U-crank may claim those honours though!

[Stealhead]

Why? Don't you like running punkin trucks?

Now that he has some experiance he can get paid much better pulling tanker for someone else no doubt. Much better.

[swamprat69er]

Now that he has some experiance he can get paid much better pulling tanker for someone else no doubt. Much better.
Punkin doesn't pay too good?

[Onkel Neal]

Steehead has it, I can move to companies that pay better with 1 year experience. Schneider pays ok, and they are a great starter company, but the miles are inconsistent. They will sit you between loads for 20~21 hours. If they sit you for 24+ hours, you ger $65 layover pay, but they usually avoid that by dispatching to just before the 25th hour. :haha: So, being on the road for 7 days usually equates to 4~5 days of work.

As an adherent of market economics, I have to go where the money is better. SN is welcome to match the other companies.

[swamprat69er]

Are you going to stay with liquid or go to some other commodity? Dry bulk, for instance?

[Onkel Neal]

Staying with liquid tankers. For now.

[Mr Quatro]

I hear Frito Lay is hiring ... man I would rather deliver Fritos all day than deliver petroleum products :yep:

[Stealhead]

LOL. Not at the price that a driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements will get. Fritolay will be dry van the lowest paying. Tankers get the highest overall pay as do bulk carriers then its flatbed,reefer, last is dry van. I recon that auto transport gets around the same as a flatbedder as dose glass transport. Also LTL can often be more stressful than OTR.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckerreport.html

That says that a flatbedder averages a little more that may be because they sometimes are paid a percentage of the fee of the load hauled. There is also more manual labor as a flatbed.That's how I get paid percentage of load.(I do flatbed) most larger companies prefer to pay by mile.

Also that is an average it varies greatly.

[swamprat69er]

LOL. Not at the price that a driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements will get. Fritolay will be dry van the lowest paying. Tankers get the highest overall pay as do bulk carriers then its flatbed,reefer, last is dry van. I recon that auto transport gets around the same as a flatbedder as dose glass transport. Also LTL can often be more stressful than OTR.
Yup, tanker pays good! 25.41/hour

[Stealhead]

Not to say that Schneider is a bad company there are people that driven for them for years its just that you have to really bleed orange. They are arguably the best large carrier to work for.

[Onkel Neal]

I agree, I have nothing but good things to say about Schneider, except I can make more $$ elsewhere. I gave my notice and they immediately offered me a raise and more miles. Come on, fellows, be more proactive, make those offers while I'm still in your employment.:-?

Still, I am not burning any bridges and will leave under good circumstances. Who knows, I may want to come back...

[Jimbuna]

Still, I am not burning any bridges and will leave under good circumstances. Who knows, I may want to come back...

Most wise and testimony to a reliable and worthwhile employee/individual :cool:

[Mr Quatro]

Yes indeed do not burn your bridges ... :oops:

I remember one job several years ago was a security job and after six months all I got was a lousy embarrassing small piece of a dollar raise.

I told the girl that gave me the check to take this job and shove it.

Now I can't work there anymore and if I put them on a resume' I'm sure my words were repeated to whoever answers the phone inquiring of my past employment in that shipyard.

Yes indeed don't burn your bridges :yep:

[swamprat69er]

There is no need to pull a Johnny Paycheck when you leave a job.

http://youtu.be/EzGoDtmTllg

[Stealhead]

So long as one provides a good notice and of course already has the offer firmly in hand then no bridges are burned. Of course one should also respectfully decline any counter offers. The key is that you display a proper employee mindset and don't display a complex its all good.

Even when the current employer is bad still good to have respect. Others that work there may later also leave for better pastures and they'll remember two types those that simply quit and who was professional and resigned. You want to remembered for a positive reason. When handed lemons always make lemonade or lemon meringue pie or something. Especially a truck driver if you made lemon meringue pie anyone would hire you that's real enginuity.

[em2nought]

So it's time to renew my AAA which probably doesn't really cover my lawn service anyway. Is there a good commercial vehicle roadside assistance program at a reasonable price? I'd cover a Durango with cargo/lawn trailer, two Volvo VNLs, and a Jeep Cherokee if I could at a decent price?

[swamprat69er]

Ask AAA if they cover commercial. CAA does cover commercial and it was patterned after AAA.

[Wolferz]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/this-is-the-first-road-legal-big-rig-that-can-drive-itself/ar-BBjfPmD?ocid=iehp

The future is now.

[Aktungbby]

YIPES! "Bernhard compared it to the control a pilot has over a commercial airliner. Technically speaking these vehicles are operating 'partly automated,'" he said. "So [the driver] is still in charge of what happens. He’s responsible." The Inspiration Truck is considered "level 3" on NHTSA's automation scale (http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/U.S.+Department+of+Transportation+Releases+Policy+ on+Automated+Vehicle+Development). That's the second-highest level of automation — the same that Google's self-driving cars currently operate on. It means that the vehicle is advanced enough to enable the driver to cede full control in certain traffic or environmental conditions. The driver can interrupt and regain control, but the vehicle should allow a "comfortable transition time."I couldn't stand it when my anti-skid braking would take over in the '70's...drove me nuts!:nope:

[em2nought]

Uh oh, I guess they realize that the population is becoming too dumb to drive ala Idiocracy. :D

[Wolferz]

Uh oh, I guess they realize that the population is becoming too dumb to drive ala Idiocracy. :D



All of us already consider every other driver on the road to be an idiot.:haha:

I'm really looking forward to the sex on demand law.:up::arrgh!::rock:
__________________


What the heck? Operate them like drones.:timeout:

[swamprat69er]

YIPES! I couldn't stand it when my anti-skid braking would take over in the '70's...drove me nuts!:nope:
The anti-lock brakes on my heep are still disconnected.

The big truck is another matter though. I've got anti-lock on all 8 axles. Disk on the trailers.

[Aktungbby]

All of us already consider every other driver on the road to be an idiot.:haha: That is the first rule of defensive driving and nothing in 42 years of getting paid for being behind the wheel has altered my conclusion. Including last night while out on a work call! While returning home late, a vehicle driving erratically in excess of 70 mph in the dark was showering huge sparks for a hundred feet and wobbling badly. As I attempted to pass I noted a young lady with no front left tyre-just the bare rim causing the spark shower! oddly a '05 Corolla exactly like mine- with front wheel drive! I turned on the interior dome-lite- got her attention and motioned her to the shoulder of a busy highway, pulled in behind, and called 911. She was quite upset, crying and incoherent-out of all proportion to a routine flat tyre problem IMHO. After nearly an hour detainment-making sure she did not exit her vehicle on a hazardous roadside, the CHP arrived. Two young officers: they field tested, breathalysed and handcuffed the young lass. The DUI will seem a light case and the lesser of two evils: she would have killed herself or others within a few more miles at that speed on a badly disintegrated rim. The roadway in that area, until a recent just completed and costly renovation, was called Blood Alley.

[swamprat69er]

One more drunk off the road.:up:

[Wolferz]

One more drunk off the road.:up:

Did Jim hang up his keys:06::O:

[swamprat69er]

Did Jim hang up his keys:06::O:
I should have said, one more drunk off the road in America.

[Wolferz]

I should have said, one more drunk off the road in America.

Take one off and they get replaced with ten newly minted 21year olds who still think they're bullet proof.:hmmm:

Keeping with the topic...
My trainer at CRST was a younger fellow who apparently had a drinking problem. We were spending the night outside of Seattle and he asked me if I minded if he had a beer. Woke up the next morning to find a six pack of empties sitting on the floor.:-? I drove into Seattle just to be safe.

When we got back to the east coast, we parked fairly close to his home and some of his friends picked him up to go to a motorcycle show. They were gone about an hour when we got dispatched and I called him back to the truck stop. He was already piss drunk when he arrived.:down: I drove out of there too.:timeout:

[swamprat69er]

Only a 5 miler? That is what we call a six pack amongst friends, because on a booze cruize when we were kids a 6 pack would only last 5 miles. :timeout: That was 50 years ago. I still call them 5 milers or teasers. Just enough beer in a teaser to wet your whistle for a good beer drinking session, a 24 or two.:D

[Aktungbby]

http://www.cnet.com/news/freightliner-autonomous-inspiration-truck/ (http://www.cnet.com/news/freightliner-autonomous-inspiration-truck/) :k_confused:

[swamprat69er]

While that might work down there, I can't really see it catching on in any of the provinces east of Manitoba. It might be useful in Alberta, Sakatchewan and Manitoba, but in the rest of Canada you would be hard pressed to find 50 miles of straight road.

[Jimbuna]

Only a 5 miler? That is what we call a six pack amongst friends, because on a booze cruize when we were kids a 6 pack would only last 5 miles. :timeout: That was 50 years ago. I still call them 5 milers or teasers. Just enough beer in a teaser to wet your whistle for a good beer drinking session, a 24 or two.:D

Rgr that :yep:

[swamprat69er]

I screwed up the other day..... the customer wanted 38,000 Litres/10,052US Gallons.....I loaded44,990L/11,900US Gallons...Just a little overloaded...........3,370Kgs overweight or7,400lbs over.
The customer took the whole load, but it is still a screwup....A good thing the only scales (out of three) that was open, wasn't weighing because the scales weren't weighing properly.

[Onkel Neal]

Ouch! I am glad you were able to get that delivered without issue.

[swamprat69er]

I am now loading at a facility that I've been at for at least 10 years. Sometimes the loads are a little over but never as much as that one. Up to 500kg's (1100lbs) is acceptable more or less and will only get me a bawling out. That first one would have netted me a juicy ticket and a oiler coming to pump me off to legal.
This stuff is NOT metered on, we stand on top of the tanker and top load to a 'mark' on a stick. Real high teck. NOT

[em2nought]

Texas wanted to charge us $5000 for being overweight once, but they let us off with $500 something. Whew! Good lessons in not trusting others when your @ss is on the line. lol

[HW3]

Every year during wheat harvest the Oregon DOT sets up jump scales on the road to the local elevator that can not be avoided. They do this because they know the truckers hauling in there load in the field, and have no scale to check their axle weights, just their eye balls and experience to go by.:nope: They nailed me once for 700 over on the back axle of a 10 wheeler, while I was under the total gross for the whole truck. I should have hit the brakes a little harder coming into town, and shifted the load forward I guess.

[swamprat69er]

In regards to portable scales, they can't weigh me on them. :D

[GT182]

Congrats on becoming a Commercial Highway Engineer Neal. :up:

If you ever get out East to Delaware look me up. Let me know in advance by email If you can. Then I can send you my cell phone number.

[Wolferz]

Put a big screen TV on your trailer and a camera on your front bumper ...
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-giant-tv-on-the-back-of-semi-trucks-could-make-passing-safer/ar-AAbXtJ3?ocid=iehp

So drivers can see to pass you on a 2 lane road.

[Jimbuna]

^ Great idea :yeah:

[Aktungbby]

Every year during wheat harvest the Oregon DOT sets up jump scales on the road to the local elevator that can not be avoided. They do this because they know the truckers hauling in there load in the field, and have no scale to check their axle weights, just their eye balls and experience to go by.:nope: They nailed me once for 700 over on the back axle of a 10 wheeler, while I was under the total gross for the whole truck. I should have hit the brakes a little harder coming into town, and shifted the load forward I guess.
They used to set up portable scales outside a Kitty-litter clay plant in Missouri to weigh us coming out loaded before we could get to the commercial scale a mile beyond. We would simply wait it out in the plant 'till they removed the scales; Some times all day. Missouri does anything for revenue I guess. They even put a unit at a weight-limit-bridge in the opposite direction in case any of us decided to sneak off to the east. :timeout:

[Onkel Neal]

#%^@*#$^) !!

Went home for 1 day, taking my 34 hour. Get back to start a load to Illinois...where's my truck? Company assigned it to another driver whose truck is in the shop, my truck is 300 miles away.:/\\!! Maybe they could have called me at home and saved me the time and gas to come to work. :stare::stare::stare:

[swamprat69er]

I heard yesterday, Schnieder is advertising on Sirius satelite that they have upped the per mile rate.

[Onkel Neal]

Yah, been hearing that my own self. :sunny:

Update: as you know, I started with Schneider in Jan 2014 as a newb driver. They took care of the CDL training, and started me off in return for a 1 year commitment. I realize that they would not be paying me top dollar, since they were taking on a novice and getting me up to speed. Fair enough. I started at .37, after 6 months was bumped up to .43. Not bad at all for a new driver, imo.

For those who know me, I never let hard work stand between me and success, so when I got to the 11 month mark, I began researching other companies that would pay better. It figures that any company that will take an inexperienced driver must make up for it with lower pay overall. So, in theory, moving to a company that requires x years of experience means they will pay better to get better.

Now, many of my mates who went through the Schneider orientation and training with me had already moved on, but I felt it was important to honor my 1 year commitment, so I stayed with Big Orange the whole year. Plus I got a week vacation! :) Schneider offered me .45 a mile to stay, but I decided, even though it's a lot of trouble to change companies, to test out another company.

I found a tanker company in Houston that is out and back, and pays about 20% better, so I gave notice at Schneider, and changed companies back in March. Of course, there is always some good and bad with change.

Good:

Out and back is great, means I rarely need to bother with the east/west tollways up north.
Out and back means when I return, I have access to my car, and go home if I want, to return the next day for another assignment.
Out and back means half the trip I am pulling an empty!
Trucks are automatic, which is nice.
New company does not have the same safety nazi attitude. I like safety, but is it really necessary to wear a hard hat and reflective vest everytime I get out of the cab? :-?
Trailers at the new company are in much better shape than Schneider, probably because they are cleaned here at the company and Qualawash doesn't get to beat them up.
Can hardwire in a big invertor and run a MW and fridge.

Bad:

Shortage of trucks means when one goes in the shop, dispatch assigns the driver to another driver's truck, like in this case, mine :hmph: Man, I was only out 1 day.
Not as organized as SNI.
They sent me for my DOT physical even though I had 7 months left, and their clinic has a doctor who made me take another sleep study, even though I took one for SNI 15 months prior.


Mainly, making another $500 a month is worth it. (plus a $5000 bonus to sign on). I'll do this for a year, then maybe a. move to a better paying company or b. buy my own truck and be an O/O.

[Aktungbby]

Good lord! what exactly does a 'sleep study' entail? Pssst don't buy your own truck...just be the crew! they're as bad as or worse than boats! I owned or leased a fleet, eight, in my time to deliver all the Huggies and Kotex (talk about job security here:O:) while my wife went to law school. I drove one of the rigs myself as I was, by then, the most experienced of the drivers. 8-10 stops a day and 300 miles in heavy commute traffic. Throw in a warehouse half the size of the Pentagon with a RR siding through it , twenty all night loaders and a brilliant office manger to make it all go....where's the Excedrin? Working on your own freightliner, when you should (rather) be driving loses its charms quickly.:nope:

[swamprat69er]

For sure DO NOT buy your own! O/O is not all it looks like. Massive headaches and nightmares. Been there, done that. for the past 38 years I have worked for companies. When it breaks, dial a 800 number and they get to fix it an pay for the fixing.

[Onkel Neal]

That's not very encouraging :) Overall, there's more money to be made driving your own truck, right?

[em2nought]

I'm surprised, I thought all of you were owner operators. If you were to become owner operators what brand of truck would you buy? Used Volvos has been fairly good for my pals so far.

[Aktungbby]

That's not very encouraging :) Overall, there's more money to be made driving your own truck, right?

More a matter of logic actually; u sell/trade/barter your most valuable commodity, TIME, and a half-century old bod:O: for what enables you to enjoy your existence on terra mudball. At 60 mph, a mile a minute:o; 45 cents, as u indicated, a mile=45 cents a minute:hmmm: up from my 22 cents a mile in the 70's!:oops:& $5.00 per unload stop. Essentially, a big rig is, weirdly, a huge motorcycle and very dangerous one at that. You, I noticed, have several other worthier motorcycles- much more enjoyable to play on, tinker with, and spend your unrecoverable asset (time) with. You use the big one to pay for the little ones and let somebody else get his hands dirty, bookkeep, multistate-tax placard& sticker, bank interest on Rig loans, and take the Excedrine for pain in the Aß.:O: Saving you most precious...and ever-diminishing commodity:nope: (time & bod) for more rewarding pursuits... go play and wear a Helmet! I still play this game myself; going out fully rigged almost daily or nightly for 25 cents per minute, and the car gets 25 cents a mile from my front door to when I get home again (portal to portal:up:). The present contractor,# 3 in 12 years, hates me and tried to offer a $2500 salary based on a 60 hr. work-week & $300 car allowance-no deal!:hmph:. I wouldn't dare do it though, in an American made car only no-maintenance Japanese cars. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ed/93/b0/ed93b06a3179f7699c635dc731e43430.jpgserious down time here BBY! an in-frame major at least and the damn turbo-impeller is shot...again:O: I need an ice cold Enfamil BBY:haha:

[swamprat69er]

That's not very encouraging :) Overall, there's more money to be made driving your own truck, right?
WRONG! I drive and work (load and unload) 6 months of the year for $42,000.oo and take the worst of the seasons off. winter.

I'm surprised, I thought all of you were owner operators. If you were to become owner operators what brand of truck would you buy? Used Volvos has been fairly good for my pals so far.

IF and that is a very big IF at my age i was to buy a truck, I would buy a Cabover Freightliner of about 1988-2002.
I would not give you a plugged nickle for all the volvos in the world. They are nothing but junk.

[Onkel Neal]

Aktung, my plan is to work another 4 years, then retire on my ranch, raise chickens and pigs, and just be lazy. So, for the next 4 years I want to work as much as possible. If I were to buy a truck, I would be running it 30 days a month if possible.:yeah:

Swamprat, I guess you have one of them good jobs, lol, that's a sweet deal. I can see your logic, but I don't mind working all 12 months. If I could get $42,000 x 2 each year, I would be satisfied. :cool:

As far as trucks, I really have little experience and knowledge, something I will need to rectify if I start leaning toward buying my own. I drove a Freightshaker with SNI, if was a decent machine, did have one breakdown where the fuel injectors were replaced. Now I'm in a 2011 International Prostar. Very nice interior but from what the guys here tell me, not very reliable mechanically.

[swamprat69er]

Aktung, my plan is to work another 4 years, then retire on my ranch, raise chickens and pigs, and just be lazy. So, for the next 4 years I want to work as much as possible. If I were to buy a truck, I would be running it 30 days a month if possible.:yeah:

Swamprat, I guess you have one of them good jobs, lol, that's a sweet deal. I can see your logic, but I don't mind working all 12 months. If I could get $42,000 x 2 each year, I would be satisfied. :cool:

As far as trucks, I really have little experience and knowledge, something I will need to rectify if I start leaning toward buying my own. I drove a Freightshaker with SNI, if was a decent machine, did have one breakdown where the fuel injectors were replaced. Now I'm in a 2011 International Prostar. Very nice interior but from what the guys here tell me, not very reliable mechanically.
IF you want reliable, then you need to get into a pre 2005 truck before all the emissions crapolla. I would rather have a 1988 Freightliner because they have no computer and are totally mechanical.

Don't forget that this is year number 30 at this company. I have turned down 5 or 6 new Volvos and keep this 2001 FLD120SD. Last summer it did the work of a new Volvo and its' own work as well for 3 weeks.

[Aktungbby]

IF and that is a very big IF at my age i was to buy a truck, I would buy a Cabover Freightliner of about 1988-2002
They are the best! with a Cummins engine!:up: And Swamps got it with: 'at my age'; the wear and tear of rockin' in the front office is hard. I did it full tilt for 5 years, 30 days a month for two of it and lumpin my own freight to boot, and was out of it by the late age 30's. There was some awareness even back then of health problems related specifically to driver/operators... but not like today. It's a young man's game: Constant vibration and diesel fumes exposure being primary concerns. http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/effects-of-trucking-on-the-body.html (http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/effects-of-trucking-on-the-body.html) http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/healthup/jan08.pdf (http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/healthup/jan08.pdf) Some of it's dated & hokey but no body's lying either.

[swamprat69er]

They are the best! with a Cummins engine!:up: And Swamps got it with: 'at my age'; the wear and tear of rockin' in the front office is hard. I did it full tilt for 5 years, 30 days a month for two of it and lumpin my own freight to boot, and was out of it by the late age 30's. There was some awareness even back then of health problems related specifically to driver/operators... but not like today. It's a young man's game: Constant vibration and diesel fumes exposure being primary concerns. http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/effects-of-trucking-on-the-body.html (http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/effects-of-trucking-on-the-body.html) http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/healthup/jan08.pdf (http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/healthup/jan08.pdf) Some of it's dated & hokey but no body's lying either.
If I did it I wouldn't have a cummins come apart engine. Cat C-15 pussy power bby! I did 8 years in a COE with 20,000lb steer axle and 46,000lb Hendrickson spring ride, 60 inch spread. The air seat helped.....a little.

[Aktungbby]

Nope I had no luck with Caterpillar engines; too touchy...what would auto-shut them wouldn't register on a Cummins, especially the 290 fuel squeezers. I did however Like the Ford Cl 9000 series with Cats in them. We occasionally leased these and they were roomier than the Freightliner. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cc/87/58/cc8758a961d60d2ccae38c0aa0484992.jpg

[swamprat69er]

That's not very encouraging :) Overall, there's more money to be made driving your own truck, right?
There is a reason that Owner/Operators are called brokers.


They are broke today and they will be broker tomorrow.:)

[em2nought]

There is a reason that Owner/Operators are called brokers.


They are broke today and they will be broker tomorrow.:)

Uh, let's hope not. :hmmm: We seem to be doing pretty good so far, once all the long neglected stuff on both Volvos got fixed expenses went down. One driver just moved from step-deck to van. Mileage is way up so that's good for us. Other driver is probably moving to that company, and vans also. Just not enough moving with most everything stacked out down there.

[Wolferz]

Outfit yourself with one of these...

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/Wolferz_2007/ets2_00014_1.png

:up::yeah:
Be sure to have enough cash saved up to pay for it outright because banks are unforgiving when it comes to overdue truck loan payments. Usually caused by a broker that leaves you stranded in California with no return load in sight. My dear old dad, God rest his soul, found that out the hard way.:hmmm:

[Onkel Neal]

Haha, Lot Lizard, eh? So far, I've only encountered two of them... and my gawd, they couldn't give that away. Poor gals, they looked awful :dead:

Yeah, if I do get a truck, I will buy it outright and have plenty in reserve for maintenance. I still need to do a lot of research on makes and models. I'm pretty sure I will be getting something along the 2011-2012 line, since that's what I have been driving. Something like this one I will be having a look at next week. (http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2011-Freightliner-Cascadia--114741644)

[Wolferz]

Haha, Lot Lizard, eh? So far, I've only encountered two of them... and my gawd, they couldn't give that away. Poor gals, they looked awful :dead:

Yeah, if I do get a truck, I will buy it outright and have plenty in reserve for maintenance. I still need to do a lot of research on makes and models. I'm pretty sure I will be getting something along the 2011-2012 line, since that's what I have been driving. Something like this one I will be having a look at next week. (http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2011-Freightliner-Cascadia--114741644)

I concur on the rough looking nature of lot Lizards but, it's not the gal you really need to worry about. It's the thugs she has in tow nearby that will ruin your evening.
Not that I ever partook of those fruits to gain firsthand knowledge.:haha::O: Just alert situational awareness.

Only twice did I need to reply with a polite "No thank you"

Now, if you do buy that fine looking tractor, I'd consider leasing out to one of the bigger freight haulers. CRST for one and maybe hire on a co-driver. You can bank mad cash running team and never run out of hours.

[Aktungbby]

and my gawd, they couldn't give that away. Poor gals, they looked awful Outfit yourself with one of these...

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/Wolferz_2007/ets2_00014_1.png

:hmmm:
Here's a lot lizard For Wolferz! she's surely wearing his avatarhttp://www.subsim.com/radioroom/image.php?u=232141&dateline=1359145306 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=232141):Dhttp://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/06/29/20/2A18382A00000578-3143697-image-m-40_1435607764897.jpg

[Onkel Neal]

Yah, the first time I encountered a LL: I was sleeping, and someone knocked on the door. Now, with me,

1. Any knock on the door is BAD news--someone wants me to move my truck, I cannot park here, etc. :stare:

2. Wakes me up! WTH! :nope:

3. The knocking sound itself always seems amplified, like the crack of doom.

So, first time it happened, I bolted up from a nice sleep, really pissed, stuck my head out the curtain--WHAT?!

"Hi honey, it's cold out here, can I come in and warm up?"
What? No! Beat it! Go AWAAAY! :/\\!!

[Aktungbby]

Man! in my day there was a BIG rule: no knockin' unless rhe driver was up/awake or you were asked to leave by the truck stop manager. Has that changed? :nope: I only got approached once in pouring storm on PA I 80) Stroudsburg in a Union 76 I had just pulled into. She was drenched to the bone and it was 2AM and I was mounting a reefer strawberrys Semi-attack on lower Manhattan's produce market, NYC, across Jersey to the the George Washington Bridge in 2 hours so no thanks BBY...

[Wolferz]

Why is my branded Lot Lizard getting on your boat, Aktung?:doh:

[Aktungbby]

U were Chering?:har:

[Onkel Neal]

Dangit, all this talk about buying my own truck, and my company truck broke down in Bessemer, Alabama. See what you did? :wah:

[Wolferz]

Dangit, all this talk about buying my own truck, and my company truck broke down in Bessemer, Alabama. See what you did? :wah:

It wasn't us!:shifty:
You weren't holding your mouth right.:03::O:

[Schroeder]

"Hi honey, it's cold out here, can I come in and warm up?"
What? No! Beat it! Go AWAAAY! :/\\!!
The truck drivers of the company I used to work for had a trick to avoid that when going to the Czech Republic (it was pretty bad there a couple of years ago). Just take a handkerchief, dip it in some water and drop it next to your front tire. You'll be left alone.:D

[Wolferz]

The truck drivers of the company I used to work for had a trick to avoid that when going to the Czech Republic (it was pretty bad there a couple of years ago). Just take a handkerchief, dip it in some water and drop it next to your front tire. You'll be left alone.:D


Just plain old water? Not lizard repellent?
How did that work exactly?

[Schroeder]

Just plain old water? Not lizard repellent?
How did that work exactly?
When the hooker sees the wet handkerchief she'll think that driver has already had his fun for that day.:03:

[Wolferz]

When the hooker sees the wet handkerchief she'll think that driver has already had his fun for that day.:03:

OMG! I think I'm going to be sick.:Kaleun_Sick:

[Jimbuna]

OMG! I think I'm going to be sick.:Kaleun_Sick:

I think you may be getting slow in your young age :)

[Aktungbby]

When the hooker sees the wet handkerchief she'll think that driver has already had his fun for that day.:03:

Not if it's a Peterbuilt!:shucks:http://www.peterbilt.com/imgs/bg-logo-header.png (http://www.peterbilt.com/Default.aspx):03:

[Onkel Neal]

Day 3 at my new residence, the Country Inn and Suites. Truck had a turbo malfunction, lost a lot of oil, and made a biblical amount of white smoke. Engine kept running even after I switched the key off, for about 4 minutes.

My company called a tow truck, he hauled me down to the Flying J, cause all the shops and dealers are closed for a 3 day holiday weekend.

Called a taxi and took myself to the hotel for the weekend.

[Aktungbby]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ed/93/b0/ed93b06a3179f7699c635dc731e43430.jpgserious down time here BBY! an in-frame major at least and the damn turbo-impeller is shot...again:O: I need an ice cold Enfamil BBY:haha:

Dangit, all this talk about buying my own truck, and my company truck broke down in Bessemer, Alabama. See what you did? :wah:

Day 3 at my new residence, the Country Inn and Suites. Truck had a turbo malfunction, lost a lot of oil, and made a biblical amount of white smoke. Engine kept running even after I switched the key off, for about 4 minutes.

My company called a tow truck, he hauled me down to the Flying J, cause all the shops and dealers are closed for a 3 day holiday weekend.

Called a taxi and took myself to the hotel for the weekend. Sorry about the turbo; I hope I didn't call that shot!:O: You just reinforced why I didn't get SWMBO's new Subaru with one. Nuthin' but headaches with those on the old Cummins 290's. Fewer moving parts: fewer problems imho:know: :/\\!!

[Wolferz]

I think you may be getting slow in your young age :)

Happens to us all my friend.
It happens to us all.

[GT182]

Hope you enjoyed the time off Neal... and got paid for your breakdown.

I spent 4 days back in the 80s in Harrisburg, PA getting the governor replaced on the GMC's 250 Detroit engine for carhauler I drove. I spent 3 nights on a surplus army stretcher in the garage's lobby and 1 night in a hotel. But I got paid 10 hours each day for the breakdown. To this day I still have the governor shaft that broke as a souvenir.

[Onkel Neal]

Oh yeah, I get paid, $200 a day. But getting seriously bored wasting time on the internetz. Good news, looks like they have a driver coming tomorrow am to pick me up and get my trailer so we can deliver the load.

3 days late :wah:

[Wolferz]

Oh yeah, I get paid, $200 a day. But getting seriously bored wasting time on the internetz. Good news, looks like they have a driver coming tomorrow am to pick me up and get my trailer so we can deliver the load.

3 days late :wah:


Dayum!!! Is your employer not familiar with Penske?:06:

[swamprat69er]

Now I can explain....IF that busted truck was your own, there would be NO $200.oo/day layover/breakdown pay, NO fancy shmancy hotel (more likely a homeless shelter) AND you would still have a huge bill to pay for the turbo. Now do you see why I drive for a company? The truck breaks down and I dial 1-800-come fix your junk and pay me to wait.

Speaking of come fix your junk, check this out.
A driving rain storm, I couldn't see past the hood at 0230 hrs. No lines on the road either. It is a good thing I was going slow or it would have gotten real nasty real fast.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii61/swamprat69er/OTR%20023_zpscyk0k7ez.jpg?t=1436984226
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii61/swamprat69er/OTR%20024_zpsve46t1e1.jpg?t=1436984224
If it wasn't for the trailers the tractor would be on its' side.

[Wolferz]

Classic example of ...
Keep it between the ditches to keep the crap outta yer britches.
:o

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, my truck will be OOC for 2 months, so they gave me another truck. :shifty: Two hours of cleaning and detoxing. It still smells like an ashtray, but looks like the previous driver left a 1500 watt invertor, so it's all good. :D

[Torplexed]

Two hours of cleaning and detoxing. It still smells like an ashtray, but looks like the previous driver left a 1500 watt invertor, so it's all good. :D

Wow. You could probably run a mobile coffee stand from the cab with one of those. :o :D

[em2nought]

Remount that thing so you can quickly pull it when you get your truck back. :03: Payment for the cleaning.

Two months down wow, we'd have to buy another truck. Guess I better get my house sold soon just in case. lol

It does look like owning used is about the same as buying new in terms of cost. Somewhat scared to buy new in case a recession starts like some have been calling for. In a recession new might be worse than used.

[Wolferz]

Yeah, my truck will be OOC for 2 months, so they gave me another truck. :shifty: Two hours of cleaning and detoxing. It still smells like an ashtray, but looks like the previous driver left a 1500 watt invertor, so it's all good. :D

Count your lucky stars...
At CRST they showed us pictures of a tractor that had been assigned to a pair of East Indian drivers that had no concept of a rest stop restroom. They cut a hole in the middle of the sleeper floor and defecated onto the highway through it. That is, when they weren't defecating in shopping bags and stuffing them into every cubby in the cab. The tractor was a total write off because it couldn't be cleaned well enough to remove the smell.
:Kaleun_Sick:

Wow. You could probably run a mobile coffee stand from the cab with one of those. :o :D

Mexican lunch truck would be more lucrative.:yeah:

[Onkel Neal]

Speaking of come fix your junk, check this out.
A driving rain storm, I couldn't see past the hood at 0230 hrs. No lines on the road either. It is a good thing I was going slow or it would have gotten real nasty real fast.

If it wasn't for the trailers the tractor would be on its' side.

Wow, man, tip of the hat to you for keeping a bad situation from being a whole lot worser. :salute:

Wow. You could probably run a mobile coffee stand from the cab with one of those. :o :D

I know! If no one claims it, I will buy one of those minifrdges so I can keep some fresh food in the truck. And a microwave. And yeah, maybe a cappuccino machine....:hmmm:

Remount that thing so you can quickly pull it when you get your truck back. :03: Payment for the cleaning.

Two months down wow, we'd have to buy another truck. Guess I better get my house sold soon just in case. lol

It does look like owning used is about the same as buying new in terms of cost. Somewhat scared to buy new in case a recession starts like some have been calling for. In a recession new might be worse than used.

Yeah, as it happens, I am selling my last rent house next week, if the deal doesn't fall apart. It is scary, but being an o/o will be more lucrative than a company driver. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any o/o's with over 3 years experience on the road. Some of them know how to make it work, balance the risk, and come out ahead. I know I need a lot more knowledge if I want to try it. I'm not ready to venture out in the business yet.

Count your lucky stars...
At CRST they showed us pictures of a tractor that had been assigned to a pair of East Indian drivers that had no concept of a rest stop restroom. They cut a hole in the middle of the sleeper floor and defecated onto the highway through it. That is, when they weren't defecating in shopping bags and stuffing them into every cubby in the cab. The tractor was a total write off because it couldn't be cleaned well enough to remove the smell.
:Kaleun_Sick:

Mexican lunch truck would be more lucrative.:yeah:

Haha, I read that description on one of the truck forums! :har:

[Onkel Neal]

Sitting in a desolate drop yard on the border near Laredo, TX. Supposed to pick up an empty trailor and return to H-town, but no BOL. Dispatch says someone should be here at 8 to staff the office.....but still waiting. This place looks like the land that time forgot.

[Aktungbby]

HA! I used to have to go to Presidio TX on the Rio Grande SE of El PASO through Marfa to pick up onions for St Louis produce markets...it is the land time forgot and hot.:nope: Immigration searched the truck at various road-blocks to make sure I hadn't sneaked wetbacks in with the onions. ro*******s

[Eichhörnchen]

What are ro*******s?

[Sailor Steve]

The dirty word is ad block. :sunny:

[em2nought]

I'm going to the bank tomorrow to chat about a loan for a new truck. Kinda scary since I think this economy is artificial, and could tank any given day.

Need to get my five acres or so yet too.

[swamprat69er]

Sitting in a desolate drop yard on the border near Laredo, TX. Supposed to pick up an empty trailor and return to H-town, but no BOL. Dispatch says someone should be here at 8 to staff the office.....but still waiting. This place looks like the land that time forgot.
What are you doing screwing around on the net.....You should have walked across the border to Boys Town and gotten a pretty seniorita for the night.

[Aktungbby]

What are you doing screwing around on the net.....You should have walked across the border to Boys Town and gotten a pretty seniorita for the night.
Not a good idea at this time; Nuevo Laredo across the river from Laredo in particular:nope:: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/nuevo-laredo/ (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/nuevo-laredo/) :doh:

[Wolferz]

The outfit I drove for would not send us into Mexico. Those loads were left in a drop yard for pickup by armed Mexican drivers.
Travelling along the Rio Grande river, you can see semi trailers, likely hijacked, turned into makeshift homes over on the Mexican side.

[Onkel Neal]

I'm going to the bank tomorrow to chat about a loan for a new truck. Kinda scary since I think this economy is artificial, and could tank any given day.

Need to get my five acres or so yet too.

Goodluck and keep us posted!

What are you doing screwing around on the net.....You should have walked across the border to Boys Town and gotten a pretty seniorita for the night.

Now way, this gringo is staying on the civilized side of the border.

[Wolferz]

Goodluck and keep us posted!



Now way, this gringo is staying on the civilized side of the border.

Where every blanco boy should stay.:salute:

[Aktungbby]

You should have walked across the border to Boys Town and gotten a pretty seniorita for the night.



Now way, this gringo is staying on the civilized side of the border.

GOOD IDEA! This just in today's news: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/State-of-Mexico-Issues-Emergency-Alert-Over-Gender-Violence-20150729-0034.html (http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/State-of-Mexico-Issues-Emergency-Alert-Over-Gender-Violence-20150729-0034.html) http://www.telesurtv.net/__export/1438223275362/sites/telesur/img/news/2015/07/29/femicidio.jpg_1718483346.jpg The U.S.-Mexico border has long been a dangerous place for women. More than one-fifth of the women killed in Mexico in 2012 were slain in three of the four states neighboring Texas, according to the national statistics agency.
Most infamous is Chihuahua, home to Ciudad Juarez, where hundreds of women were murdered or kidnapped in the 1990s.
With 22.7 murders for every 100,000 women in 2012, Chihuahua is still Mexico's most dangerous state for women.
None of the figures include the many women who have gone missing or those corpses that are so badly mutilated that authorities cannot even identify their gender.
About 4,000 women disappeared in Mexico in 2011-2012, mostly in Chihuahua and the State of Mexico, according to the National Observatory Against Femicide.

[swamprat69er]

Now way, this gringo is staying on the civilized side of the border.
I heard that once upon a time there was a good cat house in Texas, the madam had big hooters and could sing too.:D.

[Wolferz]

I heard that once upon a time there was a good cat house in Texas, the madam had big hooters and could sing too.:D.

Was she blonde and spoke with a Tennessee accent?:haha:

[swamprat69er]

Was she blonde and spoke with a Tennessee accent?:haha:
Dolly baby!:haha:
I hear she was well invested in a silicone factory.

[Wolferz]

Dolly baby!:haha:
I hear she was well invested in a silicone factory.

Put your Porter Wagner away!:03::O:

[swamprat69er]

Everybody has heard of redbull drinks.........how about red p?

[Wolferz]

Everybody has heard of redbull drinks.........how about red p?


You won't find many folk with a taste for yellow p, much less red.:haha:

[Onkel Neal]

I heard that once upon a time there was a good cat house in Texas, the madam had big hooters and could sing too.:D.

That was way before my time. :)

[Aktungbby]

I heard that once upon a time there was a good cat house in Texas, the madam had big hooters and could sing too.:D.

That was way before my time. :)
C'mon! A thirteen year old in Texas???!!:03: just up the road at La Grange TX:-? ; a chicken was often the payment for 'services rendered' hence the name! Closed August 1, 1973 :Kaleun_Crying: For two years after the Chicken Ranch was closed, potential customers continued to arrive.:up: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0f/ZZ_LaGrange_Single.jpg/220px-ZZ_LaGrange_Single.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ZZ_LaGrange_Single.jpg)immortalized in song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vppbdf-qtGU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vppbdf-qtGU)
@ Swamp: The late madam: (d. 2012, age 84) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9119732/Edna-Milton-Chadwell.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9119732/Edna-Milton-Chadwell.html)Edna Milton Chadwell (http://www.chron.com/search/?action=search&channel=news%2Fhouston-texas&inlineLink=1&searchindex=gsa&query=%22Edna+Milton+Chadwell%22) :salute:did not have big hooters! :yep: http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/11/61/61/2563176/8/920x920.jpg

[Catfish]

|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......Neal Stevens Subsim Express........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._____________________===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""'""""""""""""""""""""""""'"**|(@)(@)***''(@)


:03:

[swamprat69er]

Aktungbby (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/member.php?u=313053), yer right, the real one didn't but the movie one did.:D

[Onkel Neal]

|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......Neal Stevens Subsim Express........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._____________________===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""'""""""""""""""""""""""""'"**|(@)(@)***''(@)


:03:

Awww, thanks, that's cool :salute:

[Schroeder]

|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......Neal Stevens Subsim Express........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._____________________===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""'""""""""""""""""""""""""'"**|(@)(@)***''(@)


:03:
Now that's cool.:yeah:

[em2nought]

Goodluck and keep us posted!

Have everything submitted, just waiting to hear back in a week or two. Pretty awesome rate available right now, 2.99%. Key for BoA was being able to show gross for two years over $250,000 each year, good credit score, and pretty decent assets, my personal earnings or debts might be where they make me pay off a lawnmower or something. Hope not since that rate is 0.00%. :hmmm: We're looking to get $130,000-$140,000. Custom sleeper with more amenities just couldn't justify the extra $100,000. Trying to get my buddy to look at cassette toilet/shower where the second seat was with a snap in shower curtain type arrangement.

We might have a shiny new Volvo with a nice 500,000 mile warranty soon. Shouldn't cost more than we've been paying in repairs at 42 cents a mile. ...and my other buddy with have a spare truck so our reliability should be WAY up, won't miss that "great" paying load.

[Onkel Neal]

Wow, that is exciting! You sound like you are a good businessman, I agree, 2.99% is a really good rate. I hope it goes through for you, please keep us posted, a few pictures too, if appropriate.

I wish I had enough industry knowledge and experience to take the plunge but right now I am still gathering. Good luck! :up:

[em2nought]

You sound like you are a good businessman :up:

Me? LOL I think we're more modeled on Carlson's ideas for his Raiders. You should talk with my buddy sometime, he's got the head for it. You remember the name of the town, don't you? We could use a good man. :D

[swamprat69er]

We call it surface treatment, you guys in the 'states and western Canada call it tar and chip. It is the same thing. The spreader is made by Etnyer in Chicago,Il as are the two oilers/spray trucks. Here is the finished product all cured after 2 weeks.
The links to the pictures keep breaking, so you get the url instead.
http://s261.photobucket.com/user/swamprat69er/media/20150810_080157_zps0i9fid3z.jpg.html

[Onkel Neal]

In Palm Springs, Kalifor-ni-a to night. Going to try and make it in to Carson (Long Beach) early in the morning, say 3am, to beat the traffic. :06:

[em2nought]

I hope it goes through for you, please keep us posted, Good luck! :up:

...and Bank of America's, where we've banked since starting the business until tomorrow probably, answer is not only no, but hell no. They won't even finance a step deck for us at $36,000. They won't look at our current year until it's actually filed in October so that's our problem. The previous two years show losses even though both drivers made full salary/per diem and I made a salary. ...and we own all of our trucks outright, with no debts to anyone. Not even on the credit cards. LMAO Hello Chase! :D

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, if you are posting losses, I can see where they would draw back. Better luck with Chase :yep:

[em2nought]

I'm thinking me and a few of my buddies should start our own bank. Gold reserves "NOT" kept in New York, just like Texas wants. :D

[swamprat69er]

I am still loaded from this morning and laid over in a 10 acre gravel pit. I might be able to get some night pictures of wildlife.

[Onkel Neal]

Where are those pics? :hmmm:

BONUS DAY! :Kaleun_Party:
I had a load from Houston to Channohon IL, unloaded yesterday, then back empty to H-town. Stopped in Shreveport today at noon for my 30. Just as I was getting in the truck, Dispatch called and said "take the trailer to the Qualawash (4 miles away) and then go to Longview TX in the morning to load, then to H to unload. That means I will get paid twice for one trip. I love that stuff!:rock:

[Wolferz]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/downtime/multiple-truck-drivers-slam-into-notorious-bridge/vi-BBm5xjJ?ocid=iehp

Bridges don't get taller nor do trucks get shorter.
:har::har::har:

[swamprat69er]

Where are those pics? :hmmm:

The closest thing I've seen to a moose so far from 1 August has been the stains on the highway and the skid marks and that is close enough for me.

[swamprat69er]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/downtime/multiple-truck-drivers-slam-into-notorious-bridge/vi-BBm5xjJ?ocid=iehp

Bridges don't get taller nor do trucks get shorter.
:har::har::har:
Some people just can NOT read.

[Aktungbby]

OUCH! pre-cooked lobster in Massachusetts?!! scandalous!

[swamprat69er]

There is a railway bridge in London, Ontario on Talbot Rd. that is very WELL signed that it is only 3.3 meters (10 foot 8 inches for you 'Mericans) 18 trucks a year usually hit it. It is NOT on the truck route, but that doesn't matter as 'some' truck drivers can't read English.

[Wolferz]

There is a railway bridge in London, Ontario on Talbot Rd. that is very WELL signed that it is only 3.3 meters (10 foot 8 inches for you 'Mericans) 18 trucks a year usually hit it. It is NOT on the truck route, but that doesn't matter as 'some' truck drivers can't read English.

Must be those French Canadians.:03::O:

[swamprat69er]

Must be those French Canadians.:03::O:
I think it is more the 'new' Canadians. Some college kids driving cube vans have got it, too. Smart enough to go to college/university but not smart enough to be able to figure out that 12' wont fit in a hole 10'8".

[swamprat69er]

It is a good thing this is Sunday and the local haul I've got loads on Monday, early. It is pissing down rain, but I think that is partly my fault, I washed my truck and trailers yesterday.

[swamprat69er]

The local stuff is done, now on to the 18-20 hour days. Log book legal at that.;)

[swamprat69er]

A wannabe cattle hauler just pulled into the truck stop with a one ton pickup and a 25' 5th wheel cow trailer. He turned too short (I thought I left enough room he says to me) and hooked the first axle on the trailer on the ICC bumpre of the dry box he was trying to get around. Result? One destroyed tire and a large explosion. Might as well NOT put mirrors on his one ton, because he doesn't know how to use them.:har:

[Aktungbby]

^ Trukkin' on the Sabbath (I know it's really Saturday) BBY....:Kaleun_Crying:

[HW3]

Governor Kate Brown has proclaimed that Sept. 13-19, 2015 is Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Oregon. This coincides with the national observance, coordinated by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which celebrates the more than three million professional men and women who deliver goods safely, securely and on time each and every day.

:up:

[Onkel Neal]

:Kaleun_Applaud:

[swamprat69er]

19 hours to go and I am resetting my logbook now. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so that is a rain day and 7 hours in my pocket.:)
I spent 5 hours in the shop today, trying to figure out why my C15 NZ Cat is overheating on long (2-3 miles), loaded (139,900 lbs) uphill pulls. We changed both thermostats and refilled the coolant (good for -45F). At the end we figured that the temperature gage reads 30 degrees high.

[Onkel Neal]

139000 pounds? Wow!

I just got a message from the company, apparently they are opening up a dry bulk division. What do you know about dry bulk trailers?

[GT182]

At 139,000 pounds you'd over heat too. ;) Good luck pulling that load.

[swamprat69er]

139000 pounds? Wow!

I just got a message from the company, apparently they are opening up a dry bulk division. What do you know about dry bulk trailers?
I pulled new matic trailers for two years. Get yourself a good deadblow hammer. You must not hit them with a metal hammer(ball peen, claw or framing not to mention a BFH /sledge hammer).
They MUST stay dry inside, so don't go opening the top hatches. The powder usually gets blown on and blown off. You do the blowing.

[swamprat69er]

139000 pounds? Wow!

I just got a message from the company, apparently they are opening up a dry bulk division. What do you know about dry bulk trailers?

At 139,000 pounds you'd over heat too. ;) Good luck pulling that load.
139,900 lbs/63,500kgs is a normal/legal load for me, but not the biggest load I've hauled this year.
We changed out the thermostats, made the anti-freeze/coolant good for -45F and determined that the temperature gage is reading 30 degrees high.

[Onkel Neal]

I pulled new matic trailers for two years. Get yourself a good deadblow hammer. You must not hit them with a metal hammer(ball peen, claw or framing not to mention a BFH /sledge hammer).
They MUST stay dry inside, so don't go opening the top hatches. The powder usually gets blown on and blown off. You do the blowing.

Ok, sounds about the same a liquid, except for opening the hatches. I'm waiting to hear back, if it pays more, I'll give it a try.:yep:

[Aktungbby]

139,900 lbs/63,500kgs is a normal/legal load for me,139,900? I thought the limit was 80,000 lbs!

[swamprat69er]

139,900? I thought the limit was 80,000 lbs!
Ahh, grasshopper...the limit on the US of A interstate system IS 80,000lbs. But I am in Ontario, Canada and our weights are heavier. My legal gross for Ontario is 63,500 kgs/139,997 lbs. The rest of the provonces we can deduct 1,000 kgs an go with 62,500 kgs, that is on a 8 axle rig.

[swamprat69er]

Ok, sounds about the same a liquid, except for opening the hatches. I'm waiting to hear back, if it pays more, I'll give it a try.:yep:
Don't forget to open the vents BEFORE you load and close them before you move the trailer.

[swamprat69er]

We lost another tanker yanker today. :wah:He died in his truck at the back of this truck stop I live in. Not one of the guys I know, but somebody knows him. R.I.P. mister.

[Onkel Neal]

Lost him how? Man, what a way to go, DOA at the Flying J :dead:

[swamprat69er]

They say heart attack.

[Onkel Neal]

Man, that's sad. :-?

[swamprat69er]

The people in the TS say he came in and had a shower and supper....Went out to the truck, he missed his appointment time and the owner of the truck came looking and found him, dead.

[swamprat69er]

On another note, there is a stolen truck out back on party row. The cops are aware of it, right now it is blocked in waiting for the owner to show up.

[em2nought]

BoA while turning down a secured loan app for $29,000 just increased our unsecured credit card limit to $30,000. It boggles the mind. :huh: Waiting to hear from Chase if we can borrow the money to pay for our three axle step deck. I doubt it, I'll have to repay our buddy from the sale of my house probably. lol

[GT182]

139,900 lbs/63,500kgs is a normal/legal load for me, but not the biggest load I've hauled this year.
We changed out the thermostats, made the anti-freeze/coolant good for -45F and determined that the temperature gage is reading 30 degrees high.

Ok, got ya on that Swamprat... Canada. Yeah, you guys do pull some heavy chit. Same for Michigan. I've seen some of your rigs up there and I don't envy you guys one bit. I used to run across Ontario heading out to Flint Michigan with the Anchor Mtr Frt carhauler. You guys were the only ones we could pass... while we were empty. ;) LOL

[swamprat69er]

Ok, got ya on that Swamprat... Canada. Yeah, you guys do pull some heavy chit. Same for Michigan. I've seen some of your rigs up there and I don't envy you guys one bit. I used to run across Ontario heading out to Flint Michigan with the Anchor Mtr Frt carhauler. You guys were the only ones we could pass... while we were empty. ;) LOL

LOL, that is only IF we were loaded. Before the commies in the Ontario Goobermint mandated that all trucks would ony do 105kmh/65mph I had a set of legs that wouldn't quit. 75 mph was the norm coming from Montreal, loaded or empty. My trains are easy to pull, a p.i.t.a. to back up though.

http://rs261.pbsrc.com/albums/ii61/swamprat69er/Trucking/Mp2626144145b.jpg%7Ec200 this is the 75 mph rig.

This is what I have now, casterated to 105/65
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii61/swamprat69er/Trucking/2014%20OTR%20003_zpslfaxqotk.jpg

[swamprat69er]

Rather than another edit, I will add this; the tractor is a 2001 FLD120SD,
the trains are 2014 Remtec, 25,000L/6,613 US gallons lead and 23,000L/6,084US gallons pup. The most I have had in them is 45,000L/11,904US gallons. Just a tad overloaded. The whole rig weighs in at 21,500 kg/47,400lbs empty. I can payload 92,597lbs, legal. That is more than you Americans can gross by 12,597 lbs.

[Onkel Neal]

I want this truck!

[Aktungbby]

I want this truck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzhMpFpiFg4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzhMpFpiFg4):woot:

[Aktungbby]

here's a few they missed:O: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/05/fd/2d/05fd2d7afa84e0ed2d8d48a9a40a0c15.jpg

[em2nought]

Those are cool. I could go for a Döner kebab. :hmmm:

[Sailor Steve]

Those are cool. I could go for a Döner kebab. :hmmm:
Given that most of them are in the identical position with the identical two backgrounds, I'd guess Photoshop over clever painting.

[Jimbuna]

Given that most of them are in the identical position with the identical two backgrounds, I'd guess Photoshop over clever painting.

I guess you'd be right too :yep:

[Aktungbby]

It does say "9GAG.com:O:

[em2nought]

Third time lucky. Finally got lucky with BB&T. They made us a loan on the trailer. I had my personal account with them for seven years so that had something to do with it. Now my buddy is driving in Colorado and we need a bigger engine for the mountains so we're going to get another used Volvo hopefully financed by where we get it from "for now". Refinancing with a bank is supposedly much easier than getting the original loan.

So if your business is looking to borrow from a bank in the future I'd recommend getting a personal BB&T account for now.

[em2nought]

Has anybody ever used those rotating chain mechanisms? Where they good, or would you get those hoppers that mount in front of the tires instead?

[Onkel Neal]

?? Is this for snow driving?

[Aktungbby]

Has anybody ever used those rotating chain mechanisms? Where they good, or would you get those hoppers that mount in front of the tires instead?

?? Is this for snow driving?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2la-N1OoPg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2la-N1OoPg) http://media.salon.com/2003/11/master_and_commander_the_far_side_of_the_world-293x307.jpg (http://media.salon.com/2003/11/master_and_commander_the_far_side_of_the_world.jpg )What a fascinating modern age we live in!:k_confused:I'm glad I'm no longer driving in 'whiteout' snow or over treacherous Donner Pass ...times have certainly passed me by!:Kaleun_Crying: