High-Seas to Highways

[Useless]

If someone could tell me how to make it smaller id appreciate it!!

:shock: So you want to make it SMALLER?? :shock:

Dayumm, Broncrider!!

I'm nearly 50 years old, and for the past 40 years, I've been trying to find a way to make mine LONGER!!

[ghost_ryder]

Day Seven of OTR Training 07/18/07
It was yet another beautiful day for driving. Although we arrived at our shipper in Provo, about 30 minutes before they opened, it was a couple of hours before they even started loading us. After getting loaded, we had to run about 20+ miles to one of their other facilities to scale. Once we did that, they added a little more to us. This particular load pays by the ton and therefore we want to get as much on as possible. We are grossing right at 79,500lbs and are headed to the Oregon Coast…..GFI & GFIW’s favorite state.

I am quickly gaining a lot of respect for “flatbedders” as the securing, tarping/untarping, and unsecuring and stowing everything this past week has really kicked my butt. On the other hand though, my driving is improving more and more every day and as each day passes, my “rookie” status shows less and less.

I did all the driving today from Provo, Utah to where we are shut down for the night, Boise, ID. Not that far, but after securing the load in the hot morning sun, Boise was a welcome stop.

Sounds like your doing pretty good. Good luck moving on!

[devildice]

Day Eight of OTR Training 07/19/07
Today official marked the end of my first week. Our run from Boise, ID to Toledo, OR was an easy one. Well easy until we hit U.S. 20 West. That was a hair raising, nail biting, white knuckle 50 mile ride. The road was nothing but a series of twist and turns, ups and downs through “Pioneer Mountain”.

We had a 2:45pm (local time) appointment and made it with just 20 minutes to spare. Apparently, this particular plant is very strict on following their instructions. While I was checking in at the guard shack, a Werner driver was checking in behind me, the guard told him that it wouldn’t be until 9pm at the earliest before he gets in because another van driver did not follow the strict instructions in regards to weighing in and out. The guard proceeded to say that they were re-loading the guy so he could go back and re-weigh the way the plant wants. All I could think was “boy it sure sucks to be him”.

We called in our empty status but they did not have a load for us at the time. So we got permission to run up to a TA truck stop in Portland, OR so we could hook up to IdleAir and await a load assignment. That is where we are right now.

My instructor thinks that we may be stuck here for a 1-1 ½ days for a few reasons. 1) He is scheduled for home time and of course that can be a nightmare to get a load heading in that direction. 2) We are running low on hours. 3) There are some things that he is required to show/teach me that he has not had the chance to do as of yet and this may be the time.

So to sum up my thoughts on Davis Transport after one week……..well it has been challenging for me to say the least. I definitely need to get into a little better shape so that I am not so exhausted after messing with the tarps. I do like how friendly and helpful all the people have been. I like the fact that (at least so far) all of our customers have been in out of the way places vice large cities and what not. Over all I am happy with my choice.

[devildice]

Devildice,

You may not get this message before hitting US20 between Corvallis, OR and Toledo, OR, but please take it easy. I found this article from the Oregonian and the highway is much need of work.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/orego...560.xml&coll=7

Are you pulling a 48' or 45' trailer? I know GFI had a 45'. Definitely, a 45' trailer would help on Hiway 20, but that weight is going have you run thru the gears!! BTW, what is your trainer's truck equipment for engine and tranny?

Another thing, when you were going to and from PA this last week, did you run the Ohio Turnpike? I know many companies(SNI never did for me) don't pay the toll for Ohio.

Enjoy the Columbia River Gorge tomorrow, but be safe on US20.

gee, thanks.....I found that out the hard way. My trainer has a 2007 KW T-800 Condo with a CAT & 10 speed Fuller. He has a 45' air ride spread. That spread axle is a challenge compared to the 53' sliding tandum I learned on if school. No we did not run the turnpike. Not sure if Davis authorizes it or not.

[devildice]

My husband is loving the Condo! By the time you get your truck you will be so glad to have YOUR OWN truck and not have to sleep in the bunk anymore you will be loving it. Just getting out of the bunk will seem like a major plus. Having your own space and place to put your things were you want will be a good feeling. Then after a while you will start to remember the condo but at first I bet you will even be happy with your OWN flattop after training.

I hope you guys don't get stuck to long in Oregon. Freight out of Washington this last week was VERY SLOW! My husband dropped Monday morning and is just picking up a load in Idaho this morning. Dewers wife posted on the other thread that he was stuck up in Washington also.

I know with the miles that you have run this week a reset would not be so bad at this time for you guys but hopefully you get out quickly after that!

Goin Fer It's Wife

Yes just to get my own truck will be a BIG plus!!! I can't wait. If you read my regular post, you will see that we too have not been assigned a load yet This is the 1st time it has happened like this since I've been on the truck. I don't mind hanging out too much because I am on "training pay' and not cpm :wink: But none the less, more than a couple of days and I'll be getting antsy

[devildice]

Sounds like your doing pretty good. Good luck moving on!

Thanks ghost_ryder.....I am pleased with my choice in Davis and flatbedding so far

[Kurbski]

Hello DD,

Im still reading your thread and now have my permit. Thanks for keeping us updated. Maybe taking an inexpensive mountain bike with you on the road would be a great way to pass the time of waiting out loads. If your able to hang or store it somewhere?. Im sure your making a list. Fishing pole, 12v cooler, george foreman etc...tilapia filets cook great on a GF. Just apply your favorite seasoning and a squirt of fake butter.I started reading a few pages of GFIW's thread after reading yours. Nice folks you met here and at Davis. Hope you get a decent run soon. You might find a boat hook at walmart that extends real reasonable to push/pull chains & straps with.. Take care.

[danske]

gee, thanks.....I found that out the hard way. My trainer has a 2007 KW T-800 Condo with a CAT & 10 speed Fuller. He has a 45' air ride spread. That spread axle is a challenge compared to the 53' sliding tandum I learned on if school. No we did not run the turnpike. Not sure if Davis authorizes it or not.

What are the challenges with a 45' spread axle trailer over a 53' sliding tandem? I never pulled a spread, but I understand that there is more scrub and tire wear in tight turns. But, a 53' has the issue of watching for tail swing, the tandem slider can bind and be difficult to operate by yourself(this is where it is real nice to have a team partner), and the tandems are generally rated at 34,000 lbs. A 53' trailer and long wheelbase truck are real fun in an old yard designed for shorter equipment! :shock:

Again, I don't know spread axles, but many trucks have a dump valve to release the airbags on one of the axles(Is it the front, or can both axles be controled?). Does your trainer's truck have this?

How does a spread perform on a narrow and windy road like US20?

These are things I am going to need to learn if I go flatbedding! It is the directions I taking because I was need good a negotiating with lumpers and grocery warehouses! :sad:

So your trainer's truck has a CAT engine. How much power?

Thanks

[devildice]

Day Nine of OTR Training 07/20/07
We made our daily “call-in” and were told we had a load out of Madis, OR going to Pella, IA. Only thing was that we could not pick it up until 4pm on Saturday. O.K. no problem, it will give my trainer a chance to show me a few things, plus it would reset our hours as we are getting close to our 70.

Well about an hour later, we got a call saying our pick up time had been moved up to midnight. A slight change in plans, but I still got to learn how to repair our tarps and how to adjust the brakes and grease the truck. A weekly requirement from Davis.

After I showered, we refueled and hit the road. I drove through Mt. Hood and although it really wasn’t that bad, especially since we are empty, the light rain had me white knuckled. I guess it will take time to get more comfortable driving the mountains.

We arrived at our shipper and checked in. We are now just relaxing while we await our turn. We might get lucky and load early but I won’t hold my breath.

[devildice]

Hello DD,

Im still reading your thread and now have my permit. Thanks for keeping us updated. Maybe taking an inexpensive mountain bike with you on the road would be a great way to pass the time of waiting out loads. If your able to hang or store it somewhere?. Im sure your making a list. Fishing pole, 12v cooler, george foreman etc...tilapia filets cook great on a GF. Just apply your favorite seasoning and a squirt of fake butter.I started reading a few pages of GFIW's thread after reading yours. Nice folks you met here and at Davis. Hope you get a decent run soon. You might find a boat hook at walmart that extends real reasonable to push/pull chains & straps with.. Take care.

I am glad you enjoy reading it. It is a great sedative I have seen trucks with bikes secured to the back of the cab, not sure if I'll ever do it or even have the time to ride it. Davis like to keep you moving. Got a cool 5th wheel puller today that has this little hook welded to it (just like my trainers) at a TA truck stop today for $12. It's a little difficult to discribe, but it is perfect for a flatbeder.

[devildice]

What are the challenges with a 45' spread axle trailer over a 53' sliding tandem? I never pulled a spread, but I understand that there is more scrub and tire wear in tight turns. But, a 53' has the issue of watching for tail swing, the tandem slider can bind and be difficult to operate by yourself(this is where it is real nice to have a team partner), and the tandems are generally rated at 34,000 lbs. A 53' trailer and long wheelbase truck are real fun in an old yard designed for shorter equipment! :shock:

Again, I don't know spread axles, but many trucks have a dump valve to release the airbags on one of the axles(Is it the front, or can both axles be controled?). Does your trainer's truck have this?

How does a spread perform on a narrow and windy road like US20?

These are things I am going to need to learn if I go flatbedding! It is the directions I taking because I was need good a negotiating with lumpers and grocery warehouses! :sad:

So your trainer's truck has a CAT engine. How much power?

Thanks

I don't really know how to discribe it, but the spread is a little challenging. Backing it is different from a 53' box and turns are slightly wider unless you have an air ride with a dump valve like my trainer has. When you dump the air in the rear bags, your pivot point becomes the front axle and thefore making it real easy to turn. It pulls just fine including while on U.S. 20. Just has to watch it close as it will try to track wide on you.

[Orangetxguy]

Are you in Madras OR??

[Goin Fer It]

Wow! You guys got lucky! I did not think you would get out until Monday at the soonest. And there are not many places that are open on Saturdays to drop or pick up at in flatbedding.

So I am glad you are on the move again! How many miles is this trip going to be?

Goin Fer It's Wife

[danske]

Wow! You guys got lucky! I did not think you would get out until Monday at the soonest. And there are not many places that are open on Saturdays to drop or pick up at in flatbedding.

So I am glad you are on the move again! How many miles is this trip going to be?

Goin Fer It's Wife

DD/GFIW,

This was going to my question. How are you being routed? I checked Google Maps and I get between 1734 and 1821 miles for this trip from Madras, OR to Pella, IA.

I don't want to be annoying because I greatly appreciate your taking the time to keep this journal going. How you are routed is greatly up to Davis and your trainer. Once you have your truck, you will have your own ideas and will learn from experience.

With that said, and with GFI/GFIW help, what is Davis's policy about routing? I know you are paid Practical Miles, so do you have to follow their routing solution 100%? Do they allow your input on how to get somewhere? I am not talking sightseeing or wanting to visit some distant cousin, but there is often more than one way to get to different places. I remember different opinions out there about which way to go(eg. All Interstate, shortest, Avoid the Ike tunnel, Fish Hook Pass vs. going thru Utah, etc.). Personal, I like getting off the Interstate and taking back roads if it reasonable to do.

Well, DD, looks like things are looking up for you. Thought you were going to down for a bit, but dispatch line it up for you and your trainer.

Best of luck

[devildice]

Day Ten of OTR Training 07/21/07
We are running a little light with just over 38,000lbs on deck and although today was uneventful, it was yet another beautiful day for driving. We made it to Ft. Bridge, WY and that is where we are shut down for the night. I am learning the ins & outs of flatbedding fairly quickly, however, backing this spread axle is a real bear!! Anyways, after filling my belly and a hot shower, I am about ready to put myself down for the night.

[devildice]

Are you in Madras OR??

I was.....I am now in Ft. Brigde, WY

[devildice]

Wow! You guys got lucky! I did not think you would get out until Monday at the soonest. And there are not many places that are open on Saturdays to drop or pick up at in flatbedding.

So I am glad you are on the move again! How many miles is this trip going to be?

Goin Fer It's Wife

I am glad too. I think my trainer has a little "pull" as he has been with Davis for over 14 years now.

[devildice]

DD/GFIW,

This was going to my question. How are you being routed? I checked Google Maps and I get between 1734 and 1821 miles for this trip from Madras, OR to Pella, IA.

I don't want to be annoying because I greatly appreciate your taking the time to keep this journal going. How you are routed is greatly up to Davis and your trainer. Once you have your truck, you will have your own ideas and will learn from experience.

With that said, and with GFI/GFIW help, what is Davis's policy about routing? I know you are paid Practical Miles, so do you have to follow their routing solution 100%? Do they allow your input on how to get somewhere? I am not talking sightseeing or wanting to visit some distant cousin, but there is often more than one way to get to different places. I remember different opinions out there about which way to go(eg. All Interstate, shortest, Avoid the Ike tunnel, Fish Hook Pass vs. going thru Utah, etc.). Personal, I like getting off the Interstate and taking back roads if it reasonable to do.

Well, DD, looks like things are looking up for you. Thought you were going to down for a bit, but dispatch line it up for you and your trainer.

Best of luck

You know, Davis mentioned the name of the program they use but I forgot what it was. It is supposed to be a new thing they are trying. They give us the routing, which believe it or not, it is almost dead on in the most logical way to go. I know my trainer asked once if we could take a secondary road vice the one they gave us and they said sure. One thing that is nice about Davis's routing is that the day you load does not count. So for example, we loaded today and could have sat all day doing nothing if we wanted and still delivered on time. But we, and I believe most Davis drivers, prefer to run the day they load and then take it easy along the way or on the end.

[danske]

You know, Davis mentioned the name of the program they use but I forgot what it was. It is supposed to be a new thing they are trying. They give us the routing, which believe it or not, it is almost dead on in the most logical way to go. I know my trainer asked once if we could take a secondary road vice the one they gave us and they said sure. One thing that is nice about Davis's routing is that the day you load does not count. So for example, we loaded today and could have sat all day doing nothing if we wanted and still delivered on time. But we, and I believe most Davis drivers, prefer to run the day they load and then take it easy along the way or on the end.

DD,

Wow, you are in Ft Bridger tonight!?! You did very well today!

I spoke to GFI on the phone this morning. He was on US212 in SE Montana which is famously known as "Indian Country"(Little Big Horn National Monument). I was surprised because it a shortcut bypassing the I90 Wyoming Loop thou it is a slower road. It answered my question about routing; Davis gives a routing solution, but the driver can choice his own within reasonable limits. I like that flexibility.

Speaking of routing, which way did you go to get from Madras, OR to Ft Bridger? Did you stop for the night at the Old Burns Brothers/TA there at MM30 on I80?

One last question, what is the height on your KW T800 Condo? Not considering load limitations, what are your low clearance restrictions with just the truck? And is it different from Davis's older flat top T800?

Well, fair winds and following seas, Chief!

[devildice]

DD,

Wow, you are in Ft Bridger tonight!?! You did very well today!

I spoke to GFI on the phone this morning. He was on US212 in SE Montana which is famously known as "Indian Country"(Little Big Horn National Monument). I was surprised because it a shortcut bypassing the I90 Wyoming Loop thou it is a slower road. It answered my question about routing; Davis gives a routing solution, but the driver can choice his own within reasonable limits. I like that flexibility.

Speaking of routing, which way did you go to get from Madras, OR to Ft Bridger? Did you stop for the night at the Old Burns Brothers/TA there at MM30 on I80?

We took 97, 20, & I-84 to I-80 and yes that is the TA we stopped at.

One last question, what is the height on your KW T800 Condo? Not considering load limitations, what are your low clearance restrictions with just the truck? And is it different from Davis's older flat top T800?

Well, fair winds and following seas, Chief!

Inside hieght is about 7', and the outside with the smoke stack is about 12' 1". The Condo is really nice. I know that I will get a flat top :sad: to start off with and eventually a Condo

On the routing, our total (including 235 of DH) is 1999 miles. I'll be glad when I can get my own truck and start being paid by the mile.

So when are you going to sign on with Davis? :wink: