Truck Driving Jobs

chopstix9 · #1 01-13-2007, 10:42 PM

So I am running a load up from Memphis to South Kearny, NJ {near 280 & 95} for a Tues. morning delivery. I then have a back-haul to pick up in Lynbrook, NY, which is along hwy 27 east of Valley Stream and JFK airport. This is my first trip up to the apple and aren't real sure on which would be the best route to take.

It maps out as the most direct route being the holland tunnel, across Manhattan and then the Queens midtown tunnel. Something tells me this might not be such a wise way to go, pulling a 53' van!!! Do I need to drop all the way down to 278 and take the Verazanno Narrows bridge and circle the bay?

Any help would be greatly appreciated gents.

edit: btw ... this is a non haz-mat load. Not sure if big trucks are allowed to use the tunnels there and what I can expect for traffic/roads/tight turns. The back haul is the 3rd leg that will be bringing me back home near Toledo.

solo379 · #2 01-13-2007, 11:42 PM

From S Kearny, get NJ TPK S to ex 13 goI- 278 to Verrazano bridge, and keep going to I-495 E I-495 to Van Wick Express, go S to almost JFK airport, go US 27 E, it's N or S Conduit av i believe, will get you to Lynbrook.

That's the most direct route, forget about Manhattan! Even that route, is only
"half" legal for 53'.
Or you could take NJ TPK N to GW bridge, to White Stone bridge(narrow, constrictions), and that would be the same Van WICK, so go S.

Good luck, and think twice, b4 you do! Call the receiver for local directions!

:wink:

PS Almost forgot! You could also take US 1 to 440 S to Bayonne bridge to I-278 E, might save you couple $ and couple miles!

chopstix9 · #3 01-13-2007, 11:51 PM

Thanx tonz Solo ... My gut told me basically the same that you advise. I figured this would be the best arena to ask. I really appreciate the reply. And, yes, while I'm @ Kearny I will of course call. I just like to have a basic feel for where I am headin before goin there. I run DeLorme mapping software in the truck w/GPS so I can map it with Via's to your route. Thanx again ...

Steve

I have gone off in search of myself. If I should return before I get back, keep me here ...

classicxl · #4 01-13-2007, 11:55 PM

just remember do not drive a commercial vehicle on any parkway in NY the bridges are not high enough

chopstix9 · #5 01-14-2007, 12:01 AM

ooooo..... so after crossing the narrows bridge the Belt Pkwy that circles Jamaica Bay and goes around JFK isn't such a good idea?!!!

I need to find a better GPS/Mapping proggie for the laptop. There must be a 'trucker friendly' one out there that will route you around low clearances, etc.

solo379 · #6 01-14-2007, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopstix9

ooooo..... so after crossing the narrows bridge the Belt Pkwy that circles Jamaica Bay and goes around JFK isn't such a good idea?!!!

No! No parkways! Just follow the route I've told you.
If you are on "expressway" disregard any "low bridge sign, just stay in a middle lane, you'll see some 12'2" signs, don't worry about it.

Once you off expressway, could be different story, so just be reasonable, there is no problem on US27 either!

evertruckerr · #7 01-14-2007, 02:30 AM

Make sure you bring plenty of cash, it doesn't take long to go through $100 on tolls in those parts and if you run out of cash they get real pissy about it.

Ditch · #8 01-14-2007, 03:43 AM

Use your CB out around here. There are local drivers that will help. Just shout out where you want to go. There are guys that only drive in and out of NYC everyday. Safely pull over if you get lost. Don't ask non truckers which way to go. They might not know the bridge hights, and restrictions. Bring the phone # of where you are going. It's good that you are doing a pre-trip. Some guys just show up with a street name. NO PARKWAYS!!!can't mention that enough. :lol:

chopstix9 · #9 01-14-2007, 03:58 PM

Thanx Ditch. I can't see myself getting lost. Just wanted to make sure of a good truck lane into where I'm going. Really, it doesn't look like I'll have too many tolls either, save for the NJ pike and the bridge crossings. I've been around enough 24hrs to have heard the stories for up in that area. That's why I thought this forum would be a good idea before I head up.

I normally run a dedicated auto parts lane, Detroit to Murfreesboro, TN, 2 & 3 times a week. The Chrys plant I deliver to is down for the next couple of weeks though. I could have gone on a local route in MI for the time if I wanted to make just 750 a week. I figured screw it, I go onto the boards and book my own loads. Was a quick n easy way to boost my pay for the week by 500. I used to run the open boards before I got hooked up with the dedicated stuff.

unotrucking · #10 01-24-2007, 04:08 AM

While we are on the topice here, is there a set difference between the posted NY bridge heights and the actual heights. Unfortuneatley, I was attempting to go under one of those 12'2 bridge signs (knowing I have in other parts of NY), and on this day, didn't clear it. What is the true difference on these NY bridges???