I'll bear that in mind, i guess with bigger wider roads the compromise is very small compared to over here where we have narrow busier roads, and i guess its pretty much only units that are bigger am i right in saying your average trailer is 45-48ft? which is what we use, i know you have some 53ft but surely these are few and far between?

 

there is alot of 53 footers on the road here in the U.S.

 

A lot of 53 footers with sliding axles. California has the 40 foot rule. That's why you'll need to go with a trainer, so you'll know these rules.

 

Stuart....I am also from England and had a class 1 but it doesn`t count for anything in the US, "because we drive on the wrong side of the road" the DMV (dept of motor vehicles) told me LOL .. but your experience might count for something depending on the company. I got REAL lucky getting my job I found a company through a friend that would take me on with just a learners permit, put me through my test with no cost to me. Ive been there 2 years now and love love love it. Getting the License I would say is a bit easier than In England especially with your experience, oh yeah be ready to learn to double clutch again.
Good luck to ya..

 

There are probably more 53' vans in the U.S. but seem to be more 48' flats. There are also some 57' trailers, but those are not legal in all states without permits. If you pull a van in the U.S. it will likely be a 53', although there are still some 48' vans around. Most reefers are 48', but there are a lot of 53' reefers.

 

47 foot rule, thought it was the 40 ft bridge rule.

 

My bad, you're right. been awhile since I drove a 53 foot trailer in CA. I try to avoid Ca... :lol:

Here it is:
Semi-trailer = over 48', but 53' max
KPRA = 40' max (if 2 or more axles)
Combination length = no limit

 

lol, ok, just makeing sure there wasn't a rule I overlooked, one thing is most states have the same law in effect but few actualy enforce it. Ca on the other hand enforce those rules to the t.

 

there's a reason for that...I forgot to slide my axles once in LA and let's just say, it wasn't pretty... :lol: :lol:

 

My thought on this is why take a chance of setting yourself up for failure. After all, going on almost 30 years of driving in this country means diddly squat when I go to another country let alone that drives on opposite sides of the road. Do yourself a favor, be patient, swallow your pride and get the training you need to be familiar with our regulations, road rules, and the driving conditions and street layouts we have here. Your experience will definitely give you an advantage. Best luck to you..Welcome aboard.