Ya know, I think I misunderstood that guy and maybe he said something like he doesn't want to miss the Super Bowl. I didn't realize it's being played in Florida.

I'm all set with the COD thing. The check has already been cut from a bank and it's for the company and not the broker. I have a FedEx pack all set. I guess this is common practice for someone who hasn't done business with them before. I get the check first then they unload.

I've been here since 10am yesterday. They started loaded me around 2 and we finished at 10pm. I was way over height and the load is the ugliest anyone has ever seen. It looks like hell and I was ready to tell them to take it off last night and get another one. Once again, there are crates that are made of 1/4" pine wood holding 1,000 pound pieces. The second I strapped it down a little it broke. I made them take it down and build a 4x4 frame around it. I don't like this one bit.

I'm still here and can hardly walk right now and waiting for the aspirin to kick in. I'm normally shut down at 3 and working till 10 took its toll on me. I'm waiting till the sun comes up and I'll reassess the load. They told me all the other truckers do it this way and just crank it down until it starts to buckle or make a snap sound. This just doesn't sound right. One bump and the G forces alone will make it seem like it's cranked down 10 times as much.

On the way here there were bridges that had signs that said 12' on shoulder but didn't list the bridge height. The Atlas says 13'6" for all of PA so I'm assuming just as long as you stay off the breakdown lane your OK. There were plenty of vans going through so I figure it's OK. I can't find any more info. Just bugs me. I'm going to see if some of the other drivers can give me a clue.

I can't wait to get on the road and relax once the load is secure. I'm sure it's going to take some time before I feel comfortable. I have a feeling I'm cranking everything down way too much.

 

Well, I'm on the highway and just pulled off into one of those emergency roadside places. Good size spot. My intuition got the better part of me and I'm going to break out the chains and binders. The road I was on right off the bat was nothing but bumps and pot holes and now I feel like I've driven 500 miles and I've only gone 25. At least the chains won't loosen up as much as a strap will and it will make me feel better.

 

[quote="SteveBooth"]

I'm all set with the COD thing. The check has already been cut from a bank and it's for the company and not the broker. I have a FedEx pack all set. I guess this is common practice for someone who hasn't done business with them before. I get the check first then they unload."


The money you will collect is payment for the purchase of the product, not the frieght charges. That's why the check is made to the company. There is a very good chance that the broker is receiving an extra fee for collecting the payment for the shipper. You should be receiving this fee, since YOU are the one actually executing the collection and Fedex-ing the check. No way that all those duties should be done for free by the O/O, IMO.

 

Rock Springs, WY eh? Home Sweet Home! :lol: Just couldn't resist a load taking you back to your favorite truckstop could you. :P If you like Chinese, go to exit 102 then north to the mall and park behind Applebees and try the China Buffet. They have a decent selection, but I usually get the Mongolian BBQ. :wink:

 

Like I said...."check in hand before you even loosen a strap!"

If you are over height in PA you BETTER have a permit (and a lead car!)...as for ugly...who cares..the ugly loads pay better!!! LOL

You are correct....12' on shoulder means just that. There are a lot of places in PA screwed up like that due to the old semi-arched bridges. Stay off the shoulder and 13'6" is the norm (unless otherwise posted). But PA tends to be a little lazy when it comes to making sure the height is always right. Re-paving, snow and ice buildup and just plain bad measuring invalidate many of those signs...I've seen many a "legal" load clip a legal underpass here. If you are on the STAA network though you should be fine...just watch out for the US and PA routes.
And any drivers familiar with the area will gladly tell you what bridges to look out for.

You ever heard that saying "you can never be too rich or too thin" ??
IMHO...you can never crank something down too much!
If they ever ship Waterford Crystal or Ming Vases on MY flatbed...they better be in a box strong enough to stand up to chains and straps!!

 

My advice is to STOP AND MEASURE THAT LOAD.

Did the load match the dimensions on the confirmation sheet?
You need a permit for each and every state you're travelling through at an approximate cost of $50/US per permit ($15 + $35 permit service fee.)
Will need to submit your route with each permit application.
Must have a revolving light on the truck, flags and banners.
Cannot travel at night.
Get in the hammer under the bridges.

We pulled some OD stuff a couple of weeks ago...14'-1'' to 14' -3" and we cleaned the snow off the top going under a bridge in OH.

Depending on the height...this is serious business now.

 

That's right, you live there! I'm delivering to H&N Gold on Country Road.

Will you be around when I deliver? Do you have a pretty wife? :lol:

 

They had to take the load off and put back on 3 times until they got it to 13'6" so it's not an OD load. I'm in Indiana now and all the bridges are safe.

Real cold here and the wind is wicked. It's got to be -20 at least with the wind chill. I'm just over the border at a Mobil service center. Gonna idle the engine tonight for sure!!!

 

Booo! I never idle the truck! -35 a couple nights ago, no problem!

 

Well done.