High-Seas to Highways
#161
07-19-2007, 06:26 AM
Originally Posted by broncrider1
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!!  ops: ops: ops: ops: ops: ops: ops: ops: ops: ops:
#162
07-19-2007, 12:04 PM
Originally Posted by devildice
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. 
__________________
-GhostRyder-
#163
07-19-2007, 03:50 PM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
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.
#164
07-19-2007, 03:54 PM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by danske
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.
#165
07-19-2007, 03:55 PM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by Goin Fer It
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
#166
07-19-2007, 03:59 PM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by ghost_ryder
Sounds like your doing pretty good. Good luck moving on!
#167
07-19-2007, 10:30 PM
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.
#168
07-19-2007, 10:57 PM
Originally Posted by devildice
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. 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
#169
07-20-2007, 11:55 AM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
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.
#170
07-20-2007, 11:59 AM
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by 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.  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.
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