Anybody heard if Grand Isle is still under water?

 

You can check here:
http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index...._grand_is.html

 

Thanks to all the tanker guys and Superior men. Orange, Rob, and Mud thanks along with everyone else.

PS great tip Mud. I tried to understand how to get from one point to the other but there are obviously so many roads its hard to pick the best way.

 

Its a bit of a learning process.... but its easy enough to do. But before I go any further...I should tell you that any time you get a dispatch and are in a terminal or going to pass through one...ask the dispatcher to "print out the practical route" for your dispatch. It will give you a legal route that you can use. It will be printed on an 8X11 sheet of paper....and will list every road that you can use.

Now, in all honesty....there may be some roads on it that you might want to avoid....it may take a shortcut or two....but the bottom line is that if you stay as close as possible to that route using major roads like Interstates, etc....you'll do fine. Make sure that you have a "Motor Carriers Atlas"...so you can check for legal routes. Also, even though our tanks are lower than boxes...as most of our tanks run 12'2" to 12'6".. we can go under bridges that boxes can't. Still its good practice to check, because there are some bridges and train trestles too low for us to clear.

Don't be a afraid to ask for the routing. They can even send it to you on the Quall-com/Aether Systems. All you have to do is ask. Far better to ask up front...than after you're disoriented somewhere. While you are with one of your trainers...ask them about the trips they have taken, and what routes did they use. Don't be afraid to ask any one of us System Drivers for help or advice....I can't think of a single one of us that wouldn't be happy to help. We were in your shoes at one time!

I'll give you one hint to lock in your mind.... when you are on your own, or if you and your trainer are going to SPCR @ Keasbey, NJ....the tank wash/terminal is right underneath the "east end" of the "Outerbridge Crossing" from NJ to Staten Island....the 440 goes over the bridge into NY. Its tricky getting in there....so it would be a good idea to call and talk to Frank or someone there to get landmarks. Use the 800 # in your book for Rahway....its the same number since Rahway moved to Keasbey. Before you leave there....ask how to get to where you need to go.... there are a couple of one way streets thereabouts....

 

When in doubt pick the biggest road. Interstates will always be easier than two lane. Make sure you know the tunnel restrictions for hazmats. They are listed in the Motor Carrier atlas. Pennsylvania, for example, will not allow any bulk hazmat in any of their tunnels. The Baltimore tunnels don't allow any hazmats, etc. As Skywalker said the practical route will keep you safe. It isn't always the easier route but it will be safe. If I have a question out in the system I usually ask one of the guys at a terminal. I have always gotten help when needed. Most of us are pretty nice guys and will tell you anything you need to know. Of course Cyanide isn't out here any more. He's totally lost his touch since he only runs the cake dedicated loads now :lol:

I was in Keasby just a few days ago. My my what a fun place to go into at three AM for the first time. Course anything's easy when you just unloaded in Brooklyn :shock:

 

But even thought the "practical route" will keep you safe... you still need to double and triple check the route if you are "placarded".....there may be restrictions imposed. And when in doubt...refer to the MCA and look up the State Police...call them and ask them about "hazmat" restrictions on your route. They are really an asset and will help you stay out of possible trouble.

99% of the time this is correct.... but as far as Cyanide...the "ultimate slacker"....its 100% true and correct!!!

Ahhh, its a large spacious place, no? :lol: :lol: :lol: Finding a spot to drop your tank can be a challenge.....to say the least....but at least its a pace to park....and if you are there long enough...the motel is a nice one.

 

This is a good Hazmat routing site that I have used before

http://hazmat.fmcsa.dot.gov/nhmrr/index.asp?page=maps

 

You best bet is Co-Pilot for Trucks. It gives you the hazmat route and low clearances. I bought it just for a ref. point for when I get close to the consignee. I only downloaded the program, I don't use the gps. If you make it to Springfield, give me a shout and I will let you use the CD to download if you want. There was just an entry level driver I think from NC that just layed one on the side because his Tom Tom told him the road was a short cut and it was nothing more than a goat trail.
I look for streets or other plants so I know I'm getting close. Like the others said, stay on the big roads till you get to your exit. I had that same fear of not knowing where to get to the consignee, but the directions on most of the travel orders I have gotten are pretty accurate. The best directions I got is from other guys, they will gladly help you get to your destination, we are all here for one another doing the same job. For the most part, Superior isn't concerned about the route you take as long as it's safe and you get the product delivered safely and on time.

 

This driver...he had no common sense?

I find Garmin is pretty close as compared to RandMcNally maps. I don't however take every turn or every street that Garmin tells me too, even when I have never been in an area...I always stay with the wider roads.

 

Your right txguy, he must not have. But I'm sure once he got on the road he new he forked up and had no choice but to continue on. Did you know the guy? I did look at the Garmins as well and was going to purchase one, but got a deal on the Co-Pilot, I think any gps sometimes helps when your close. I've already missed a few turns even knowing in advance. The biggest problem I have is the name of the shipper isn't always the name the company has on there sign. I got loaded in Wi. on Sunday a.m. at Janesvill Wi. On the travel order is said Evonik, but the sign the company had was Degousse or something like that, and bam, right by them.