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.

Thanks for dinner the other night Harley!!!

Had the pleasure of catching our young hero the other night in Markham after finishing up a very hard workout while he was on his way to Long Island. I'll let him tell you all about his load there, but it sounds quite the adventure :lol:$$$$$:lol: As for dessert, remember Harley, all you need is whip cream and to keep your eyes in their sockets when that little gal comes around ya! :P

I'll catch up with y'all later on,. have some issues that I'm working out right now......just a small speed bump in the road of life. Y'all be safe and have fun, 'cause I know I still am.

:wink:

I have had that happen a couple of times. Wrong name on the travel order.

I have my laptop mounted on the passenger seat. . The first week I was solo I ran a gps reciever with MS Streets and trips. I didn't like the way it gave me voice directions and found it distracting.

Now I just set the route up that the company gives me on Streets and trips and load that on the laptop. I navigate off of the directions but the computer map gives me more information if I need it. A couple of times I have pulled over with the 4 ways and found 3 left turns to get me back on track.

I don't know of any NC entry level driver who rolled one. I am entry level out of the High Point Terminal. There were 2 of us but the other guy quit after 4 months. Mac has only been hiring experienced drivers lately.

No it was the right company I guess it was DBA type of deal. Luckily it was 1 am and no traffic, I flipped the truck at the next intersection. Then when I got down the road, there are a few plants and no other signs pointing to the shipper. That gets frustrating. Then it was off to Long Island which is what Carlo is talking about. I got to the consignee at 8 am as planned, and they told me they didn't have room for the load so I sat till 2230 hrs that night then unloaded. ChaChing.

Yup...You messed up there Harley. Do you have an aircard on your laptop? If you do...Why not research your Shipper's and Consignee's, if you haven't seen their names before? It only takes a few minutes.

Like EvonikDegussa; http://www.degussa.com/degussa/en/


You can save yourself a few headaches that way. I know I do it as much as possible...even goggleing facilities to see what they look like on satellite.

Longisland much fun! :lol: Actually, I delivered out there not long ago, and it really wasn't too bad.... :D

Stan... You guys ready for Ike? I'll be thinking about you. He just missed us when he turned toward TX... :shock:

As ready as anyone can be I guess! Have the boards up on all the windows that might see wind...have the bag packed and ready to toss into the durango..and will disconnect the puter early am.

They are predicting 8 foot of water here at the house. :shock: I hope it does not come to fruition...but am taking what I can save with me. The rest...have photographed and video'ed. Gonna run to Lafayette..may move on to Jackson MS. LOL...Closest available motel room! Thought about San Antonio..but man..tomorrow I-10 & I-45 are gonna be BAD!!!!

Ive been to Springfield, MA twice. Last time I was stuck there 3 hours waiting for a wheel seal to be replaced on own ancient tri-axle. The pic of the roll over was pretty intense. Nothing spilled, but it was crushed. Guess he had a bunch of fines accompaning the roll over. $2000 for rolling along with fines for log book being over a day behind...

PS Schooling is September 22nd-26th WOOT!

Don't be late and turn your cell off. Those will get you terminated.

Jack and Mike are two characters. Don't take anything they say personally. They keep the class interesting 8)

Well hopefully I can get a run down there around that time so they can buy me lunch on the 25th. For some reason Kingsport seems to be my last stop on the way back to the North East. I just missed the last class. Hope torun into you out there, B.O.L.

Hey ya'll been a while since i have been on here, i see a lot of new names, just thought i would drop a dime to say HI, cyanide what's shaking man, i guess you were rite about Bynum, i did wade through it for 8 months with them, that was about all i could stand. any way hope you all are doing well drop later, peace.

Degussa Engineered Carbons, LP
11135 State Route 7
Belpre
Ohio 45714-9496
USA


Ever been to that one Stanley?? :lol:

Weasle wrote:Doing the same ol' same ol', about to get back to work in a few days once I get everything straightened out. Been having a blast.......LITERALLY!!! More about that later :lol:

Sorry to hear about Bynum, but yes, was expecting that axe to drop sometime sooner or later. I only know two drivers who have stayed with either Bynum, Indian River, or Oakley more than a year; one was with Oakley almost eleven years, then with Indian River for almost two years, Aartman (FL) for one year, then Bynum one year before following me over here to Superior a month after I came aboard. The other has been at Bynum about nine years now. He's single and no family commitments to speak of and works the system to his advantage. He's happy, and quite frankly is very adamant that he's too old to go somewhere else and have to learn a whole new system. It works for him, but everyone else I know or know of who has been at one of those three has eventually gotten fed up with the b.s. and moved on, myself included :wink:

Y'all be safe and have fun; more later on.

:D

No...but I bet it looks just as nasty as the plant right here in Orange!! :lol: :lol:

Stan we used to play on the railroad tracks outside of that plant. That carbon dust would get in your face and make you look like you had on mascara for a week..............

Hmmmmmmmmm playing on railroad tracks, in carbon dust, maybe there is an explanation for Belpre's "issues." :lol:

Either that or wanting mascara on your face.... :shock:

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: 8) :wink:

Hey Weasle,
How's it going? When you have time, if you wouldn't mind, could you tell us exactly what changed/went wrong at Bynum?
Thanks.

Actually.... I think the pertinent question would be: "What went RIGHT with Bynum?" :P 8)

As ready as anyone can be I guess! Have the boards up on all the windows that might see wind...have the bag packed and ready to toss into the durango..and will disconnect the puter early am.

They are predicting 8 foot of water here at the house. :shock: I hope it does not come to fruition...but am taking what I can save with me. The rest...have photographed and video'ed. Gonna run to Lafayette..may move on to Jackson MS. LOL...Closest available motel room! Thought about San Antonio..but man..tomorrow I-10 & I-45 are gonna be BAD!!!![/quote]

Stan.... Just wanted to let you know that I hope you came out of it OK!! I was thinking about you and some others I know out in that part of the country. Let us know how you are....OK?

hey rob...info is on the link.............. 8)

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=35513

Hows the school going. I stopped by yesterday 09/24. Stopped up and saw Mike, you guys were still in class. I was hoping to bring my dirty tank back to Kingsport for the free lunch but going further south to Alabama then take the load to Lincoln Maine. Maybe I'll see you on the way back. They normally have me drop the tank at your terminal. Look for truck 3320.

Stan.... Just wanted to let you know that I hope you came out of it OK!! I was thinking about you and some others I know out in that part of the country. Let us know how you are....OK?[/quote]


I faired pretty darned good Rob! Thanks! The truck came out ok too. Power pole on the corner of the lot was snapped in half but luckily didn't land on it! Was able to get the ride off the lot last Monday and did a quick 3 load run. Sitting at home now, waiting for a load..Maybe saturday. Maybe out of Houston...maybe out of NOLA area..maybe..maybe..maybe.

Hey my man, were we in class? I saw a few people but never really introduced myself. If you were I was the guy always wearing a black hoodie. Im from Maine and still wear a hoodie in 80* weather lol. I go to Lincoln often. I have NO idea what is happeing. Ill talk to dispatch sunday. School is done and I think my training time is fulfilled, guess its up to my trainers for final approval. I dont have a truck yet either.

Class was amazing, learned A LOT. It was a great experiance. Had one guy in class though, wouldnt stop running his mouth. Know-it-all loud mouth, and 85% Jack or Mike proved him wrong lol. Those two guys are AMAZING, this company is lucky to have them. I have so much on the mind but cant get it all out I guess.

My motel room smelled like a morgue. Nasty. But could of been worse for sure. Anyone ever frequent The Mouse's Ear? If not I highly recommend it :P :twisted:

Edit, I relized you said we were in class but did you come in?

PS If any Superior driver here meets me come out and say your on here. Like I said I dont have a truck number yet but Ill post it when I do.

Tell the truth now...Your still SLACKING!!!

I'm loading friday out of Clifton NJ for Sauget IL. :D:D:p

What, me slacking? NEVER :P
 

What, me slacking??? Never! I'm a hard-working man Stan!!! You know that, as well as Maniac, Skywalker, Mike, Harleypiper, etc...... ROFLMAO

Deleted and reposted.....
 

Hey everyone, wanted to get back on here and say hello and that I hope everybody's doing well. I've had some major stuff happen in the last month and wanted to update y'all on what's been going on. As usual I returned to work off of a nice, long, fun-filled adventure of a vacation at the end of August and got back into my normal Indiana to Alabama and back turn, with a Colorado load thrown in for the first three weeks back. Then, I decided to take one of the loads we run every now and then to North Dakota for a change of pace. Well, for some reason something just did not feel right from the moment I picked up the load and as we always hear in the Star Wars series, "I've got a bad feeling about this!".

I drove out to Devils Lake, ND.....was to unload here, but due to a mis-communication between the shipper and the customer (filtered to dispatch), the necessary unloading equipment was not listed so had to take a trip to pick up one extra fitting. Over to Minot, ND I go when BOOM! My truck's crankshaft broke, and luckily as I was just coming out of an active construction zone and into town so I was able to get off onto the shoulder. Long story short, the engine was done for, and I was not gonna dump $12,000+ into rebuilding it or buying a recon motor at the Cummins dealer. So, I ended up selling the truck (it had been paid off already earlier), renting a van and coming back home. So in the end I made the revenue and FSC for that load, as well as making a little bit more off of the truck, in addition to other savings I had set aside from the earlier months. It wasn't the magic six month figure, but had I wanted to I could've taken off quite a while. But, I'm not the type of person who's gonna sit on my azz, especially not with another vacation coming up! So, after a few days off to get my bearings straight I jumped right back into a company truck for the time being and picked up right where I left off at! I ran for a couple more weeks, took a few more days off with my son in FL last week, and now am about to head out again for about three more weeks before taking off around Halloween again.

Week 34
-Westville, IN (hook preloaded tank)
-Westville, IN to Huntsville, AL (customer unload)
-Huntsville, AL to Valparaiso, IN (drop dirty tank, hook preloaded tank)
-----Valpo, IN to Elizabeth, CO (driver unload w/truck pump)
-----Elizabeth, CO to Westville, IN (drop dirty tank, pump flush)
Gross: $4,764.37
Miles: 3,389
Avg.: $1.405/mile

Week 35
-Westville, IN (hook preloaded tank)
-Westville, IN to Huntsville, AL (customer unload)
-Huntsville, AL to Valparaiso, IN (drop dirty tank, hook preloaded tank)
Gross: $1,488.58
Miles: 1,186
Avg.: $1.255/mile

Week 36
-Valparaiso, IN to Huntsville, AL (customer unload)
-Huntsville, AL to Valparaiso, IN (drop dirty tank)
-----Valpo, IN to Markham, IL (hook clean tank)
-----Markham, IL to Chicago, IL (live load)
-----Chicago, IL to Muskegon, MI (customer unload)
-----Muskegon, MI to Markham, IL (drop dirty tank)
-Markham, IL to Valparaiso, IN (hook preloaded tank)
-Valpo, IN to Huntsville, AL (customer unload)
-Huntsville, AL to Valpo, IN (drop dirty tank)
Gross: $3,784.49
Miles: 2,694
Avg.: $1.404

Week 37 THE WEEK THINGS CHANGED
-Valparaiso, IN (hook preloaded tank)
-Valpo, IN to Devils Lake, ND
-----Devils Lake, ND to Minot, ND
Gross: $1,785.19
Miles: 1,003
Avg.: $1.779/mile

Superior Carriers (Dedicated Account), Independent Contractor Totals, Jan. 01 to Sept. 14, 2008
Gross: $109,497.97
Hub Miles: 81,051 ($1.35/mile avg.)
Loaded Miles: 43,626 (54%)
Empty Miles: 37,425 (46%)
Fuel Used: 12,881 gallons (6.292 mpg avg.)
Fuel Costs: $49,998 ($3.881/gallon avg.)
Fixed Costs: $18,870
Total Costs: $68,868
Taxable Net: $40,630 (.501/mile avg.)
Days Working: 156 (60%)
Days Off: 102 (40%)

Superior Carriers (Dedicated Account), Independent Contractor Totals, from Oct.07, 2007 to Sept. 14, 2008
Gross: $141,303.69
Hub Miles: 108,735 ($1.299/mile avg.)
Loaded Miles: 58,443 (54%)
Empty Miles: 50,292 (46%)
Fuel Used: 17,437 gallons (6.235 mpg)
Fuel Costs: $66,746 ($3.827/gallon avg.)
Fixed Costs: $23,779
Total Costs: $90,525
Taxable Net: $50,779 (.466/mile avg.)
Days Working: 208 (60%)
Days Off: 133 (40%)

Now let's pick up where we left off at (yep, still running the same route btw). For my weekly stats I'm just gonna simplify things and keep track of the gross income, hub miles vs. paid miles, paid hours, time working, and time off (as before). As for the yearly totals I'll combine the previous stats of my taxable net as an I/C with my company driver numbers. Away we go...

Week 38
Gross: $783.63
Hub Miles: 1,811 (.432/mile).....Paid miles: 1,670 (.469/mile)
Paid Hours: 8.00

Week 39
Gross: $1,233.51
Hub Miles: 2,830 (.435/mile).....Paid miles: 2,776 (.444/mile)
Paid Hours: 10.75

Superior Carriers Totals, Jan. 01 to Sept. 28, 2008
Gross: $42,647.14
Hub Miles: 85,692
Average: .497/mile
Paid Hours: 18.75
Days Working: 166 (61%)
Days Off: 106 (39%)

Y'all be safe and take care, more later........

Stanley, I had a conversation with a BP driver last night at the BP Indy-Tibbs Ave.terminal.
They're out-date is around 15 November. He has 18.5 years of service in and told me about his severance. You are my new best friend OTX!:D