Save Yourself A Hassle: Read This.

[LeeNH]

The 'old days' of trucking, and the 'old style' truckers are no longer a true comparison to todays drivers for the most part... in the 60's up until the early-mid '80s truckers were very unsafe... . speeding, unsafe/overweight loads, awake for way too many ours, amped up on whatever they were on.

Thanks in part to CDL licensing, safety inspections and alike, things have turned around for the better, but no matter what, you will still have a few reckless ones out there.

Like I said, you don't here about the good drivers (I have over 700,000 miles since my last accident). But thanks to modern news cast, satalite transmissions, ect. you here about a truck accident 2000 miles away on the news, like it happened right down the road.

My opinion of todays 'safety' inpections is that they have become more like 'income generators' than a safety concern.

My state (New Hampshire) recieved a Federal grant, I don't remember the amount, but it was BIG money. The money was to be used to upgrade roads and bridges. In order to get this money, they had to implement a road safety program which included the hiring of 40 new DOT safety inspectors.

These guys are everywhere now... . the toll boths, the rest areas, public parking lots, they will pull you out of traffic randomly sometimes for inspection... . New Hampshires plates say "Live free or Die". I beleive they are killing us slow enough so we don't notice.

If they want it to be safety, they should inspect your truck and give you time to correct it before they impose a fine.



OK, someone get this soap box out of here!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I certainly agree on the RV drivers issue - a 75 year-old guy or gal who simply has the $$$ shouldn't be turned loose in a $500,000 35 foot MH just because he/she has the price - my 90 year old dad wants me to look for a camper for his pickup so he can do a little more traveling before his "last" trip... Sorry dad, you don't BELONG on the road, and YOUR last trip too easily might make it the same for someone you take WITH you!...

 

[barkerdl]

Interesting Observations from Trip

I just made a 2274 mile trip, most of it thru California. Here are some observations I made: 1) Most of the weigh stations were closed over the Memorial Day holidays, 2) There is a 55 MPH speed limit for RVs and Trucks in CA, but while I observed 8 RVs stopped and one pickup pulling a boat - there were no truckers pulled over even though most were running past me at 75-80 MPH. One CHP followed me (I'm pulling a fifth-wheel) for miles at 55 on cruise control while truckers blew past us, 3) I observed 10-15 autos pulled over - all with non- California plates.



No opinions, just observations! Sample is too small to be statistically significant.



Any opinions?



Dennis

 

[dpuckett]

I think CA's law about trailers having to stay in the right lanes and go only 55 is a bigger hazard than if they were allowed to run the speed liimit with 4 wheelers. You have someone in a 1/2T gasser pulling a load that slows everyone down to 45mph up a hill, and no one can pass him. It backs traffic up for miles. If you could pass in your RV, stock trailer, semi, what have you, then traffic would flow a little smoother.



My father refuses to stop in IL for that very reason (speed difference). He fills up in StL, and makes it to his destination adn back to StL on a fill up, even though fuel is frequently cheaper in IL than MO.

 

[guava]

My rambling 2 cents worth:



The are extremely poor drivers of commercial rigs and private cars. Thats just a given. Personally, I'd rather remove the entire 55 ALIVE crowd but thats just me.



Some simple truths:



Commercial trucks are not voting citizens and therefore our fine legislators can enact laws to tax businesses (commercial trucks) without offending the voting public. Fees, permits, inspections... the list goes on and on. Why isn't it the same for all vehicles. How many people are killed each year by a commercial truck vs. DWI driver?



I've been in several training/briefing seminars on the enforcement side of commercial vehicle inspections and they ALL have said two things. Inspections are for safety. Do the inspections to raise money! Commercial violations are HUGE money makers.



john

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Originally posted by LeeNH

The 'old days' of trucking, and the 'old style' truckers are no longer a true comparison to todays drivers for the most part... in the 60's up until the early-mid '80s truckers were very unsafe... . speeding, unsafe/overweight loads, awake for way too many ours, amped up on whatever they were on.

Thanks in part to CDL licensing, safety inspections and alike, things have turned around for the better, but no matter what, you will still have a few reckless ones out there.

Like I said, you don't here about the good drivers (I have over 700,000 miles since my last accident). But thanks to modern news cast, satalite transmissions, ect. you here about a truck accident 2000 miles away on the news, like it happened right down the road.

My opinion of todays 'safety' inpections is that they have become more like 'income generators' than a safety concern.

My state (New Hampshire) recieved a Federal grant, I don't remember the amount, but it was BIG money. The money was to be used to upgrade roads and bridges. In order to get this money, they had to implement a road safety program which included the hiring of 40 new DOT safety inspectors.

These guys are everywhere now... . the toll boths, the rest areas, public parking lots, they will pull you out of traffic randomly sometimes for inspection... . New Hampshires plates say "Live free or Die". I beleive they are killing us slow enough so we don't notice.

If they want it to be safety, they should inspect your truck and give you time to correct it before they impose a fine.



OK, someone get this soap box out of here!

Question there Lee.



What if your GVW is 10,000, but your GCW is say... 20,000?



Can you drive all day 24/7 without keeping a log?

 

[LeeNH]

The federal DOT CDL book says that you have to use a log for ANY vehicle used for the furtherance of a business. Thats why they are now nailing the guys hauling there cars to the track on the weekends, bacause if they win money, its condidered a business and therefore subject to DOT rules.



Obviously it would be over 10KGCVW, but they useally won't bother with anything under 10kGCVW.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

I know the biggest problem I saw on the trip home from Muncie was ..... cell phones. I saw more people talking on the cell phone going 55-60 in the hammer lane, backing traffic up because they cant talk and drive responsibly at the same time. I even saw one guy reading the newspaper at 65 mph. Its people like this that need to be targeted. Most if not all the truckers I saw looked/ appeared to be allright for load security.

The only complaints I have against the truckers are their driving 75mph in a white out ( snow storm and you CANT see the road ) and when they blow a tire on the trailer, they just keep going as they are not the ones that have to run over the steel shards that are left all over the place on the road. I think they should be required to stop and pick up every little piece of tire and steel from the last 3 miles of road for not pulling over and fixing it. I have also seen where they just keep going after a tire blows as there wasn't even a tire on the rim.



If commonsense were applied, maybe things would be better for all.

 

[Sherman]

Re: I'll step up on the box, now......

Originally posted by dpuckett

i couldnt agree with you more, LeeNH. It is absolutely STUPID how much "regular" people get away with. They can speed, tailgate, pull a 25ft TT with a Ranger or 1/2T pickup (often with no lights, and definitely no brakes), dont have to get their brakes and other safety systems inspected at all (you mention your state inspections- how many of them are worth the time they take? Most here in MO just walk around, honk the horn and check the lights, and give you your sticker). I'l tell you what the problem is- cops who have no power in ANY area of their personal lives, all of a sudden given the authroity to shut the big guys down for days on end for no other reason than that they can. There is no system of checks and balances. Oh, yeah, judges. Plead your case, and His Honor will see the light. BS- money has to change hands for that to happen. Bsides, what about the time lost in court, and being shut down? HTere is no means to make up the lost time and profit to you. AND I absolutely HATE the cops who tell us to drive safely, when they run with no headlights in a grey patrol car on a cloudy day, going 35 over the limit (remember, they've been TRAINED to drive their cars, they are above the LAW), and not leaving enough space between them and you to fit a Harley sideways between the two of you. But having that badge gives them some unseen ability.



And you farmers can pipe down right now. You get away with more s*!T than you need to. You can be a certain amount overweight hauling grain from the farm, dont have to have your DOT inspections like the regular truckers. Heck the lights on half the trailers around here dont work, along with the brakes, bald tires, etc, etc. All because you "feed the world" you think you should be above the law, same as the cops and judges. Well, if if you cant afford to keep your trucks and equipment safe, maybe you should try another line of work.



And Mrs Public, learn to drive first, THEN get a full size SUV. Of course, if you have no one to teach you how, how the heck are you supposed to learn? Driver's ed is a crock and bigger waste of time than shopping. Why the heck should you NEED a rear camera on your Escalade? if you were a decent driver, you'd KNOW where your vehicle was, and thus not need it. Then after learning to drive, you can put down the cell phone, skip the Big Mac (you dont need it, anyway- you're fat enough), and exercise some discipline with your little prom night accident, so he wont yell, cry, scream and distract you from keeping your $40K bucket-o-bolts in your lane and out of my tailgate.



I am by no means against running safely, but if you have maintenance logs, or reports where you passed an inspection in the last week or so, you should be allowed to go free. I have yet to be pulled over, but I fear the day I do; someone may not survive... ... . esp if he is a typically rude swampeastern redneck.



Passing the box to someone else.



Daniel

I haul horses and am in the state inspection stations 2-3 times a week,your paper work had better be correct or you are done,about 1-2 times a month your rig is inspected,everything had better be good or you are done,I know this because I'm in all the time,I have had no citations because I don't give them a reason to go after me. Now when it comes to women drivers i get real nervous,most of have no idea how much distance we need to slow or stop when they consistently pull in front of you,I would be a very wealthy man if I got a dime for every time a woman pulled out in front AND I had to do the O *****<WHERE DO I GO NOW . For what it's worth!! I pass the box.

 

[LeeNH]

GET-R:

Common who?

I would be happy if some/most people had any sense at some point. I went to driving school when I was a kid (mainly for the insurance break), but I think it chould be mandatory for all new drivers to take a lengthy coarse, included with that coarse should be instruction on how to drive around trucks, and the space they need along with there impaired abilty to see you. Might as well throw in some motorcycle courtesy in that class as well, almost every rider I know has had someone pull out in front of a bike because they were not looking good enough. I don't even ride now unless its on back roads..... I'd rather hit a moose than have a car hit me! No comment on the a holes riding the jap rockets at 120 on the highway!



You want to talk about people doing things while driving, well I got a few for ya... I always think I have seen it all until:

-Guy driving an old full size station wagon with over 20 bundles of ashpalt shingles spread on the roof... . what does that weigh??

-A 1970's Caddilac towing a camper..... OK, let me clarify: a FIFTH WHEEL camper, the trunk lid was gone, and he had a fifth wheel mounted in the trunk.

-A guy in a compact car cruising down the highway in the hammer lane EATING SPAGETTI.

-Theres always a guy with a $20k Harley going down the road at 75 mph on a $200 trailer with 8" wheels, that kills me.

-no danger, but weird, was the 'mobile taxidermy shop' I saw on I80 in OH, a mobile home set up for stuffing animals, he had the outside of the coach 'decorated' with his handy work.





-

 

[RHARVEY]

We pull a 30' 5th on an average of once a month. During those trips we see some of the dumbest drives that we normally dont see when running empty.

One event that I remember very clearly that still does not make any sense. There is a 2 mile long 6% grade that we pull coming home from the coast. For a long time this stretch of road was under construction. Lanes were narrowed so much that it was nearly impossible to use the fast lane. This trip we were headed up hill with a full head of steam in the fast lane @ 55 mph with our trailer in tow. When 'barbi' in the slow lane decided that she didnt want to run there anymore nearly took the front bumper off. There was no reason for her to change lanes. I was not holding up traffic. . I was actually leading the pack of rv'ers up the hill but she needed a change. She was so close I could not see her tail lights when she came over. You know what it feels like to slide truck and trailer up hill. . well I found out...

I also have a friend that drives a 97 Peterbilt for a living. My son and I have been with him and seen how he drives. . and handles his rig. Also how he takes the extra time to make sure his load is strapped down and is solid. He said its not worth the extra time you gain by not taking the time to make sure the load is safe and secure. .

He learned it all from his dad and he will tell you the same thing. .



Rick

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Originally posted by LeeNH

The federal DOT CDL book says that you have to use a log for ANY vehicle used for the furtherance of a business. Thats why they are now nailing the guys hauling there cars to the track on the weekends, bacause if they win money, its condidered a business and therefore subject to DOT rules.

What I meant was an HOS log book, not a pre-trip inspection log book.



Is this new because when I worked for FedEx in 2003 it was only if your GVW was over 10,000, i. e. 10,001 and up.



I was curious because the rules are very specific saying that an HOS log is required if over 10,000 GVW... . doesn't say anything about GCW. Which means in my interpretation means with a 7000# Dodge pick up and a 12000# trailer as long as the GVW is under 10000#, that you could drive as much as you want, sleep in your truck, etc. and the DOT couldn't write you up for hours violations. Not saying it's a good idea or that I'm necessarily correct, which is why I was asking



You're still subject to USDOT #, ICC MC, DOT inspection, DOT medical card, etc.

 

[LeeNH]

I don't know what a HOS book is, fill me in?

A few local guys have sold there duallys and gone to 3/4 now.

I have a local DOT cop as a customer, he bought a trailer a few weeks ago, and he was the one who told me about the 10K GCVW, he was here about an hour BS'n. I learned a few things... He is retiring in a couple months, he is 46, after 25yrs of service check out what he gets:



66% of his current income for the rest of his life

Health insurance for his family for the rest of his life

A one time check for $18,000



I don't know what he earns now on the job, but all that retirement plan needs to be funded by someone, and yes..... thats US.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Originally posted by LeeNH

I don't know what a HOS book is, fill me in?

A few local guys have sold there duallys and gone to 3/4 now.

I have a local DOT cop as a customer, he bought a trailer a few weeks ago, and he was the one who told me about the 10K GCVW, he was here about an hour BS'n. I learned a few things... He is retiring in a couple months, he is 46, after 25yrs of service check out what he gets:



66% of his current income for the rest of his life

Health insurance for his family for the rest of his life

A one time check for $18,000



I don't know what he earns now on the job, but all that retirement plan needs to be funded by someone, and yes..... thats US.

Sorry Hours of Service. I was too lazy to type that out



The "little green book" says you need to keep a log book and obide by the hours of service rules if your GVW is over 10,000.



I'm just curious if you will honestly NOT get harassed if your "GVW" is technically 10,000, but your GCW is say 19K.



Say 7K truck, 12K trailer with 3K pin weight.



The rule is 10K GVW though, not 10K GCW, I haven't found anything about GCW except for the 26,000# where you need a CDL over that.



(Trying to make sense... )

 

[LeeNH]

OK, I still am not sure what you mean... . I have only seen one kind of log book, it has hours on duty, off duty, driving and sleeper birth.



Maybe we are on different pages here... . You need a CDL license if you are 26,001 GCVW or over. However you are subject to DOT reg. s if you are using any vehicle for business purose, or generating income in any way. If you are over 10k GCVW you (at least in this state) need to have you name on the side, legable from 50ft away, you must keep a log, med card, flares, fire ext. , ect.



Being 19k GCVW means you do not need a CDL, unless you have air brakes (air over hydraulic, no CDL), but you are suppose to pull into weigh stations, ect... . I have been bagged for that before... I have learned the hard way.

Are we on the same page now?



Lee

 

[LeeNH]

I should add also: You do not need a log book in any vehicle if you are within 100 air miles of your terminal (place of business), unless you cross state lines.

And, it was news to me about the Gross Combined 10k deal, but thats what the DOT guy told me, he's pretty sraight up, and I see guys getting pulled over all the time... . the viynl sign guy is making money off it at least!

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by LeeNH

I should add also: You do not need a log book in any vehicle if you are within 100 air miles of your terminal (place of business), unless you cross state lines.

If you are subject to intra or interstate commerce rules such that a log is required then this is how it works for under 100 miles or 12 hours of total on duty time. Your company must document your time on/off duty. Not sure about your activities during your tour of duty law wise but I document my deliveries/pickups on a handheld computer. If you run over the 100 mile radius or 12 hours and beyond then you must complete a daily log. That's where the printout from the handheld is "handy". The same rules do apply such as 11 hours driving, 14 total on duty, etc. Our area does cross state lines too by the way. We need not log for interstate unless we exceed the 100 mile/12 hour law. We are allowed to generalize our activities to limit the clutter on the log sheet that say ten or twenty stops would generate.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Well I don't know about state to state, but the FMCSA says it's 10,000 GVW, not GCW. Big difference. This is what I'm trying to dig at though to confirm.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by PatrickCampbell

Well I don't know about state to state, but the FMCSA says it's 10,000 GVW, not GCW. Big difference. This is what I'm trying to dig at though to confirm.

Each state is "encouraged" to enact laws that are compatible with the federal standards. The fed insures this by dangeling the big carrot, ie; money for highway projects,etc. http://www.fmcsa. dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/355.htm

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by PatrickCampbell

Which means in my interpretation means with a 7000# Dodge pick up and a 12000# trailer as long as the GVW is under 10000#, that you could drive as much as you want, sleep in your truck, etc. and the DOT couldn't write you up for hours violations.

I don't quite see what you are implying since a 12k rated trailer is typically over 3k in dry weight.



I will tell you that DOT can ask(tell) you to disconnect your trailer and weight it without the benefit of weight transfer to the truck. See where I am going? For example, you can have a trailer licensed at 10k hooked to a truck rated say 11k. Forget the manufacturers rating for this. Okay, your combo is in because the trailer tongue has transferred some of the load to your truck. Gotcha!