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A Discussion About EVERYTHING Time For A Coffee Break. Whatever you can think of to yap about that doesn't fit in any of our other forums.

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Old 07.01.2007
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Am I a Wuss, or a Professional Driver?
OK, picture this: I'm hauling a 20' container with about 37,500 on. (Federal Bridge Law states I'm just within the weight limits for my axle spread.) Out in the middle of nowhere, I lose TWO tires(wow, like tire problems never happen with the cheapo recap tube tires they use on containers), both on the same side.

So I call our company shop. I explain the problem, and they start pushing me to keep going to the next tire shop.

GJP: Look, man, it ain't gonna happen. I've got two tires out--this ain't cool. I could probably run one flat and sweet-talk the cop, but if they find me running on two, they're going to lose any sense of humor about it.

Shop: Oh, don't worry...if they shut you down, at least you'll be closer to the shop.

GJP: Look, you're in a fantasyland if you think all they'll do is shut me down. I'll come away with a pocketful of tickets and a fine equivalent to the GDP of Bolivia. Are you going to pay the fines?

Shop: Uh...

GJP: And even if you would pay the fines, it's also a safety issue. Those last two tires are on borrowed time with that much weight on. If you think I'm putting my life and safety--let alone the lives and safety of innocent people--at risk so you can save a couple of bucks on a road service call, you'd better go take a drug test!

I got back in the game(thanks to C&S Tire--you guys rock! ) in not too long a time, but I wonder--was I just being a wuss, or did I make the right decision in not moving?
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Old 07.02.2007
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I think you did good. That puts a lot of weight on the other dual. When one goes sometimes you lose the other one. That would have been ugly beings you lost two.
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Old 07.02.2007
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My vote goes to Professional Driver.
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Old 07.02.2007
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Thank you, GJP, for not letting the shop bully you into driving an obviously unsafe vehicle. To have continued driving, you would have been playing Russian Roulette with your life and those of others, as well.

You made the right choice, and I appreciate that you did.
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Old 07.02.2007
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Absolutely the right choice. Sounds like all that dispatcher cared about was getting his load there. He wasn't concerned about your welfare or well-being.
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Old 07.02.2007
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You just didnt pick it up and carry it? Yes, you did the right thing.
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Old 07.02.2007
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You did the right thing. You are a professional driver!! If they can't keep their equipment up to snuff. Then let it cost them double or triple to have it fixed.
Safety first!!
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Old 07.02.2007
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Thanks, all!

Just to clarify--it was the shop, not dispatch, who was being pushy about it. And the can chassis aren't our company's equipment. They come from the ports after being horrendously beat on by all the local drivers in CA...and the yard dogs...and everyone else. Plus, the shipping companies use the cheapest tube-type Chinese knockoff recap tires they can get away with. So tire failures do happen, and it's not my company's fault. But I don't appreciate some dude at his desk trying to get me to run on two flats!
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Old 07.03.2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gearjammin' Penguin View Post
OK, I wonder--was I just being a wuss, or did I make the right decision in not moving?
I thought this was some kind of POLL <jk>
Of course, you did the right thing.....
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Old 07.08.2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leannamarie View Post
My vote goes to Professional Driver.
Agreed. Never second guess yourself when you err on the side of safety.
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