Originally Posted by Dr. Venture

I like my job, and the 1% chance of getting caught isn't worth it to me.

Originally Posted by jlkklj777

Actually the correct breakdown for axle weights in a tractor trailer are 12000 for steers 34000 for drives and 34000 for the trailer tandem. Now there are some states that allow heavier axle weights PROVIDED you do not exceed 80000 lbs (unless you are permitted for more weight).

My question is why didn't you slide your 5th wheel? Most trucks have a sliding fth wheel which will shift the wight. In your case 13180 lbs would have required you to shift the 5th wheel backward 3 notches or holes. Each notch or hole equates to around 500 lbs. This 1500 lbs would have been transferred to your drive tires. In the event this made your drives too heavy (exceeding 34000 lbs) then you would slide your trailer tandem forward to relieve some of the weight from the drives. In the case of the trailer tandem each hole on the slide equals about 250 lbs. By sliding the trailer tandem forward (toward the truck) you shift more weight onto the trailer tandem and by sliding the trailer tandem away from the truck you put more weight on the drives.

Originally Posted by Ken Worth

That's what I thought?? Does his company train their drivers or just throw them out there and hope for the best? Now I'm afraid to drive knowing there are drivers out there who don't know how to shift a thousand pounds.

Originally Posted by Lurchgs

That's easy.. open the big doors and start dumping.

Oh. wait. That won't help the steers.

I'd normally say something here about moving your girl friend to the back, but that's mean, and I don't know you well enough to be THAT big an... jerk

but yeah,check your motor carrier's atlas for the weight limits by state. I saw a chart the other day.. some are still 12,some are 12.5,and I think I saw one or two at 14,000 (tires permitting,of course)

As for dispatch.. if you have one who understands, he's probably an ex-trucker. The good side is, he understands and can help in some situations. The bad side is, he understands and you can't BS him as easily.

Another thing....if your steers are 12,500 and you're not over gross, the scale guy is probably not going to say anything. If anyone got a ticket for 12,500 ,I'd sure like to hear about it.

My dispatcher has never seen the inside of a truck. Actually, they're referred to here as "Driver Managers". Essentially, they are the go-between between driver and logistics/Customer Service. It's a thankless job, and not all that easy. Kinda like customer service at the phone company- EVERYBODY is always mad at you.

In any event, asking any dispatcher about the truck is.. well, not worth it. If I have a problem I can't solve, I'll call breakdown. They may not be drivers, but they know which end of the truck the grease comes out of.

Originally Posted by Ken Worth

That's what I thought?? Does his company train their drivers or just throw them out there and hope for the best? Now I'm afraid to drive knowing there are drivers out there who don't know how to shift a thousand pounds.

Originally Posted by Dr. Venture

No offense, but did you actually read all the posts in the thread, or just find one to piggy back off of? I'll say it again, we don't have sliding 5th wheels and I pull spread axles; not much shifting going to happen. The problem was, this is the first time I've had a max loaded trailer and full fuel tanks since getting my APU. That weight and the set position of my 5th wheel was enough to put me over. I dropped some equipment to get me where I needed to go, then had the shop reposition the 5th wheel. I know the weight breakdown, but the 12000/34000/34000 does not apply to everybody or every state. Most allow up to 13000 on your steers if, as already stated, the tires can handle it.

Originally Posted by Dr. Venture

Again, no worries. I didn't really find all the information necessary in the original post since this was more about night dispatch than legal weights. The weight issue was more of a back story.