I'm so nervous!

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Amyy, Oct 31, 2009.

  1. Amyy

    Amyy Bobtail Member

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    Sep 1, 2009
    Florida
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    Today is the day that I make the move from florida to kentucky. I rented a 16ft budget truck, which I know is tiny for you truckers, but I've never driven anything bigger than a pickup. I have to make the trip without any prolonged stops because I have a company shipping my 3 horses at the same time, and I want to get to kentucky either before, or at the same time as them.
    Some things I am worried about:
    Weigh stations - I don't think I have to go through them but couldn't find a definite answer anywhere.
    Gassing up - the truck is gas, not diesel, so does that mean I just gas up in the same place as the 4 wheelers? Or is there usually a pump with gas for truckers?
    Clearance - especially when gassing up, how do I know if the roof is high enough?
    I know probably every roof will be high enough and I'm just being irrational about everything. I've never even driven further than about 70 miles lol. I also have to drive through the night, I will probably be leaving around 5pm. Any advice? Or just tell me something to calm my nerves!
     
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  3. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    you need to stop at the agriculture station in florida. Also Budget should have told you to stop at the scales if they're open. Fuel where the cars do. Almost every station has good clearence- there are marked. Stay in the right hand lane as much as possible. Take the loop around Atlanta I-285. CCAAALLLLLLLLMMMMMMM DOWN.

    I assume you have all the paperwork, shots etc for the horses????
    When you look in the mirror on yhe truck, you height should be posted....
    Take the bypass around Macon.
    Follow the guy with your horses, hopefully he knows where to go, and where to stop.
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  4. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Oct 25, 2009
    Lynchburg,Tn
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    Yes to the Ag station.Don't bother with the scales unless you are conducting commerce with the move.If ya do follow the truck with your horses you should be fine.Driving at night for those who have never done it is a risky venture IMO.Get plenty of rest before attempting it and at the first sign of sleepiness get a room.

    Better to be late getting the horses,than not getting there at all.Not everyone can drive through the night.It is more than just a matter of "staying up",you are still needing accurate control and reflexes.

    Avoid Atlanta anywhere near regular business hours (600-1900 hrs) traffic there is a different world.Good luck.
     
  5. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Bull oney. Scales ARE mandatory !!!! Check with any truck rental location. They will only give a green light 99% of the time. I learned this the HARD way...
     
  6. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Lynchburg,Tn
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    Ok stop.But could you please give me the code violation you were cited for.I am curious as there is no such law on the federal books that I am aware of and would love proof.Also which state you "learned" this in so I may research their codes as well.
     
    bulldozerbert Thanks this.
  7. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    I am the guy that transfers these rental trucks between locations. At the rental stores they have a sign posted stating to stop at scales. They also have it printed on the agreement. I was stopped in florida, the first time I past the scale in wildwood. I received a verbal warning from the DOT officier. I do Not know the violation code. Thats all I know !!!!!
     
  8. Wiseguywireless

    Wiseguywireless Road Train Member

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    Dec 21, 2007
    Petoskey, MI
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    Some scales say all trucks over XXXX Weight. Just depends on the State Scale. Driving at night in Rain can be nerve wrecking, Do not drive tense if you can help it. Relax and realize that in that big truck you have a better view and for the most part you are safer.
     
    jtrnr1951 Thanks this.
  9. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Yes sir,
    A simple google search will end this conversation. ALL rental trucks are TECHNICALLY commercial vehicles. Therefore MUST comply with DOT crapola. To be in compliance, stop if scale signs so advise.
     
  10. Tazz

    Tazz Road Train Member

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    Lynchburg,Tn
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    Flawed logic but I'll let it pass.By your definition every pick up truck with tools in it should stop.Service trucks (TA,Petro,J-Care),construction workers,lawn care,pest control.........

    By all means stop.I care not.It is not required.And until some one shows me the LAW that states that it is I stand by my statement google not withstanding.
     
  11. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Coopsareopen dot com will explain it all
    Thank You..........
     
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