My truck and trailer is too Long per DOT

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by trucker_lady80, Sep 8, 2020.

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  1. trucker_lady80

    trucker_lady80 Bobtail Member

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    Hello all,

    Need your help please.

    My driver gets pulled over today by the DOT sheriff driving from Texas to Louisiana delivery a load.

    The sheriff stops him and gives him a warning stating my truck (2020 3500 Dully) and trailer (Big Tex 40ft goosneck) exceeds the 65ft total length.

    He measured 66ft, so I was received a warning because I was 1 ft over the state limit.

    Is there anyway I can reduce the length so I am within 65ft limits?

    Thank you so much.
     
    trucker_lady80, Sep 8, 2020
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  2. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Was your truck on a length restricted route by chance?
     
    Roberts450, Sep 8, 2020
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    Suspect Zero Thanks this.
  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You cannot adjust the gooseneck that I'm aware of without re-positioning it. Drill new holes etc. Is he carrying cars ? For now, stay on Interstate roads which are legal. And also, he probably won't get stopped for quite awhile for the same violation. That cop has a pretty good eye to suspect him being over length by a ft.
     
    Allow Me., Sep 8, 2020
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    Suspect Zero and trucker_lady80 Thank this.
  4. trucker_lady80

    trucker_lady80 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you Roberts450,

    No, I was not on a length restricted route.

    How can I check length restricted route before I book the load and start driving?

    Thanks,
     
    trucker_lady80, Sep 8, 2020
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  5. trucker_lady80

    trucker_lady80 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you Allow Me,

    no he is not carry cars, just regular pipes, etc.

    TxDMV.GOV - Texas Size / Weight Limits

    After some research, I am not following the law

    So if I am driving the interstate hwy, I am ok to drive longer than 65.

    Thanks,
     
    trucker_lady80, Sep 8, 2020
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  6. Jonrulerofearth

    Jonrulerofearth Light Load Member

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    A trucker map book for starters and NO car gps and route planning before he leaves. Good luck
     
    Jonrulerofearth, Sep 8, 2020
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    trucker_lady80 Thanks this.
  7. trucker_lady80

    trucker_lady80 Bobtail Member

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    Hello Jonrulerofearth,

    Thank you for the response sir,

    Can you please explain a bit further please?

    How will a trucker map book help me?

    What do you mean by "NO car gps and route planning before he leaves"?

    Thank you,
     
    trucker_lady80, Sep 8, 2020
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  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    This can get a little fuzzy. Your length limit is good on any interstate hwy. But when you get on "state routes" or county roads, it can be a different beast. Also, road restrictions can be brought by the local county (weight limit, length limit, hours of operation etc) Weight because of minimal road surface or frost heave in the winter months. Or length because of some tight turns or switchback roads where the truck will collide with 4 wheelers in a tight turn. I'm sure you've seen signs saying "truck route 9am-6pm" . Parking is another problem, especially when there are no signs but the rule is on the books. I've been told to move or get a ticket, but there were no signs posted. Or how about when AFTER you've made your turn there's a sign stating "NO TRUCKS".
     
    Allow Me., Sep 8, 2020
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    Sirscrapntruckalot, Studebaker Hawk and Lonesome Thank this.
  9. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    062, Sep 8, 2020
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  10. Jonrulerofearth

    Jonrulerofearth Light Load Member

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    A map book for commercial vehicles shows which routes for them to take. The roads are colored differently, in the front of the book it will show which roads are acceptable for commercial vehicles in each state and city.
    If using a car gps, it will put the vehicle on routes that are not suitable for commercial traffic. Commercial GPS's and car GPS's are two different beasts.
    Good luck
     
    Jonrulerofearth, Sep 8, 2020
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