CDL in hand... Now What ? Decision time, that's what...

When you get to a shipper or consignee that has a lot of flatbed traffic, there will typically be broken bungees and other useful "trash" laying around. Pick up the bungees that have hooks still on them and save for when you have some spare time. Use vise grips to uncurl the closed end of the hook to make an "S" shape.



These can be used to help organize the hanging chains. Hang one chain hook on the rack, hang the other chain hook on the chain, then hang the middle of the chain up near the chain hooks using the S-hook. This will keep the excess chain from forming unmanageable piles in the bottom of the locker.

 

If the trailer-mounted strap winches get too close to the tires, or if you want to keep them from rattling while going down a bumpy road, use a bungee to secure them in groups of 3 or 4.

 

Each aluminum coil was approximately 23000 pounds.

 

Delivered the coil to the auto factory first thing this morning. Nice people there, easy unload. Then back to Ghent, KY for some more stainless coils going to Kenosha, WI. Haven't we been down this road before? Yes we have and that makes it so much easier the second time. Had everything secured and tarped in less than half the time as the first run. Now in Gary and will depart early tomorrow morning. I think I saw some of my tire grooves on I-65...

 

Today I was able to experience both the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic scene along I-94 in Chicago. What a complete and utter mess. At least I got some more shifting practice (grasps at straws to find a silver lining).

Anyway, left Gary early and made it to the stainless steel coil consignee in Kenosha, WI 15 minutes early. Was unloaded and out of there fairly quickly, as there was only one truck ahead of me.

Then got the assignment to pick up some slinkys in Saukville, WI. This is the place where I delivered some hardwood dunnage before, so at least I knew how to get there. Got there at noon for a 14:00 appointment and they were busy so I did not get in early. Got secured and just made it back to Gary with about 30 minutes to spare on my 14 hour clock. I really thought I was not going to make it this time as the traffic was even worse than last Friday afternoon. But I did and am now staged to do a morning run to Rising Sun, OH, not too far from Toledo. Got a shower and borrowed the company car to stock up on a few groceries.

Here are some shots of the slinkys while parked at the Gary terminal fuel island.





There are 11 coils at a total net weight of just over 48000 pounds. The front and back coil each have a strap wrapped around the top and the rest of the straps are pulling everything toward the middle of the trailer (lengthwise). The twist in the strap is there on purpose to "foil" the wind and prevent a harmonic vibration, which you may have seen on other trucks going down the highway. The longer the free length between points of contact, the easier it is for the vibration to occur, which can cause unnecessary wear on the straps. This is a sailboat trick I learned long ago and works the same way to keep bimini top support straps from vibrating and making unpleasant noises.

Stay safe and have fun.

Perpetual.

 

Yes that was the approximate time. I'll pm you my truck # for next time.

As for the over the top strap, I was told that was the way our company wanted it done. Theorhetically I guess the strands of the coil would stay together more, although they are banded and unlikely to separate... But hey since you're a trainer, I'll take your advice to heart. Thanks