Help! In over my head!

yikes! sincerely... good luck.

 

HOLY POTATO CHIP! You didn't lie.... With the chaining and stuff the flatbed forum has good stuff, with the log books and that, they should have covered it in class. As for the scales, it it says OPEN, yes you must go in. Watch the road and put eyes on your mirrors every mile.

--BACKING--
G-O-A-L Get Out And Look, if you need help backing up don't be afraid to knock on some doors and explain the driver your problem.

 

for starters, calm down. u will be ok. shift the truck without the clutch; put it in gear & take off with the clutch but that's it. u will learn as u go (sometimes the best way). logs are a pain in the butt, but start off duty, do a 15 minute pre-trip (on-duty not driving aka line 4), go to driving, when u stop driving go to off duty aka line 1. fueling, show 15 minutes on line 4 for fueling along with ur location (city & state); once u get where ur going flag ur post trip & that's it. don't be afraid to ask others, especially ur boss. i got faith in u that u can do it. my prayers go out to u & ur baby with the heart condition. may God put His healing hands on him

also, as far as backing goes get someone to help u. also when driving avoid the cb & other things that could distract u, also scan ur mirrors often. if scales are open u MUST go in.

 

You're in for a long trip ! Haha, well at least you have the most important thing down and that is getting your load secured properly. You'll pick up the other stuff, don't forget to get a logbook !

 

Here's the help calvary with their useful advice!
Sure hope your trip goes well, good luck!

 

Also dont forget cant drive more than 11hrs cant work for more than 14. Every 3hrs or 150miles you have to stop and check your securement. You have to log your load checks if your on the interstate just put down the mile marker. And please remember ur longer than normal. Swing wide Chicago is not the best place to learn but youll be fine. Pay attention to clearances and if ur aloud on that road.

 

I am wondering if they gave you a road test. The company should have done that.

As to scales, once you are loaded you should go to a scale and see if your weight is okay. After that you can beat that your weight will be the same with the same stuff on it. For hen houses or the state scales, you follow the instructions. There is usually a sign that says open or closed. You do not need to pull into a closed scale house. Driving past a scale house is a $150 fine the only time I did it.

I too am from Kansas City. What company are you working at? I am home this week. If you Private Message me, I can give you my number and we can talk.

 

Come over to the flatbed forum side, we will help you out where we can.

 

Get yourself a Rand McNalley Official Motor Carrier's Road Atlas ASAP.
The first sections explain things like how to properly log, restricted routes and low underpasses, etc.
Don't leave home without it.

If you decide to make the trip, you're taking quite a chance. I understand you need the job and your kid and family need you, but one mishap could end your career before it gets started. If you're involved in a mishap, and someone is injured, or worse, as a result of your inexperience, could you handle that memory? Incarceration is another possibility, --- in another state many miles from home. Would your employer have your back, --- or throw you under the bus? They'd be on the hot seat as well for even allowing you to pull an oversize load without proper training.

When assigned a Big truck with serious mechanical problems, it's the duty of the driver to have the problems corrected before hittin' the highway. Until the problems are corrected, a driver should refuse to drive it. When the driver's lack of training and/or experience is the problem, it's no different. Refuse to drive until you're confident enough with your abilities to get-er-dun.
Bottom line, --- it's your choice.
Choose wisely.