Donner Pass

It doesn't matter if you chain or not, someone is going to wreck on the pass and they will close it down anyway. If you decide to go over the pass, take food and drink just in case you get stuck behind the mess.

 

Chaining is easy. Have a couple pair of extra gloves, and just do it. You'll be glad you did, and it'll give you a good feeling to head up the mountain while all those solar powered drivers are sitting at the bottom waiting for the plows.

 

funny how the vets won't chain AT ALL. and scare the newbies into not driving. it's winter time. and your in the mountains. time to get the experience.

if the trip requires chains. well, that's your job. i can't imagine fed ex being very happy because there drive was told on the internet to park it. fed ex is all about on time delivery.

there's a time to park it and there's a time to drive it. just because the chain law is up. doesn't mean it's time to park it. it's only time to park when the road is closed. or iced if it's not closed.

but on the other hand. if i'm driving slow becuase of the snow. NO CHAINS. then i'm parking till daylight when the plows come out and i can see the road better.

winter driving is common sense. go slow. and be safe. and don't be afraid or lazy like some drivers are to throw there chains. if you can't handle it. then trucking isn't for you.

just becuase you have to chain up. doesn't mean the road is unsafe. i don't like sitting around unless i need a nap. i throw chains on any day. better then being without. and better then sitting around.

 

What is the company policy on using chains ?

 

A couple years ago I ran from Dallas to Portland and back on a dedicated run and was quite surprised to see how well ODOT maintained the roads in the Blues. It was fairly easy running for the most part in the winter.

 

chain controls have been dropped.

 

Sooner or later your going to chain up. Might as well learn now. Just take it easy when your chained up. Cable is easier to handle than chains. Also carry water and food. It's all part of trucking. Further more, since its a Fedex load, you gots to get it there, or you might be filling out apps elsewhere.

 

I was just looking on Californias website for commercial vehicle chain requirements and it looks like it calls for chains on 8 tires. Good lord! thats a lot of chains.

 

you sure?

For a regular semi combo its usually one set of drives and a set of singles on one axle of the tandems.

For sets when i run the sleeper its duals on of the drives, singles on the other drive axle and singles on each of the outside tires on the pups for a total of 8

 

In any state, if your driving, use your blue tooth and call 511, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Cali all have great road conditions information. I have not had to use 511 in any other state as of yet.