auto hauler information please?

I suppose if they have picked up all that new business that they had to start training people in order to be able to haul all those cars. Some of them would not hire new drivers without experience. It made it difficult for some to gain the experience.

 

I've driven flatbeds. Now, I pull a pneumatic tank. I got tired of messing with tarps and climbing on top of loads, so now I carry hoses and climb on top of trailers and railcars

Whenever I see a flatbed cruising down the road with their tarp flapping, shoddy tarp job, and/or a load improperly secured, the first thing that comes into my mind is, "wow, what ever happened to taking a little pride in one's work?"

As far as the other things you mentioned? Those don't matter if you don't carry yourself as a professional first. I don't care who the driver is.

Did I use a broad brush to paint what I thought of you with? Yes, sir, I did. However, seeing what I've seen in this industry, sometimes if the shoe fits...

I would like you to keep me updated on your proving me wrong. I will gladly sit down, with you, and enjoy some crow should I be wrong

Be safe and good luck on the search for a driving gig you enjoy.

 

I have seen flat beds coming out of steel plants with only two chains on a 45,000 pound coil. I have also seen car haulers going down the highway with only two chains on vehicles. Both are dangerous and illegal. It isn't a problem until there is an accident. The driver loses a coil or car. A poor tarp job that blows off could hit a car that is close and blind them resulting in an accident. You must be much more careful when you pull open deck trailers no matter what you haul.

 

G/man, we're actually still legal when 2 chaining a car. 4 are required on all the new cars, but the book says 2 is fine. Many DOT are under the impression it's 4 chains now, and a buddy had to fight a ticket for it last fall. Of course, the NM DOT cop just wrote him for something else next time he saw him.

 

Hammer's got it right. 2 chains or straps are legal:

§ 393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?

(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weigh 4,536 kg.(10,000 lb) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg(10,000 lb) must be secured in accordance with the provisions of § 393.130 of this part.
(b) Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.
(1) Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tie downs.
(2) Tiedowns that are designed to be affixed to the structure of the automobile, light truck, or van must use the mounting points on those vehicles that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
(3) Tiedowns that are designed to fit over or around the wheels of an automobile, light truck, or van must provide restraint in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.
(4) Edge protectors are not required for synthetic webbing at points where the webbing comes in contact with the tires.

However, there is at least one western Pennsylvania DOT that will write you AND place you out of service for not having 4 chains per vehicle. A York, PA area DOT disagrees and brings forth the regs (posted above) to show a minimum of 2 are required. Same state, different enforcement.

What it really enforces is some very negative perceptions of the folks behind the badges at times. Not all of them...some that don't belong in the position....same as some of us truck herders.

 

Thanks for the info on cars. I could have sworn that we were supposed to have 4 chains on cars. I always had 4 on them anyway. I don't see how 2 chains could adequately keep a car secure. I understand from a weight standpoint, it would be secure, but the pulling motion on the car and chains don't really seem adequate. If I still hauled cars I would probably still secure them with 4 chains. When I haul a truck on my step deck I still use 4 chains. I am one of those people who think that it is better to have more securement than too little. If I have a coil on my truck I usually throw an extra chain or strap more than is required. I have never lost anything off any of my trucks.

 

I use four chains unless I'm doing a short run across town, then I might only use two. I also subscribe to the idea of more is better.

 

Yep, GMan/Joetro...I agree. 4 chains makes sure they don't go anywhere. All companies will specify and require 4 chains or straps still today...but I did follow one of the Louisville truck plant guys last week back across I-64 that had one chain (and it was loose and hanging limp) on most all of his load. I'm sure he was on the Shelbyville shuttle but even at that...the new truck on the back bottom had bounced around to the point that it was getting close to the point he was gonna have trouble getting it off. A little more and he was gonna have some scuffed paint on that new Better Idea before it got to the dealership.

We use to pull cross-towns out of the Blount Island port back when Nissan was still Datsun...one chain was the norm for that. But that was back in the rodeo days...

 

That is just dangerous. He was just asking for trouble. Some of these people who take short cuts cause problems for the rest of us. I have used 6 chains on a bigger truck that was on the top rear and at a sharp angle before. Four would probably been adequate, but I just felt better having the extra securement with that much weight and at the odd angle. I would prefer taking a little extra time than not and have something happen.

A number of years ago a guy dropped a van on I-81 in Virginia. He forgot to chain it down and lost it driving down the highway. The highway patrol caught him later. He didn't even know that he had lost it. I think that a car came along and hit it. I always checked and rechecked my chains when I was hauling cars. I would stop and check from time to time. Every time that I stop I check them. When I am pulling a flat or step deck load I have made it a habit. You can never be too careful. You can be careless once.