Oversize haulers...give them a break.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Roadhound, Aug 31, 2011.

  1. Roadhound

    Roadhound Light Load Member

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    I've seen it many times with all types of drivers, but it always seems to be company drivers that are too impatient when trying to pass an oversize load. This guy may be taking up too much room, or going too slow for your liking, but his job is equally important as yours is. Be more patient when trying to pass these guys. They already have a handful on there hands already, don't add any more pressure to them.

    I used to haul some oversize in my flatbedding days, but nothing like what I saw today, which urged me to post. This driver was hauling a Cat dump bed for one of the BIG strip mine dump trucks. I'm not real sure the exact dimensions, but I'd say it was at least 16' to 18' wide. You could watch the load teter toter the trailer as it was, and I saw numerous trucks try to pass him where he had very little room to move over, due to the lanes narrowing, etc. Just aggrevated me, so I wanted to show those of you that do this job some respect, and maybe someone will learn and pay more attention next time.
     
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  3. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    Nice clean unit in your sig, excellent post. I give alot of credit to you oversize haulers.
     
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  4. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    When a guy gives an OS truck respect by allowing for the size of the load he's hauling then you can bet he's done it himself.
     
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  5. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    I'm a heavy hauler...mostly combines...not huge, but not exactly small either at 13 feet wide, 14 tall.

    Another aspect of this is...don't panic when you pass one on a 2 lane (going the opposite direction), I see this a lot...

    And if there is a narrow bridge between you and the OS load...slow down (maybe even stop) until you're sure the OS driver is gonna let you come through it first...most will let you go first (we ain't in that big of a hurry), but play it safe and make sure. (CB's are still used by most of us...feel free to communicate)
     
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  6. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Good advice. I hauled pairs of 20' by 14' tanks all over the Rockies. Had to go through Loveland Pass. Most drivers are very courteous. Few weren't. Most HAZ MAT goes that way as well. So you have to do what you can for fuel trucks coming down. Biggest problem was always the guy in Corvette/Porsche etc trying to impress girlfriend. Lot of them got the Hell scared out of them. :biggrin_2551:
     
  7. corneileous

    corneileous Road Train Member

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    I always give oversize, wide loads and long loads room. If I'm passing or about to be passed by a wide or oversize load, I move over a little past the fog line.

    I had a guy pulling rocky mountain double tankers out in Wyoming on highway 30 that graciously thanked me over the cb one night for slowing way down so he could get around me on a short uphill passing lane. He said he was shocked to see an England driver or any other slow truck like mine give that kind of respect..... I said not all of us are boneheads.....
     
  8. JimTheHut

    JimTheHut Road Train Member

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    It has been my experience that unless it is a mega load, the oversize haulers are among the guys that are speeding down the road and passing me.
     
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  9. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    I make it a point to give oversize loads a wide berth, it's just good common sense. Even if we're going the same direction on a 4-lane (2 lanes each direction) I'll let him know I'm coming around in case he needs to move over a little.
     
  10. Mdbluecrab

    Mdbluecrab <b>Crusty Crab</b>

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    When an OS/OD load has room on the shoulder, we/they will hug the right lane, giving other trucks room to pass on the left. Just remember to always hug the left side of the lane when passing and give a shout out before doing so.
     
  11. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    LOL...passing a maroon truck doesn't necessarily mean one is speeding. :biggrin_2559:
     
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