The Fuel Hauler Thread

I agree, but you are missing what I am saying:

1. This is pretty low on the rack-disaster scale. This kind of stuff happens more often than people realize. Just because you don't see it at your rack, it doesn't mean that it's not happening somewhere. And there are a lot of racks out there, as you well know. Lots of chances for screwups, not only at fuel racks, but LP racks, oilfield LACTs, chemical racks, etc., etc.

Last week, a pedestrian got run over just outside the exit gate of the rack I go to. Some of the guys from Corpus probably know about the incident I'm talking about. Thankfully it was a refinery contractor vehicle and not a loaded fuel-hauler. Just the same, two lives, not to mention careers, were potentially ruined over a terrible accident.

That's a real disaster.

2. Assuming the driver's record is otherwise good, he should be given the benefit of the doubt. Hand him his penalty, make it clear that he/she understands the hows and whys and move on. Work the details out with the rack, and after suitable punishment and re-training, move on.

Now, if this is not a "first offense" type deal, then that's a different movie altogether. Likely he would have been weeded out before something like this happened were that the case, but you never know.

3. What I originally took issue with was an over-the-top comment made by someone who normally doesn't make those kinds of comments on this, or other threads. I don't think he meant it to be mean, but it didn't sit well with me at the time. I'm over it now.

 

Ben is the western region transport and facility manager and richard is the vinvale terminal manager. It is one of the stricter racks for sure. Not as bad as shell carson though bill runs a REAL tight ship over there.

Oh yea and it looks like we got our first thread drama/argument! Finally popped that cherry.

 

Outstanding guys. I worked directly under Ben some time ago, no know he's never driven a truck. But on the most he's ok. I can tell some real dingers but maybe on my death bed.

 

Well, as a relatively new fuel hauler, I am finding that the most difficult part of this job is getting into the service stations the correct way, the first time. It sucks backing up a truck/trailer, even more so when a station is busy. Do any of you veterans have some GOOD tips on how to figure this out and do it right the first time?? Of course my loads have journey planners but still, I need to think by myself.

Also, as a semi driver my whole career, I am having difficulty in determining when the truck/trailer will off track. I am swinging so wide and giving myself more than enough room; sometimes this isn't a good thing when entering a tight station. How exactly can I know how this truck/trailer combo will offtrack?

 

Google the station and look at the satellite view and talk to the other drivers

 

That may help but you might see something in the photo that will not be there now. You can use this but do not depend on this 100%. The only way I have found to make a plan is using the stationary objects that will not move. Like the building, alley way, fences, and pumps. Most of the time there is only one way in or out. Talk with the other drivers and when you get two of the same answer that's the way to go.

We had over 70 stations and the first thing I did was load the truck for the way the truck is going in and where the fills were. When I started my shift we had a dispatch sheet with all our loads on it. I made a copy of that so I could write all over it. Then if the premium underground tank was at the rear I would load premium on the trailer and load regular on the truck. You did say you were in a truck and trailer right?

Then you have to look at the street and how you're going in from there. Don't break the law but you do have access on surface streets that allow you entry into the station. Once you've got that all figured out then you go ahead and enter the station. Go real slow and try not to run anyone over. But you're going to find that people will not give up there spot or move so you can get in so easy. Even if the station is out of gas they can not understand why you want to get in. Always remember it's the station manager or whoever is in charge to clear a way to the fills. If you have to get out make sure none of your truck is hanging in the street and calmly tell the person in charge you'll wait 15 minutes at the most then you'll fail their load and they have to reorder. When they say you can not do this make sure the terminal manager is behind you and tell the station yes you can.

My routine was to set the markers (you know the ones right above the fill point on the truck that you can spin until you have your product) when the compartment was empty before I left the station for the next load. That way I didn't get mixed up when I went to load. One trick is if you're on nights you can turn your work light down to where you want the fills to be. That is if your truck has them. Also I would hope your truck has Moto Mirrors. If not I would go and talk with the boss. We used them to eliminate any blind spots. It will save the company many dollars when a driver can see when going into the station. You've got to remember that everything around you is moving. Some think they have the right a way and other think they do. Just go slow and know where everyone is.

Here's my last story to show how you watch everyone. I was parked out away from the building far enough where a couple of parking spots were open. Here comes this lady with a kid in the car and she leaves leaving the kid in the car. I had asked her not to do that and do not leave the car running. She told me she knew how to raise her kids and I had no say. She goes off to the store to buy whatever. As soon as she did this I shut the flow off and had a fitting right there if I needed it. Sure enough here she comes right out when her kid kicks the car in reverse and starts rolling for my trailer. I was just about to break the window when she got inside and stopped about 20 feet away. Of course I had to be a wise ### and tell her I might not know how to raise kids but I do know how stupid people can be when parking.

When you get all this down and it becomes second nature to you I'll tell you about how you can slide the trailer over to get out within inches of an object.

 

Sliding the trailer... I've done it a couple of times with a few jugs of water. Got the rear axle to miss the island. A couple of stations it's neccesary during peak hours. Why we get sent to the busiest stations during the 5 o clock commute is another story. As far as truck and trailers go Moloko, be grateful they exist. I'm not sure if you are referring to pull trailers or semis, but T&T is the way to go in the fuel industry. We are so lucky to live out west. You can make any turn like your in a bobtail and watch how closely it tracks. Those darn things will cheat their way into almost any situation. There is nothing like watching people stare at you in awe when you pull through a fuel island and bend your way through a station like you were driving a go cart. I'll admit it took me some time to be proficient in backing them. It's WAY harder than a semi trailer but comes natural with practice. Embrace the truck and trailer. I'll never drive a semi again.

 

Today's Lesson Is About Rail Road Crossing. And why you should give ample time at them.......