How to begin in OSOW?

There's money involved. Some of the guys are independent, some are like me, owner op leased on to a company. Some are company drivers. Doesn't really matter, because you're not really going to make any money until you make a name for yourself.

In reading through these forums as you have these past few weeks as you have, you've probably realized, but didn't say it, that there are a lot of stupid people in the trucking industry. They're stupid and lazy, yet want to complain about how they make minimum wage. In this end of the business, you're talking millions and millions of dollar loads. If you're a quarterback, in the championship game, 4th qtr, 3rd down and goal, who do you hand the ball to...the first string back who hasn't fumbled all season, or the other guy that 3rd in the league for the most fumbles?

 

Setting up two possible moves. Each will be piloted end to end. One is long, 100-ft unit with non-steering axles (think about the space we'lol have to have to turn that even through a multi-lane intersection, we will be stopping traffic to make turns), 120 OAL with solid axles, lot of swing.

Other is only 50 ft length but 16H and 14W. Will require dual pilots for a lot of trip, one pole and one tail. By the way, going East with it, southeast where bridges get shorter than out West.

EDIT: And then a cut-rate wannabe moves it for $4.50/ mile thinking he's rolling in cash when he'll spend $4.00/ mile in permits and pilots.

 

Add in the curfews and the time under the load and ol Cut-Rate will realize that he just paid someone to move their load. Funny stuff!

And one day, we will see his ol lady making a post about how her husband can't make any money, and which broker you use and whatnot. And you will tell her that her husband is an idiot. And as soon as you say that she will play the Tammy Wynette card, and accuse you of being mean to her husband because you're just jealous because he's such a great driver.

To all of you Tammy Wynette's out there: if everyone points at your husband and say, "Idiot", your 'standing by him' isn't helping him. They'll make a sign for you too.

 

If you're a quarterback, in the championship game, 4th qtr, 3rd down and goal, who do you hand the ball to...the first string back who hasn't fumbled all season, or the other guy that 3rd in the league for the most fumbles?[/QUOTE] If your seattle you pass. hahahha

 

Random drive by's are rarely funny but that one was

 

I hire new drivers if they have flatbed experience, and know how to run some machinery. I want a clean driving record. No moving violations or accidents last three years. They will run with one of my drivers for a good month or so before they will haul their first load on their own. First truck and trailer will be a 6 axle, with max weights around 115k, and loads 8 to 12 feet wide. You will not go out unless we feel you are ready. I almost prefer to train drivers as I can teach them my way, and few bad habits to break as far as how we tie down. If in doubt, throw more chains on it. the 50% rule is a minimum. Once you prove yourself on the small trailers and loads, than you will move up to a 2+2+2 or 2+3+2. Usually a year or more on the small trailers before you work up.

I expect drivers to know the rules for the states they are in, and follow them. No cheating, cutting corners will get you into trouble and can be huge fines. If in doubt call before you move. I do all of my permitting myself so I can know what needs to be done. I read the post above, and kind of perplexed as to why they took so long. Unless it is considered a super load by regulations, I usually get my permits within the day I ask for them. Other big bonus about permitting myself is I can ask questions, and make sure we don't run into trouble with the law. I give permits to the drivers, we discuss the conditions, and have them call. If in doubt, my rule is stop, don't move until know the answers. A driver making decisions without checking can result in fines that would make your head spin.

Hope this helps. Many people will do it differently. The main thing is safety in my book and most others as well. A few extra hours is nothing if the load gets there safely and everyone gets to go home at the end of the day. Good luck, and remember if you don't know, just ask. Most guys with vast amounts of experience will almost always be glad to help. I have done this for 30 years, and know less than when I started.