E.L.D.E.R. - Experienced Lowbed Drivers Essential Rules

When loading in Dundalk, MD be sure to not stop at
Jessup, MD TA your gastrointestinal tract will thank you.

When loading in Dundalk, MD buckle your seatbelt lest the pot-holed roads throw you outa your captains seat.

When loading in Dundalk, MD....


Sorry for the hi-jack. Couldnt help myself.

 

Was supposed to load a Kobelco excavator on a step-deck one time. According to company it was a normal load as It was supposed to be 10'6" placing the rollers right inside the edges of the trailer. Ritchie's listed it at 10'6" as well. Come to find out it was actually over 11'. Needless to say the excavator didn't leave the port that day.

 

LOL.. that is better than showing up to pick up a 320 with a 2 axle trailer only to find out they want to move the 336... that one did not move that day either.

 

Well this one can go with any type of trucking....

#19 When backing up roll your #### windows down.

Dad drilled this into me at a young age. He said it was so I could hear him scream as I backed the trailer over him but really you need to use all your senses. You cannot do that if your fingers are in your ears... LOL

 

# 20 GOAL is not just some cool acronym that a safety guy came up with to justify his check. Get Out And Look dumb&$$ - it may save your job and someone else's life!

 

Rule#21 make sure your helper isn't stupid! When backing up a 13 ft oversize load and doesn't wait until you hit something then signals to stop!!!

 

I think ol @Ruthless will appreciate this post.

#22
You do it. I dont care ìf another driver helps you, or a pilot car...you measure the load. You check the securement. You read those permits yourself. No surprises.

 

Lol indeed!

 

#23 Maintenance Matters. This applies to everyone. The 15 minute pre/post trips matter when high, wide, and heavy. Besides for the piddly $#!+ like getting ticketed for an in-op light, being stranded on the side of Interstate Fill-In-The-Blank sucks for you, your maintenance director (if you're a company driver), and the general motoring public. Issues don't wait for convenient times to occur, don't get stuck on the side of the road when OSOW with an issue that could have been avoided.

 

You know, somehow I got in the habit years ago of at least cracking the window when I would get off the freeway, or approach a town on a two lane. I do this in my pickup and my wife's Excursion, as well as the truck. I've never really thought about why I do this - maybe it is to be able hear better, and smell as well (coolant, brakes, clutch, oil, etc.).
At any rate, I agree with rule #19 cnsper.