got a nice fat ticket. ruined my day

Very simple answer to that question. Its the penske rental agreement with you our with the carrier? Are you force dispatched by the carrier? Can you take time off whenever you wasn't and for however you want? Can you get your own freight or must you pull carrier freight? Can you take the truck and trailer to another carrier and lease to them? If the answer to these questions is not yes, then you are not an independent contractor.

 

better call Saul....err....Moloko

 

If you need a lawyer, try these guys.
Law Offices of Fugg and Pistoff.
“We’re Fugg and Pistoff, so you don’t have to be”
P.S. Tell them that you know me. They’ll give you a discount

 

Is the $3500 your take home after all the expenses are paid ? (Rent,fuel,tolls, insurance,tags,etc)

 

Ok that's better than about 90% of lease operators out there, that's pretty good.

What's your average gross revenue and what percentage is your lease?

.

 

He needs a fair judge. And if the county or city is hurtin', it's not gonna matter.

 

He's running an Elog. Do the math

 

better a ticket than an accident which could put you out of work for days / weeks

 

Yes. It is clear in the PA Vehicle Code that most routes outside of the STAA or NN routes are restricted to 96 inch wide trailers unless the trailer is 28.5 foot or shorter. Route 11 in this area is restricted, and posted. The OP noted he saw the sign and chose to ignore it because of the traffic delay on I-81.