Central Transport linehaul

As far as the Central Transport pups are concerned, I remember when they ran them but I heard the reason they don't anymore was because of some sanction by the DOT. I have no idea if that's true or not though.

I can't imagine the DOT having the power to restrict the types of equipment a carrier pulls, but considering the condition of their trailers and their bad safety rating I suppose it's possible.

NEMF was mentioned earlier for their rough-looking equipment and they also happen to be a carrier that went from pulling pups to strictly long boxes. That may just be a coincidence. I never heard a similar explanation for why they stopped pulling pups. I assumed it was because they were a smaller regional company.

 

I would be more inclined to think that it was a company decision, some of it based on the possible theories you guys kicked around on the NEMF thread awhile back, eliminating dollies and pups to lower the amount of equipment that needs to registered, insured and maintained overall, like you I have never heard of DOT doing such a thing, but maybe it's possible.

 

when i worked at NEMF, it was very common to find a dolly, that you needed, only to see that someone put a chain and lock thru the towbar.

i'd be drivin' round and round any yard i had to go to for a dolly, ANY dolly, tires or not, just to get the heck outta there. if you could not find a dolly, you had 2 options, wait for a set to arrive, or get another trailer, and go to another destination off your bid run, and say hello to a motel......

BS.....i can't say how happy i am that they got rid of the pups, but it is like 14 years too late

 

I would have been tempted to exercise what I will call option # 3 in that situation, besides bolt seals ,bolt cutters work wonders on a chain and pad locks also.

 

Once in a while I'll get into a certain location or a certain situation as you described. I don't know much of anything really. Generally it does not interfere with my work too much trucking down the road. If you were to take the Clinchfield Railroad for example when they are hauling coal or the occasional extra for a occasion a load of holiday makers etc.

Ive been told that under or in the roadbed (The stones below the two rails and ties) and the sub foundation below that. Probably contains a average number of graves each and every mile built. Unknown, anonymous and known only to God whatever they were in life good or bad.

I should stop typing and leave it here. I am not the sort of person to believe in whoo whoo and silly ghost stories. But I have enjoyed inventing a few particularly for the deaf cabin outfit issued to me as a counselor. (More like a mother hen herding the chicks in one direction and to be sure none wandered off.)

Some of that is deliberate as the hormones get the better of the boys trying to sneak the deadline where I have to patrol at night to protect the gals on their side of the camp. We only caught 3 that year. It was just not worth it for those three to be sent home immediately.

The Amish tell stories about Cameras, having to endure their pictures taken was said to be very suspicious because they believe that camera managed to capture the souls and store them in the box. That's a bit much for me but people are funny sometimes that way.

"What did the fish say when he hit a wall in the water?"

Oh DAM!

 

yeah i know, but most of us line haul guys carried nothing more than our log book, lunch, and drink.

 

Here's what I saw just last night CT related: two on the shoulder with flashers on, meaning most likely either broke down or too stupid/impatient to pee on a ramp, and one that I passed in a 70mph zone blew my doors off in a 45 mph skinny-lane construction zone probably still going 65.

I know there are some decent drivers working there. I've met them in the city and also seen some being professionals out on the road. I'll also say I would definitely work there over OTR or a lower-paying local job but only if I had to.

I know a lot of people beat up on CT, but it's not for nothing. Their reputation is well-earned and well-deserved. They'll need drastic changes for the better sustained over a long period of time before they shed that reputation. My opinion is that a driver should only work there as a stepping stone into LTL and only as a last resort if the other companies pass on them. Every other option should be exhausted first.

 

Here lately I have been running the I-10 corridor between Phoenix and El Paso, CT has a big meet point at the T/A in Wilcox, AZ, most likely it's Phoenix drivers meeting El Paso drivers, anyway I have been coming across CT line drivers along the way, for the most part they have been courteous and don't dart right over after passing me, and always give the thank you lights after passing.

 

Now I don't know what you guys see back east, but out here in AZ the one thing I have noticed about CT is besides the standard 53ft dry vans, they also have quite a few 53ft drop floor trailers, the best way I can describe them is they look like a rib sided moving van with the little wheels and tires, and they are swing door.