GVW with loaded trailer

First off, I apologize for some of the comments/insults you received on here from guys that should know better, but I digress.

Replying to your original question, the mandatory "pre-trip" mechanical inspection is a separate issue, but making sure you're not overloaded (> 80k), or distributing the load evenly over the axles, or securing the load safely, is also the driver's responsibility. It's up to him/her to ensure it's right before proceeding. Experience plays a big part in it. One must know what he can legally scale and how to distribute it. Shifting the blame onto the shipper doesn't cut it, it's the driver that decides how much he can load and how he wants his trailer loaded.

Ask what the load weighs, how many pallets, etc etc. If it's questionable, before I leave to scale it, I tell them, if it's over I'll be back and you'll fix it. I've done it many times. Different States allow different axle weights and what they'll allow you to do. Take VA for example, they'll let you slide em to get legal, if you're not over 80k, while OH will fine you first and then let you slide 'em. Some States will let you go 36k over tandems, while others only 34k.

Bottom line, it's all on the driver to ensure it's right, but hey we're all human and make mistakes at times, that's the way it is, even the "super truckers" on here that insult you. In this biz you gotta have a thick skin, truck on......

 

Now now. Behave.

Its not the driver shortage. But a driver PAY shortage.

Companies insist on handing out 0.34 a mile. Like they did 40 years ago. I say forget it. Make it 0.80 a mile to start and we'll talk. (Inflation and all that you know...) or 30.00 a hour for 70 hour workweeks.

Eitherway Pay me. Otherwise forget it.

I ask that you try to cool your pyrometer a little bit. There is a wide range of people on these forums, and for the most part all want to help. Yes once in a while a burr gets under someone. Thats fine.

I don't believe in the driver shortage at all. It's a driver PAY shortage created by the same companies that refuse to stop spending like its still 1982.