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Back behind the wheel again, dump truck tips.

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Tank33, Aug 19, 2011.

  1. Aug 19, 2011 #1
    Tank33

    Tank33 Medium Load Member

    346
    108
    Jan 10, 2009
    British Columbia
    0
    Well, I just couldn't stay away more than a year :biggrin_2559:

    Actually it wasn't planned so much as I just need a good income. I am back driving again, but this time with a dump truck/excavating company in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

    I am looking for any helpful tips on driving dump trucks with a pony trailer. I am not new to trucking by any means, raised by my father of 28 years trucking experience, all of which as an Owner Operator.

    I have done step deck, some double drop, oversize, dry van, reefer, diesel heater, double and triple pup combinations.

    The job I am going to is a T800 kenworth with a box on the body, pulling a tandem axle pony behind. Is there any helpful information for doing this kind of job? I have only been in the Lower Mainland for 11 months, I have no clue where the gravel pits are, or much of anything outside of my home radius.

    All in all, looking forward to being home every night, it's Monday to Friday, 7 AM till 3 PM, money is good too.
     
    Tank33, Aug 19, 2011
    Tank33, Aug 19, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 20, 2011 #2
    Digitalwarrior

    Digitalwarrior Light Load Member

    120
    104
    May 7, 2011
    Ontario, Canada
    0
    I am currently driving a tri-axle dump in Ontario. The one problem area I have encountered is PIA contractors at the dumping site. They will often pressure you to dump in unsafe areas, off level etc. This is where you simply say no and adjust your position to where it is safe. Never succumb to their unsafe demands. You are in charge of dumping safety!!! Period. Also, don't be afraid to tell people you are new. I have met so many helpful folks this way and increased my learning ten fold. You will encounters impatient PIA's too. Just stay calm and do what you know is safe and correct.

    Congratulations on your new gig and best of luck. I am envious of your "bankers hours." :)
     
    Digitalwarrior, Aug 20, 2011
    Digitalwarrior, Aug 20, 2011
    #2
  4. Aug 20, 2011 #3
    groundpounder

    groundpounder Road Train Member

    2,569
    1,039
    Nov 13, 2009
    0
    Stay as level as possible and dump your bags if you have them before raising the box....

    Job sites are a cluster I used to turn down the FM and roll a window down so I could hear someone yell if they needed me to stop..Also make sure your tailgate is latched after you dump sometimes they hang up..

    be safe..:thumbleft:
     
    groundpounder, Aug 20, 2011
    groundpounder, Aug 20, 2011
    #3
    Digitalwarrior Thanks this.
  5. Aug 20, 2011 #4
    Bikerboy

    Bikerboy Light Load Member

    299
    183
    Apr 1, 2008
    Canada
    0
    Wow 7-3? that doesn't sound right, does the truck really only work 8 hours a day? most places want their trucks working 12 hours a day all summer.

    Always always check that PTO is out of gear before going down the road, and don't leave your diff locks locked while on the road or while turning on any hard surfaces, it will destroy things if you turn on dry pavement with all diffs locked up alot.
     
    Bikerboy, Aug 20, 2011
    Bikerboy, Aug 20, 2011
    #4
  7. Aug 20, 2011 #5
    Onetruckpony

    Onetruckpony Medium Load Member

    544
    372
    Jun 11, 2011
    0
    When you tip over turn the key off, and look twice before unhooking the seat belt.
    Kidding ya... stay safe and above all level.
    The most dangerous time is when the box is full up and a sticky load comes out all at once.
    Once they start to go it is usually to late to do anything about it, other than turn off the key :)
     
    Onetruckpony, Aug 20, 2011
    Onetruckpony, Aug 20, 2011
    #5
  8. Aug 21, 2011 #6
    Tank33

    Tank33 Medium Load Member

    346
    108
    Jan 10, 2009
    British Columbia
    0
    Well, I don't have to pull a end dump trailer, so that's a good thing. All the trucks are T800's with small 20 ft boxes (I am guessing length just by what I remember) and the tandem pony's are only 10 or 12 feet of box, so not much.

    Yes it really is about 8 hours. You are required to be on the job site by 7 AM most of the time, and all the trucks are back in the yard and guys going home by 3:30 usually. This guy runs a small outfit, 13 trucks, but 32 pieces of equipment total, it is a excavation company as well as trucking.

    They don't bid on large industrial jobs, usually smaller residential type jobs, and because he is a small time company, he serves repeat customers 98% of the time, so you get to know the contractors your hauling in for.

    He only takes excavation jobs where his excavators do the digging. So it is his excavators, ran by his operators, loading his trucks, with his drivers. The mechanics work 4 till midnight, by the next morning, your truck is serviced, fixed and ready to go again.

    Overall he has a pretty nice setup. All of the equipment is very fancy, everything has extra chrome and lights, trucks are washed every weekend without fail by other people he brings in. He is one of the FEW trucking business owners who takes pride in the appearance of his equipment. Every truck stays with the same pony, there is no switching equipment for anything, that way a guy knows what he has.

    Also, if you want to wash or polish your own truck instead of someone else doing it, he will pay you your full driving wage to come in and clean it up.

    I have been trying to land a job with this company since December of 2010, so it has taken me 9 months basically to finally get on there. I did a lot of annoying the people in the office haha.
     
    Tank33, Aug 21, 2011
    Tank33, Aug 21, 2011
    #6
  9. Aug 21, 2011 #7
    Digitalwarrior

    Digitalwarrior Light Load Member

    120
    104
    May 7, 2011
    Ontario, Canada
    0
    Good for you!! Nice gig. :)
     
    Digitalwarrior, Aug 21, 2011
    Digitalwarrior, Aug 21, 2011
    #7
  10. Aug 21, 2011 #8
    MassHole

    MassHole Medium Load Member

    399
    109
    Aug 18, 2010
    wareham, mass
    0
    Like said already, make sure she is level. Watch for lines and signs. Always dump your bags when dumping out. After dumping ill check my tires and always check the back of my trailer and wheels for rocks or dirt that could fall off on the main roads. Also dont be afraid to get out and check where people want you to dump. Some dont care or dont know any better and will put you in a bad situation after its to late.
     
    MassHole, Aug 21, 2011
    MassHole, Aug 21, 2011
    #8
    Digitalwarrior Thanks this.
  11. Aug 21, 2011 #9
    Beer Runner

    Beer Runner Medium Load Member

    544
    227
    Nov 2, 2010
    Canada
    0
    As the box goes up on the pony watch the tandems as make sure there both the same and one side ain't sinking into the dirt. If one side sinks then bring the box down fast. Saved my butt a few times.

    I was thinking of moving back to the lower mainland just yesterday, and I would go back to driving a dump truck. I liked the job and loved getting paid by the hour.
     
    Beer Runner, Aug 21, 2011
    Beer Runner, Aug 21, 2011
    #9
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