Flatbedding Student Owner Operator 5th day

You'd better watch how many miles you're driving and showing on your log book. If you're showing that many miles on your log and get inspected that inspectors mouth is going to start twiching and his eye brows are going to start raising. 700 miles is more than likely going to get you a ticket for speeding. If you're taking routes where the speed limits aren't at 70+ you will get a speeding ticket. They don't have to catch you in the act of doing it they can write you a speeding ticket just by what you're showing on your log. I've put 700 on my truck in a day, My log showed 593 and showed I slept in a town 100 miles away.

DOT knows how long it takes to get from one place to another they take classes on it and they're not stupid so I'd suggest making sure that log is air tight at the end of the day before you slap the final mileage total on there.

JJ Keller has a load securement book that tells you what the regulations are. Doesn't necessarily tell you how to secure each load you're going to pick up just the guide lines. I've never hauled onions personally, from what I've heard they don't pay very well and I personally don't want to screw with them. Only having 2 tarps isn't a death sentence by any means. I carry 5, 2 steels, 2 lumbers and smoke tarp...well 6 I still have the cheapo lowes tarp in my box. I've read about tarping onions make sure you have good ventilation or they're going to cook on your trailer and you will have a cargo claim. I'd also recommend buying a JJ Keller HOS manual and reading it cover to cover. Goes over a lot of the HOS for quick reference, but also tells you about logging and how to avoid getting dinged on inspections. Not trying to burst your bubble I know you want to push things as a new driver and earn some money but showing 700 miles is going to get you in a pot of hot water that you don't want.

 

The onions settling down a bit is normal. Try to park in shade if you stop during the heat of the day.
Hang in there, you will figure it out.

 

Oh god don't start picking my brain there ain't much left to pick after this week.

I don't think there's a flatbedder around that has literally hauled everything and knows how to haul everything, it all comes with time and experience. You'll get better at it don't fret if you don't know how to do something just ask around a lot of us are willing to help out. Be safe out there tonight driver and remember to take that 30 minute break after 8 hours. Good luck

 

Yes you can. But, do not take it under 3 hours from the start of your day (combined line 3/4), else you will have to do another 30 min break.

Mark

 

Rate is a bit below normal , how did you get the load , off a load board or from a broker ?

 

Just curious, how much does the average tarp weigh?

 

Depends on the weight and material. My tarps are 18oz vynal. My steel tarps are probably 60lbs a piece 2 tarps to a set. My lumber tarps are about 110lbs/tarp 2 tarps to a set.

The 30 minute break can be taken anytime in that first 8 hours. I prefer to take mine when I'm getting loaded as long as its after hour number 3. Its a lot easier to show a 30 minute load and then a 30 minute break than a 1 hour load and have to take the break. I don't write down break either I write down lunch...they never specified it HAD to say break in the remarks lol