High wind, light load, how long should I wait it out?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Harry Flashman, Dec 8, 2021.

  1. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Yes I remember some years ago picking up a load of cardboard boxes for Campbells soups out of Joplin MO going to SLC UT had to run through KS, CO through some strong winds which would of been blowing at least 60 mph if not more, seeing trucks rolled over by the side of the road sure did make me wonder if I'd be next with such a light load. The options were to pull over and wait for that weather front to pass by, or keep on rolling I couldn't afford to hang around and wait so just chose to run the gauntlet fortunately my truck did not give way to the strong winds and I made it back to Salt Lake City in one piece.
     
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  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    You could not afford it?
    What would it have cost you if you rolled over?

    All it takes is once to end everything for you.
    You got lucky, but it may not happen the next time.
     
  4. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    Update:

    I chose to sit it out.

    The Wyoming DOT website had “road closed to light high profile vehicles” for huge chunks of I-25 which got lifted in the late afternoon.

    Started rolling at 5pm instead of the early morning.

    Going to miss my delivery appt on Friday though.
     
  5. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Better late cardboard than risking your life or lives of others. There is nothing out here that gets me in a hurry. Last winter when the Country was frozen from Canada to Mexico..... I parked in Indiana and rented a Motel room for 3 days. Told dispatch I wasn't moving until things cleared up. They were fine with that. Hey.... I lost 3 days of income and spent $200 or so on a room. Big deal. I lived to see another day. There were others who lost their lives or killed someone else during that freeze. I did neither. You made a wise choice!
     
  6. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    Slide your trailer tandems all the way back and roll.
     
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  7. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Yup..... that'll keep her upright!
     
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  8. cman87

    cman87 Light Load Member

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    Last winter I had about 10k lbs in the box and was really struggling with 20-25 mph cross winds. Was only comfortable at no more than 45mph, so I decided to shut down instead of continuing.
     
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  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    A 35mph gust can turn over an empty trailer, and there is no problem with shutting down at my company.
    They would rather have a load late than never, and a driver still alive and uninjured - not to mention other people's lives and property.

    And they pay $100 per day if we are shut down for the weather.
    Not as good as a days driving would get, but much better than nothing.
     
  10. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

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    It's a long time till June.
     
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  11. TROOPER to TRUCKER

    TROOPER to TRUCKER Anything Is Possible

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    Yeah and June will be hot and humid as expected I guarantee it won’t drop down.
     
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