Linehaul Tools

So, no one carries a tire gauge? Really?

 

Yes. And that's why I consistently find tires that are 10-30 psi low when I hook to a trailer without a tire inflation system.

 

At Reddaway, if it has air in it, it's going on the road. However, my previous job in the military required daily air pressure checks.

Most civilian companies don't care until your tire is falling apart on the roadway

 

We can't use a tire gauge because there is no valve due to the air inflation system. They must not want us to use such a pre-historic, irrelevant device. It's the same reason we're not supposed to check our shipping papers for hazmat, because dispatchers will staple the papers through the hazmat envelope, even though the envelope has an adhesive. I reckon they don't want us physically checking inside the pups either because they are sealed. We have it very easy nowadays as linehaul drivers ... don't go rockin' the boat and throwing around the word 'safety.' And make sure you don't waste any money on a trucker atlas - it's a gimmick. Just plug in your directions to Google Maps and away you go!!!!!

 

that is correct. i used to drive a single axle day cab, could only "legally" haul (i think) about 30,000?

then my twin screw of course could haul more. but, frankly, it was "known" to "go now".....lol...i always griped about the weights, when I HAD that day cab.

 

i carry one. i only use it once a week unless a tire feels (thumper) or looks low.

 

Hammer for thumping the tires, zip ties in case I have lines dragging on the ground on a trailer I pick up to get it back to the terminal for repair, duct tape, a tire pressure gauge, glad hand seals, good pair of gloves, and I keep a lot of hazmat placards under the passenger seat in case the terminal is missing what I need. Not every driver does a pre or post trip unfortunately so you have to be prepared for what some ####### left you when he dropped the trailer..

 

I'm a fan of once a week, or when I hook a new trailer that doesn't have an air system.

 

Here is mine:

Extra electrical chords (to stay inside the truck at all times)

Gloves
Headlamp
Hammer

That's it. The last three are easy to keep track of and move in and out of the truck. If I have an issue that I can't fix with a hammer, then I would call a mobile vendor.

I'm a driver, not the company mechanic.