Making a switch

Be prepared to work on the hydraulics. And clean the mess up. It will kill the paint. Also, look at different set ups that passerbys have see how they have the weight distruted by the direction of the car. Whether it was loaded in reverse or forward. I personally like using chains but others will sonetimes use straps. While u are examining the passerbys look at the directions the chains are pulling. U really have to add gravity to the loading equation.

 

Don't let anyone kid you. Chains used in carhaul are a thing of the past. It is all strap. Most vehicles do not have tie down holes anymore. I don't get the hydraulic mess thing either. I can count on 1/2 a hand the times I have blown a hyd. line.

While I cannot give you specifics on Hansen & Adkins as far as being a driver. I do know several key people in their management from my Hadley days. Their safety director Barry Williams is a very knowledgeable guy. If he is doing the hiring, you can count on a fair shake. I know a few of their T/M's also...all good people.

 

The two things you have to learn right off when driving a stinger:

1. You can't cut as tight or you'll 'pinch' the cars.

2. Trees are not your friends!

The loading part is just training and repetitions, the two I pointed out are big changes to your driving technique, and you'll have to be extra cautious starting out to make sure you don't fall back into hold habits, especially when you're tired.

 

Keep in mind that when backing up, OR turning a corner, that the "back" of your trailer is NOT the "back" of your load, also when parking at a truck stop, try and park in the outside perimeter spaces.

Be careful when backing over the "curb", but it beats having another driver "bump park" into that new Mercedes you have hanging off the end of the trailer.

Get a GOOD height stick, and USE it!



Stan