i own my own tractor and pull cans for an intermodal company. for the last few months i've pulled more than a few to a scrap yard to be cut up. those places are full of junk that was on the road. the yards are all full of new chassis, and currently they are FINALLY phasing out the old 10:00x20 tube type tires and going with 22.5's. depending on who owns the chassis, those crappy junk dayton wheels are being phased out and budd wheels are being seen more and more. this with radial tires. this was way overdue. for too long the container lines and leasing companies have operated without regard for safety and operated unsafe equipment to save money. now if the rail lines themselves finally upgrade the maintainence procedures so drivers don't have to sit in line for hours on end (which causes driver to leave in frustration, as they are not paid to sit), then finally things will get better. at the bn/sf in joliet, the spotters are pulling empty chassis into the maintainence line for repair before the can is mounted, doing complete inspections and repairs, and have added several mechanics to the staff. waiting time is very minimal. now if the santa fe pulls their heads out of their butts and do likewise things will improve further. at global 1 in chicago, and global 2 in northlake, it's the same old garbage. sit in line, lazy good for nothing mechanics who do the very minimum, and don't want to do that. same for the b.n. in cicero. drivers have to argue with mechanics to get work done, and often they still refuse since they say companies like pacer refuse to pay their bills. i keep records of my actual waiting time and any time a mechanic refuses to work on a chassis. maybe i need to forward this to a few folks in congress................
