Questions

I searched for an aero truck, but didn't find one I liked. Most aerodynamic trucks are fleet spec'd, and ran out ragged by company drivers. I settled on a hood with most of the bells and whistles. I don't like the fuel mpg loss, but I wanted a truck that I could actually like. The interior is quiet. Dash is solid. Engines easy to work on. I have the full gauge package, air slide fifth wheel, suspension dump, and diff lock. I also wanted a specific engine, tranny, rear end ratio, pre EGR. My list was pretty narrow.

Now the down side is the long wheel base and narrowed cab make it a pain in the A to back. Long wheel base does provide a much better ride though.

I don't think I'd be happy with a loud, uninsulated, dash rattling, fleet spec'd piece of garbage.

Intrastate drug testing would probably vary state to state. I don't know about MA. You have had a ton of piss tests. I had one in school, and one for each pre hire qualification. Never had a random, but now that I said that I'm sure they'll call me tomorrow...

 

Also from FMCSA website United States Department of Transportation
Section Guidance
§ 396.17: Periodic inspection.

(a) Every commercial motor vehicle must be inspected as required by this section. The inspection must include, at a minimum, the parts and accessories set forth in appendix G of this subchapter. The term commercial motor vehicle includes each vehicle in a combination vehicle. For example, for a tractor semitrailer, full trailer combination, the tractor, semitrailer, and the full trailer (including the converter dolly if so equipped) must each be inspected.
(b) Except as provided in § 396.23 and this paragraph, motor carriers must inspect or cause to be inspected all motor vehicles subject to their control. Intermodal equipment providers must inspect or cause to be inspected intermodal equipment that is interchanged or intended for interchange to motor carriers in intermodal transportation.
(c) A motor carrier must not use a commercial motor vehicle, and an intermodal equipment provider must not tender equipment to a motor carrier for interchange, unless each component identified in appendix G of this subchapter has passed an inspection in accordance with the terms of this section at least once during the preceding 12 months and documentation of such inspection is on the vehicle. The documentation may be:
(1) The inspection report prepared in accordance with § 396.21(a), or
(2) Other forms of documentation, based on the inspection report (e.g., sticker or decal), which contains the following information:
(i) The date of inspection;
(ii) Name and address of the motor carrier, intermodal equipment provider, or other entity where the inspection report is maintained;
(iii) Information uniquely identifying the vehicle inspected if not clearly marked on the motor vehicle; and
(iv) A certification that the vehicle has passed an inspection in accordance with § 396.17.
(d) A motor carrier may perform the required annual inspection for vehicles under the carrier's control which are not subject to an inspection under § 396.23(b)(1). An intermodal equipment provider may perform the required annual inspection for intermodal equipment interchanged or intended for interchange to motor carriers that are not subject to an inspection under § 396.23(b)(1).
(e) In lieu of the self-inspection provided for in paragraph (d) of this section, a motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider responsible for the inspection may choose to have a commercial garage, fleet leasing company, truck stop, or other similar commercial business perform the inspection as its agent, provided that business operates and maintains facilities appropriate for commercial vehicle inspections and it employs qualified inspectors, as required by § 396.19.
(f) Vehicles passing roadside or periodic inspections performed under the auspices of any State government or equivalent jurisdiction or the FMCSA, meeting the minimum standards contained in appendix G of this subchapter, will be considered to have met the requirements of an annual inspection for a period of 12 months commencing from the last day of the month in which the inspection was performed. If a vehicle is subject to a mandatory State inspection program, as provided in § 396.23(b)(1), a roadside inspection may only be considered equivalent if it complies with the requirements of that program.
(g) It is the responsibility of the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider to ensure that all parts and accessories on commercial motor vehicles intended for use in interstate commerce for which they are responsible are maintained at, or promptly repaired to, the minimum standards set forth in appendix G to this subchapter.
(h) Failure to perform properly the annual inspection required by this section shall cause the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider to be subject to the penalty provisions of 49 U.S.C. 521(b).

Citation: [73 FR 76825, Dec. 17, 2008]

 

why do they drive long nose pete's or i'm guessing anything that would fall into the "classic" category. well it also may depend on what they are hauling. lots of o/o sand haulers is see are in those. and ya know what, i don't think they really care about the mileage. they care about the truck holding up on lease roads and power. also, a lot of the roads they run are two lane black top so getting that extra 0.8 mpg really isn't that easy. so... be comfortable.

 

On my last tank I was right at 7 mpg.

 

Hi Rog, I've driven just about every truck made, and I can say without reservation, my Pete (below) was the coolest truck. I've driven other trucks that were much more suited for the job, Louisville Ford can't be beat pedal runs and P&D. But for boogying down the boulevard, I'd want nothing but a long hood Pete (or an older W-900) Several years ago, I drove part-time for a friend, driving his semi, and I never took a drug test. (plus, I had strict instructions to NEVER go over a scale) That could have changed by now, however.

 

Last truck with cozy wing windows...? If you threw a car battery out of it in the 379 I drove it would blow right back in and hit you in the face, though.

Loved and hated that truck.