Random LTL Rants (all are welcomed)

I do Roadway and the old city cab over Fords they had the wheeler strapped to the front, now that's old school.

 

Sure couldn't remember the company... good job, man!!

 

We're starting to get those type of straps at FXF. Better for tying down smaller stuff, no having to reach around the side of a regular size pallet--this design is WAY superior. Why didn't someone think of this before?

 

Now there's something you don't see every day....You P&D guys sure do come across some interesting things. Over on the food side, it's just another box of Fritos.

Been doing doubles lately... I swear whoever sets up the construction zones thinks we're still running 96" wide trailers out here. Some of the places I've had to snake my set through, I was rubbing cones both sides. Thankfully it wasn't windy.

 

Hey @JPenn -
Do you run one of those CNG trucks? I saw one last night and thought of you. If so, do you pull those double long boxes with them? Those trucks are worth a rant right?

I ran one at my last job and hated it. I was wondering what you guys think of them. Most of your fleet around my neck of the woods is CNG now from what I've seen.

 

I sure do. The last picture I posted of the doubles was one of our gassers. In our specific application, they are not nearly as bad as I'm sure they would be with weights in the general freight market. My entire rig, tandem axle CNG tractor, 2 48' drop frame vans, and single axle dolly, loaded nose to tail floor to ceiling, is significantly below 80K. I'd honestly be surprised if we crack 60K. I like them, would like them a lot better with a manual transmission but all ours either have Allisons or Eaton Ultrashift 10spds.

A few pro's and cons of the CNG trucks we run...

Pro:
Quiet, smooth running unless needing spark plugs
Occasional spectacular backfires when getting on the gas after deceleration
Easy starting in winter, due to spark ignition and gaseous fuel
Quick acceleration once on boost (Allison-equipped versions)
Fueling is almost as easy as you could possibly get, with no spillage
DOT passes them by often, especially in states with enclosed inspection sheds (which are required by NFPA to have monitors for gas leakage, and tend not to be so equipped).

Con:
Not much torque for a 12L motor... 1400 I think. Very slow pulling hills with heavy backhauls
H O T. The CNG motor really gives off a lot of heat, some trouble with cracking exhaust manifolds and turbo housings because of it.
Absolutely must run a winterfront below 32F, or the fuel regulator will freeze up.
If something catches fire, RUN! A local firefighter advised us that there's enough pressurized gas onboard to create a decent crater.