Scared as hell.

Ohh yeah, you are definitely screwed!

Just be honest with them and tell them straight up you know it was a mistake. I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you don't keep doing it.

 

I think OP will be alright, but I think a good ### chewing might be coming to you, considering it specifically said in the messages to avoid said route. We all make mistakes at one point or another, regardless of how legitimate or stupid it may seem, but you'll live to drive another day and this should do you good, by keeping you "ultra" alert (pun intended) in the future. Keep your head up driver, we're in one of the most regulated industries there is, you won't be prefect at all times, the system is to a fault, designed to keep you from doing so unfortunately.

 

It's not really a big deal, and it happens to drivers much more experienced than you. Your company hired you knowing you were a new boy so if they cut up funny I'd be very surprised. Talk to the legal defence people you're paying and see how good they are.

It's easy to see you care about the actual problem and not the cost like many, and you're already working out what you could have done/ will do next time etc that shows you are actually working on your skills and decision making. You sound to me like you'll be just fine out here long term, and I bet your company see it too.

That first decision, the one where you had a very tight turn with the tandem going down the ditch possibility? Most inexperienced don't see that one, and choose that option and find out what happens when you try it. Ask me how I know!

You'll be fine, and it's cost no one anything except you, but what you've learnt will make this a cheap lesson.

 

Drivers uncertain of whether a roadway is a truck route should consult with their dispatcher. Dispatchers have quick access to transport route network maps and can confirm the correct directions.

 

This. Nailed it.

 

20 miles from customer more likely. He he. We tease you about that 100000 feet.

Whatever possessed you to go around the back way when your directions say to go into the front way? It's not the first time you had them ship by big truck I would imagine.

750 pretty much wipes out your payroll. IN your office you should have a person who does nothing but permits. I suggest when you encounter a sign like that you stop and stay and get a permit for that weight. It could easily have been faxed to the customer or shipper and someone can bring it to your truck with a personal car for a minute.

I am not picking on you or your opponent, it's just an idea for next time.

I don't think legal aid will help you too much, but you could give them a call and see. It may cost you more money.

With this being a weekend, it's a difficult time. You have a limited time to pay the citation or a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest. Be lucky you were not taken into the town jail to sit and wait for the judge.

How is your fuel? Reefer fuel maybe?

It would be easier if you were able to name the Facility you were going to and what town and street? Talking about it without details does not help the next person who might come around the way you did and Mr Officer will be waiting to write that ticket.

That's not the end of everything though. It's a 5 ton road, if there was damage discovered fresh from your heavy 18 wheeler guess what? It's added to the bill potentially. We had a rule long ago if we hit a light bridge, dropped it we bought a new one. Or our descendants would have also.

Im sorry Im not able to offer concrete thoughts other than questions, the main one being why in the world did you decide to go that way instead of this way? What was the situation?

 

Well, you can't undo it, but you can just own it. No excuses, no ranting. Hat in hand-I made a mistake in judgement and learned a lesson. This is what they want to hear. Fortunately, no damage. Hopefully just a verbal warning.

 

I can respect that position.

It wont be the first time or the last.

Maybe one of these days I'll tell you about the famous day of mirriors in Virginia Beach in front of a School building combined with a residential block with a big truck. I'll have to dig up the story from my journal if it isnt already posted here way back in TTR.

This too will blow over and I suppose you will be a seasoned driver next time something like this comes up. You will have that uh oh feeling and make a effort to do something better when it happens again.

That is what will make you a good driver. Versus say a idiot who never learns anything all.

Try to find something enjoyable to get into this weekend and decompress. Stressing about something will make you sick believe it or not. Hang in there.

 

Even if it was 3 yards away the fact you were on a weight restricted road is why you got slugged with a fine.