Things newbies should know, that they may not.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Awesome Possum, Nov 2, 2011.

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  1. Awesome Possum

    Awesome Possum Light Load Member

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    So I received my first citation last night at a weigh station.

    I "knew" kingpins had to be certain distances from tandem axles, what I did not know was that it was possible to set the tandems too far from the kingpin, I thought it was the opposite. Because of this my tandems were 2.5ft too far, thus earning me a lovely citation to frame.

    Now I may have just passed over this info in the DMV handbook (I may have to re-read it totally), but I'm sure no one at my driving school, or at the company's safety/orientation courses ever mentioned it.



    Now that my rambling is over, are there any other 'need to know' info that newbies may not know, or just haven't gotten through their skull?

    Anything you could think of at all that could save us (well, ok me) from a ticket would be helpful.
     
    Awesome Possum, Nov 2, 2011
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  2. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    Keep the greasy side down and when hooking triples, put the tractor in front.

    Its OK to shower every once in a while.

    You dont have to weigh 350 lbs to be a real trucker.

    Smokey and the Bandit=Not real.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2011
    7122894003481, Nov 2, 2011
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    RickG and tirednaz Thank this.
  3. Meltom

    Meltom Road Train Member

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    Read your little green bible.
     
    Meltom, Nov 2, 2011
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  4. BigRigBamaTrucker

    BigRigBamaTrucker Light Load Member

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    So what happens when your tandems are too far back/forward, but its the only way you can get legal as far as weights on your axles?

    Which takes presedence? spelling?...
     
    BigRigBamaTrucker, Nov 2, 2011
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  5. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    Then you have to get the trailer reloaded or have some of the freight taken off.

    Of course you can run overweight, or you can run over the bridge law, but nobody else is going to pay your ticket, so dont do it!
     
    7122894003481, Nov 2, 2011
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  6. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    Where did you get busted?
     
    PackRatTDI, Nov 2, 2011
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  7. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    If you got busted in floriduh,

    remember,

    you can run 44K on tandam axles.
     
    123456, Nov 2, 2011
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  8. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    123456, Nov 2, 2011
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  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    There's alot you will figure out as you go. Weight is always an issue when loading. You may be legal on your gross, but not on your axles. You're the boss. Don't let forklift drivers dictate to you how much weight to put on. Many will say "I've never had one come back". Remember, forklift jocks are not truck drivers. The best advice I can give you is take the time to get educated about trucking rules and laws, so you won't get busted, because you're the one who pays.
     
    Allow Me., Nov 2, 2011
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    Lonesome Thanks this.
  10. NSBGearjammer

    NSBGearjammer Medium Load Member

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    Don't ever get no front door called the, White Knight. :mwink:
     
    NSBGearjammer, Nov 2, 2011
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    Pedigreed Bulldog Thanks this.
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