Ask a Trucker

[Krikit 1,165]

I'm having trouble with my connection today (CANADA), so I'll post a real pic tomorrow.

Don't you be hatin on Canada.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I'm having trouble with my connection today (CANADA), so I'll post a real pic tomorrow.

Don't you be hatin on Canada.

I just like ruffling Canadian feathers! It's a character defect I suppose.

[MORAN&ELMA 0]

I feel we (in the US) should have much stricter 'trucking' regulations - similar to Europe/Germany; e.g., smaller trailers, stricter 'sleeping/rest' restrictions, much stricter vehicle safety inspections, and lane restrictions (far right lane only). What's your take?

First of all if the restrictions was more than we have now then you would be complaining because your grocery store is half empty . And for us staying in the right lane well buddy then you are just going to eat up our hours that we can drive because so many people hang in the right lane driving slow. and everytime we would come up to a exit and the get on ramp then we have to slow down and speed back up which causes the trucks to use more fuel because it not staying at the same speed. Now then I will say this I think all trucks should stay to the left lanes if they are not stoping in the town or city then we would be out of each others way I was raised around trucks and I have 6 now. I think people like yourself should get in a truck and have to deal what we have to do for a month then you would change your mind. And by the way if you have it well buddy it came by a truck so gives us a break 10-4

[Ling Ling 22]

I don't think we need more trucking restrictions, rather we need better driver education for the non-truck drivers.

Matter of fact....I think this is reason enough to start another thread, rather than "hi-jack" this one.

[Ban Hammer 13,656]

I'm having trouble with my connection today (CANADA), so I'll post a real pic tomorrow.

Don't you be hatin on Canada.

I just like ruffling Canadian feathers! It's a character defect I suppose.

canadians have feathers? so that must explain all them geese here, they are really canadians in disguise!

[NickD 203]

Did pick up a CDL booklet at our Wisconsin DMV is learn if I was missing anything. Didn't know it was a state law that truckers are suppose to stop every hundred miles to torque their wheel lug nuts. Apparently not enforced, because with the zillion of trucks on the road, should be a line of them on the shoulder with guys checking their nuts.

And why just the lug nuts I asked myself? What about that nut that holds the steering wheel? My state must have a bug about checking your nuts, got me in the habit to check mine just to make sure, they are still there.

[Ling Ling 22]

Nick, you're correct. The nut that holds the steering wheel in any vehicle is usually the cause of collisions.

NOTE- most police no longer call them "accidents" because that would infer that they were not avoidable.

As you saw in the other thread, I'm a staunch proponent of improving the nut behind the wheel.

Too many people want to put V-Spec this, and R-Spec this, and TurboSuperNitrous that on their cars...

when a few tweaks of the nut behind the wheel can improve every car you drive.

[Teacher Mark 53]

O.K. W.W.E. and "Ask a Trucker" fans, here's some footage of 3 of our "wrap" trailers. We call them that because the are painted for the show.

[doodlebugg 10]

What are some funny things you've seen people do in their cars, since you can see in them?

How much does it cost to fill your tank?

[Teacher Mark 53]

What are some funny things you've seen people do in their cars, since you can see in them?

How much does it cost to fill your tank?

I've never really seen anyone doing anything, other than talking on cells and weaving because of it. I've also never been flashed, though I remain hopeful!

I have two 150 gallon tanks and the average price of diesel is around 2.75 now, so that's $825. My truck averages 6mpg, so that gets me 1800 miles on average. When diesel was over $4.00 it was costing over $1200.00!

[Teacher Mark 53]

Did pick up a CDL booklet at our Wisconsin DMV is learn if I was missing anything. Didn't know it was a state law that truckers are suppose to stop every hundred miles to torque their wheel lug nuts. Apparently not enforced, because with the zillion of trucks on the road, should be a line of them on the shoulder with guys checking their nuts.

And why just the lug nuts I asked myself? What about that nut that holds the steering wheel? My state must have a bug about checking your nuts, got me in the habit to check mine just to make sure, they are still there.

I've got a lugnut story that I'll post when I have more time. It's a doosey!

[Laura+Tom 2]

Are your trucks automatic or manual? I saw a programme here in the UK which showed them having about 18 gears. After watching this programme I now have a newfound respect for lorry drivers.

[RUJEN 140]

I find this all interesting reading........

I was a truck driver from 1983 to 2005 with most of the time doing cross country driving.

The best saying that stays in my mind is : "without trucks, America stops"

It is a hard life with no respect or appreciation, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

rujan

[Teacher Mark 53]

Are your trucks automatic or manual? I saw a programme here in the UK which showed them having about 18 gears. After watching this programme I now have a newfound respect for lorry drivers.

Mine is a manual, but I have driven automatics. I prefer manuals because they will allow you to rock the truck back and forth if you are stuck. The automatics will not. Thanks for the new found respect!

I find this all interesting reading........

I was a truck driver from 1983 to 2005 with most of the time doing cross country driving.

The best saying that stays in my mind is : "without trucks, America stops"

It is a hard life with no respect or appreciation, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

rujan

Congratulations on your successful escape from the industry. I was out for 4 years but came back for the money.

[Teacher Mark 53]

Did pick up a CDL booklet at our Wisconsin DMV is learn if I was missing anything. Didn't know it was a state law that truckers are suppose to stop every hundred miles to torque their wheel lug nuts. Apparently not enforced, because with the zillion of trucks on the road, should be a line of them on the shoulder with guys checking their nuts.

And why just the lug nuts I asked myself? What about that nut that holds the steering wheel? My state must have a bug about checking your nuts, got me in the habit to check mine just to make sure, they are still there.

I've got a lugnut story that I'll post when I have more time. It's a doosey!

This is a post of mine on a trucking message board. This is also the reason I really don't like the Ontario Government a whole lot.

HELP! A Problem In Canada. Any Advice Welcome.

This is what happened (allegedly):

1.) I am an American Truck Driver (Strike 1).

2.) I was pulled into the South Windsor Weigh Station at 2330 on 10.21.2007 and cited for

Operating an unsafe commercial vehicle (No Set Fine/ Must Appear Or Have Representation Appear). It was listed on the report that I failed to surrender a current inspection as well but I don't think I was charged with that as it was not listed on the ticket. The trailer I was pulling had multiple loose lug nuts.

3.) The companies attitude is "sorry about your luck". I am obviously seeking employment elsewhere.

4.) In September there was service done to the trailer by in Jenison, MI. by a trailer repair facility. On 10.17.2007 the driver that had the trailer took it to a truck stop in Earle, Arkansas and had 3 missing lugs replaced. It is obvious that the original vendor did not torque the lugs down properly and that the truck stop failed to inspect the trailer properly (not that I did either obviously).

5.) I did a pre-trip inspection on the trailer and listed it on my log 2 hours prior to the Ministry Inspection ( I had just picked the trailer up in Carleton, Michigan). My logs clearly states that I am not to sign the log until the day is complete. I still had .5 hours to go when I was stopped. I was told that I still had to sign it because they could not tell if I had done it or not otherwise.

6.) I am being considered for a job with a reputable company. One of the main reasons they are considering me is because I am a law abiding citizen who is able to travel and drive in Canada, as well as the fact that I hold a valid U.S. Passport. I need this cleared up. I have traveled extensively in Canada and love the country and its people. There is no way that I would intentionally endanger any human being. It was an oversight on multiple levels with me being on the bottom. I am grateful to the officer who caught the problem as it could have resulted in a tragedy.

I only wish the fine were stated so I could pay it and move on with another lesson learned.

I contacted a Barrister (Lawyer) in Windsor who quoted me a $2500.00 fee. Needless to say I am broke, with a wedding planned in February and a date with a Judge in Windsor in January!. My questions are as follows:

1.) Does anyone know what the fines usually run for an offense of this type. It looks like I may have to represent myself in the matter. I read an article that said they usually run about $80.00 to $300.00. I know that if I elected to leave the scene it would be an additional $400.00. I can't understand why that offense is set.

2.) Does anyone know whether the courts in Ontario will plea bargain (with or without being there)?

3.) If I do have to retain a Barrister does anyone know any reasonably priced ones in Windsor (I know you get what you pay for)?

4.) Is this charge considered a moving violation?

Operate unsafe combination of vehicles 230.84

5.) Will crying help?

As I stated in the subject line: Any advice is welcome.

The net result:

Fine Reduced to $1500.00 plus 25% Victims Surcharge. Total= $1875.00 They wanted $4000.00.

Defense strategy = I was wrong and it won't happen again.

I checked the lugs for signs of looseness Professor. The mistake I made was not trying to turn them. I am still trying to find the area in my post where I blame the inspector. In fact here is the statement I read in Court:

I would like to begin by thanking the Inspecting Officer for catching the

defect as well as Her Worship and the Counsel for the Crown for your

time. I would also like to publicly apologize to the Citizens of Canada for

operating an unsafe commercial vehicle on their roads.

The 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman had a sign on his

desk that read "The buck stops here". It is a reference to the saying

"passing the buck". I am here to tell you that in the sequence of events

that transpired over the coarse of 34 days I know that I am the one that

was ultimately responsible for the defect of the trailer in question on the

night in question and for that I sincerely apologize. I will not try to pass

the buck. However I would like to provide a brief time line. The trailer

had been serviced in late September and the wheels were removed. It

was taken to a major truck stop with missing lug nuts on the 17th of

October and finally the defect was noted by the Inspecting Officer on the

21st of October. I had hooked to the trailer in question at 130 on the 21st

of October in Carleton, MI, done a 15 minute pre-trip inspection and

headed for the border. I did do an inspection and it was clearly annotated

on my log. I drove the trailer in question approximately 70 Kilometers

(the trailer had traveled approximately 4000 Kilometers in the defective

state under other drivers)) before being pulled into the inspection station

at approximately 2130. During the inspection the officer discovered 8

loose lugs. Lugs are supposed to be checked between 50 to 100 miles

after they have been installed. Obviously they were not and I did not

catch the defect. I am glad that the officer caught it and that there was

not an incident. While deciding whether or not to take this to trial I found

myself back to the same question over and over. "Are you guilty of the

offense in question". The answer was the same every time. "Yes".

Now to my financial situation. I had chosen almost 3 years ago to get out

of truck driving. I felt that the physical and mental costs associated with

over the road driving were not worth it. Especially considering that the

wages were nominal at best. I have never been married, so family life

and home time were never a real issue with me. Last year I was laid off

from the job I held and spent the next 4 months unemployed. I could not

envision myself back in a over the road position and finally landed a job

as a local driver/technician with a medical equipment company. I made

decent money but had little to spare. In the summer I finally met the

person I intend to marry. My love for her is the only thing that would

cause me to sell my life to an employer. I figured that it would only be a

year to a year and a half and that I could handle it.

DETAILS OF MARRIAGE EDITED

This event has effected me considerably. I have thought of little else for

the past 57 days. I have had problems sleeping and eating. I do know

that if a accident had resulted I would not have been able to handle it,

once again I am grateful that I was inspected that night. It has brought on

wholesale changes in the way I conduct my inspections and conduct

myself as a Professional Driver overall. I now go by this list each and

every time I do both my pre and post trips. From the beginning of my

employment with Gainey Transportation I knew that I would be seeking

employment elsewhere eventually. It was not a good fit. This event

spurred me into action and I now have a job with a company that I love.

Both I and my company have went through considerable time and

expense to get me here to answer these charges. The fine that my

learned friend is seeking equates to 19% of a years post tax income

without my per diem taken into consideration, which is used for my

expenses while living on the road. I know that I have earned a fine. I am

only asking that the court reduce the fine to a level that would not be as

financially cumbersome.

I would hope that Her Worship would take the following into consideration.

1.) I am truly remorseful

2.) I am a law abiding Citizen with no prior offenses.

3.) I am on less than sound financial ground.

4.) I have gone to considerable lengths to appear today.

5.) I have learned a valuable lesson and it will never happen again.

What I told them was the truth. I have never denied my part in this chain of events. They were very polite and have worked out payment arrangements with me. I agree that the cost is small compared to what it could have been. I will post more about this experience at another time.

Edited December 13, 2008 by Joe Six-Pack