Profile For Trucktographer

I actually drove past this accident while training with Swift. I had just left the Ocala yard with my trainer in the passenger seat. He likes to use 301 instead of I-75. I saw the wreck (empty logging truck) and he saw the woman wrapped in blankets.

I've always wondered what came of that driver. I hadn't been able to find any updates on it.

Having crossed each direction without cargo, I'd assume you just need the documentation you mentioned. The only time I've needed other paperwork was when I was loaded. At that point wouldn't you just be considered a fancy RV?

Another tip: Depending on your model of truck (I drive a T-680) try opening the shade on the passenger side sleeper window. It isn't perfect, but it really opens up the angle you can see from your seat.

Obviously this only works if you don't have a co-driver, or they are already up.

If you do stop at the TA in Troutdale, go to the diner next door. Great pies. I highly recommend the coconut cream.

It will still be backed to a dock for you to inspect, then secure, before sealing.

Don't use duct tape. Must be clear.

And thank you Daniel for regurgitating the same advice I just gave.

Tape. We can blame the phones autocorrect.

Yes, I'm going to advise someone to first ask a customer for the correct placards, then not use them.

I've picked up from that NAPA, but haven't delivered to one in Portland. They are a pretty good customer, you shouldn't have any trouble from them at either end.

Are you picking up from the:

8914 4000 W West Jordan, UT

Location?

If so, be sure to enter from 4000 W side and not the W 9000 S side. Go all the way around the back and park next the fence. They'll probably have you drop in the corner (directly behind where I suggested you park) and hook to a pre-loaded trailer. Make sure you have some straps or load bars with you.

If you don't have the right placards with you, you can ask the customer. They should always have them on site. I recommend you take them down. They like to fly away at highway speeds.

1.1 is a pretty varied category. But sure, someone's going to be trawling the particular forum for a target. Yet they don't know where I'm starting from. The one place they know I'll be, I'll be surrounded by NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority.

I specialize in HAZMAT with a focus on DoD. You've never seen a post from me about any of them because I do practice OPSEC. I was just trying to throw a warning to some of y'all that I'd be jacking up bridge traffic.

I'll just be keeping my info/advice to myself if that's how you want to play it.

Arrived at the airport cargo area. That was an interesting experience. Had Port Authority, NYPD, and FDNY on site to escort us through NYC. It's a learning experience. I still dislike driving this truck in the city, but at least with an escort I couldn't get in trouble for being where trucks usually weren't allowed.

So tomorrow morning I finish a trip hauling 40k pounds of explosives. The final is JFK Airport in NYC. In order to get there I've had to contact the NYFD to set up an escort across the GW Bridge and through the city. Should be interesting. If any of you are going to be in the area, I apologize for any traffic issues I may cause.

Pounds to KG is pretty easy, just multiply by 2.2. That's "in your head" bankers math.

Speeds you just kind of have to get a feel for. My GPS does a really good job converting it for me into MPH.

I've recently completed several cross-border loads to Canada. One delivering to Blackie, Alberta and three picking up in Quebec. I must say I really like the HOS rules up there. Much more flexible and you can get more done without feeling like you're rushing.

This road is right in my back yard. Anyone who attempts this road is clearly not paying attention. GPS will always get you into trouble if you don't cross reference with a RM atlas. There are "no trucks" signs all over the place on the Notch Road. Check out the news clip below and how this driver destroyed is trailer.

Smuggler's Notch News Clip

Not true. My co-driver got dinged with a non-moving violation while on a road not listed in our Atlas as off limits. It was as bad as some of the small town speed traps that push legality.

Specialized, yes. Flat-bed, no. Still hailing a 53' dry-van. But our biggest customer is the DoD. We also haul civilian HAZMAT. Our company recently bought another that specializes in DoE work, so we'll be adding that as well.

To people wanting to stay a company driver, but make a bit more money, it's all about finding a niche market. Do something not every driver can, or wants, to do.

In my case not everyone wants to deal with the hassle of maintaining all the permits/endorsements/certifications/clearances I do to do this job.

I currently have:

Tanker HAZMAT TWIC Permis General Explosifs (allows me to take explosives across the border to/from Quebec) Passport DoD Clearance

My first full year of driving (8 months at Swift rest of the year at current company SLT) saw my taxes at 47k. For this year I'm on pace to make 60k.

I've visited NYC before, and love it. Yesterday I had to make deliveries there, and I must say....never again.

Two deliveries in fact. One in Brooklyn and the other in midtown Manhattan.

Made the Brooklyn drop a few minutes early (seems the penalize too early deliveries so I skated in right before my appointment time). But they took a long time to unload us since they were only utilizing one dock (of about 40) to unload. Called the broker to let them know I'd be late to the second drop and they were understanding about it.

The pic I shared is the Google Earth satellite image of my Manhattan drop. As you can see, it is off a major (4 lane) street. Backing into an unlit building. On the blind-side. As New Yorkers aren't know to be patient I moved quickly and put it in, in one. I still had cars trying to sneak past/under my fenders.

Or you could get a job that pays you whether you are driving or not.