Comments By Mr. Curmudgeon

Watching the goings on in the fulfillment centers that I have been in, I constantly see the spotter drivers hook, lift and then drag the trailer several feet forward before hooking the air lines. I wonder if this could be causing the frequency of seal leaks. The dock pads look like the starting line at Great Lakes Dragway (where the great ones run-run-run-run!)

I was with my previous outfit for about seven years, and in that time can only think of three or four leaking inboard axle seals on trailers. (Rail Pool IM chassis dont count, those are a "high percentage stop" in the lingo of my first career)

Any mechanic experience here that can comment?

Can they pull a nose hair for a follicle test?

I guess i am confused about your dissatisfaction. In one statement you are critiquing a rigid training system designed by those whom you say have no experience driving a CMV, then you follow that up with the fact that you will be training drivers, when you yourself acknowledge your two weeks of driver training. Is there a reason you can't do both with them, drive and also do the training tasks?

Many drivers think GOAL only applies whem backing. ANY tight quarters situation is the PERFECT place to get out and look.

As we move into winter, another consideration is those "lumps of snow" in parking lots. Voice of experience - sometimes they are rocks. BMF rocks.

Working one half of my standard 4day, 22 and 23. The outfit doesnt run Christmas Eve or Christmas day. 26-30 our son and his wife are flying to AZ from ILL to spend time with us.

Smoking: a full packer brisket, some LaCosteña jalapeno marinated chicken thighs, 6 different seasonings of cream cheese, apple pie and blueberry pie are all on the dinner menu for the 27th. It will be good to see them.

Safe travels to all, and wishes for an enjoyable RamaHanukKwanzaMas to all. Or Merry Christmas. Whichever, if any, apply.

How about people who think they need to flash their high beams before passing. Always fun.

When I was learning to drive (back in the 70's) it was in the rules of the road that the overtaking driver was required to signal (lights or horn) of the intent to pass when on a non-divided highway. I still do it when I am in my 4 wheeler and passing on two lane state highways (think route 47 in Illinois twixt Dwight and Mahomet)

That is actually fairly common parking spacing for some of the container lots that I have been in. John Deere in Milan, myland Illinois, purina in. Clinton iowand many Other drop yards and industrial plants for containers are virtually 3 inch. Clearance on each side.. I used to lower the landing gear to about where I thought they need to be a pull in tdisconnect my lines disconnect my Coupling, and just pull forward and drop it. if if the other drivers did the same it all worked out pretty well, but usually they would park some place off by themselves. And drop what essentially turned into a high hook.

Over the past 5 weeks I've been plagued by hooking to trailer rolling stock with axle seal lubricant leaks. The leaks range from an early stage failure ooze to actual lubricant running down the inside of the assembly.

My WYOTech trained brother was always adamant that the men in unusual hats, especially in Cali and Ohio, would have zero tolerance for any lube leaks.

I seek input from those of you. That may have had a level one inspection with seals. That look like the ones in my 2 photos here. am I being too picky?

Sorry, photo loading fail...

Testing the waters a bit there, arent you, Driver?

I think the first was in Redlands, CA.

The second was near Los Angeles.