How Many Times Roughly Do You Have To Stop And Chain Up Your Truck Annually?
Topic 24129 | Page 1
Chaining up really is not that difficult. Yes it sucks getting out in the cold and the slop on the side of the road, but I would not pay someone money to do it.
More importantly: if chains are required I'm parking it.
I've never had to chain up and I didn't even know that service existed. That seems like a complete waste of money to me.
I've never thrown iron, nor would I ever pay the chain apes my hard earned money to do my job. That's right, I've never chained up.
I park it. I would pay if i was stuck and had no choice cause im lazy. but heck no, i would be at a Petro with a shower and diner or a hotel hahahha
I've never put on a set of chains and nope, I wouldn't pay anyone to do it for me... If I needed help, in sure another driver would most likely assist.. for free. My company's policy is if chains are required, we are to park, or only chain just to get to a safe parking location.
Agree with all comments so far. Never chained, wouldn't pay. Company sends me a Qualcomm message (got one today actually) telling about weather across the country and stating if I'm headed into bad or deteriorating conditions to shut down. Dont risk your life or anyone else's! As of yet I dont even have chains on the truck although when I'm at a terminal that actually has some I will get some just in case.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Qualcomm:
Omnitracs (a.k.a. Qualcomm) is a satellite-based messaging system with built-in GPS capabilities built by Qualcomm. It has a small computer screen and keyboard and is tied into the truck’s computer. It allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver – similar to email.
You will find them on Donner, Siskiyou, and Snoqualmi usually. Sometimes you will find them at the bottom of Cabbage.
I've never had to chain up and I didn't even know that service existed. That seems like a complete waste of money to me.
Funny thing, I was talking to my friend yesterday as he was chaining up. With chaining and unchaining, plus the slow speeds, it took him over an hour to drive the 10 miles through the chain area. I told him he was nuts. Our company wants us to shut down if chains are required
If you drive into the states that that require chains and don't have them on your truck, you can get a hefty fine.
Are you seeing it? This job, while not a perfect fit for everyone, is not as physically demanding, IS financially rewarding and NOT impossible to do.
Most reputable companies will treat you well and don’t expect you to kill yourself to do your job.
And just remember; the longer you linger, the longer it’ll take before you’re eligible for benefits (unless your company enrolls you immediately) like 401(k).
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
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Advice For New Truck Drivers Dealing With The Weather Life On The Road Safe Driving Tips Trip Planning Truck Driver Safety Truck Equipment
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Assuming you are a full-time long-haul OTR driver in America.
There are paid chain-up/removal services available but they can cost $25 per tire for installation and $5 per tire for removal.
How many snow chains are on a tractor? Eight, one for each of the tractor's powered duals?
That's $200 for one installation and $40 for one removal in that case. $240 for one chain-up session unless you are brave and tough enough to chain up your own truck yourself in the bone-chilling cold!
Who pays for any chain-up services wherever chains are required by law?
The driver out of pocket?
The company?
Are chain-up service fees a job-related tax write-off?
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.