Once you get that OD delivered, I want to know...was it really only 14 feet? Or....was the piece 14 feet before it hit the deck??


BooBoo's like that have happened!!

 

it was a used propane tank that was 105.5" in diameter. Once on deck and on the dunnage, it was 14' 3"............but shhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell anyone. :lol:

 

Well I picked up and delivered my first OD load with no issues. It was a used propane tank that measured 105.5" in diameter and weighed a little over 39k. I had all sorts of mixed emotions ranging from adrenaline to nervousness. I am sure those out there that haul OD's on a regular basis will say this load was nothing, and they're probably right. But this was my very first one ever and it was a bit of a big deal for me.

I would have felt a lot more comfortable if it was flat on the deck vise being round or at least had some anchor points where I could cross chain, but no such luck. I used 3" deck screws to pin down some boards on my dunnage, creating a craddle of sorts to help prevent it from rolling. I then threw 9 four inch straps over her and tightened them down like there was no tomorrow.

Once I got my permit and was rolling down the road, I would watch this thing rock back and forth with every bump, dip, or crack in the road. At first I thought the load its self was rocking back and forth but then realized it was the entire trailer :eek2:. I crept along not going any faster than about 55mph and although at the time it felt like it was taking forever to get to Wichita Falls, before I knew it I was there. Ass my butt cheeks were clenched together, I was recalling an episode of "Ice Road Truckers" where this young guy was hauling a HUGE tank across the ice and I remember it too was rocking back and forth on him. I was thinking to myself that I have a miniature version of his load and can understand his concern with the movement.

So I am happy and relived to report that my first OD load was delivered without and incidents :clap:.

I am sitting at the Love's in Wichita Falls where I will get a hot shower and fill my belly. Tomorrow I will be loading in Gainesville, TX with a light load going down to Laredo, TX for a decent rate of $2.20 a mile to the truck (DH and FSC included)

Oh, and I did take some pics but am having technical difficulties getting them uploaded. I will try later to get them posted on here.

 

Rev.......You know I have to admit you're right (I will deny that if anyone asks :lol......I will post about all the issues I have experienced with them soon. Even though I have had a few problems, overall I believe they are a decent company.

 

O.K. the mentally challenged here somehow managed to correct the issues with my pics. So here goes and hopefully they are not too big. I know it doesn't look like much and as I stated before I am sure the OD hauling vets will laugh, but it was my first OD load EVER.

 

When I went through Landstar orentation we were told that if you hauled a used tank like that you had to have a tanker endorsment,is that right? What about the placards? Was it still considered hazardous?

 

Holy giant pics, Batman! Resize! Resize!

 

You would be absolutely correct that a tanker endorsement is needed for a load such as that.

 

I could not have said it better myself. From an outsider looking in, this is golden.....and Rev... I appreciate the knowledge, feedback, and insite in your posts, too.

Although I am not transitioning from the Navy for another five years (that will put me at 24 years), I went ahead and enrolled in school yesterday since I am on shore duty. I cant wait to start.

Thanks for all, guys.

R/

Frat

 

No one here ever said a tanker endorsement was required, however I do have the endorsement so maybe it was a "given"???? I'll ask my terminal manger next time I speak with her. No placards. I did have a "purge letter" which simple stated that the tank had been emptied and cleaned.