12'6 - 14 wide loads

This one is for you newer guys.

Most oversized loads are going to be between 10-10'6 wide. The first time you pull one, you will be slightly startled that you can't see your trailer anymore. No problem, your mirrors are 11 ft wide so, there's not a big adjustment you have to make. But one day, you get under a 12'6 wide crate. And realize that...YOU CANT SEE. UH OH...

The rules start to change at 12 ft for that reason. Certain states start requiring a pilot car. Kentucky comes to mind. Well, be sure to check the state regs because I believe that KY requires a pilot on the 2 lane at just 11 ft. On your permits, you may see something that says, "must have rear visibility." Some DOT feels that means that they should harass you if you don't have extension mirrors. BTW, get some extension mirrors if you want to haul the bigger loads.

"Six, my extension mirrors I bought vibrate so much when I go down the roads that they're practically useless."

Yeah, mine too. I use them to keep the scalemasters happy. Most of the time, I just use the rookie wiggle to see around the load. You have to be careful though...at 13 ft or more, you're going to take up a lot of real estate on a 4 lane. But the reason why I am talking about the 12-14 wides is because, if you work for a company, they're not going to want to pay for a pilot car if a pilot car isn't required by the state. Yes, all that talk about safety being priority is just plain bull.

14 ft is wide. Lotsa wind resistance too. Huge difference between 12 and 14 ft loads. Thing is, there are certain states that do not require pilot cars with 14 wides. Most do, but some don't. If you're fairly new in the 12 wide game, you may want to think twice about a 14 wide.

"But Six, if I don't take it, everyone in the office will think I'm a candy."

And when you blow their phone up stressing about that load, they're going to think you're a candy. BTW, no one in the office can help you...only a drivers that's already been where you're trying to go can help you.

Need help? Ask for help. Plenty good hands around. Have a "dumb" question and a bit ashamed? PM your favorite driver. Unashamed? Post the load and your route and the gang will help you as much as they can in the trip plan. Things like parking and fueling and the weather can be critical. So if you need a hand, just ask. Before you load up would be best.

Luck in battle.

 

I dont know much about Michigan (other than I dont like pulling permitted loads there). I would think indiana and Ohio would have some companies. The ones that i can think of would be Valley Transportation and Midwest, both out of Minnesota. Or Keen out of Pennsylvania.

 

Good. I wouldn't come back either. Once is bad enough with these arrogant Holes. Hate to hear about Biggin, but you cant have your dog suffering.