Think I'm going to run overweight tomorrow [Archive]

View Full Version : Think I'm going to run overweight tomorrow

ed200152

10-28-2009, 04:28 PM

I've been out of driving for a year and a half due to recovering from a serious illness and I really need the $. I've started working temporary for a lumber delivery company. They loaded the drywall for me and I tarped it.
Headed for Welland from Toronto via QEW. Here are the specs:
-straight truck, FL Business Class, 230 HP, single frame, 3 axles total, 14,000 front, 40,000 rear(air bags).
-total weight evenly distributed on 24' deck = approx 36,000 lbs.(my calculation)

They tell me the truck can carry 15 tonnes.
They also guess each lift of drywall is 1400 lbs.
Now that I am home I am able to calculate the weights. From the internet I found the weight of each panel to be 55lbs (1980 lbs per lift)
Using my figures their calculation is low by approx 500lbs. I suspect I will be overweight by 3000 lbs.
I know the obvious answer is to scale it before heading to the Hwy.
-they will be p**ssed- for the delay and scale cost
- for re-arranging the load....
but....what if I'm wrong and it is legal.
The bottom line:I get to determine if the load heads out tomorrow.

Is it worth the gamble????

I've delivered loads of shingles of 46,000 on a heavy straight truck-double frame, lift axle, 20,000 front, 44,000 rear solid rubber block susp. I think this weight of 15+ tonnes on a smaller truck is pushing my luck.

What do the experienced drivers think about this?

Thanks
Ed

Pipeman

10-28-2009, 05:21 PM

If the truck is 13,500 lbs., you're legal.

Riptide

10-28-2009, 05:42 PM

Is it worth the gamble????

is working for free, one of your aspirations...if not...scale the load..and if they whine, ask them which they would prefer...10 bucks for a scale to show your legal...or 500 for an overweight ticket...

ralph

10-28-2009, 06:58 PM

You are legal for 39,600# on the drives in Ontario and what the steer axle is rated for PROVIDING the tires have the adequate weight rating also. For under $100 you can install a "liquid filled" air pressure guage in the dash and tap it into the air suspension Once you figure out the PSI on a legal load you will know that those axles are either legal or illegal just by looking at the guage...not going to a scale.

As far as going around, it's not like you have to go more than half a kilometre out of your way! Jump off @ Fruitland Rd...go south to the South Service Rd and go east to Fifty Road and get back on. Wave at me as you go by...I'll be on the SS Road also!

bikerboy

10-28-2009, 07:12 PM

that eastbound scale is usually never open, only seen it open once, compared to the westbound side which is open just about every day.

hes also got the oakville scales to worry about.

ralph

10-28-2009, 07:17 PM

hes also got the oakville scales to worry about.

Forgot about them...Dundas Street is scenic!

ed200152

10-28-2009, 08:18 PM

If the truck is 13,500 lbs., you're legal.

I don't know the empty weight. Based on what I know, a single axle 22 ' bed International with hydraulic brakes is just under 15,000lbs. I would guess this one is close to 19,000lbs.
My concern is the steer axle is overloaded.

The scales on Markham Rd are about 5 Klm away.

Mercenary

10-28-2009, 10:26 PM

Scale that puppy and make sure you are legal. Don't forget its your license on the line too.

RodeoJoe

10-29-2009, 02:27 AM

Yup, I'd scale the bugger. 'Round here if you're overweight and get into an accident, ICBC can deny your insurance. Tain't worth it.

ed200152

10-29-2009, 04:28 PM

They wouldn't let me scale it and justified their position by saying they've carried just as much plywood without problems(this load was 18 lifts of drywall.) They said it wasn't necessary. I asked if they would pay my fines if I get ticketed because I'm in no position to pay fines and risk my immaculate record....Result... I walked away from this temp job(found these people last week by myself-not through an agency).
I received my truck training from ADANAC TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL and they stressed compliance to laws and safety.

Pipeman

10-29-2009, 04:57 PM

FLHT Ron

10-29-2009, 08:25 PM

That would be my move! You did the right thing! Don't worry! Something else will come up!!!

Ron

ed200152

10-29-2009, 10:12 PM

Something else will come up!!!
Ron

Lumber delivery for that company was seasonal and they indicated business is already starting to slow. They called me in only when the full time driver was too busy so my time there was limited anyway.

Might do snowplowing this winter and look for a truck driving position in spring.
Thanks for your support!
Ed

Mercenary

10-29-2009, 11:12 PM

Good call there Ed. Kinda fishy if they wouldn't let you scale the truck. Good on you to tell em to pound sand.

RodeoJoe

10-30-2009, 12:17 AM

Yup, good call. I think I'd be dropping a dime and talk to the local DOT or MOT or whatever and put a quiet word in their ear about non-compliant gypos trying to dodge the system.

Drifter

10-30-2009, 04:22 PM

Ed200152, congrats on an excellent decision, not risking your future driving career on a temp job, made sure you still have a clean CVOR which is priceless when that full time job comes up.

Again good decision.

mc94xr7

10-31-2009, 02:55 PM

you can always dodge the scales, cant you? nope.... thats called tax evasion

Pipeman

10-31-2009, 02:58 PM

you can always dodge the scales, cant you?Let me answer this way.

You can always run legal can't you?

mc94xr7

10-31-2009, 03:22 PM

Let me answer this way.

You can always run legal can't you?
lol... depends who you work for- the company i work for suggested to be to drive without signal to the garage to get her fixed. i told them no. but i did however run a 31 tonne 3 axle pup when i was only plated for a 2. i believe in safety. but paying these road taxes? forget that. theres a difference between penalties ans taxes (the government calls them fines)

this is a bit of a thread hijack though no, i dont want to get charged the fines either.