Heavy thoughts

Waiting patiently in the night, a victim of post-Christmas catchup.

This is my third load since coming back yesterday. All of them were already late when I got the assignment. I might get this one to its destination on time, though. I'm 22 hours late picking it up, but there might be time to get it where it's going.

If I push. And if nothing goes wrong.

It could have been worse. I didn't really expect to get there till tomorrow morning. I was running two-lanes most of the way, and that usually slows you down seriously.*

This morning's load was a bit of a surprise. The bill of lading listed the load as weighing 47,000+ lbs. When it's that heavy you start worrying. I mean, the truck will usually pull it, but is it legal?

The tractor and trailer together typically weighs about 30-35,000 lbs. 47,000 lbs of cargo is enough to push some of the heavier trucks over the gross-weight limit.

Right now I'm in a Freightliner Century Class tractor. That's one of the lighter sleeper trucks out here. I was fairly sure I would be under gross. But with that much weight, balancing the load is a lot tougher.

Heart in my throat, I scaled the rig. And found it five tons lighter than I was told.

Five tons.

Do these people know what they're shipping?

Not that I'm complaining, mind you...
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On Interstates I hope to average 60, and plan for 50. On two lanes I hope for 45 and plan for 30. Little towns every 10 miles can slow you down a lot.