Truckin' USA
 

Watching 'Big Rig' I have so many questions about the sort of work that he appears to be doing.
I don't know whether he is truly a single owner driver or whether he works for a 'line', but so far he seems to be moving trailers between unbranded sites. Of course he probably works through an agent (he seems to know his moves a couple ahead) but has anyone done this sort of work (in the US) - or even in the UK? Security must be an issue (though he might not be moving valuable goods) - both en route and at stops and changeovers. What stops unattended trailers being 'lifted' from a vast parking lot? How does a driver ensure that he has collected the correct trailer (and delivered it to the precise location)?

Many of the main routes seem to be toll-roads. Are vehicles fitted with transponders (he seems to pass through toll-booths with only a brief hesitation)? Are all toll-roads in a region operated by the same agency? (He moved from Pennsylvania Turnpike to Schuylkill Expressway to Wait Whitman Bridge (all toll roads) and then onto the N-S Freeway without apparently stopping or passing noticeable toll-booths.

I've already posed the question about drivers' hours rules in the Big Rig thread - but feel free to answer here.

Pat Bourke seems a likely candidate, he has driven in USA.

Cheers
Ian

For tolls over 13 States anyway, it looks like they could use an 'E Z Pass' (transponder)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-ZPass

Are US trucks fitted with tachographs? (or do they still use log-books?)

'Big Rig' has been 'at rest' since 13.30 GMT (and no unloading activity). By my reckoning he's had his weekend beak and should be on his way west by now (though he droe or one hour this mornin).
Does his mean that he needs to stop for longer to establish a new 'weekend' before he heads off 2700 miles?

Try this -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...board_recorder

Thanks for that (it's knowing where to find things):-

Article on female USA truckers -

http://www.ladytruckdrivers.com/more...verstories.htm

Whereas in the UK 56 mph is the governed maximum, there seems to be a noticeable difference in speeds of trucks (as seen on the 'Big Rig' video http://www.bigrigtravels.com ).
A very rough calculation (by me) suggested that 'Big Rig' achieved 54mph average (including minor roads, some congestion in city traffic and a 20 minute break) and many trucks are travelling much faster. It's difficult to determine how fast 'Big Rig' travels but it seems 'moderate'. Obviously unrestricted 400HP trucks are capable of significant speeds (particularly when unladen), but are there speed limits on US highways (and are these enforced on toll-roads by time taken between toll booths?)?
Does anyone know what is the 'average'?

It seems each State can now make it's own rules -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_l..._United_States

Quite complex . . .
(thanks)

I've 'sussed' the driving rules . . .

Each 24 hours must have a 10 hour continuous 'rest' period (leaving 14 hours - during which 11 can be driven).
After 4 continuous 14 / 11 hour days only 4 further hours can be worked (total 60 hours). If daily driving is less than 11 then 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days is allowed.
After 60 (or 70) hours duty a 24 hour period and a 10 hour rest period must be taken before driving can resume.
If driving only - maximum 11 hours per day (no non-driving hours) then after 5 days a further 5 hours can be worked before a 'weekend' (24+10 hours) must be taken.
As far as I can tell this effectively means 5 days with one hour per day 'not driving' then a 'weekend'.
Anybody got any better combinations?

There’s no federal road tax, although all states levy an annual registration fee, which varies considerably from state to state.

Motor vehicle registration rules and fees vary from state to state. The registration fee may be a flat fee or be based on a vehicles weight, age or value (or a combination). Upon registration, you’re issued with one (affixed to the rear of a vehicle) or two licence plates, the expiry date (month/year) of which is shown on the rear plate. A variety of personalised plates are available in most states (for an extra cost) and all states provide special plates for the disabled (a medical certificate is required).

Registration fees are usually paid annually, on a fixed date for all owners, or more often staggered, often based on your birthday or the first letter of your family name. There are usually penalties for late renewal and you can be arrested for displaying an out of date (dead) plate, although some states allow a grace period. Registration is validated by a sticker affixed to the rear registration plate. Duplicate plates and registration papers are available for a small fee.

http://www.truckinfo.net/trucking/li...-per-state.htm

http://www.justlanded.com/english/US...ving-in-the-US

http://www.worldlicenceplates.com/usa/US_XLPR.html

Does that mean that plates on tractors are hidden by the trailer?
Will this guy need plates for each state?

http://www.ador.state.al.us/motorveh...les/51204.html

Click on the link at the bottom of the above page for all the rules - good luck

Re - Interstate plates

http://www.alsea.org/News/ADOR_Announcement.htm

Licence plates in Denmark are issued when a vehicle ownership changes, so it's difficult to tell the age of a vehicle from its plates unless it has remained owned by the original owner.
If the annual fee is not paid or if no valid insurance then the 'Traffic Police' come round and remove the licence plates - it's as simple as that . . .

http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/

This link shows what the plates look like