Truckin' USA

[G-CPTN]

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.

[Ian]

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

Cheers
Ian

[Western SMT]

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

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

[G-CPTN]

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?

[Western SMT]

Try this -

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

[G-CPTN]

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

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering making EOBRs mandatory for all motor carriers. As of February 2008, it is only voluntary. Drivers and carriers are still allowed to use paper-based log books, which are subject to forgery.

[Western SMT]

Article on female USA truckers -

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

[G-CPTN]

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'?

[Western SMT]

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

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

[G-CPTN]

Quite complex . . .
(thanks)