Heavy Haul: #22: S T R E T C H !!!

Truly, this is more of a Q&A video, with a little bit about what we did this week. This piece was 73' L x 12' W x 4'4" H x 60,000LBS.
Joe's Channel! - / mrdirtywindow

[@jimnull4410]

Where do I start....I remember being new, I was optimistic, energetic etc. Well here it is nearly 31 years later and I'm still optimistic and energetic. I still gawk at nice equipment and love tying stuff down and really enjoy the road. I'm a little wiser about who I will and will not work for, I've been burned but I'm not really bitter. You're right some of the guys in this industry need to better respect themselves. The industry would be better, but as you illustrate trucking is what you make it. Anyhow just a couple of comments, I like the tie idea. It shows you respect yourself and esteem anyone who has to look at ya. Your equipment is clean, well maintained and organized. Your videos are honest and open and even with all my experience I learn from you. That's really cool. I hope you make a dent in your part of the trucking world. Great vids, I'll be waching...

[@awd4g63ix]

Man, thanks so much. Love getting comments like this from guys who have been around through all the ups and downs of this brutal industry. I'm glad you're still optimistic and energetic, as that's a true rarity these days. I remember once I saw a driver throw garbage out of his truck...being the military man I am, I got out of mine and walked over to confront him about it. His response to me was "I been out here 42 years, I just don't give a shit no more." At that, I simply told him "Driver, it might be time for you to think about taking that truck to the house for good, then. You may not care anymore, but we are ALL affected by how you represent our industry. This is why we are viewed in such a negative light."He kinda cocked his head to the side, looked a little taken-a-back, then got out and picked up his trash. That's the kind of attitude we work so hard to differentiate ourselves from. Starting with the ties. It's excessive, but it truly shows a sort of dedication. Along with the fact that customers are hard pressed to forget the truck drivers in ties ;) Thanks for watching, and hope I can continue to put out quality videos.

[@thomasshaw9441]

Professionalism something most people don't care about anymore. Good video

[@awd4g63ix]

Thank you! That is exactly what we are trying to fix. Slowly but surely having a minor impact in raising the bar.

[@TheAe86man]

That's cool! I started driving in 2013 as well! Happy 4th, enjoy downtime and thank you for your service!

[@awd4g63ix]

Awesome! Hopefully the industry is as beneficial to you as it has been to me. Keep the greasy side down, driver!

[@randyfasy1581]

I was really impressed with the tie question you are completely right about how it is important for drivers to bring the professionalism back to professional driver. I've never seen a trailer stretch like that cool video all around keep up the good work out there drive safe.

[@awd4g63ix]

Absolutely, thank you. I recognize that the tie is extreme, but it's the message that it sends that's important. That's what I always try to convey to people...It's not about the tie itself, it's the image that's important. They're some fun trailers to stretch all the way out..they'll give you 90' of trailer to use!

[@teddysc0126]

Good video quality in every video nick! I enjoy watching your videos and learning something!

[@awd4g63ix]

Thanks! I'm glad you learn something, hopefully I can keep teaching a little bit.

[@JrFlexing909]

You doing a very great job what you do in trucking/heavy hauling. Takes a lot of work and patient but you keep at it and keep the wheels rolling on how tough the road might be ahead. Like you said, even though that everyone does not were a tie to work it just show how much you appreciate your job. Not many will see the same way but some will and I think you will make some kind of dent in the industry but it will take time for that to happen. Keep on rolling and stay safe out on the road and enjoy your July 4 Independence Day. Q&A question at 26:10

[@awd4g63ix]

Thanks for the comment! Hopefully people will realize that you don't have to become the image of a trucker, just because you ARE a trucker. We carve our own paths, and everything we do makes a difference in the end. Hope you enjoy your 4th as well.

[@SteelyPaw]

Every one really has nice rigs, impressive. I never saw a trailer do that, really cool. At 100' long, the safer the better, a lot of money and reputation at stake. Gives you an idea why electric is so expensive, when you consider everyone uses it, they have a sealed client base. I live close to Limerick Generating, it's 400' cone type stacks are always in view. I owned a machine shop, and I wore a tie every day too. I figured if I cared enough to look good, the customer would know I cared enough to treat them right too and give them good looking parts. Wearing a tie also shows respect in my opinion. You don't have to bother replying to my comment unless you want to. I am simply here interacting, and appreciating your videos.

[@awd4g63ix]

That's what our goal is. When customers see that we're willing to go the extra distance and endure the discomfort of driving / working in a tie, they are comfortable that we will go the extra distance to care for their products. It has gotten us SO much repeat and requested business. It's literally changed everything for us.

[@SteelyPaw]

I agree. Just a little extra class in the way you dress can really make the difference. Looks and first impressions are so important, especially since you are the key person representing your business. I also think how you keep your truck so clean and so husky looking, speaks so much about your business that leads to higher customer confidence. Having a well dress owner standing there telling the customer they are will do what it takes to ensure a safe and timely delivery of their freight will ensure repeat business thru word of mouth and respect in the business community.

[@peterbuhler1202]

Hi Nick & Hi to your dad as well, great video, very very informative as always, Look as for frequency of these videos, I am sure most if not all are just happy when they come around more enjoyable when they pop up out of the blue. As I said before the ties, they look classy and presentation is if not everything it is right up there, miss the gangster shifter a little though, lol. It was great to see you with Joe the three trucks looked great. Thanks as always Pete

[@MrBigR928]

Real nice video Nick! I agree on what you said about dead heading to go get the loads that pay. Like you said, "if you cant go 50 miles out if your comfort zone, you'll never make it at Landstar"! One thing I've noticed us that when it comes to specialized hauling, you gotta be ready to go where the money is. There's no regular or dedicated lane when your chasing the big numbers. And yes those steer wheels are sharp! I was wondering what the deal on those...lol. And your spot in when you talk about drivers now a days don't take pride in themselves or their trucks. I like the ties and hard hats. Just double up on the "Speed Stick and Crotch powder" and keep it moving...lol. Good stuff as always Nick👍🇺🇸✌

[@jjhz83]

Great video Nick! Guy on the CB radio mentioned it reminded him of Port of Miami, it actually looks almost identical to Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks for video and keep em coming.

[@awd4g63ix]

Never been there, maybe some day! Thank's for watching.

[@milan1969]

Great vid !!

[@samjab6645]

Hi like your videos , I have a question if you don’t mind I have CDL class A so how or what to do to be able to carry heavy and wide loads? Thanks

[@stancrouch9642]

Dude, Keep the tie. It's professional and it's classy as hell. Keep it up. Don't worry bout the haters

[@awd4g63ix]

Oh, the tie is going nowhere. Plenty of people who mean absolutely nothing to me are the ones hating. Customers, absolutely love it, and they call us back because of it. Haters can hate all they want...we can compare 1099's at the end of the year.

[@ecovention]

"Plenty of people who mean absolutely nothing to me are the ones hating" Couldn't agree more, will said. Loving the clean tidy equipment and great KW as well.

[@dannytownes8385]

What's the method to get the weight right between truck an trailer. You mentioned it in another vedio but I didn't really understand

[@gord2358]

Hey Nick, Good stuff! Keep it coming. Gord, Vancouver, Canada

[@awd4g63ix]

Thanks! Will do. Cheers, mate!

[@southjerseysound7340]

I agree with what you said about deadheading but be careful because it really sucks to lose a load after a long deadhead.Just be sure to cya and factor into your deadhead running costs the possibility of losing a load.

[@awd4g63ix]

Risk to reward I suppose. We've yet to have that happen to us, but it's always factored into the negotiations.

[@kylecompton502]

Great informative video Nick I'd rather watch this than a TV program any day.

[@awd4g63ix]

Thank you! That's awesome, hopefully I can keep you entertained as much as the Kardashian's.

[@albertsoler9932]

excellent video nick, you guys literally go the extra mile. .

[@awd4g63ix]

Haha. Yeahhhhhh we do a lot of miles...some loaded, a lot not.

[@gord2358]

I know a guy with a tree trimming business who wears a tie every day. Says he wants to look like a business person and it sets him apart. Gord, Vancouver

[@sebhac0123]

Good Video and information at the end!

[@awd4g63ix]

Thanks!

[@awd4g63ix]

Hahaha. Not even remotely close. I wasn't lucky like the kids now-a-days are...their teachers are drinking some special kinda water that mine weren't privy to.

[@jeanettelogistics2286]

Do you think a Step Deck is a good trailer to start with heavy haul.

[@gord2358]

Yeh, show me the money sounds like a good policy. You can always calculate your paid miles run and revenue per mile for the month, year, etc. As long as a trip fits within your average it should be good. Gord, Vancouver

[@lsjax72]

How often do you pick up or drop off loads at seaports? I ask cause a lot of big machines get sent overseas such as coal dump trucks.

[@awd4g63ix]

We haul a fair amount of freight from ports.

[@garyclarkii9801]

Always better to be safe than sorry is my motto dude!!!

[@amonsmith3096]

great video! how do you determine your pay per load? like do you used freight lanes and rates websites ?

[@awd4g63ix]

We pretty much wing it. We know what we feel our time and eqipment is worth, along with what we feel the market will currently bare. Then we always factor in the costs of permits and escorts and any other adversarial costs.

[@frednewman2162]

Nick, when you did a previous video on trailer walk around, I don't remember you saying it was a stretch! Maybe sometime you could do video on that, like what limits are, how air hoses/electrical systems work for stretch, etc.Also, maybe little explanation on why originally (for this load) you were going to extended trailer out 20',then decided to tuck it back in so load overhung back. Was that because of axil loading or load positioning on trailer deck? Maybe you should put a brief intro into your videos with explanation on "tie" thing, mean it seems like it gets all of us asking that same thing. Well taken points on some truckers, their hygiene, dirty cloths, or dirty rigs! Hopefully if enough people start mentioning it, the point will get through, but let me also point out, this problem doesn't just apply to truckers!

[@awd4g63ix]

That's not our normal trailer. In fact, we've only pulled it twice. Since I don't pull it all that often, it'd be a bit difficult to be able to do another walk around, as we're already back under our normal trailer. However, next time we pull it, I will absolutely go through and explain that stuff. As far as why we shortened the trailer...They were loading the heavy end towards the tail of the trailer, since the tridum on that trailer is adjustable (just like on a van trailer) we wanted to be able to have the pivot point closer to the truck so we could make finer adjustments with our weights. Good thing we did, because we were overweight on the tridum when we scaled it, and had we not shortened the spread, we wouldn't have been able to get it to where it needed to be. Thank's for the good questions!

[@frednewman2162]

Thanks for reply and explanation. After watching your next video, I kind of realized that you hadn't been pulling your normal trailer! Thanks for your great videos and your explanations!

[@awd4g63ix]

No worries! That's what I'm here for. Lol. We're back at it with our normal trailer...editing another video as we speak!

[@jimnull4410]

Dude, good on ya for getting that guy to think without being a jerk... :-)

[@awd4g63ix]

Not sure who you're referring to, but thanks! Lol.

[@troymeredith9936]

Nick Mordaunt think hes talking about the trucker that through out his rubbish,mate.

[@johnnyhunter4345]

Good move on the ties....exceptional is what I would call it...would hire you quicker than others...

[@4554dy]

I might have missed the answer to this but Do you own the extendable as well? Or does LS provide it for this type of load? Cheers!

[@awd4g63ix]

No, that extendable was Joe's. Actually, all 3 of those extendable's were Joe's. Lol.

[@gerardjohns1589]

It took me a little bit longer to get over to Landstar than it did for you but for the same reason's that's why I'm there . If you are serious about doing the job well there is no better place to be !

[@awd4g63ix]

Absolutely. There's so much potential here, but people waste their opportunities and resources.

[@beaut1330]

Nick Mordaunt This is my first time watching your video. Very clean and informative. I'm curious to know if your running under your own authority with landstar?

[@awd4g63ix]

GEEZ PEEZ Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. No, I do not have my own authority. With 1 truck, it just doesn't make sense for us right now.

[@beaut1330]

Nick Mordaunt Okay but you get loas through landstar. How would I learn to do what you do ? Do companies teach that ?

[@justinmuller4995]

hey nick it's justin. I'm looking it getting a kw900 just want to know like pricing and what u pay weekly or monthly. I know it's kinda into your business. just looking to were I can start off?

[@awd4g63ix]

Ah, that's such a hard question to answer man. Everything, and I mean everything changes the price on these trucks. Your honest to goodness best bet, would be to just start going to dealerships and talking to salesmen about prices and options.

[@killzu7386]

do they make you wear the button down shirt and tie?

[@awd4g63ix]

No, that's our choice, and it's totally changed our business.

[@TangoUniform300]

Why not have the last axle lift? Do you think the trailer would hit the tires in a turn?

[@awd4g63ix]

No, the trailer (our normal 4 axle one) was specifically designed to be able to center up over 4 axles, so with our set up, there is plenty of clearance. On this particular trailer, the stretch, we have to run our 5th wheel all the way to the rear to prevent the tires from hitting it. But we never haul heavy on that trailer, and we're always very cognizant of the location of our 5th wheel and the transition of the trailer.

[@zhentrixcalipso2738]

+Nick Mordaunt Thats educational, thanks

[@cladwig33]

Hey Nick! You ever haul any wind tower pieces? I'm on a wind turbine job in Wyoming that Landstar and Dagen Trucking are delivering our components.

[@awd4g63ix]

Dagen, huh? The guys using the big ole military HET's to drag the trailers up? I've never done wind energy work, though I certainly wouldn't mind doing it at some point! Our set up is not really ideal for that kind of hauling.

[@Krieghandt]

Sergei Drachev said something interesting: The trailer makes money, the tractor does not. Watching him select a new trailer and listening to you, I came away with the fact that YOU do not choose a trailer, but rather the market you're in chooses the trailer. Sergei does a lot of equipment carry, so a low boy is the key to success. But you live near a port, so a versatile flat bed is the key. Like you said, go to where the money is. I was wondering, since you and your dad both drive, do you guys do any expediting? Or is Landstar not in that side of the business?

[@awd4g63ix]

I can partially agree with what he said. The trailer you select, must be in line with what kind of work you do. The truck does make money though. For instance, if you only have a 3 axle tractor, you can only carry so much...regardless of your trailer...often not allowing you to use your trailer to it's fullest capability. Having a 4th axle on your TRUCK will increase your revenue because you can haul heavier freight. Thus in turn, the truck makes money. We found a niche that works for us, and we built our setup to suit the needs of said market. That's what I'd advise. Find what you want to do, and build your setup to dominate that market. Whatever it may be. We do run team specific freight at times.

[@southjerseysound7340]

yeah but not everywhere will allow extra weight with a lift axle either......It really does have a lot to do with your market and while the truck affects things its not to the degree that the trailer does.

[@drafsman7456]

would there be any advantages to running 20k steer axle, 46k drives & double frame over ur truck?

[@awd4g63ix]

Yeah, it'd be a hell of a lot stronger. More disadvantages though. Most states won't permit you that much on your drives, regardless of your axle ratings. That double frame, increases your TARE weight exponentially, making your over all capacity much less. 20k steer axles, unless they're loaded down, ride like complete shit. They just beat the hell out of the front end.

[@drafsman7456]

o ok i know a lot of dump trucks run 20k's & 46k's didnt know how if would apply to what u haul.

[@MrNathan707]

sup nick whats joes channel called you forgot the link

[@awd4g63ix]

kzbin.info

[@joshuas.8239]

Preach

[@davemiller7153]

just a quick question. first off I've been watching your vids for a while now and am VERY impressed by what you do. so my question is...... you said you work for Landstar. but you have to find your own loads and get your own permits and pay for your own equipment. so I guess my question is what does Landstar do for you? If I never new you worked for Landstar I would assume you were a private owner operator just doing your thing. thanks bud and keep the vids coming. drive safe.

[@awd4g63ix]

We are owner/operators. We don't WORK for Landstar, per-say, we are leased to Landstar. They provide us access to agents and brokers who have good freight. They also provide us support on the back end of trucking, such as factoring and such. Trucking as a true independent is so hard these days; It's nice to have a big company at your back.

[@MltaryTank]

what's up nick have a question what's your craziest experience you ever had since you been driving

[@awd4g63ix]

I'd have to think about that one...

[@SAXTProductions]

why SCE&G didn't run you 95 to 26 to the Jenkinsville exit is beyond me. I've footage of the large schnabel car WECX 800 going to VC Summer ( It's no secret, SCE&G has regular video updates from the site). I've also got footage of other railcars with components going to the plant. The three steam generators I got weighed in 632 tons with out the saddle and around 660 tons with the saddle. I do have videos on my channel, just look for NS 053 and NS 054 and NS 054 Complete.

[@jessiealcantar8751]

Is your father a Vietnam Veteran please let me know from one Vet to another Welcome Home Brother!!

[@azumanga5816]

holy crap I've never seen a trailer expand like that

[@awd4g63ix]

Lol. You should see it when it opens up to 90 feet. it's insane.

[@kennethhedden1846]

I have heard Landstar is a really good company, their dispatch system is the best compared to most,from what I hear.

[@awd4g63ix]

Landstar does not have a dispatch system. You may be mistaking them with Mercer Transportation. At Landstar, you are solely responsible for booking all of your freight. If you don't book something, you'll sit.

[@kennethhedden1846]

+Nick Mordaunt Thats what it was, you can choose your own freight in a certain way instead of waiting for a dispatcher who relys on a broker. All on your computer,and not getting the hurry up and wait crap.

[@anthonyrobertson1787]

The first emprestion can make or breaks a deal

[@MrLouie33105]

hey you ever think about putting continentals on the truck to

[@awd4g63ix]

Nah, Joe runs them on all 14 tractor tires, but they're just not for us. They reduce the amount of traction you get off roads, and A LOT of places we go, end with us in dirt / muddy lots where traction is a must. They're great tires though...absolutely impressed with them.

[@MrLouie33105]

+Nick Mordaunt they should make off-road tires though maybe that's something you should try to recomend

[@awd4g63ix]

Well, that's why we went with the tires that we did. They work VERY well off road, but are still also very road worthy, since 90% of the miles are done on interstate...You just have to be ready for that 10% or it'll jump up and bite you in the bootayy.

[@cars2809]

Where the link to Joe's channel?

[@awd4g63ix]

Should have been in the description, below the video...?

[@bigdill53]

second! !! Awesome vids keep em rolling

[@awd4g63ix]

Lol! If you ain't first, you're last! Haha. Thanks for watching, I'll keep videos coming as often as content presents itself!

[@jtaylor3447]

you forgot the link I was trying to find his channel

[@ddrum705]

Look up JOE DONOVAN on KZbin

[@awd4g63ix]

kzbin.info

[@jaynemar1]

Team Mordaunt are my #2 Highway Heroes!!!Big Daddy being my #1 Highway Hero!!!

[@awd4g63ix]

Woot woot! Having the Ravens to tote around makes it easy!

[@49Wildman]

can you put a link to your friends channel

[@awd4g63ix]

kzbin.info

[@gerardjohns1589]

Do yourself a favor , When you ever replace a tire get Michelin . You will thank me later just get them !

[@awd4g63ix]

I like the Michelin tires that we have had in the past, but we have grown very fond of these Bridgestones.

[@bdub78dub90]

Hey dock guy let the Truckers do there job!

[@bringjeffthehorizon]

I don't get how over size over weight goes on the back roads. You'd think the interstate would be number one. back roads can be dangerous and not as good.

[@awd4g63ix]

Well, if you see where this place is, there was no way to get there without going on back roads...there were, however, better routes we could have taken.

[@michaelporkchop9173]

how do you both of you sleep in the truck?

[@awd4g63ix]

Hotels. A f*ck ton of hotels lol. Or, I'll sprawl myself out across the front seats on nights where I am not driving the following morning.

[@michaelporkchop9173]

+Nick Mordaunt why didn't you get a truck a with two bunks

[@michaelporkchop9173]

+Nick Mordaunt why didn't you get a truck a with two bunks

[@awd4g63ix]

michael porkchop There's two answers to that. The first will make me sound like a pretentious prick, the second, is more legitimate. 1) I freaking hate the look of the high roof W900's, so, I was dead set on the flat top. 2) Initially, I was buying the truck for my dad, so he could run it himself with me dispatching. That obviously didn't play out lol.

[@michaelporkchop9173]

+Nick Mordaunt oh okay makes sense

[@maineman11]

I know what the vest is for, as I've had to wear them and hard hats on numerous sites. But always removed the stuff once off the site. Why do you wear your vest as much as you do?

[@awd4g63ix]

Keeps my tie at bay. Doesn't flop around everywhere and gives me extra pockets. I've just gotten used to always wearing it.

[@bdub78dub90]

Maine Man it's called safety! Prior Preparedness prevents piss poor performance

[@kentucky8256]

Maine Man honestly this dude is just wanting attention,just notice the tie and vest and driving around with more beacon lights than required,that is not safety that is called being a distraction,I have personally seen these type of ding dongs get a ticket for running beacon lights when not required as well as running beacon lights in Nevada and Georgia with a beacon lights permit, and thatrap about getting all the freight cause of there ties is just that crap,they pull for landstar,they get the freight cause it is bidded cheaper by landstar,myself and many others in the heavy equipment business would laugh if some douche showed up to load a machine wearing a tie,not only does it show they are not prepared for the job awaiting them it just makes them look like a idiot,i have been involved with heavy haul rgn work for twelve years and I have seen many bozo's like this come and go most never last more than a few years and then they go back to doing freight hauling in a dry van for a big name carrier and drinking that company Kool aid

[@kpdoorsaccess6171]

Stetements @29:00 Agreed

[@awd4g63ix]

:) One more drinking the koolaid!

[@19Dad84bod]

first! keep up the good work brother!

[@awd4g63ix]

Thank you! Will do...I hope. Lol.

[@kylecompton502]

Joe Donovan is his mentors Channel check it out

[@awd4g63ix]

Thanks! I don't know why the link didn't post, but I distinctly remember adding it to the description. Time to edit that.

[@shannonyt1]

Who is the other person with you?

[@davidnull5590]

Nick and his dad are in the truck.

[@shannonyt1]

Is his Dad training him?

[@kennethhedden1846]

Yea,if you wear a tie,you drive much better,everyone knows that.

[@awd4g63ix]

I'm trying to decide if that was a facetious remark or not, since I don't believe I've ever said those words, or anything even close to that.

[@kennethhedden1846]

+Nick Mordaunt Just joking man,never seen a truck driver weari g a tie thats all.

[@awd4g63ix]

I gotcha, lol. We're doing our (over the top) part to raise the bar a little bit.

[@kennethhedden1846]

+Nick Mordaunt Nothing wrong with that, be safe out there!

[@kennethhedden1846]

+Nick Mordaunt Haha! Watching the rest of the video now and your talking about the tie,had to shut it off before to drive. Me dumb.

[@hankclingingsmith6471]

babble babbling

[@awd4g63ix]

Meh. Can't win everyone's approval. Thanks for the view, though!

[@garysavage5675]

Just waisted 47 minutes watching you talking with no loading

[@awd4g63ix]

Lol, well I'm sorry that you feel it was wasted. I did, in the video, say that I was just going to be answering questions.

[@artm5294]

Too much talking. A lot of talking just to fill time.

[@awd4g63ix]

Well, I did say that this was a Q&A video. Luckily for you, and as we're celebrating today, we are free in this country...You're more than welcome to skip through or move along. Thanks for watching though, hopefully you'll come back and watch some other videos. It's very rare that I put a video that long up.