Non-CDL Hotshot - Weekly Vlog Of My Loads - Straps, Tarps, and Chains & Binders

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[@highcountrystories]

Your right on strapping the bucket down.. it could have swung the whole cab around on bouncy curves over the siskyous.

[@georgewashington1106]

I always like driving through the Siskiyou's. The elevation changes can suck if you're heavy, but the scenery is gorgeous. And that last exit, at Hilt, saves me a bunch of money (if you know, you know).

[@truckertavis]

Blue Skies motto: “Landed it”😂👌🏼

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

😂 that’s the first time I’ve seen myself say that, it’s funny the stuff we learn about ourselves making these videos.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

You are able to drill new license plate holes so that the bottom of your plate is even with the bottom edge of your trailer or a little higher.

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Nice weekly vlogs on strapping loads I enjoyed the video

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you, much appreciated!!

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots no problem

[@happyrootsfamily1276]

I have a 25ft 5k load that needs to go from klamath falls oregon to lompoc ca it's a Branson 2400h tractor with a backhoe and a couple small attachments if you have 25ft of deck space available

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I definitely would but I’m in Missouri picking up a new trailer. Unless it’s not time sensitive?

[@happyrootsfamily1276]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots I'll have more for you in the future

[@Erik_m509]

Very cool! I’m working towards doing hotshot out of central WA. Reading the comments saw that I need to stay under 10K pounds on the trailer. Any other stuff for CA that might be different than Oregon and Washington?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

From what I understand, the 10k limit is all that’s different. Also, some states you can run without Apportioned Plates (IRP), but if you’re running over here you have to get them.

[@JustinMettleMcMahan]

Hows living in southern Oregon? Always been interested in the Pacific northwest may move there once my kids are out of the house.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

It’s very nice here in Southern Oregon, I personally wouldn’t live near Portland but that’s just me. Real estate is also through the roof expensive just a heads up. Otherwise it’s great here.

[@4Dfreighthauling]

Great videos! Did you switch out your trailer hubs for grease? I just bout a 16GN and starting hot shot next week.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

No, my 16GN is oil bath and my new trailer is grease. I prefer grease after using both, and it’s not even a close decision.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Shit man I responded and didn’t even say congratulations on starting your journey!! Good luck!!

[@4Dfreighthauling]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks and stay safe out there

[@JBVantage1]

Why don’t you leave the straps wound up on the reel and throw the metal part over?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I used to, but in the winter your straps get destroyed by road grime. Also, when hauling something tall I have to be able to throw the strap over and you can’t do it properly with the hook side. Only takes a few minutes to roll them up so I don’t mind.

[@richardbarkley9909]

WD40 is NOT a lubricant. (most people think it is) I like CRC Power Lube spray lube....

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

WD40 is a lubricant and it helps against rust, which is what I fight the most. There are other things I could buy and use, but I had a full can of WD and it works just fine on ratchets every time I’ve used it.

[@richardbarkley9909]

I noticed that you're running Firestone Transforce tires. How do you like them? I run them on my F350 Dually and they work well.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

They lasted 60,000 miles so I loved them, never any problems. They came on the truck brand new, I just put Coopers on the other day.

[@richardbarkley9909]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots I have run Cooper Discoverer H/T on my Dually as well. They didn't hold up as well as the Transforce though.

[@richardbarkley9909]

9:46- Will you scale that load before you drive too far away from your shipper?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Normally I would if I’m at a different shipper and the paperwork is close to my max. I load often out of this place though and the paperwork is detailed and spot on for weight.

[@mikelopez4148]

How much gas was that 700 mile trip ??? Also what load board you use ?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I use Internet Truckstop and that’s it, everything else is brokers/customers that offer me freight direct. Not sure on the fuel, I don’t keep track on every trip, I do my fuel on an average of 10mpg.

[@richardbarkley9909]

Have you ever had DOT question your securement of a load?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Only during inspections, but that’s part of it so it’s expected. Other than that, I e had a guy come out and pull on chains and binders when hauling over width in Idaho, but that’s about it and they were fine.

[@user-hh8mv8je4v]

What you’re doing looks good but you shouldn’t hook to the rub rails of the trailer it has no structural integrity to the trailer and you can also receive a unsecured load citation as well as an out of service until it is corrected.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I appreciate the info. I’ve actually heard that before, and once a guy told me it’s ok if they are on the inside of the rub rail which I’m not sure about. It seems like they should be hooked to the L on the under side of the trailer? I’m always open to changing things, especially if I’m doing it wrong or someone has a better way.

[@user-hh8mv8je4v]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots yes, sir, you are correct your hooks should be on the inside of the rub rail to the trailer

[@bdlii]

Where/how did you learn to secure your loads? Did you have a similar job before doing hotshots or watch a lot of KZbin :p Seems to me like one of the more important skills as I assume you are responsible for it.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

My dad taught me a lot growing up honestly, and the rest has been truthfully self taught. I always go based on weight and length for how many straps I use and where I put them. With chains and binders, most machinery has tie down points specifically for transport, and depending on weight that will tell me how many binders I’ll use to be as safe as possible. As far as tarps, nothing prepares you for that battle 😂😂.

[@bdlii]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks man. Very interesting watching what you do and showing how much you are figuring out as you go. You know the tarp is miserable when you can't even take the time to film it haha. Probably make the entire video double R rated :)

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

@@bdlii😂😂 that’s a fact!!

[@ronportillo3851]

Do you have air bags in the rear.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Not on this trailer or my new one, but when I get my next trailer it will be a dual tandem and I’m definitely leaning heavily towards paying the extra $5k and getting air ride.

[@beauvaistrucking6365]

Place your license plate on the back side of the ramp course would have to drill two holes

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I probably would have done that if I was keeping the trailer, but now that I got the new one and they actually put the license plate in a good location I won’t have to worry anymore.

[@beauvaistrucking6365]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots if you don't mind me asking, what Brand did you buy? I think just abought every damn manufacturer out there lol. You put your plate down below where immediately it gets ripped off

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

@@beauvaistrucking6365 I bought a LoneStar and the license plate is at the top of the left ramp with a single light over it, works so much better than these other ones dragging them around all day 😂

[@Darkforces1231]

hey question what makes your trailer non cdl? and what do you recommend to find loads?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

It’s not necessarily the trailer that makes me non CDL, it’s that I’m registered at 26,000lbs. which is the max before needing a CDL. When I need to find a load the only site I use now is Internet Truckstop.

[@Darkforces1231]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots hmm ok im in CA and i was told something different by CHP or maybe he was just trying to scare bc im new, any who thanks been struggling with loads been active 1 month now thank you for these helpful vídeos

[@Darkforces1231]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots and what plan do you have on truckstop ?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I pay $150 a month so it’s not the basic plan, but I’m sure someone could get by with the basic if need be. And California is different, you can’t have over 10k on your trailer is my understanding. I’ve had 2 level 1 inspections in California and passed both with how I’m registered. However, one of the times I had 10,250lbs on the trailer and technically he could have violated me but didn’t, he said it’s because I’m registered in Oregon with my IRP and Oregon allows it so they’ve been told to allow it as well. I think if you’re based in California they might look at it differently, which isn’t very fair in my opinion. 1 month in is a tough spot, but it gets easier and better as you build relationships and absolutely get a few of your own customers, running off the load boards 100% of the time isn’t possible anymore, there’s way too many hotshots to compete with now.

[@juangonzalez3528]

What truck do you have 2500?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Ya, it’s a 2022 Ram 2500.

[@ronportillo3851]

How many feet do you have in 1 chain

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

The chains I used on the scissor lifts are 16ft each, and the chains I used on the mini excavator are 12ft or 14ft. A lot of people will buy all 20ft chains, but I’ve found I never need that much and it’s nice to have a variety.

[@libcubanaceotalkdo123]

Do you have cdl

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

No I don’t. I’m about halfway done with it, but for my I run non CDL.