Barr Nunn Orientation

Started off with going to Concentra medical office to do my DOT physical. Passed that no problem. There were 2 of us this morning, but the other gentleman passed his physical, but Barr Nunn did not like something about it, so would not accept it. So he is being sent home this evening on the bus. After talking with him, it appears he will not be coming back (his decision, not Barr Nunn). It had to do with something about needing something from his Dr.

After talking with him some today, he appeared to be one of the type we always warn about. It seems he thinks everyone is out to get him, never anything being his fault. He is rather rotund, so has medical issues that is not his fault (he could have always pushed away form the table anytime & not had the medical issues he has today).

Then was taken to the main terminal in Granger IA where we went through initial paperwork (background, medical, dental, 401k, safety, Logs, and maintenance dept). During all of this we had lunch. At the end of all the paperwork, was taken down to the shop area where they showed me about the Holland 5th wheel & what was expected for me to do once a week to ensure it's proper functioning.

Will continue this tomorrow. That is when I will get to meet my team leader (dispatcher), recruiter, and get assigned my truck before the end of the day. Will also complete whatever paperwork that is left.

So far, have been pretty pleased with the whole process.

Ernie

That's awesome. Hope it all works out for you.

What's this holland fifth wheel? What's the difference between it and any other fifth wheel? Just curious and wondering.

What's this holland fifth wheel? What's the difference between it and any other fifth wheel? Just curious and wondering.

Yes. The main difference is the design or how they function. Some 5th wheels you pull out the arm to unlock the jaws and that's it. It locks into place on its own. And the other kind like I have when you pull out the arm to lock open the 5th wheel jaws you also have to pull in towards the cab so it will remain open by catching on a notch designed to hold the jaws in the open locked position.

Just like Guy said, the main difference is in the design & functionality. In the end, they all pretty much work the same.

The type of 5th wheel they use here at Barr Nunn has a Teflon plate on the top. The reason is so that I do not have to grease the 5th wheel to ensure it will allow the trailer to move freely once attached. So because of that, the locking jaws do not get lubrication on a regular basis. That is why I need to lubricate it once a week to ensure it functions properly.

Ernie

HOLLAND FWAL SERIES

HOLLAND FWAL

The world’s lightest standard duty fifth wheel, the Forged Aluminum Fifth Wheel.

LOAD CAPACITY: 55,000 lbs. Maximum Vertical Load PULL CAPACITY: 150,000 lbs. Maximum Drawbar Pull D-Rating: 151kN

SAF-HOLLAND and Alcoa (the world's leader in aluminum technology) have partnered to produce the world's only Aluminum Fifth Wheel, making it the lightest standard duty fifth wheel.

Designed using master engineering, forging and machining technology, the FWAL is performance inspired to save up to 100 lbs over equivalent fifth wheels to increase your bottom line with larger payloads.

What does the Performance Guarantee mean to you? -No bracket pocket insert replacements - No lock jaw replacements - No rebuilds - Guaranteed for 5 Years/500,000 Miles*

*When used with a HOLLAND ILS Slider, the FWAL weighs 125 lbs. less than the competitors' comparable fifth wheel / slider combination. **Please see FWAL Warranty for complete details.

Features and Benefits

Forged Aluminum Top Plate

The FWAL's top plate is forged by Alcoa from the same alloy as Alcoa aluminum truck wheels (6061-T6), providing the perfect combination of the lightest weight fifth wheel in the world, with strength and durability.

Front Lock Insert

The top plate's front lock insert is a wear-resistant alloy of machined steel.

NoLube Technology, Standard

NoLube technology eliminates the need for lubrication on the top plate and locking mechanism. Replaceable NoLube plate inserts are mechanically bonded to a unique, perforated steel plate that provides low friction performance, and extends the life of the lube plate compound, eliminating the need for lubrication.

E-Z Grip™ Drop Release Handle

Requires minimum effort and protects handle from damage during a missed couple. Provides automatic secondary lock to assure safety.

Source: SAF-Holland

Completed orientation this afternoon.

Finished all the paperwork, did road test, and a evaluation to see if I was physically able to do the duties assigned (moving a crate with weights, pushing/pulling test). Passed that with no issues.

Was issued a 2013 Cascadia tractor, meet with my Team Leader (dispatcher), safety & a few others I can't remember (so many new faces/names). After checking out the truck, proceeded to put my things away.

Also need to activate my Comdata cards so I will be ready in the morning after I meet a couple more folks that was not available this afternoon.

Hope to get a load or 2 heading me back to the house so I can get the rest of my gear.

So far I am quite pleased with how things have gone with orientation. They were organized, through, and timely with everything.

Now to see how the operation really goes once I get on the road.

Ernie

Congrats Ernie.... Be safe up there. The weather is terrible as you so well know...

Have my first load assignment. I will be relaying a FedEx load from the terminal here in Granger to Louisville KY. The only problem at this time is it's not here yet.

It seems that the driver that picked it up was held up at the shipper , so they are running a little behind. Hopefully won't be too much longer.

Ernie