hauled all over the country, we knew it would be just a matter of time before we would be able to take part in the wind energy revolution. After dropping the boats in Hudson, Fl, we were sent a dispatch to be at the GE Energy Plant in Pensacola, FL, Wednesday morning to pick up a windmill hub. Alas, it would be another over size load, this time measuring almost 12 feet wide. Fire up the printer and fax the permits, we have some reading to do!Arriving at the plant, we saw several empty and loaded trailers waiting to be attended to. We checked in with security, obtained our number, and patiently waited until we were beckoned to 
the loading area. Making our way around the perimeter of the plant, we pulled up and it looked like an R2D2 convention. In front of us were all the hubs, shrink wrapped in white, waiting to be taken to their new home. Before we could even don our hard hats and safety glasses, the huge forklift was headed our way with one of the 34,000 pound hubs. Our trailer gave out a groan as the hub was centered and set down. Now it was time to get to work.
the loading area. Making our way around the perimeter of the plant, we pulled up and it looked like an R2D2 convention. In front of us were all the hubs, shrink wrapped in white, waiting to be taken to their new home. Before we could even don our hard hats and safety glasses, the huge forklift was headed our way with one of the 34,000 pound hubs. Our trailer gave out a groan as the hub was centered and set down. Now it was time to get to work. .
Pulling out our extra long chains and binders we went about chaining it down, then securing the binders. Then it was time to tarp it. Thankfully, the forklift driver, this time in a smaller version, helped raise the tarp above the hub and we draped it over. Now we had to figure out how best to tarp this unusual shape with a rectangular tarp. A little fold here, a tuck there, at least two dozen bungee cords and we had it covered as best as we could. Attach all the regulation flags and signs to the truck and we are ready to head down the Interstate to the nearest truck stop to scale it to make sure we were legal.
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It's a relatively short drive, a little over 900 miles to Earl Park, Indiana where we will be delivering the hub. When I called them, the county was under a state of emergency with the power out and roads closed due to a storm that had just passed through. Hopefully, by Friday morning that ban will be lifted. Feeling a bit like Don Quixote, we will forge on, doing battle, imaginary or not.
2 comments:
I always wondered what fixed axle drivers did if they scaled out over-weight. I never carry much weight anyway (15,000 at most) so it's never been much of a worry for me. I've had 40K on this trailer once.
Happy New Year to you both (a few days late). I look forward to another fun and picture filled year on the road with you.
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