The Viaduct area of Spokane is well known to MOST truck drivers, and while it is a hassle to go around to a truck-legal underpass, it sure beats the alternative shown above !!! BNSF used to have the same problem with an underpass just North ( TT East ) of the old GN Everett, WA. depot. So many big trucks became scrap metal that the railroad finally barracaded off the underpass with concrete K - Rail !!!
The article mentions " ... the Allied Van Lines Tractor - Trailer " rig, when it is in fact a bobtail, straight, or " Hoopie truck " , as they are called here in the PNW. Not wanting to pre - judge here, but nowadays with the nationwide shortage of Commercial Truck Drivers, many companies are forced to hire virtually anyone with a valid license that can find their HR office, and pass the piss test.
" You say you don't have a CDL ??? No problem -- we have straight trucks rated at under 26,000 GVW, so you don't need the Class B or Air Brake endorsements. We'll help you get your CDL ( provided you don't turn our box truck into a flatbed first ). " This sort of deal is commonplace within today's Trucking Industry. And, Moving & Storage companies tend to be the bottom-feeders of trucking, hiring lotsa Strong backs with Weak Minds, with vague promises of promotion " ... once you get your CDL ", but of course they are sooo busy that they cannot spare a CDL driver & tractor - trailer just for training. Besides, most wanna - be Bed Bug Haulers blow out their back or knees in the first few years, wherein the company dumps them for the next Strong Back / Weak Mind.
The article also mentions the perils of using GPS when driving a big truck. Garmin offers " trucker specific " maps for those who don't want to have " A Bad Day ". The best defense, though, is an experienced CDL Driver who uses instinct, instead of GPS. Several good clues: Do you see any other BIG trucks on this road ??? Why did all the BIG trucks just turn right there ??? Why is this street posted with a low GVW ???