Bidders Beware: GL is draining all fluids on trucks

[mdcarriers]

I just picked up two 5 ton road tractors at Fort Gordon, GA and all fluids had been drained and batteries removed from both trucks. It cost my customers $150 each for a wrecker to hoist them on my trailer. These trucks were sold in running condition. This facility offers no loading assistance either. I was also told that Warner Robins is doing the same thing. You may want to check with property manager before you bid so you know what to expect. I hauled over 50 military trucks in the past year and never had this problem. If you have any questions, please PM me or call me. Thanks, Mike Hatfield, MD Carriers, Inc. 423-432-9493

 

[atankersdad]

They do it at Richmond as well. Even the brake fluid.....

 

[OldGoat]

They do it at Richmond as well. Even the brake fluid.....

That one is a real pain. GL can keep em.

 

[greenjeepster]

I believe they are supposed to drain all the fluids on everything before they sell it.

 

[papercu]

G/L is to busy bending driveshafts and bumpers to drain fluids, maybe it a new military/base reg? Wayne

 

[doghead]

Who is "they"?

 

[steelandcanvas]

I believe they are supposed to drain all the fluids on everything before they sell it.

And what could the reason possibly be?

 

[greenjeepster]

Fluids in the equipment while being moved makes the load hazmat, so they are supposed to drain them.

 

[doghead]

Who is "they"?

So, the shipper is supposed to drain them, before hauling them between the bases?

 

[greenjeepster]

So, the shipper is supposed to drain them, before hauling them to the bases?

I don't know who is supposed to do the draining, but I remember reading somewhere on the terms and conditions that they drain the fluids out of mechanical equipment.

Prior to buying my deuces I have never received anything wit any fluid in it. I have bought water pumps, generators, hydraulic pumps...all have been drained.

Easy way to find out for sure would be to ask them.

 

[doghead]

Ask who? They?

Too bad the military didn't use Westfolks coolant heater, it is easy to unscrew from the waterpump(to drain it).


Terms and conditions of what?

 

[FrankUSMC]

Ok, I am "they"...
When we turn any thing into DRMO, it has to be drained of all fluids. I have seen some beautiful equipment, turned into scrap after some guys I work with are done draining all the fluids. I have seen lines cut, holding tanks have holes punched into them, every drop of oil has to be cleaned out.
Do not blame GL for this, it is a DRMO policy (read "EPA")
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[scrapman]

Possibly by draining all fluids and removal of the batteries relieves GL & the Gov't from all liabilities in case of damage or injuries caused by operation of the vehicle on the public roads. You will have accepted the property in a disabled condition. This is better for us instead of having frames cut in half or some other form of mutilation. I along with many others on here have been guilty of bid & buy, pick up & drive.

 

[FrankUSMC]

Scrapman
Good answer, but no, it is to keep the equipment from leaking oil onto the ground while it is at DRMO for 3 months till it is sold. Some places will let you put drain pans under the equipment, as long as it does not fill up with water. We have been called back to DRMO to pick up an item that we thought was completely drained and oil started to leak out of it. Some times we can just wipe the equipment down, some times we have to have it trucked back to us, and completely washed down again.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[velociT]

Thanks for the heads up Mike.

 

[CARNAC]

Frank is correct. The old rule was it had to be drained if the vehicle was non-operational.

 

[steelandcanvas]

Fluids in the equipment while being moved makes the load hazmat, so they are supposed to drain them.

Even though the vehicle transporting them has the exact fluids in it?

 

[mudguppy]

Fluids in the equipment while being moved makes the load hazmat, so they are supposed to drain them.

no it doesn't. at least, not according to my copy of 49 CFR.

 

[KsM715]

1. If its a govt. rule to drain all fluids then why is this happening at only a few sites and not all of them.

2. Why are they being listed as "starts and runs" if all the fluids are drained prior to GL getting this equipment?

 

[roscoe]

Frank is correct. The old rule was it had to be drained if the vehicle was non-operational.

So if its driven to the lot then its not drained? All three of my trucks appeared to have been recently serviced prior to turning them in.