FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling)
Day started with me going north on Hwy 42 just outside the north side of Plain City, Ohio. Followed Hwy 42 to Delaware, Ohio where I got to Hwy 36 and went east to I-71. Got on I-71 northbound toward Cleveland. I was north of the State weight scales so I don't have to worry about them checking my logbook. I continued up I-71 and took a short break at a rest area along the way. When I got to I-271 south of Cleveland, I took it to Maple Heights, Ohio. I got there at the receiver at 3 AM and I was the fourth truck in line for the front gate. Laid down for a nap and was woken up at 6:20 AM with instructions to back into the 6th dock....which I did. They had the salad dressing unloaded by 7:30 AM and I was out on the street and calling into dispatch by 8 AM. They told me that there was NOT anything for me and to call back later. Another driver from our company had me follow him to the Cleveland, Ohio truckstop that is our fuel stop in the area. I thought it strange that this fuel stop was in a huge pit and that this area had several deep pits with businesses in them. I took a nice nap after calling in and being told not to expect anything today. I went to the restaurant and found the driver that bought me here. Ate dinner with him and a couple other drivers. After dinner, went to my tractor, watched TV and went to sleep late...
About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
January 31, 2010
January 30, 2010
January 30, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-traveling)
My day started with traveling past Kingdom City, Missouri. At 2:15 AM I found myself pulling into our Kansas City, Missouri terminal. Talked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork into him. I did and went to bed in my tractor. Before I went to bed I checked the “ready board” and I got on it. I got up from sleeping at 9 AM and went to the drivers' room where it wasn't long before I was called to the dispatcher's window for a load. I took a load of salad dressing to Maple Heights(suburb of Cleveland), Ohio. I knew that I could fill my fuel tanks so I did. I had to take an empty trailer to the shipper and exchange it for a loaded one. The weight on the paperwork read 38,685 lbs. I should be legal on overall weight but I will weigh the truck for axle legality. The axles were legal with 37,960 lbs on the trailer tandems. Headed for Cleveland, Ohio on I-70 eastbound until I got to I-270 around to top of St. Louis. Took I-270 east into Illinois where I picked up I-70 east again. Continued to Effingham, Illinois where I stopped at our fuel stop for a break. Was there about an hour and then it was off east on I-70 into Indiana. Stayed on I-70 east through Indianapolis and onto the “Just a Truckstop” on the Indiana/Ohio border where I took a break and got me some “eatin' “ at the restaurant. Don't know where I will go after Maple Heights so I decided to fill my tanks here since this truckstop is a fuel stop for our company. Put in 92 gallons and headed east on I-70 toward Columbus, Ohio. Got to exit 79 before Columbus and took Hwy 42 north to Plain City, Ohio. I had decided to drive the 13 ½ hours straight through to Maple Heights. This way I miss the Ohio scales on I-71 and the possibility that the Ohio DOT would inspect my logs and fine me illegal. As midnight came and my day ended, I was just exiting the north end of Plain City.......
My day started with traveling past Kingdom City, Missouri. At 2:15 AM I found myself pulling into our Kansas City, Missouri terminal. Talked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork into him. I did and went to bed in my tractor. Before I went to bed I checked the “ready board” and I got on it. I got up from sleeping at 9 AM and went to the drivers' room where it wasn't long before I was called to the dispatcher's window for a load. I took a load of salad dressing to Maple Heights(suburb of Cleveland), Ohio. I knew that I could fill my fuel tanks so I did. I had to take an empty trailer to the shipper and exchange it for a loaded one. The weight on the paperwork read 38,685 lbs. I should be legal on overall weight but I will weigh the truck for axle legality. The axles were legal with 37,960 lbs on the trailer tandems. Headed for Cleveland, Ohio on I-70 eastbound until I got to I-270 around to top of St. Louis. Took I-270 east into Illinois where I picked up I-70 east again. Continued to Effingham, Illinois where I stopped at our fuel stop for a break. Was there about an hour and then it was off east on I-70 into Indiana. Stayed on I-70 east through Indianapolis and onto the “Just a Truckstop” on the Indiana/Ohio border where I took a break and got me some “eatin' “ at the restaurant. Don't know where I will go after Maple Heights so I decided to fill my tanks here since this truckstop is a fuel stop for our company. Put in 92 gallons and headed east on I-70 toward Columbus, Ohio. Got to exit 79 before Columbus and took Hwy 42 north to Plain City, Ohio. I had decided to drive the 13 ½ hours straight through to Maple Heights. This way I miss the Ohio scales on I-71 and the possibility that the Ohio DOT would inspect my logs and fine me illegal. As midnight came and my day ended, I was just exiting the north end of Plain City.......
January 29, 2010
January 29, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Herrin/Marion, Illinois)
Monday and I am hoping to get out of here. Called in to dispatch at 8:30 AM and they had a load for me...Pick up in Herrin....at 7 PM. Stayed in the motel room until about 11:30 AM and then drove up to the Herrin Wal-Mart and walked around the store. Went to a pizza place across the street for their pizza buffet. Filled up on pizza and went back to the tractor for a nap. Took a nap until about 3 PM and then drove to the shipper; they were down the street from where I delivered Friday. When I got there, I had to wait to about 6 PM before they backed me to the dock. I was loaded and left the shipper at 7:30 PM. No big run on this load; at least I am out of here. Traveled north on I-57 to Mt Vernon, Illinois and intersection with I-64. Took I-64 west through St. Louis, Missouri and joining I-70 at Wentzville, Missouri. Followed I-70 to Kingdom City and then south on Hwy 54 to Fulton where I stopped at the post office and checked on my mail...nothing exciting. As my day ended-12 midnight-I got back on I-70 heading west.
Note: Part 2 of "second 5 years" was put on yesterdays blog-Jan 28, 1990, 2010......PT
Monday and I am hoping to get out of here. Called in to dispatch at 8:30 AM and they had a load for me...Pick up in Herrin....at 7 PM. Stayed in the motel room until about 11:30 AM and then drove up to the Herrin Wal-Mart and walked around the store. Went to a pizza place across the street for their pizza buffet. Filled up on pizza and went back to the tractor for a nap. Took a nap until about 3 PM and then drove to the shipper; they were down the street from where I delivered Friday. When I got there, I had to wait to about 6 PM before they backed me to the dock. I was loaded and left the shipper at 7:30 PM. No big run on this load; at least I am out of here. Traveled north on I-57 to Mt Vernon, Illinois and intersection with I-64. Took I-64 west through St. Louis, Missouri and joining I-70 at Wentzville, Missouri. Followed I-70 to Kingdom City and then south on Hwy 54 to Fulton where I stopped at the post office and checked on my mail...nothing exciting. As my day ended-12 midnight-I got back on I-70 heading west.
Note: Part 2 of "second 5 years" was put on yesterdays blog-Jan 28, 1990, 2010......PT
January 28, 2010
January 28, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Herrin/Marion, Illinois)
Spent the day at the motel in Marion. I was told there wouldn't be any loads and dispatch had my phone number here so I didn't call in...they can call me if they want me. Had enough munchies in my tractor to munch on all day while I watch motel TV. Stayed in my room for the day.
SECOND 5 YEARS:(part 2)
Just got loaded with a heavy load of scrap plastic from Stamford, Connecticut going to Henderson, North Carolina. I headed south out of Stamford on I-95. When I got to New York, I had to use the New England Thruway-toll road-which I been told a couple times that it had been condemned. Wouldn't surprise me to have to paid to use a condemned road here in the northeast. Actually I didn't see or feel anything that I would think was bad about it. Went on through the Washington toll Bridge-only pay toll going north-and onto the New Jersey Turnpike. What fun. Followed the turnpike through the populated suburbs of Newark, New Jersey into their farmlands. Followed I-95 south over the Delaware River into Pennsylvania at Philadelphia and on south. Did a short stretch of Delaware-their Highway is said to watch the big trucks closely-and then into Maryland. I went straight through Baltimore, Maryland and got to go in their tunnel under some bay they have. Continued down I-95 around the east side of Washington DC and on south into Virginia. South of Richmond, Virginia, I-85 south breaks off which I followed into North Carolina. Found Henderson and the customer quite easily. Spent the night in their parking lot. The next day I was unloaded and I looked in the trailer after it was empty. OH MY GOSH!!!! They had left a good amount of plastic smashed in my trailer return air grooves! I asked the unloader if they were to clean out the trailer and she said no and that she was done with it...and she gave me my signed paperwork. I tried to get that plastic out with what I had. No good. I called in to dispatch and they had a load to pick up in Virginia. I was lucky to have a book on alot of the truckstops in the county and the services they offer. I found one truckstop in Virginia, before my pickup, that has trailer washouts. I got to it and it cost $45(normal was $25) and I had to help. It got clean but it was a job. I don't know what to do to better the situation next time(I had no next time). I was glad that clean out was over!!! I went to my next pickup in Richmond, Virginia.
Spent the day at the motel in Marion. I was told there wouldn't be any loads and dispatch had my phone number here so I didn't call in...they can call me if they want me. Had enough munchies in my tractor to munch on all day while I watch motel TV. Stayed in my room for the day.
SECOND 5 YEARS:(part 2)
Just got loaded with a heavy load of scrap plastic from Stamford, Connecticut going to Henderson, North Carolina. I headed south out of Stamford on I-95. When I got to New York, I had to use the New England Thruway-toll road-which I been told a couple times that it had been condemned. Wouldn't surprise me to have to paid to use a condemned road here in the northeast. Actually I didn't see or feel anything that I would think was bad about it. Went on through the Washington toll Bridge-only pay toll going north-and onto the New Jersey Turnpike. What fun. Followed the turnpike through the populated suburbs of Newark, New Jersey into their farmlands. Followed I-95 south over the Delaware River into Pennsylvania at Philadelphia and on south. Did a short stretch of Delaware-their Highway is said to watch the big trucks closely-and then into Maryland. I went straight through Baltimore, Maryland and got to go in their tunnel under some bay they have. Continued down I-95 around the east side of Washington DC and on south into Virginia. South of Richmond, Virginia, I-85 south breaks off which I followed into North Carolina. Found Henderson and the customer quite easily. Spent the night in their parking lot. The next day I was unloaded and I looked in the trailer after it was empty. OH MY GOSH!!!! They had left a good amount of plastic smashed in my trailer return air grooves! I asked the unloader if they were to clean out the trailer and she said no and that she was done with it...and she gave me my signed paperwork. I tried to get that plastic out with what I had. No good. I called in to dispatch and they had a load to pick up in Virginia. I was lucky to have a book on alot of the truckstops in the county and the services they offer. I found one truckstop in Virginia, before my pickup, that has trailer washouts. I got to it and it cost $45(normal was $25) and I had to help. It got clean but it was a job. I don't know what to do to better the situation next time(I had no next time). I was glad that clean out was over!!! I went to my next pickup in Richmond, Virginia.
January 27, 2010
January 27, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Herrin, Illinois)
Woke up in my sleeper while sitting in the Herrin Wal-Mart parking lot. It was about 8 AM and so I made a check call. Dispatch told me to get a room for the weekend as there are no loads. I am number 2 on the ready board for this area. The only place I knew that had motels and a truckstop was the exit off of I-57 for Marion, Illinois. I took the the main north/south Herrin road south to Marion where I parked in the truckstop. Saw another truck from my company and found the driver in the truckstop restaurant. Talked with him and he was going to spend the weekend in his truck. I went to the motel and got me a room(my company reimburses $20/day/room) for the weekend and only paid for a day at a time. Spent the day, after checking into my room, watching TV and not much more.
Woke up in my sleeper while sitting in the Herrin Wal-Mart parking lot. It was about 8 AM and so I made a check call. Dispatch told me to get a room for the weekend as there are no loads. I am number 2 on the ready board for this area. The only place I knew that had motels and a truckstop was the exit off of I-57 for Marion, Illinois. I took the the main north/south Herrin road south to Marion where I parked in the truckstop. Saw another truck from my company and found the driver in the truckstop restaurant. Talked with him and he was going to spend the weekend in his truck. I went to the motel and got me a room(my company reimburses $20/day/room) for the weekend and only paid for a day at a time. Spent the day, after checking into my room, watching TV and not much more.
SECOND 5 YEARS:(Watch your weights and cargoes-part 1)I had to pick up a load of scrap plastic at a recycle center in Stamford, Connecticut and take it to Henderson, North Carolina. I had a refrigerated trailer with a flooring with return air grooving built into it. So, the contents of the trailer sit on the return air grooving. With a refrigerated trailer, I often would worry about any loads were the paperwork read 43,000 lbs. or more. PLUS, I had a weight sensor that would give me an idea about the weight on the tractor drive tires. Well, as they loaded me, I noticed the tractor drive weight sensors were reading far more than the legal 34,000 lbs. I went in and told the loader and he said for me to wait and just weigh it after loaded. I knew I would be back for reloading. He gave me the paperwork and it read about 48,000 lbs. I weighed it on their scales and came out with 37,250 lbs. on my tractor drives. I went back in the shipping office and found out the loader I had was brand new and didn't realize the weight limitation(yeah, right!!??). I had an experienced loader reload me correct and I weighed out legal at 79,560 lbs. Being legal, but close, I will only get enough fuel to equal that which I used after being loaded...don't want to go over being legal. (The trip and problem after being unloaded in part 2 tomorrow.)
January 26, 2010
January 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Herrin, Illinois)
Was awake by 6:30 AM and left the rest area around 7 AM. Went about 15 miles to the exit on I-57 for Herrin I needed. The customer was about a 1/4 mile off I-57 on the right side of the road. I found another truck from my company and a TSI truck in front of me. No problem...I was unloaded by 9 AM. The other truck from my company took off after it was unloaded so I have no idea what became of it. I went to the Herrin Wal-Mart and parked by the street. Went into Wal-Mart and talked to the manager about staying where I was parked. He said I could stay there with no problem. Bought alot of munchies as I felt I would be here for awhile. Called in all day and about 4 PM dispatch told me I would be here until Monday....OH Goodie!!! More nondriving time...more non-earning money time. For dinner, I went across the street to the pizza place and got me a big ol' pizza. Ate half of it at the pizza place and took the rest of it to the truck. I noticed that after dark there seemed to be cars "cruising" the boulevard I was sitting next to. I ate the rest of the pizza slowly, listened to my radio and watched the cars. Went to bed about 11 PM and watched my TV as I went to sleep...
Was awake by 6:30 AM and left the rest area around 7 AM. Went about 15 miles to the exit on I-57 for Herrin I needed. The customer was about a 1/4 mile off I-57 on the right side of the road. I found another truck from my company and a TSI truck in front of me. No problem...I was unloaded by 9 AM. The other truck from my company took off after it was unloaded so I have no idea what became of it. I went to the Herrin Wal-Mart and parked by the street. Went into Wal-Mart and talked to the manager about staying where I was parked. He said I could stay there with no problem. Bought alot of munchies as I felt I would be here for awhile. Called in all day and about 4 PM dispatch told me I would be here until Monday....OH Goodie!!! More nondriving time...more non-earning money time. For dinner, I went across the street to the pizza place and got me a big ol' pizza. Ate half of it at the pizza place and took the rest of it to the truck. I noticed that after dark there seemed to be cars "cruising" the boulevard I was sitting next to. I ate the rest of the pizza slowly, listened to my radio and watched the cars. Went to bed about 11 PM and watched my TV as I went to sleep...
January 25, 2010
January 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-traveling)
Day started when I was an hour west of Joplin, Missouri. Got to the Joplin terminal around 1AM, dropped trailer and checked in with dispatch. They had nothing for me (not surprised) so I want out to bed in my tractor. I slept to 9 AM to checked with dispatch again. Nothing yet(getting frustrated). At 2 PM when I checked with dispatch, they had a load for me. I got 46,000 lbs of roofing tile going to Herrin, Illinois. Got hooked up and vehicle inspection done. Weighed truck and legal by 400 lbs. All axles legal but close. DID NOT FUEL because of weigh problems. Took off and headed toward St. Louis on I-44 at 3 PM. . Stopped in Marshfield for dinner of bar-b-qued ribs and salad. Had no Missouri truck scales open all the way to St. Louis. Love the way the truck rides over I-44 from I-270 to the Mississippi River Bridge. When I got on the bridge, I started following I-64 east which I took to I-57 south at Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Follows I-57 to the rest area about 15 miles north of Herrin, Illinois. Found a parking space so I stayed here the night and went to sleep(10 PM) . I have bad feeling about getting out of here. Frustrated about the runs I am getting...Things will get better!!!!
Day started when I was an hour west of Joplin, Missouri. Got to the Joplin terminal around 1AM, dropped trailer and checked in with dispatch. They had nothing for me (not surprised) so I want out to bed in my tractor. I slept to 9 AM to checked with dispatch again. Nothing yet(getting frustrated). At 2 PM when I checked with dispatch, they had a load for me. I got 46,000 lbs of roofing tile going to Herrin, Illinois. Got hooked up and vehicle inspection done. Weighed truck and legal by 400 lbs. All axles legal but close. DID NOT FUEL because of weigh problems. Took off and headed toward St. Louis on I-44 at 3 PM. . Stopped in Marshfield for dinner of bar-b-qued ribs and salad. Had no Missouri truck scales open all the way to St. Louis. Love the way the truck rides over I-44 from I-270 to the Mississippi River Bridge. When I got on the bridge, I started following I-64 east which I took to I-57 south at Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Follows I-57 to the rest area about 15 miles north of Herrin, Illinois. Found a parking space so I stayed here the night and went to sleep(10 PM) . I have bad feeling about getting out of here. Frustrated about the runs I am getting...Things will get better!!!!
January 23, 2010
January 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Red Oak(Dallas), Texas)
Woke up at the motel and got ready to leave. Walked out of room and Brandywine(female trainer driver) and her student were getting into their tractor. They were running as a Team and they had a load waiting for them at the Dallas terminal. I got to the terminal and found nothing yet. The personnel here where nice and enjoyed talking, but I am doing this job to drive and earn money. About 1 PM I got the word to take a trailer and bobtail(go empty) to Tulsa, Oklahoma and then call dispatch. Since I didn't feel that they would have anything today for me in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I would go through Oklahoma City so that I could have dinner of “Just A Truckstop”. I went north on I-35E to I-35 north. Got to Ok City, After dinner-at 7 PM-I took off on I-44 East. And just getting into Tulsa, I called Dispatch...I was told to continue to the Joplin, Missouri terminal. I stopped for a break and then headed for Missouri. As my day ended, I was about 1 hour from Missouri...
Woke up at the motel and got ready to leave. Walked out of room and Brandywine(female trainer driver) and her student were getting into their tractor. They were running as a Team and they had a load waiting for them at the Dallas terminal. I got to the terminal and found nothing yet. The personnel here where nice and enjoyed talking, but I am doing this job to drive and earn money. About 1 PM I got the word to take a trailer and bobtail(go empty) to Tulsa, Oklahoma and then call dispatch. Since I didn't feel that they would have anything today for me in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I would go through Oklahoma City so that I could have dinner of “Just A Truckstop”. I went north on I-35E to I-35 north. Got to Ok City, After dinner-at 7 PM-I took off on I-44 East. And just getting into Tulsa, I called Dispatch...I was told to continue to the Joplin, Missouri terminal. I stopped for a break and then headed for Missouri. As my day ended, I was about 1 hour from Missouri...
January 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Dallas, Texas)
I woke up with my truck parked at the customer I delivered to last night. Got up and checked in with Dallas dispatch. Was told to take my trailer to Carrollton, Texas where it will be loaded with tires. After dropping the trailer I was told to bobtail(go with no trailer) to the Dallas Terminal in Red Oak, Texas. I did and sat around the terminal with a couple other drivers and talked until 2:30 PM when it was determined we wouldn't be going out today. I and Dan-one of the other drivers at the terminal-got a motel room for the night. A female driver-Brandywine-,who is a driver trainer, and her student, got a room down from ours. Everyone got all comfortable in their motel rooms and then the telephone rang. The Dallas terminal had a load for Dan to take. Since Dan rode to the motel with me, I had to take him back to the terminal. After I dropped Dan off, I stopped at the store and got me some munchies for the night and tomorrow morning....Watched motel TV and went to sleep...
I am a little frustrated with the poor loads I have been getting. Things will turn around and I hope so soon.
I woke up with my truck parked at the customer I delivered to last night. Got up and checked in with Dallas dispatch. Was told to take my trailer to Carrollton, Texas where it will be loaded with tires. After dropping the trailer I was told to bobtail(go with no trailer) to the Dallas Terminal in Red Oak, Texas. I did and sat around the terminal with a couple other drivers and talked until 2:30 PM when it was determined we wouldn't be going out today. I and Dan-one of the other drivers at the terminal-got a motel room for the night. A female driver-Brandywine-,who is a driver trainer, and her student, got a room down from ours. Everyone got all comfortable in their motel rooms and then the telephone rang. The Dallas terminal had a load for Dan to take. Since Dan rode to the motel with me, I had to take him back to the terminal. After I dropped Dan off, I stopped at the store and got me some munchies for the night and tomorrow morning....Watched motel TV and went to sleep...
I am a little frustrated with the poor loads I have been getting. Things will turn around and I hope so soon.
January 22, 2010
January 22, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Woke up and called dispatch. I was told to grab a trailer and go to Sand Springs, Oklahoma for a 2 PM pick up of glass jars to Dallas, Texas. Got my trailer and get all checks and paperwork done and went to “Just A Truckstop” in Ok. City for breakfast. After I ate, I took off east on I-44 to Tulsa. On the west side of Tulsa, I took I-244 north to Hwy 412 west. Got to the glass plant in Sand Springs, Oklahoma around 1 PM. I was backed to the deck and loaded when I got there. I was out by 2 PM. I took Hwy 75 south out of Tulsa. And headed for Dallas. Followed Hwy 75 all the way to Dallas, where I found the customer-north side of Dallas off of Hwy 75. I was at the drop off point at 7:00 PM and the warehouse was open. I checked in and they said to back up to the dock and they would unload me. I did and they did. I ask if I could sleep on their property that night as I wasn't familiar with the area. They said, “sure”! I pulled away from the dock to an area that I would be out of the way. Watched my TV and went to sleep.
Woke up and called dispatch. I was told to grab a trailer and go to Sand Springs, Oklahoma for a 2 PM pick up of glass jars to Dallas, Texas. Got my trailer and get all checks and paperwork done and went to “Just A Truckstop” in Ok. City for breakfast. After I ate, I took off east on I-44 to Tulsa. On the west side of Tulsa, I took I-244 north to Hwy 412 west. Got to the glass plant in Sand Springs, Oklahoma around 1 PM. I was backed to the deck and loaded when I got there. I was out by 2 PM. I took Hwy 75 south out of Tulsa. And headed for Dallas. Followed Hwy 75 all the way to Dallas, where I found the customer-north side of Dallas off of Hwy 75. I was at the drop off point at 7:00 PM and the warehouse was open. I checked in and they said to back up to the dock and they would unload me. I did and they did. I ask if I could sleep on their property that night as I wasn't familiar with the area. They said, “sure”! I pulled away from the dock to an area that I would be out of the way. Watched my TV and went to sleep.
January 21, 2010
January 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-traveling)
I have a load that I have to drop at the Joplin, Missouri terminal and am running along with another company driver named Kerry. As our day started, we were passing Durant, Oklahoma heading north on Hwy 75. Shorty Hwy 69 met up with Hwy 75 and Hwy 75 left Hwy 69 and went to the northwest. We stayed on Hwy 69 all the was up to I-44. It was Sunday morning and things were pretty quiet on the road. Kerry and I were having a great chit chat about all kinds of things so we decided to go straight through to Joplin, Missouri...about a 3 ½ hour logbook violation. As we got close to Stringtown, Oklahoma we slowed way down as this town was a speed trap. We did stop at the Stringtown truckstop for a short break and were back on the road by 1:15 AM. Up through the cities of Atoka, Muskogee and Big Cabin before we got to I-44. At I-44, we went east into Missouri stopping at our terminal in Joplin around 5:30 AM. I dropped my trailer and turned my paperwork in. Did not want to go on the ready board as I needed my sleep. I went to sleep in my tractor sleeper at 6 AM. I got up and went into dispatch at 1:30 PM to get on the ready board. Dispatch said he had an urgent load that needed to get down to our trailer drop yard in Oklahoma City and I could take it now if I wanted to. It was a “drop in the yard” load that will be delivered by the local drivers so I took it. Got hooked up, did vehicle inspection and my paperwork and I was headed for Oklahoma City. I took I-44 through Tulsa and then to Oklahoma City...a little over 200 miles. I had the trailer at the drop yard and dropped by 6 PM. Called Dispatch and was told to bunk it in for the night. I wrote, ate munchies, got paperwork done and went to sleep watching my TV while at the drop yard.
I have a load that I have to drop at the Joplin, Missouri terminal and am running along with another company driver named Kerry. As our day started, we were passing Durant, Oklahoma heading north on Hwy 75. Shorty Hwy 69 met up with Hwy 75 and Hwy 75 left Hwy 69 and went to the northwest. We stayed on Hwy 69 all the was up to I-44. It was Sunday morning and things were pretty quiet on the road. Kerry and I were having a great chit chat about all kinds of things so we decided to go straight through to Joplin, Missouri...about a 3 ½ hour logbook violation. As we got close to Stringtown, Oklahoma we slowed way down as this town was a speed trap. We did stop at the Stringtown truckstop for a short break and were back on the road by 1:15 AM. Up through the cities of Atoka, Muskogee and Big Cabin before we got to I-44. At I-44, we went east into Missouri stopping at our terminal in Joplin around 5:30 AM. I dropped my trailer and turned my paperwork in. Did not want to go on the ready board as I needed my sleep. I went to sleep in my tractor sleeper at 6 AM. I got up and went into dispatch at 1:30 PM to get on the ready board. Dispatch said he had an urgent load that needed to get down to our trailer drop yard in Oklahoma City and I could take it now if I wanted to. It was a “drop in the yard” load that will be delivered by the local drivers so I took it. Got hooked up, did vehicle inspection and my paperwork and I was headed for Oklahoma City. I took I-44 through Tulsa and then to Oklahoma City...a little over 200 miles. I had the trailer at the drop yard and dropped by 6 PM. Called Dispatch and was told to bunk it in for the night. I wrote, ate munchies, got paperwork done and went to sleep watching my TV while at the drop yard.
January 20, 2010
January 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Laredo, Texas)
Checked out of my motel room and went to breakfast. After breakfast I drove to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. They told me that I would be out today so I hung around terminal with hopes of getting something good. My trailer came into the yard and was ready for me at 1:30 PM. Got my paperwork for this load to Plymouth, Michigan. I was excited about the load when the dispatch told me to drop the trailer at the Joplin, Missouri terminal so that a team(two drivers in the same truck rotating driving/sleeping time) could hurry it on up to Michigan. I was not too happy about that. Oh well, I hooked up and did a vehicle inspection and did my paperwork. I was on my way. I had another driver from my company behind me going to Joplin, Missouri also. I told him-Kerry-how I was going to run and where I was going to stop and he said he would run with me. We went up to “Just A Truckstop” in San Antonio, Texas where we had dinner and we both got fuel(I got 66 gallons). We headed north on I-35 and when we came to the two leveled interstate in Austin, Texas I went to use the upper level and Kerry was a little surprised. He had never used it. He followed me and liked the upper level. When I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W, we took I-35E. We continued up to the truckstop at Red Oak, Texas where we took a short break and were on the road again by 10 PM. When we got through Dallas, Texas we took Hwy 75 north toward Oklahoma. As our day was coming to an end, we were going over the Red River into Oklahoma and getting close to the city of Durant, Oklahoma...
Checked out of my motel room and went to breakfast. After breakfast I drove to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. They told me that I would be out today so I hung around terminal with hopes of getting something good. My trailer came into the yard and was ready for me at 1:30 PM. Got my paperwork for this load to Plymouth, Michigan. I was excited about the load when the dispatch told me to drop the trailer at the Joplin, Missouri terminal so that a team(two drivers in the same truck rotating driving/sleeping time) could hurry it on up to Michigan. I was not too happy about that. Oh well, I hooked up and did a vehicle inspection and did my paperwork. I was on my way. I had another driver from my company behind me going to Joplin, Missouri also. I told him-Kerry-how I was going to run and where I was going to stop and he said he would run with me. We went up to “Just A Truckstop” in San Antonio, Texas where we had dinner and we both got fuel(I got 66 gallons). We headed north on I-35 and when we came to the two leveled interstate in Austin, Texas I went to use the upper level and Kerry was a little surprised. He had never used it. He followed me and liked the upper level. When I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W, we took I-35E. We continued up to the truckstop at Red Oak, Texas where we took a short break and were on the road again by 10 PM. When we got through Dallas, Texas we took Hwy 75 north toward Oklahoma. As our day was coming to an end, we were going over the Red River into Oklahoma and getting close to the city of Durant, Oklahoma...
January 19, 2010
January 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Laredo, Texas)
Still feeling bad so was happy to have dispatch tell me I wouldn't get out until tomorrow. Walked over to the supermarket and bought munchies to eat all day and tomorrow AM. Came back to the motel room and laid on the bed and watched TV. Nothing special done...
Still feeling bad so was happy to have dispatch tell me I wouldn't get out until tomorrow. Walked over to the supermarket and bought munchies to eat all day and tomorrow AM. Came back to the motel room and laid on the bed and watched TV. Nothing special done...
January 18, 2010
January 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Laredo, Texas)
Temperature in Laredo is cool and can sleep without running our tractors. I woke up not feeling very good. I just laid in my tractor until noon and watched TV. I was told I would be here another day so I went and got me a motel room for the night. Got more munchies and just laid around motel room the rest of day and watched TV. Not feeling too well. Looking to rest at least another day.
Temperature in Laredo is cool and can sleep without running our tractors. I woke up not feeling very good. I just laid in my tractor until noon and watched TV. I was told I would be here another day so I went and got me a motel room for the night. Got more munchies and just laid around motel room the rest of day and watched TV. Not feeling too well. Looking to rest at least another day.
January 17, 2010
January 17, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Mansfield, Texas)
Had my alarm set for 7 AM and when it went off I just turned it off. Laid there for awhile and then got up and made a check call and got a diet soda and pie out of the rest area junk food machines. I headed down I-35W until it became I-35 south and kept going south to San Antonio, Texas. I stopped at "Just A Truckstop" for fuel(146 gallons) and the lunch buffet. After filling all my tanks. I headed for Laredo and got there about 3:30 PM. I had to take the trailer to the broker(company that works with customs) to get it over the Mexican border. Dropped the trailer and headed back over to our terminal. Was told it would be awhile before I left as there was some as 162 drivers on the ready board before me. Went to the store and got some goodies to munch on throughout the evening. Stayed around the terminal tonight and slept in the tractor.
Had my alarm set for 7 AM and when it went off I just turned it off. Laid there for awhile and then got up and made a check call and got a diet soda and pie out of the rest area junk food machines. I headed down I-35W until it became I-35 south and kept going south to San Antonio, Texas. I stopped at "Just A Truckstop" for fuel(146 gallons) and the lunch buffet. After filling all my tanks. I headed for Laredo and got there about 3:30 PM. I had to take the trailer to the broker(company that works with customs) to get it over the Mexican border. Dropped the trailer and headed back over to our terminal. Was told it would be awhile before I left as there was some as 162 drivers on the ready board before me. Went to the store and got some goodies to munch on throughout the evening. Stayed around the terminal tonight and slept in the tractor.
January 16, 2010
January 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was up until about 2 AM watching TV in my tractor. SOOOO, I was sleeping nicely when a knocking came on the side of my tractor at 9 AM. I got up to my drivers seat and looked out the window to see Jack, the gray haired and bearded terminal manager. He said my number came up and they had a load to Laredo, Texas for me. I said OK and that I'd be in a a couple minutes. I went in and found that I had to go to Riverside, Missouri to get it. Jack laughed and said that the load is insulation and the whole load won't weigh more than 2,000 lbs. He gave me the directions and I filled my fuel tanks and checked my engine fluids before leaving. I went over to I-29 north and got off at Riverside. Found the shipper easily and was loaded by noon. Sure enough...the load only weighed-by the paperwork-2300 lbs. Got back on I-29 going south until I hooked up with I-35 south. Followed I-35 straight down to Laredo, TX...but stopped at the truckstop at Lebo, Kansas for some dinner at around 2 PM and was there about an hour. Food was great and the service good. On down I-35 I went through Emporia, Kansas and past Wichita Kansas into Oklahoma. I stopped for a short break outside Braman, Oklahoma at 5:30 PM. After this short break I drove for 5 1/2 hours to the rest area outside of Mansfield, Tx. where I decided to get some sleep. Was asleep by 11PM for my drive tomorrow.
I was up until about 2 AM watching TV in my tractor. SOOOO, I was sleeping nicely when a knocking came on the side of my tractor at 9 AM. I got up to my drivers seat and looked out the window to see Jack, the gray haired and bearded terminal manager. He said my number came up and they had a load to Laredo, Texas for me. I said OK and that I'd be in a a couple minutes. I went in and found that I had to go to Riverside, Missouri to get it. Jack laughed and said that the load is insulation and the whole load won't weigh more than 2,000 lbs. He gave me the directions and I filled my fuel tanks and checked my engine fluids before leaving. I went over to I-29 north and got off at Riverside. Found the shipper easily and was loaded by noon. Sure enough...the load only weighed-by the paperwork-2300 lbs. Got back on I-29 going south until I hooked up with I-35 south. Followed I-35 straight down to Laredo, TX...but stopped at the truckstop at Lebo, Kansas for some dinner at around 2 PM and was there about an hour. Food was great and the service good. On down I-35 I went through Emporia, Kansas and past Wichita Kansas into Oklahoma. I stopped for a short break outside Braman, Oklahoma at 5:30 PM. After this short break I drove for 5 1/2 hours to the rest area outside of Mansfield, Tx. where I decided to get some sleep. Was asleep by 11PM for my drive tomorrow.
January 15, 2010
January 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Got up and drove to the drop off point in Kansas City, Kansas. Got there by 8 AM and was in line with all the over trucks that loaded with me. Got unloaded and went back to the Kansas City terminal after I called and got on the ready board. Nothing for me so I spent the rest of the day at the terminal... Went to dinner with three other drivers waiting for loads...Watched TV in the drivers lounge and then went to bed in my sleeper...
Got up and drove to the drop off point in Kansas City, Kansas. Got there by 8 AM and was in line with all the over trucks that loaded with me. Got unloaded and went back to the Kansas City terminal after I called and got on the ready board. Nothing for me so I spent the rest of the day at the terminal... Went to dinner with three other drivers waiting for loads...Watched TV in the drivers lounge and then went to bed in my sleeper...
January 14, 2010
January 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Arnold, Missouri)
I got up at 3 AM and the first driver was up already and the guys that are going to load us were opening the building. It wasn't long and we were told to back up to the dock. I was being loaded almost before I could set my brakes. They loaded all of us with new empty Pepsi Cola cans going to a canning company in Kansas City, Kansas. I was loaded and out of there with a full load weighing 2800 lbs by 4:45 AM. With my load, I headed up I-55 to I-270 west and then north. Went up to I-70 and went west. Stopped at the "Just A Truckstop" in Kingdom City, Missouri for the breakfast buffet and filled my personal tank up. Laid down in my sleeper and took a nap. After my nap of about two hours I headed for our Kansas City Terminal. Got to the terminal and stayed there for the rest of the day...
I got up at 3 AM and the first driver was up already and the guys that are going to load us were opening the building. It wasn't long and we were told to back up to the dock. I was being loaded almost before I could set my brakes. They loaded all of us with new empty Pepsi Cola cans going to a canning company in Kansas City, Kansas. I was loaded and out of there with a full load weighing 2800 lbs by 4:45 AM. With my load, I headed up I-55 to I-270 west and then north. Went up to I-70 and went west. Stopped at the "Just A Truckstop" in Kingdom City, Missouri for the breakfast buffet and filled my personal tank up. Laid down in my sleeper and took a nap. After my nap of about two hours I headed for our Kansas City Terminal. Got to the terminal and stayed there for the rest of the day...
January 13, 2010
January 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Nashville, Tennessee)
I was up and ready to go by 7 AM. I wanted to be in Paducah, Kentucky for lunch. Took off west on I-24 up into Kentucky and up to Exit 16 in Paducah. Had lunch there and and then on I-24 a little ways to Hwy 60 west. This Hwy 60 is kinda neat as it has a bridge over the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers with a very short road in between each through Illinois. I took this Hwy 60 into Missouri where I caught I-57 south. I-57 led me to I-55 where I went north to Arnold, Missouri. I found the pickup point and I wasn't the first truck there...I had one truck in front of me. I pulled up behind the other truck and it's driver saw me and got out to talk. He had been here before and said they start loading at 4 AM. The building was locked so would have to wait check in...Still light out so I and Wilber(the other driver) talked until sundown. To bed and will get up at 3:30 AM.
I was up and ready to go by 7 AM. I wanted to be in Paducah, Kentucky for lunch. Took off west on I-24 up into Kentucky and up to Exit 16 in Paducah. Had lunch there and and then on I-24 a little ways to Hwy 60 west. This Hwy 60 is kinda neat as it has a bridge over the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers with a very short road in between each through Illinois. I took this Hwy 60 into Missouri where I caught I-57 south. I-57 led me to I-55 where I went north to Arnold, Missouri. I found the pickup point and I wasn't the first truck there...I had one truck in front of me. I pulled up behind the other truck and it's driver saw me and got out to talk. He had been here before and said they start loading at 4 AM. The building was locked so would have to wait check in...Still light out so I and Wilber(the other driver) talked until sundown. To bed and will get up at 3:30 AM.
January 12, 2010
January 12, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Nashville, Tennessee)Woke up at the “All Right Truckstop” and went into the restaurant for breakfast and make a check call. Found five over drivers from my company waiting. I sat down with them and made a check call. Nothing for me or the others. We had breakfast and sat around and talked for about two hours. Nothing to do. Went back to my truck, watched my TV and got my paperwork done. I called in about every hour...nothing until around 4 PM. Deadhead to Arnold, Missouri for a Sunday morning pickup. Was in at the restaurant so I decided to have a “light” dinner so I ordered a Taco Salad....worst Taco Salad I think I have ever had. Back to truck and got some sleep...
January 11, 2010
January 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-traveling)
As my day started, I was going past Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Continued down I-65 toward Nashville, Tennessee. When I got to I-40 at Nashville, I went east to the Mt. Juliet exit. I didn't have directions, just an address. When I got off I-40, There was a convenient store with good truck parking. I stopped and asked where this place was and the gal just knew the street was up a couple blocks. I went to the street and had a hard time finding the address. Finally found it and it's very thin driveway. Drove to the back and didn't have enough room to turn the truck around without putting the trailer tandems in the mud. I put them in the mud and turned around. I then waited until the guys were to open at 5 AM. They got there and said they were surprised to see me on time as most drivers are late. They then unloaded me by pulling each pallet to the rear of the trailer with a fork truck and chain. With the pallet at the back, they would take it out with the fork truck. They got me empty and told me I could stay parked where I was and sleep if I wanted. I was told I could use their phone inside the door if I wanted. I made a check call when I was empty and was told to call back later. Called back at noon and was told nothing until tomorrow. Went to the Nashville "All Right Truckstop for the evening and night.
As my day started, I was going past Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Continued down I-65 toward Nashville, Tennessee. When I got to I-40 at Nashville, I went east to the Mt. Juliet exit. I didn't have directions, just an address. When I got off I-40, There was a convenient store with good truck parking. I stopped and asked where this place was and the gal just knew the street was up a couple blocks. I went to the street and had a hard time finding the address. Finally found it and it's very thin driveway. Drove to the back and didn't have enough room to turn the truck around without putting the trailer tandems in the mud. I put them in the mud and turned around. I then waited until the guys were to open at 5 AM. They got there and said they were surprised to see me on time as most drivers are late. They then unloaded me by pulling each pallet to the rear of the trailer with a fork truck and chain. With the pallet at the back, they would take it out with the fork truck. They got me empty and told me I could stay parked where I was and sleep if I wanted. I was told I could use their phone inside the door if I wanted. I made a check call when I was empty and was told to call back later. Called back at noon and was told nothing until tomorrow. Went to the Nashville "All Right Truckstop for the evening and night.
January 10, 2010
January 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Toledo, Ohio)
Woke up at “Just A Truckstop” on truckstop row(I-280 & I-80) on the south side of Toledo, Ohio. Walked into the restaurant and made a check call only to find nothing for me. Had breakfast and made another check call to find nothing. Went to truck and moved it close to the fuel islands so I could easily make frequent called. Finally had something at noon. I was going to Holland, Ohio for a load to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. I had a 3:30 PM pick up appointment. I left for the appointment and traveled west on I-80 to Hwy 2(exit 52) and then back east to Holland. Pick up was easy to find and I had to wait to close to my appointment time before I was able to back up to the docks. After I backed to the docks I walked up to the docks. I was carrying vehicle batteries loaded with battery acid. I had to have placards(square signs placed on all sides of the trailer telling what type of hazardous material is being carried). I placed them on my trailer then went back to the docks and saw all types of batteries this place makes. Anyway, I got out of there about 5 PM. Headed east on Hwy 2 to I-475 south. Followed it to I-75 south. This trip takes me past Bowling Green, Ohio and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Followed I-75 toward Cincinnati, Ohio where I HAD to use-by law-the bypass to the east because I had placards on the trailer. The bypass will add a good 30 minutes to my driving time. Took the bypass 'till it came to I-75 south again. Crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky and to I-71.
Took I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky where I caught I-65 south toward Nashville, Tennessee. As this day ended, I was passing Elizabethtown, Kentucky...
Woke up at “Just A Truckstop” on truckstop row(I-280 & I-80) on the south side of Toledo, Ohio. Walked into the restaurant and made a check call only to find nothing for me. Had breakfast and made another check call to find nothing. Went to truck and moved it close to the fuel islands so I could easily make frequent called. Finally had something at noon. I was going to Holland, Ohio for a load to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. I had a 3:30 PM pick up appointment. I left for the appointment and traveled west on I-80 to Hwy 2(exit 52) and then back east to Holland. Pick up was easy to find and I had to wait to close to my appointment time before I was able to back up to the docks. After I backed to the docks I walked up to the docks. I was carrying vehicle batteries loaded with battery acid. I had to have placards(square signs placed on all sides of the trailer telling what type of hazardous material is being carried). I placed them on my trailer then went back to the docks and saw all types of batteries this place makes. Anyway, I got out of there about 5 PM. Headed east on Hwy 2 to I-475 south. Followed it to I-75 south. This trip takes me past Bowling Green, Ohio and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Followed I-75 toward Cincinnati, Ohio where I HAD to use-by law-the bypass to the east because I had placards on the trailer. The bypass will add a good 30 minutes to my driving time. Took the bypass 'till it came to I-75 south again. Crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky and to I-71.
Took I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky where I caught I-65 south toward Nashville, Tennessee. As this day ended, I was passing Elizabethtown, Kentucky...
January 9, 2010
January 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-traveling)
My day started by me crossing to the Ohio turnpike from the Indiana turnpike. I followed I-80 east until I came to the exit for I-75. Got off the turnpike and was in Perryville, Ohio, where I was going. I found the customer and I was surprised to find them open at around 2 AM. They said to back up to the dock and they would unload me. I was done with them by 2:45 AM and it was off to the “Just A Truckstop” along truckstop row(I-280 & I-80). I got there and called into dispatch. I was told to call back in the morning so I laid down in my sleeper for a nap. About 9 AM I called my dispatcher and he told me that I would be here until tomorrow most likely. I told him where I was and said I would call in every 4 to 5 hours anyway. I went in and had the breakfast buffet. There were two other drivers from my company eating so I joined then. They were both waiting for loads also. After I ate, I went into the movie room and watched movies all day. Shortly after dark I went to my truck and got my paperwork done and did some writing. Went to sleep...
My day started by me crossing to the Ohio turnpike from the Indiana turnpike. I followed I-80 east until I came to the exit for I-75. Got off the turnpike and was in Perryville, Ohio, where I was going. I found the customer and I was surprised to find them open at around 2 AM. They said to back up to the dock and they would unload me. I was done with them by 2:45 AM and it was off to the “Just A Truckstop” along truckstop row(I-280 & I-80). I got there and called into dispatch. I was told to call back in the morning so I laid down in my sleeper for a nap. About 9 AM I called my dispatcher and he told me that I would be here until tomorrow most likely. I told him where I was and said I would call in every 4 to 5 hours anyway. I went in and had the breakfast buffet. There were two other drivers from my company eating so I joined then. They were both waiting for loads also. After I ate, I went into the movie room and watched movies all day. Shortly after dark I went to my truck and got my paperwork done and did some writing. Went to sleep...
January 8, 2010
January 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Plainfield, Illinois)
Got up before dawn and headed for the customer; found them on Cicero Ave with huge driveway for trucks. They were unloading me before 7 AM and I was done with them at 7:30 AM. After I was unloaded I asked where I could go and wait for my next load as they didn't want me staying on their property. They said there was a K-Mart shopping center down the street where I could wait if I wanted to and I did. It was not long and I was given a load to pick up in Hartford, Wisconsin and take to Perryville, Ohio. I took I-294 and I-94 north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I took I-894 west and then north. When I-894 goes north, Hwy 45 runs with the interstate. I followed Hwy 45 north and out of the Milwaukee area. At this point, Hwy 41 is running with Hwy 45...I follow Hwy 41 when the two split. I go up a few miles to Hwy 60 and take it west. I get to Hartford and find the pickup just inside the city limits. I got there at 2:30 PM and was immediately loaded. I was out of the shippers with 34,000 lbs of mufflers by 3:30 PM. Looks like rush hour through Chicago, Illinois. Not much I can do about it except stop at the “Big Ball” truckstop south of Milwaukee for a couple hours. This I did. I was feeling a little tired so I set my alarm clock for a couple hours and took a nap. I left to go through Chicago about 5:30 PM, which put me through Chicago at the end of the rush hour. I enjoy traveling through Chicago-don't know why-Stayed on I-94 all the way until it joined I-80 going east. When I-94 and I-80 split, I followed I-80 east onto the Indiana Turnpike. The Ohio Turnpike followed. Midnight came as I was crossing into Ohio....
Got up before dawn and headed for the customer; found them on Cicero Ave with huge driveway for trucks. They were unloading me before 7 AM and I was done with them at 7:30 AM. After I was unloaded I asked where I could go and wait for my next load as they didn't want me staying on their property. They said there was a K-Mart shopping center down the street where I could wait if I wanted to and I did. It was not long and I was given a load to pick up in Hartford, Wisconsin and take to Perryville, Ohio. I took I-294 and I-94 north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I took I-894 west and then north. When I-894 goes north, Hwy 45 runs with the interstate. I followed Hwy 45 north and out of the Milwaukee area. At this point, Hwy 41 is running with Hwy 45...I follow Hwy 41 when the two split. I go up a few miles to Hwy 60 and take it west. I get to Hartford and find the pickup just inside the city limits. I got there at 2:30 PM and was immediately loaded. I was out of the shippers with 34,000 lbs of mufflers by 3:30 PM. Looks like rush hour through Chicago, Illinois. Not much I can do about it except stop at the “Big Ball” truckstop south of Milwaukee for a couple hours. This I did. I was feeling a little tired so I set my alarm clock for a couple hours and took a nap. I left to go through Chicago about 5:30 PM, which put me through Chicago at the end of the rush hour. I enjoy traveling through Chicago-don't know why-Stayed on I-94 all the way until it joined I-80 going east. When I-94 and I-80 split, I followed I-80 east onto the Indiana Turnpike. The Ohio Turnpike followed. Midnight came as I was crossing into Ohio....
January 7, 2010
January 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-McLean, Illinois)Nothing special today. Since this truckstop is a fuel stop for the company, I filled my tanks(84 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and headed north on I-55. My goal today is the truckstop off of I-55 in Plainfield, Illinois. This will put me close to delivery tomorrow. Ate and watched TV in the truckstop TV room. Was in bed by 8 PM with my TV on. Went to sleep...
January 6, 2010
January 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Marshfield, Missouri rest area)
Couldn't sleep very well so I got up at about 5 AM and was headed east on I-44 by 5:15 AM. I did my paperwork but didn't do a vehicle inspection as our maintenance in Joplin gave it a thorough one yesterday. (Helpful Hint: I WAS WRONG IN NOT DOING ONE AS SOMETHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED BETWEEN YESTERDAY AND THIS MORNING). Got to the outer limits of St. Louis , Missouri around 8AM and the Saturday traffic was real light. Stopped at Troy, Illinois for a break snack. Was there only 30 minutes and headed north on I-55. Around 11AM, I was at the McLean, Illinois truckstop that I planned to stay the night at. When in to the restaurant and had a hamburger and chef salad(They “had” the best chef salads). Spent the rest of the day and part of the evening in the TV room watching movies. Went out to my tractor and got all my paperwork done. Went to sleep...
Couldn't sleep very well so I got up at about 5 AM and was headed east on I-44 by 5:15 AM. I did my paperwork but didn't do a vehicle inspection as our maintenance in Joplin gave it a thorough one yesterday. (Helpful Hint: I WAS WRONG IN NOT DOING ONE AS SOMETHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED BETWEEN YESTERDAY AND THIS MORNING). Got to the outer limits of St. Louis , Missouri around 8AM and the Saturday traffic was real light. Stopped at Troy, Illinois for a break snack. Was there only 30 minutes and headed north on I-55. Around 11AM, I was at the McLean, Illinois truckstop that I planned to stay the night at. When in to the restaurant and had a hamburger and chef salad(They “had” the best chef salads). Spent the rest of the day and part of the evening in the TV room watching movies. Went out to my tractor and got all my paperwork done. Went to sleep...
January 5, 2010
January 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Nice sleep last night...wish I could sleep a little more but have to get going. Up and gone by 7:30 AM and at customer way before 8 AM. The company was open and they signed for the trailer door seal and told me to back up to the dock. I was told it would be awhile before they would get to me. It was about 9:30 AM when I started to feel the trailer being unloaded. I got out and watched. It was close to 11 AM when I was totally done with this company. I used their phone to call dispatch and was told to deadhead(go with an empty trailer) to Sand Springs, Oklahoma to pick up a load of glass for the west side of Chicago, Illinois. I went back east on I-44 to Tulsa(Oklahoma) and then west on Hwy 412 and found glass plant. Told to back up to the docks and I was out of there by 4 PM. It is interesting how they load the glass so it won't break. Back through Tulsa on Hwy 412 to I-44 east to Joplin. Pulled into the Joplin terminal as it had just got dark. The maintenance team checked out my unit and things were good. I fueled (82 gallons) and hit the road. I have to deliver Monday morning so I am in no big hurry. I pulled over in the rest area just passed Marshfield, Missouri for the night...Did my paperwork and watched TV until I went to sleep.
Nice sleep last night...wish I could sleep a little more but have to get going. Up and gone by 7:30 AM and at customer way before 8 AM. The company was open and they signed for the trailer door seal and told me to back up to the dock. I was told it would be awhile before they would get to me. It was about 9:30 AM when I started to feel the trailer being unloaded. I got out and watched. It was close to 11 AM when I was totally done with this company. I used their phone to call dispatch and was told to deadhead(go with an empty trailer) to Sand Springs, Oklahoma to pick up a load of glass for the west side of Chicago, Illinois. I went back east on I-44 to Tulsa(Oklahoma) and then west on Hwy 412 and found glass plant. Told to back up to the docks and I was out of there by 4 PM. It is interesting how they load the glass so it won't break. Back through Tulsa on Hwy 412 to I-44 east to Joplin. Pulled into the Joplin terminal as it had just got dark. The maintenance team checked out my unit and things were good. I fueled (82 gallons) and hit the road. I have to deliver Monday morning so I am in no big hurry. I pulled over in the rest area just passed Marshfield, Missouri for the night...Did my paperwork and watched TV until I went to sleep.
January 4, 2010
January 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:( Thursday-traveling)
As my day started at midnight I was passing Springfield, Missouri. Shortly after 1 AM I drove into our Joplin, Missouri Terminal where my tractor and trailer were inspected. The inspection found regular service was due, a window needed replacing, a light needed replacing, some decals need to be put on the side of my tractor and the front bumper needs replacing(cracked). I dropped the trailer in the trailer yard and parked the tractor by the service bays. I then went to the sleeper and went to sleep. Maintenance took care of all the repairs except the bumper while I was sleeping and they were done by 7 AM. I talked with maintenance about the bumper and they told me to take the tractor to Kenworth dealer for the bumper. I did and was at the dealer by 8 AM. I walked into the shop manager's office and told him what I was there for. There was a mechanic in the office with us when a secretary from their business office walked in. Both the manager's and mechanic's eyes, as well as mine, popped out of our heads(figure of speech). After she left the office, both guys said that they had never seen her dressed like that before. I will probably never forget how she looked. She was dressed totally modestly in a black dress and shoes with her black hair. What I really remember of her was her facial makeup especially that around her eyes. On her eye lids she had black makeup starting from the middle of the eyes outward. She seemed like a very nice gal but she looked “Evil”! I couldn't pick her out of a crowd of women but I won't forget the way she did her makeup. My bumper was replaced in a short period of time and I went back to the terminal and hooked back up to my trailer. Did my paperwork, filled my tanks and did a vehicle inspection. Headed toward Oklahoma City with two other trucks going the same way. Good chit chat over the CB radio. They were stopping in Tulsa, Oklahoma so I went the rest of the way to Oklahoma City by myself. My directions to the customer gave me the idea that it would be an easy find so I went to the “Just A Truckstop” and spent the night. Had dinner and watched movies in the movie room.
As my day started at midnight I was passing Springfield, Missouri. Shortly after 1 AM I drove into our Joplin, Missouri Terminal where my tractor and trailer were inspected. The inspection found regular service was due, a window needed replacing, a light needed replacing, some decals need to be put on the side of my tractor and the front bumper needs replacing(cracked). I dropped the trailer in the trailer yard and parked the tractor by the service bays. I then went to the sleeper and went to sleep. Maintenance took care of all the repairs except the bumper while I was sleeping and they were done by 7 AM. I talked with maintenance about the bumper and they told me to take the tractor to Kenworth dealer for the bumper. I did and was at the dealer by 8 AM. I walked into the shop manager's office and told him what I was there for. There was a mechanic in the office with us when a secretary from their business office walked in. Both the manager's and mechanic's eyes, as well as mine, popped out of our heads(figure of speech). After she left the office, both guys said that they had never seen her dressed like that before. I will probably never forget how she looked. She was dressed totally modestly in a black dress and shoes with her black hair. What I really remember of her was her facial makeup especially that around her eyes. On her eye lids she had black makeup starting from the middle of the eyes outward. She seemed like a very nice gal but she looked “Evil”! I couldn't pick her out of a crowd of women but I won't forget the way she did her makeup. My bumper was replaced in a short period of time and I went back to the terminal and hooked back up to my trailer. Did my paperwork, filled my tanks and did a vehicle inspection. Headed toward Oklahoma City with two other trucks going the same way. Good chit chat over the CB radio. They were stopping in Tulsa, Oklahoma so I went the rest of the way to Oklahoma City by myself. My directions to the customer gave me the idea that it would be an easy find so I went to the “Just A Truckstop” and spent the night. Had dinner and watched movies in the movie room.
January 3, 2010
January 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Hartford City, Indiana)
I awoke to the rocking of the trailer and tractor as the shipper was starting to load me. I got up and went and watched them load me for Oklahoma City. They were putting what looked like roll up garage doors on the trailer. I asked about the weight and was told 48,000 lbs. I got really nervous as that was getting too close to my maximum weight I could have. They took until noon to get me loaded. When they finished, I signed the paperwork after looking at the weight. They only had 24,000 lbs on. I felt more comfortable as the trailer pulled as if it had a lighter load on as I pulled out about 12:15 PM. When I left Hartford City, I just reversed self from the way I came in; took Hwy 26 west to I-69 south. When I got to the loop around Indianapolis, I took I-465 south to I-70 west and followed it right through Indy...and kept going. I stopped at the rest area outside Monrovia, Indiana for about 30 minutes at 2:15 PM. Left and headed for Troy, Illinois. Got there at 6 PM and had dinner in the truckstop restaurant. Met a couple other drivers from are company and had a great chit chat until about 7:45 PM when I decided to move on. Was headed for Joplin, Missouri through that long corridor I-44 from St. Louis to Joplin. All the weigh stations have been closed so far today. As my calendar day ends, I am passing Springfield, Missouri.
I awoke to the rocking of the trailer and tractor as the shipper was starting to load me. I got up and went and watched them load me for Oklahoma City. They were putting what looked like roll up garage doors on the trailer. I asked about the weight and was told 48,000 lbs. I got really nervous as that was getting too close to my maximum weight I could have. They took until noon to get me loaded. When they finished, I signed the paperwork after looking at the weight. They only had 24,000 lbs on. I felt more comfortable as the trailer pulled as if it had a lighter load on as I pulled out about 12:15 PM. When I left Hartford City, I just reversed self from the way I came in; took Hwy 26 west to I-69 south. When I got to the loop around Indianapolis, I took I-465 south to I-70 west and followed it right through Indy...and kept going. I stopped at the rest area outside Monrovia, Indiana for about 30 minutes at 2:15 PM. Left and headed for Troy, Illinois. Got there at 6 PM and had dinner in the truckstop restaurant. Met a couple other drivers from are company and had a great chit chat until about 7:45 PM when I decided to move on. Was headed for Joplin, Missouri through that long corridor I-44 from St. Louis to Joplin. All the weigh stations have been closed so far today. As my calendar day ends, I am passing Springfield, Missouri.
January 2, 2010
January 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Monrovia, Indiana)
Finally delivery day. Hoping that this slow down period is over. Got up at 4 AM and headed for Indianapolis by 4:30 AM. The delivery was to to made on “south” Tibbs Ave and I was looking for the place on “north” Tibbs Ave. Well, got straightened out and made my delivery OK. After delivery I called dispatch and had nothing to pick up. I went to the truckstop on the southside of Indianapolis just off of I-465. Met another driver there from our company named “Double Trouble”. I was number 2 on the “company ready board” for this area and Double Trouble was number 3. We had no idea where number 1 was. We had brunch together and chit-chatted with the other drivers in the restaurant. About 2 PM I called into to check on loads and found I had one. I called dispatch and was told to go and pick up my load tomorrow morning in Hartford City, Indiana. I said “bye” to Double Trouble and headed for the truck. Looked at the routing for this and decided to go east and then north on I-465 to I-69. Take I-69 to Hwy 26 and go east on it the Hartford City. This I did. When I got to Hwy 3 in town I found that I needed to go north. Found the customer and checked in. I was told to open my trailer doors and back up to the docks and wait for the morning. After I was done driving for the day, I got my paperwork all caught up and did some writing. Watched my in-truck TV and fall asleep...
Finally delivery day. Hoping that this slow down period is over. Got up at 4 AM and headed for Indianapolis by 4:30 AM. The delivery was to to made on “south” Tibbs Ave and I was looking for the place on “north” Tibbs Ave. Well, got straightened out and made my delivery OK. After delivery I called dispatch and had nothing to pick up. I went to the truckstop on the southside of Indianapolis just off of I-465. Met another driver there from our company named “Double Trouble”. I was number 2 on the “company ready board” for this area and Double Trouble was number 3. We had no idea where number 1 was. We had brunch together and chit-chatted with the other drivers in the restaurant. About 2 PM I called into to check on loads and found I had one. I called dispatch and was told to go and pick up my load tomorrow morning in Hartford City, Indiana. I said “bye” to Double Trouble and headed for the truck. Looked at the routing for this and decided to go east and then north on I-465 to I-69. Take I-69 to Hwy 26 and go east on it the Hartford City. This I did. When I got to Hwy 3 in town I found that I needed to go north. Found the customer and checked in. I was told to open my trailer doors and back up to the docks and wait for the morning. After I was done driving for the day, I got my paperwork all caught up and did some writing. Watched my in-truck TV and fall asleep...
January 1, 2010
January 1, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kingdom City, Missouri)
Since we're are hopefully getting to the end of the holiday slow down period, I have spent the last two days in Kingdom City, Missouri just “wasting“ time. Last evening, I slept so that I could be on the road at hopefully 2 AM. Sleep was nice until midnight hit...many of the trucks in the parking lot started blowing their air horns to welcome in the new year. Well, needless to say, I was wide awake after midnight. So I didn't wait until 2 AM to get going. I like the quietness of the roads on Christmas and New Years day mornings. I moved out toward Indianapolis about 1 AM and I basically had the roads to myself. Didn't see any crazy or drunk drivers but did see a few law enforcement cars. Beautiful driving east on I-70 to I-270 around the north side of St. Louis, Missouri. Once in Illinois, I caught I-70 east again. I stopped at the rest stop on I-70 by the town of Altamont, Illinois for a short break about 4 AM. By 4:15 AM I was back heading east on the nice non-busy highway...loved the drive! Drove right through Effingham, Illinois and it was quiet-not normal. Crossed into Indiana with my goal for today's drive being the truckstop at Exit 59(Monrovia, Indiana). I got there and chose the older of the two truckstops as it is our fuel stop and I may find a driver or two from our company. I went into the restaurant at 7 AM and no one was in it except for one waitress. I told her I was just looking around and walked to the TV area. It was empty also. What did I expect...new years day early morning! I went back to my tractor and got all my paperwork done and then took a nap until noon. Walked across the street to the other truckstop and found they had a nice buffet so I sat and ate. Stayed at the truckstop across the street watching TV until after dark. Came back to my tractor and laid down, watched TV and went to sleep...
Since we're are hopefully getting to the end of the holiday slow down period, I have spent the last two days in Kingdom City, Missouri just “wasting“ time. Last evening, I slept so that I could be on the road at hopefully 2 AM. Sleep was nice until midnight hit...many of the trucks in the parking lot started blowing their air horns to welcome in the new year. Well, needless to say, I was wide awake after midnight. So I didn't wait until 2 AM to get going. I like the quietness of the roads on Christmas and New Years day mornings. I moved out toward Indianapolis about 1 AM and I basically had the roads to myself. Didn't see any crazy or drunk drivers but did see a few law enforcement cars. Beautiful driving east on I-70 to I-270 around the north side of St. Louis, Missouri. Once in Illinois, I caught I-70 east again. I stopped at the rest stop on I-70 by the town of Altamont, Illinois for a short break about 4 AM. By 4:15 AM I was back heading east on the nice non-busy highway...loved the drive! Drove right through Effingham, Illinois and it was quiet-not normal. Crossed into Indiana with my goal for today's drive being the truckstop at Exit 59(Monrovia, Indiana). I got there and chose the older of the two truckstops as it is our fuel stop and I may find a driver or two from our company. I went into the restaurant at 7 AM and no one was in it except for one waitress. I told her I was just looking around and walked to the TV area. It was empty also. What did I expect...new years day early morning! I went back to my tractor and got all my paperwork done and then took a nap until noon. Walked across the street to the other truckstop and found they had a nice buffet so I sat and ate. Stayed at the truckstop across the street watching TV until after dark. Came back to my tractor and laid down, watched TV and went to sleep...
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