FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Louisville, Kentucky)
Woke up at 2:30 AM EST and couldn't really sleep anymore. Went to a pay phone and called dispatch. Found out the I had a load to pick up in Greencastle, Indiana today so I had the dispatcher dispatch me and I took off at 3 AM EST. I took the “back roads” instead of the Interstates...I just felt like it. I started on I-71 south to I-64 west in downtown Louisville, Kentucky where I went over the Ohio River. Was on I-64 only a couple miles before I took Hwy 150 west. Dark out so the greenery was somewhat meaningless. Got to Paoli, Indiana and took Hwy 37 north, through the mountains of Indiana, to Bloomington. At Bloomington I took Hwy 46 to Spencer, Indiana(crossroads of Hwy 46 and Hwy 231). Took Hwy 231 north to Greencastle, Indiana where I found the shipper as I crossed into the city limits on Hwy 231. Checked in at 7 AM EST and was backed up to the docks. If I had stayed on the interstates, I probably would have used more miles but would have cut a good hour off my travel time. I was loaded and leaving at 9:45 AM EST. Took Hwy 231 south to I-70 west. Fuel should be good to Kansas City, Mo. Load weight was 34,756 lbs and shouldn't be a problem for the weigh stations I go through. Was going to stop in Effingham, Illinois but when I got there, I just kept going. Stopped at the rest area near Altamont, Illinois and took a short break. Continued to follow I-70 to I-270 across the northern part of St. Louis. Got to I-70 on the west side of St. Louis and took it toward Kansas City. Was tired by the time I got to Kingdom City, Missouri so I stopped at “Just a Truckstop” and took my 8 hour break Not planning on traveling any further today....Went into restaurant and ate. Watched a movie in the movie room...went to bed...
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.
February 28, 2010
February 27, 2010
February 27, 1990, 2010
Note: February 27, 2010 is National Sword Swallower's Day.
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Burlington, Ontario) Day of travel...
Started my day trying to sleep as this company's forktruck would drive up into the trailer. Rock & Roll !!! Got to sleep and at 4:10 AM EST a company employee came out and told me that I was loaded and could pull away from the dock and close my doors. I did and that employee put a seal on my trailer doors. I went inside the building and got my paperwork. I get a vehicle inspection and did MY paperwork including the paperwork I needed to do to get back into the U.S.. I was back on the road at 4:45 AM EST heading toward Windsor, Ontario on the QEW Highway. Was on the QEW only a couple miles and then got the Queen's Highway 403. I guess the highway crews were working on the road as we had to do about 10 miles of two roads before getting back on the superslab(full highway). As the sun came up, the traffic increased. Got to the Queen's Highway 401 and continued to Windsor, Ontario. At 8:15 AM EST I paid my toll to go over the Ambassador Bridge. On the American side I had to give some paperwork to an American Customs Officer and then check in with the customs broker. Everything went OK but I was at the customs broker for 45 minutes. On my way south on I-75 and stopped at our Detroit(in Taylor), Michigan terminal for fuel(105 gallons) and check with dispatch. Nothing from dispatch and didn't see anyone I knew so I got back on I-75 south at 10 AM EST. Went over the Michigan weigh scale with no problem as the load weight by the paperwork is only 28,745 lbs. Into Ohio and through Toledo and it's suburbs. Went past Findlay, Lima and Sidney before stopping for a short break at the rest area past Piqua, Ohio Continued past Dayton and went through Cincinnati, Ohio and then over the Ohio River into Kentucky. I am running now on I-75/I-71 and I will now follow I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky. As I got close to Louisville, I needed to get on the I-265 loop and go down it a few miles to the Ford Plant. At 4 PM, I was pulling into the Ford Plant and dropping my trailer. Got paperwork signed and got another trailer. There was a place about ½ mile from the plant that I could park and wait for tomorrow...
A Trucker Helpful Hint: I delivered this load to the wrong Ford Plant. It was to go to the Plant south of Louisville off of I-65. Make sure that you go to where your paperwork says or to where your dispatcher says to go. The trailer location was taken care of by a local driver...
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Burlington, Ontario) Day of travel...
Started my day trying to sleep as this company's forktruck would drive up into the trailer. Rock & Roll !!! Got to sleep and at 4:10 AM EST a company employee came out and told me that I was loaded and could pull away from the dock and close my doors. I did and that employee put a seal on my trailer doors. I went inside the building and got my paperwork. I get a vehicle inspection and did MY paperwork including the paperwork I needed to do to get back into the U.S.. I was back on the road at 4:45 AM EST heading toward Windsor, Ontario on the QEW Highway. Was on the QEW only a couple miles and then got the Queen's Highway 403. I guess the highway crews were working on the road as we had to do about 10 miles of two roads before getting back on the superslab(full highway). As the sun came up, the traffic increased. Got to the Queen's Highway 401 and continued to Windsor, Ontario. At 8:15 AM EST I paid my toll to go over the Ambassador Bridge. On the American side I had to give some paperwork to an American Customs Officer and then check in with the customs broker. Everything went OK but I was at the customs broker for 45 minutes. On my way south on I-75 and stopped at our Detroit(in Taylor), Michigan terminal for fuel(105 gallons) and check with dispatch. Nothing from dispatch and didn't see anyone I knew so I got back on I-75 south at 10 AM EST. Went over the Michigan weigh scale with no problem as the load weight by the paperwork is only 28,745 lbs. Into Ohio and through Toledo and it's suburbs. Went past Findlay, Lima and Sidney before stopping for a short break at the rest area past Piqua, Ohio Continued past Dayton and went through Cincinnati, Ohio and then over the Ohio River into Kentucky. I am running now on I-75/I-71 and I will now follow I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky. As I got close to Louisville, I needed to get on the I-265 loop and go down it a few miles to the Ford Plant. At 4 PM, I was pulling into the Ford Plant and dropping my trailer. Got paperwork signed and got another trailer. There was a place about ½ mile from the plant that I could park and wait for tomorrow...
A Trucker Helpful Hint: I delivered this load to the wrong Ford Plant. It was to go to the Plant south of Louisville off of I-65. Make sure that you go to where your paperwork says or to where your dispatcher says to go. The trailer location was taken care of by a local driver...
February 26, 2010
February 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Scarborough, Ontario)
I was awake at 6 AM EST and sitting in the drivers seat before anybody started getting to work. I decided to back up a on of the four docks and did. It wasn't long before people started to show up at the building. I finally made contact with the receiving person and they told me to open my doors and re-back up to the dock door. They started unloading me and were done by 10 AM. I got my paperwork signed and called dispatch. I was told to call back as they had nothing for me at that time. I was told that there was a convenience store with truck parking a couple miles further up Queen's Highway 401 so I went to it. It was a nice place to “hang” out for awhile. Got me a big Pepsi-Cola(you don't call them “soda's” in Canada) and a couple hot dogs. Called at noon EST and got an auto parts load to pick up tomorrow in Burlington, Ontario and take to Louisville, Kentucky. I was on my way to Burlington at 2 PM EST and found the shipper with little problem. I checked in and was told to back up to dock door #3 and they would load me as they got the stuff ready I asked about the total weight and I was told it would be around 30,000 lbs. I backed in and didn't expect anything for tonight but I did feel the trailer being entered occasionally. Had the TV on and would fall asleep and them woke up when the trailer would shake. This went on past my day ending at midnight....
I make a big mistake with the delivery of this load...will be a "Trucker's Helpful Hint".
I was awake at 6 AM EST and sitting in the drivers seat before anybody started getting to work. I decided to back up a on of the four docks and did. It wasn't long before people started to show up at the building. I finally made contact with the receiving person and they told me to open my doors and re-back up to the dock door. They started unloading me and were done by 10 AM. I got my paperwork signed and called dispatch. I was told to call back as they had nothing for me at that time. I was told that there was a convenience store with truck parking a couple miles further up Queen's Highway 401 so I went to it. It was a nice place to “hang” out for awhile. Got me a big Pepsi-Cola(you don't call them “soda's” in Canada) and a couple hot dogs. Called at noon EST and got an auto parts load to pick up tomorrow in Burlington, Ontario and take to Louisville, Kentucky. I was on my way to Burlington at 2 PM EST and found the shipper with little problem. I checked in and was told to back up to dock door #3 and they would load me as they got the stuff ready I asked about the total weight and I was told it would be around 30,000 lbs. I backed in and didn't expect anything for tonight but I did feel the trailer being entered occasionally. Had the TV on and would fall asleep and them woke up when the trailer would shake. This went on past my day ending at midnight....
I make a big mistake with the delivery of this load...will be a "Trucker's Helpful Hint".
February 25, 2010
February 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Taylor, Michigan)
Woke up and left the motel room around 9 AM EST. It was a beautiful morning; quite a change from yesterday. Back at the terminal, dispatch gave me a load going to Scarborough, Ontario due tomorrow morning. Went to hook up to my trailer and I remembered I had left my padlock on the trailer I dropped last night. I found the trailer and also found the padlock totally frozen shut. I had to go into the terminal and get a small bucket of warm water to pore over the lock. I got the lock off . Hooked up, fueled(174 gallons), did paperwork and headed up I-75 toward the Ambassador Bridge. Traffic over the Bridge was light; time being 11 AM EST. I paid my toll for the bridge and over I went. The Canadian riverfront-Windsor, Ontario-looks really nice with green grass and a walkway so that Canadians can enjoy it. The U.S. Side-Detroit, Michigan-has trees on the riverfront so that that Canadians can't see the “ugliness”(this is the year 1990...has it changed?)-old buildings, trash and abandoned vehicles. Windsor was like going into a different world and I enjoyed the change**. I had to stop at the custom's broker and get the load Oked for Canada. The broker told me that what I had on was slightly different than the broker's paperwork says but she was going to let it pass. Great!!! Less problems...at least I think so. Went through town and went northeast toward Scarborough, Ontario on Queen's Highway 401(now apparently called the King's Highway 401). Loved the drive as the country's farmland was laid out differently from that found in the U.S. west of the Appalachian Mountains. Traveled passed the big Ontario towns of Chatham, London, Woodstock, Kitchener and Toronto before getting to my exit for Scarborough. (((Back in the early '90s, the money exchange was different enough so that I could get a free dozen donuts. This was done by stopping at the first rest area on the Queen's Highway and buying a dozen donuts with an American 20 dollar bill. They would give me change in Canadian dollars and I would get back over 20 of them. Then when I went back into America I would pay the toll with Canadian money and I would get the receipt in “dollars”which I turned in for reimbursement; I would get it back in U S dollars....free donuts paid for by the company. The company knew this was being done in one way or another. ))). My destination was easy to find as it was only two blocks off the highway. The company was closed and the docking area was huge so I parked my truck there. The time was 5 PM EST so I had time to walk around the neighbor. Didn't talk to anyone as it was chilly outside and I guess they were in their homes. Went back to truck, ate munchies for dinner, watched TV(Canadian) and went to sleep...
** Please note here that I enjoy change from one area to another no matter where it is. If scenery didn't change, travel would be boring for me. I would never enjoy being a “dedicated”route driver as things would be the same all the time!!!
Woke up and left the motel room around 9 AM EST. It was a beautiful morning; quite a change from yesterday. Back at the terminal, dispatch gave me a load going to Scarborough, Ontario due tomorrow morning. Went to hook up to my trailer and I remembered I had left my padlock on the trailer I dropped last night. I found the trailer and also found the padlock totally frozen shut. I had to go into the terminal and get a small bucket of warm water to pore over the lock. I got the lock off . Hooked up, fueled(174 gallons), did paperwork and headed up I-75 toward the Ambassador Bridge. Traffic over the Bridge was light; time being 11 AM EST. I paid my toll for the bridge and over I went. The Canadian riverfront-Windsor, Ontario-looks really nice with green grass and a walkway so that Canadians can enjoy it. The U.S. Side-Detroit, Michigan-has trees on the riverfront so that that Canadians can't see the “ugliness”(this is the year 1990...has it changed?)-old buildings, trash and abandoned vehicles. Windsor was like going into a different world and I enjoyed the change**. I had to stop at the custom's broker and get the load Oked for Canada. The broker told me that what I had on was slightly different than the broker's paperwork says but she was going to let it pass. Great!!! Less problems...at least I think so. Went through town and went northeast toward Scarborough, Ontario on Queen's Highway 401(now apparently called the King's Highway 401). Loved the drive as the country's farmland was laid out differently from that found in the U.S. west of the Appalachian Mountains. Traveled passed the big Ontario towns of Chatham, London, Woodstock, Kitchener and Toronto before getting to my exit for Scarborough. (((Back in the early '90s, the money exchange was different enough so that I could get a free dozen donuts. This was done by stopping at the first rest area on the Queen's Highway and buying a dozen donuts with an American 20 dollar bill. They would give me change in Canadian dollars and I would get back over 20 of them. Then when I went back into America I would pay the toll with Canadian money and I would get the receipt in “dollars”which I turned in for reimbursement; I would get it back in U S dollars....free donuts paid for by the company. The company knew this was being done in one way or another. ))). My destination was easy to find as it was only two blocks off the highway. The company was closed and the docking area was huge so I parked my truck there. The time was 5 PM EST so I had time to walk around the neighbor. Didn't talk to anyone as it was chilly outside and I guess they were in their homes. Went back to truck, ate munchies for dinner, watched TV(Canadian) and went to sleep...
** Please note here that I enjoy change from one area to another no matter where it is. If scenery didn't change, travel would be boring for me. I would never enjoy being a “dedicated”route driver as things would be the same all the time!!!
February 24, 2010
February 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Chillicothe, Ohio)
Had my alarm clock set for 5 AM((6 AM EST)) and when it went off I didn't want to get up but I did. Got up and looked outside and it was raining...no problem I thought. Got some munchies and chocolate milk and was headed north on Hwy 23(was on Hwy 35-both run together where I slept). Rain, rain and more rain. Got to the southern side of Columbus, Ohio and took the I-270 loop to the east until I came to Hwy 23 going north on Columbus's north side. Took Hwy 23 north and a short distance past Upper Sandusky, Ohio left Hwy 23 and followed Hwy 15 to I-75 north. Rain, rain and more rain. Traffic was slowed due to the heavy rain but the situation wasn't bad. Rain stated turning into sleet at I started to get to Toledo, Ohio. It seemed like the wind was picking up from the west and as I got to the Michigan border snow was falling with the roads getting bad. The Michigan weigh scale was closed but it was there that the winds started bringing in short lasting whiteouts(you can't see the hood of your truck yet alone the road). The whiteouts got longer lasting and thus scarier. At the Michigan 23 mile marker the white out cleared and I saw a semi(major truck company) standing across all lanes on the south bound lanes. There was a small pickup truck that had hit the back of the trailer in the fast lane and the driver appeared to be laying over the steering wheel. Then I hit another short whiteout and when I came out of it, I saw a fast moving semi(compressed gas hauler) going south. A moment later I heard the crash and thought that the little pickup truck had been between them.(in a couple weeks I learn some details of the accident). I called many semis going south and told them what was ahead of them. Hopefully I saved some from getting involved in the accident. Got to the Taylor(Detroit)Michigan terminal and didn't want to go further. I and another driver got a motel room for the night. On the TV news it was said that all the roads in and out of Detroit where blocked by traffic accidents. Glad I was safe for the night...
Had my alarm clock set for 5 AM((6 AM EST)) and when it went off I didn't want to get up but I did. Got up and looked outside and it was raining...no problem I thought. Got some munchies and chocolate milk and was headed north on Hwy 23(was on Hwy 35-both run together where I slept). Rain, rain and more rain. Got to the southern side of Columbus, Ohio and took the I-270 loop to the east until I came to Hwy 23 going north on Columbus's north side. Took Hwy 23 north and a short distance past Upper Sandusky, Ohio left Hwy 23 and followed Hwy 15 to I-75 north. Rain, rain and more rain. Traffic was slowed due to the heavy rain but the situation wasn't bad. Rain stated turning into sleet at I started to get to Toledo, Ohio. It seemed like the wind was picking up from the west and as I got to the Michigan border snow was falling with the roads getting bad. The Michigan weigh scale was closed but it was there that the winds started bringing in short lasting whiteouts(you can't see the hood of your truck yet alone the road). The whiteouts got longer lasting and thus scarier. At the Michigan 23 mile marker the white out cleared and I saw a semi(major truck company) standing across all lanes on the south bound lanes. There was a small pickup truck that had hit the back of the trailer in the fast lane and the driver appeared to be laying over the steering wheel. Then I hit another short whiteout and when I came out of it, I saw a fast moving semi(compressed gas hauler) going south. A moment later I heard the crash and thought that the little pickup truck had been between them.(in a couple weeks I learn some details of the accident). I called many semis going south and told them what was ahead of them. Hopefully I saved some from getting involved in the accident. Got to the Taylor(Detroit)Michigan terminal and didn't want to go further. I and another driver got a motel room for the night. On the TV news it was said that all the roads in and out of Detroit where blocked by traffic accidents. Glad I was safe for the night...
February 23, 2010
February 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Marion, North Carolina) Times in Central Standard Time....unless noted. Was awakened at 5:30 AM ((6:30 AM EST )) and told that we have to get the truck turned around before the employees start coming in. The whole lot has to be used to turn the truck around. As it was, there were five trucks that had to be moved so I could get the turn made. The truck needed to be pointing west to be unloaded and to use the driveway for exiting the warehouse. I got backed up to the correct dock and I was being unloaded; I got out of the tractor and talked to a man standing there. The sun was up-not high though-when they started unloading me and I saw how beautiful the area was. To the west of this warehouse, the way my truck was pointed, there was a mountain which I committed to the man I was talking with, how beautiful it appeared. I BELIEVE the man told me that it was called Bear Mountain and was a reserve for bears. He told me of a little history of the area and then I was informed that my trailer was unloaded...does not take long to unload insulation with four guys doing it. Got my paperwork signed, did my logbook, vehicle inspection and called dispatch that I was empty. Dispatch then gave me an auto parts load to be dropped in the Taylor(Detroit suburb)Michigan terminal yard. I had munchies for breakfast and was heading east on I-40 to Mebane, North Carolina around 8 AM((9 AM EST)). I went past-in North Carolina-Hickory, Winston-Salem and Greensboro before getting to my Mebane pickup at 11 AM((12 noon EST)). I checked in with the shipper and found that they were waiting for me. I backed up to the dock and was ready to leave by 11:45AM ((12:45 PM EST)). Got all legal and was on I-40 westbound by noon((1 PM EST)). Followed I-40 to Winston-Salem where I took Hwy 52 northwest. Just south of Mount Airy, North Carolina(TV's Andy Griffith's Mayberry), I took, what is now, I-74 west to I-77 north into Virginia. About 25 miles into Virginia, and having climbed some steep mountains, I got to the joining of I-77 and I-81 but continued to follow I-77. Since I like the “Just a Truckstop” here at the I-77 and I-81 junction, I decided to stop and have dinner or late lunch. Was there 1 ¼ hours before heading north on I-77 again. Traveled the winding mountain roads before getting to the tunnel that took me into West Virginia and onto the West Virginia Turnpike. Followed the turnpike(I-77) to Charleston, West Virginia. Since leaving “Just a Truckstop” I had snow, sheet and rain but it wasn't too bad. Had to use extra caution. I Charleston I grabbed I-64 west for a short distance. Just west of South Charleston(actually on Charleston's west side) I took Hwy 35 north west into Ohio at Gallipolis(in Ohio). Continued up Hwy 35 to Chillicothe, Ohio where I stopped for the night-south of town-at a convenience store with truck parking. Was bedded down by 9 PM. A really bad day for traveling tomorrow...
February 22, 2010
February 22, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-traveling) Times are all Central Standard Time(CST) unless noted...
As the day started, I entering Tennessee heading for Nashville. I got to the “All Right Truckstop” and was bedded down for my 8 hour break by 1 AM. What's coming up is hard to write about as the day ahead goes through some of the prettiest country in the USA. One has to drive this route to appreciate it's beauty. I was up and ready to roll east on I-40(staying on I-40 all day)at 9:30 AM. Had good sleep and should be “good” for the day. Headed toward Knoxville, Tennessee and shortly after Mt Juliet, Tennessee we start noticing the mountains, which we are actually in. The thick greenery of the trees and brushes are apparent all around us all day. The ground around us is only visible because man has cut through the greenery to build roads, towns, billboards, rest areas and cities. The thick greenery also gives way to an occasional farm or enchanting(beautiful) lakes. I truly enjoy most of my travels through these North American terrains and to me, this is a very large plus to driving; traveling and site seeing while being paid. Anyway, drove to Knoxville-west side-and stopped at the “Just a Truckstop” for a break and fuel(136 gallons). Was back on the road heading east by 1 PM Still beautifully green surroundings. I stopped at a convenient store with truck parking in Newport, Tennessee(in the Appalachian Mountains) to get some munchies to snack on. Was there about half an hour. More beautiful land to Asheville, North Carolina. Passed Asheville and came to Black's Mountain downgrade, the challenge for truck drivers without engine retarders(Jake Brakes???)like me. I took it very slow down the mountain road and got down safely. On I went to Marion, North Carolina. Had a little trouble finding the address where I was going. Found the receiver on a skinny street and a steep driveway. I drove up the driveway very carefully as I didn't trust my trailer dollies(front legs on the trailer) to not drag and be damaged on this steep driveway. Got parked in their lot by 7 PM((8 PM EST))and after dark. Bedded down, watched TV, ate munchies and went to sleep...
As the day started, I entering Tennessee heading for Nashville. I got to the “All Right Truckstop” and was bedded down for my 8 hour break by 1 AM. What's coming up is hard to write about as the day ahead goes through some of the prettiest country in the USA. One has to drive this route to appreciate it's beauty. I was up and ready to roll east on I-40(staying on I-40 all day)at 9:30 AM. Had good sleep and should be “good” for the day. Headed toward Knoxville, Tennessee and shortly after Mt Juliet, Tennessee we start noticing the mountains, which we are actually in. The thick greenery of the trees and brushes are apparent all around us all day. The ground around us is only visible because man has cut through the greenery to build roads, towns, billboards, rest areas and cities. The thick greenery also gives way to an occasional farm or enchanting(beautiful) lakes. I truly enjoy most of my travels through these North American terrains and to me, this is a very large plus to driving; traveling and site seeing while being paid. Anyway, drove to Knoxville-west side-and stopped at the “Just a Truckstop” for a break and fuel(136 gallons). Was back on the road heading east by 1 PM Still beautifully green surroundings. I stopped at a convenient store with truck parking in Newport, Tennessee(in the Appalachian Mountains) to get some munchies to snack on. Was there about half an hour. More beautiful land to Asheville, North Carolina. Passed Asheville and came to Black's Mountain downgrade, the challenge for truck drivers without engine retarders(Jake Brakes???)like me. I took it very slow down the mountain road and got down safely. On I went to Marion, North Carolina. Had a little trouble finding the address where I was going. Found the receiver on a skinny street and a steep driveway. I drove up the driveway very carefully as I didn't trust my trailer dollies(front legs on the trailer) to not drag and be damaged on this steep driveway. Got parked in their lot by 7 PM((8 PM EST))and after dark. Bedded down, watched TV, ate munchies and went to sleep...
February 21, 2010
February 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Got up from my truck bunk this AM and checked the driver's ready board. I was number 17 so I went to breakfast with my out driving partner Phil Reynolds(just back from home time). Around noon I got a load of insulation going to Marion, North Carolina. Great “light weight” load that I have to go pick up. I picked up the load in Kansas City, Kansas and found a damaged tire on the trailer. I called Kansas City terminal and told them about the tire. The dispatcher said to go back to the terminal and they would have a tire repair truck to take care of my trailer tire. They did and by 3 PM I was leaving the terminal and heading for I-70 east. This late in the day and the customer wanting the load by Friday morning, I decided to keep the load moving. I stopped at the rest area outside Wentzville, Missouri for a short break(6 PM) and then on, Followed I-70 east until it went over the Mississippi River where I needed to follow I-64 east. I passed the towns of Nashville and New Memphis, Illinois before getting to Mt. Vernon, Illinois where I caught I-57 South. I was on I-57 south for an 1 ¼ hours-with a rest area break-when I took I-24 east toward Paducah, Kentucky and .Nashville, Tennessee. As my day ended I was entering Tennessee heading for Nashville....
Got up from my truck bunk this AM and checked the driver's ready board. I was number 17 so I went to breakfast with my out driving partner Phil Reynolds(just back from home time). Around noon I got a load of insulation going to Marion, North Carolina. Great “light weight” load that I have to go pick up. I picked up the load in Kansas City, Kansas and found a damaged tire on the trailer. I called Kansas City terminal and told them about the tire. The dispatcher said to go back to the terminal and they would have a tire repair truck to take care of my trailer tire. They did and by 3 PM I was leaving the terminal and heading for I-70 east. This late in the day and the customer wanting the load by Friday morning, I decided to keep the load moving. I stopped at the rest area outside Wentzville, Missouri for a short break(6 PM) and then on, Followed I-70 east until it went over the Mississippi River where I needed to follow I-64 east. I passed the towns of Nashville and New Memphis, Illinois before getting to Mt. Vernon, Illinois where I caught I-57 South. I was on I-57 south for an 1 ¼ hours-with a rest area break-when I took I-24 east toward Paducah, Kentucky and .Nashville, Tennessee. As my day ended I was entering Tennessee heading for Nashville....
February 20, 2010
February 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Slept in to 8 AM this morning. Not on the trucker's ready board as I am going to take this day off also. I went to the breakfast buffet with “Rum-Dum”, a driver waiting for a load. Made me a couple sausage sandwiches with Texas toast. Took Rum-Dum back to the terminal and I left and went shopping. Waiting for the movie theater to open. When it did, I went and saw three movies. After the movies, I went back to the terminal and got on the trucker ready board as I won't get a load out tonight. Went out to my truck, watched my TV and went to sleep....
A TRUCKER'S TALE:(Why truck speed governors???)
When I was a meat hauler I worked for a company where the drivers had the reputation of being fast(big dogs). One day I was running with a driver that had driven for the company for quite a while. I asked why we had to have governors on our trucks that kept us at speeds of 72 mph and slower. He told me that OHIO had threatened to take away our right from going through their state unless we did. The story goes that an Ohio Highway patrolman had pulled one of our drivers over for speeding. He and the driver were sitting in his patrol car and he was writing the ticket when five of our company trucks flew by the patrol car obviously speeding. The patrolman is said to have seen then, threw his ticket book in frustration and said he was going to take this matter to his superiors. The apparent result was mandatory governors in the trucks or no right to go through Ohio. The irony here is that the speed limit for trucks was 55 mph and the governors were set for 72 mph. Go figure...
Slept in to 8 AM this morning. Not on the trucker's ready board as I am going to take this day off also. I went to the breakfast buffet with “Rum-Dum”, a driver waiting for a load. Made me a couple sausage sandwiches with Texas toast. Took Rum-Dum back to the terminal and I left and went shopping. Waiting for the movie theater to open. When it did, I went and saw three movies. After the movies, I went back to the terminal and got on the trucker ready board as I won't get a load out tonight. Went out to my truck, watched my TV and went to sleep....
A TRUCKER'S TALE:(Why truck speed governors???)
When I was a meat hauler I worked for a company where the drivers had the reputation of being fast(big dogs). One day I was running with a driver that had driven for the company for quite a while. I asked why we had to have governors on our trucks that kept us at speeds of 72 mph and slower. He told me that OHIO had threatened to take away our right from going through their state unless we did. The story goes that an Ohio Highway patrolman had pulled one of our drivers over for speeding. He and the driver were sitting in his patrol car and he was writing the ticket when five of our company trucks flew by the patrol car obviously speeding. The patrolman is said to have seen then, threw his ticket book in frustration and said he was going to take this matter to his superiors. The apparent result was mandatory governors in the trucks or no right to go through Ohio. The irony here is that the speed limit for trucks was 55 mph and the governors were set for 72 mph. Go figure...
February 19, 2010
February 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Took the day off at the terminal. Went to the post office and got the easy 1040 forms and booklet and went back to the terminal and did my taxes....exciting? Got taxes done for federal and state...exciting? Stayed at terminal the whole day and didn't get on the ready board.
A Trucker's Tale:(watch out who you beat up...)
I was heading east on I-40 out of Nashville, Tennessee. I had my CB radio on just listening to what came on it. I can't remember if I caught up to a couple guys talking or they caught up to me, but I adjusted my speed so as to listen to them.. One fellow claimed to have just got done serving a three month jail sentence in his county jail. He claimed to have gone home without notifying his wife he was coming. He walked into his house and found his wife entertaining a man in their(the drivers and his wife's) sleeping room. In that moment of anger, the trucker beat up the man so bad that the paramedics had to be called. Well, he went on trial for beating up the county sheriff. Yeap, the county sheriff had packed his patrol car in the garage and then during the trail, claimed he was just changing the woman's flat tire. The driver's lawyer then instructed the court to read the paramedics report and see that the sheriff was not dressed appropriately for changing tires when they-the paramedics-got to the home. The court still found him guilty of beating up a “Peace Officer” and sentenced him to three months in jail under the sheriff he had beat up....Watch it!!
Took the day off at the terminal. Went to the post office and got the easy 1040 forms and booklet and went back to the terminal and did my taxes....exciting? Got taxes done for federal and state...exciting? Stayed at terminal the whole day and didn't get on the ready board.
A Trucker's Tale:(watch out who you beat up...)
I was heading east on I-40 out of Nashville, Tennessee. I had my CB radio on just listening to what came on it. I can't remember if I caught up to a couple guys talking or they caught up to me, but I adjusted my speed so as to listen to them.. One fellow claimed to have just got done serving a three month jail sentence in his county jail. He claimed to have gone home without notifying his wife he was coming. He walked into his house and found his wife entertaining a man in their(the drivers and his wife's) sleeping room. In that moment of anger, the trucker beat up the man so bad that the paramedics had to be called. Well, he went on trial for beating up the county sheriff. Yeap, the county sheriff had packed his patrol car in the garage and then during the trail, claimed he was just changing the woman's flat tire. The driver's lawyer then instructed the court to read the paramedics report and see that the sheriff was not dressed appropriately for changing tires when they-the paramedics-got to the home. The court still found him guilty of beating up a “Peace Officer” and sentenced him to three months in jail under the sheriff he had beat up....Watch it!!
February 18, 2010
February 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lake Station, Indiana)
2 AM and I am ready to go. I-94 and I-80 come together at Lake Station and run west together for about 20 miles. I went west with them and then when the interstates separated, I stayed on I-80 toward Des Moines, Iowa. Stopped at the “All Right Truckstop” just west of the quad-cities(Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline and Rock Island). I brought a quart of chocolate milk and a turkey leg and hit the road again. People say Kansas is boring...Iowa and Illinois, to me, are just as bad; if not worse. For some reason, I like Nebraska's flat land and I don't know why. Anyway, got to Des Moines and caught I-35 south as it intersected I-80 on the north side of Des Moines. Headed south on I-35 and stopped at the rest area before going into Missouri. A little leg stretchin' and bathroom and headed south again. Pulled into the Kansas City(Missouri) terminal at noon. Checked in with dispatch and the car plant had not called for my trailer yet so I got to drop it in the terminal yard. Told dispatch I was going to take a day or two off as I have run pretty good lately...Stayed around the terminal the rest of the day...
2 AM and I am ready to go. I-94 and I-80 come together at Lake Station and run west together for about 20 miles. I went west with them and then when the interstates separated, I stayed on I-80 toward Des Moines, Iowa. Stopped at the “All Right Truckstop” just west of the quad-cities(Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline and Rock Island). I brought a quart of chocolate milk and a turkey leg and hit the road again. People say Kansas is boring...Iowa and Illinois, to me, are just as bad; if not worse. For some reason, I like Nebraska's flat land and I don't know why. Anyway, got to Des Moines and caught I-35 south as it intersected I-80 on the north side of Des Moines. Headed south on I-35 and stopped at the rest area before going into Missouri. A little leg stretchin' and bathroom and headed south again. Pulled into the Kansas City(Missouri) terminal at noon. Checked in with dispatch and the car plant had not called for my trailer yet so I got to drop it in the terminal yard. Told dispatch I was going to take a day or two off as I have run pretty good lately...Stayed around the terminal the rest of the day...
February 17, 2010
February 17, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Peru, Illinois)
Didn't care at all for the truckstop I spent the night at so I just got up and headed east on I-80 by 5 AM. Within the hour I got to what I would call the busiest road in America: I-94/I-80 south of Lake Michigan. I passed up breakfast at “Just a Truckstop” in Lake Station, Indiana as I want to got this up to St. Thomas, Ontario as soon as possible so I can drop this trailer and relax a day at a small truckstop near Iona, Ontario. Followed I-94 after it joined up with I-80. Took I-94 into Michigan and on toward Taylor(Detroit suburb), Michigan. Got to the terminal in Taylor at 10:30 AM(CST) and backed into a parking space, not unhooking my trailer. Went into dispatch for any paperwork I would need to go into Canada with. Then dispatch did the unexpected...They told me they had no trucks on the ready board and that I would have to drop my trailer, pick up another and take it to Kansas City terminal for Monday. I had no choice. It always happens when you make plans. I got the other trailer, did a vehicle inspection and my paperwork. After fueling(180 gallons) I headed west on I-94 by noon(CST). Was in Lake Station, Indiana so I stopped at “Just a Truckstop” where I ate dinner at 4 PM(CST). Decided to stay there for the night and leave early in the AM. Ate and watched 1 ½ movies in the truckers' movie room and then I went to bed...
Didn't care at all for the truckstop I spent the night at so I just got up and headed east on I-80 by 5 AM. Within the hour I got to what I would call the busiest road in America: I-94/I-80 south of Lake Michigan. I passed up breakfast at “Just a Truckstop” in Lake Station, Indiana as I want to got this up to St. Thomas, Ontario as soon as possible so I can drop this trailer and relax a day at a small truckstop near Iona, Ontario. Followed I-94 after it joined up with I-80. Took I-94 into Michigan and on toward Taylor(Detroit suburb), Michigan. Got to the terminal in Taylor at 10:30 AM(CST) and backed into a parking space, not unhooking my trailer. Went into dispatch for any paperwork I would need to go into Canada with. Then dispatch did the unexpected...They told me they had no trucks on the ready board and that I would have to drop my trailer, pick up another and take it to Kansas City terminal for Monday. I had no choice. It always happens when you make plans. I got the other trailer, did a vehicle inspection and my paperwork. After fueling(180 gallons) I headed west on I-94 by noon(CST). Was in Lake Station, Indiana so I stopped at “Just a Truckstop” where I ate dinner at 4 PM(CST). Decided to stay there for the night and leave early in the AM. Ate and watched 1 ½ movies in the truckers' movie room and then I went to bed...
February 16, 2010
February 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Lexington, Nebraska)
Woke up and found the shipper by 7 AM but had to wait as they apparently opened at 7:30 AM. Once they opened, I was given a dock to back up to. They started loading shortly after I was docked. They were putting some kind of door paneling in my trailer which, according to the paperwork, weighed 25,838 lbs. I was loaded, dispatched, and legal to go at 9 AM. Heading east on I-80 on this very flat land. At 11:30 AM, I stopped in York, Nebraska for lunch at “Just a Truckstop”and was back on the road by 1 PM. I want to get this to our Taylor(Detroit, Michigan) Terminal as soon as possible as I would love a full days rest in Canada after taking it to St. Thomas; stopping will be at a minimal. Continued east into Iowa on I-80 to the rest area by Casey, Iowa. Got back on road by 3:15 PM. Took I-80 east around the north side of Des Moines, Iowa and maintained my eastern direction into Illinois. The Illinois weigh station was open but I didn't have to do anything but weigh. Onto Peru, Illinois where I stopped for a sleep break at 8:30 PM. I would start again in the morning...
A surprise waits for me at Taylor Terminal.
Woke up and found the shipper by 7 AM but had to wait as they apparently opened at 7:30 AM. Once they opened, I was given a dock to back up to. They started loading shortly after I was docked. They were putting some kind of door paneling in my trailer which, according to the paperwork, weighed 25,838 lbs. I was loaded, dispatched, and legal to go at 9 AM. Heading east on I-80 on this very flat land. At 11:30 AM, I stopped in York, Nebraska for lunch at “Just a Truckstop”and was back on the road by 1 PM. I want to get this to our Taylor(Detroit, Michigan) Terminal as soon as possible as I would love a full days rest in Canada after taking it to St. Thomas; stopping will be at a minimal. Continued east into Iowa on I-80 to the rest area by Casey, Iowa. Got back on road by 3:15 PM. Took I-80 east around the north side of Des Moines, Iowa and maintained my eastern direction into Illinois. The Illinois weigh station was open but I didn't have to do anything but weigh. Onto Peru, Illinois where I stopped for a sleep break at 8:30 PM. I would start again in the morning...
A surprise waits for me at Taylor Terminal.
February 15, 2010
February 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Watkins, Colorado)---all times are in “Mountain Standard Time”
Was awake by 6 AM so I went into the truckstop and looked at all the truck stuff and cards. Bought a Pepsi and munchies and headed back to my truck. Did vehicle inspection and paperwork and left for Aurora, Colorado. Got back on I-70 heading west to I-225 where I went south. Got off I-225 at Mississippi Ave. and found the tire store by 7:15 AM. The store opened at 7AM and the manager told me where to park and he checked my seal so I could open the doors. I worked the trailer from the inside and the trailer was ALMOST FULL. I rolled the tires to the tire store employees starting around 7:30 AM and we were done at 8:45 AM. I called dispatch and let them know I was on my way to the second and final stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I had a 1 PM appointment but got there early. Left Aurora at 9:15 AM heading north on I-225 to west on I-70. A short mileage to I-270 which I took to I-25 north. Drove into Wyoming and had to stop at the Wyoming weigh station and show the DOT officer my permit book. No problem... Got to I-80 and had to go a short distance on I -80. Got off I-80 and found the tire store at 11:15 AM. I and one tire store employee were unloading the trailer by 11:45 AM and at 12:15 PM there were two more employees helping. By 2 PM the trailer was totally unloaded and I had my paperwork. I went back to a close truckstop I had passed when I was looking for the tire store. I parked the truck and called dispatch. I was given a load of auto part in Lexington, Nebraska to pick up tomorrow morning. Decided to go to Big Springs, Nebraska(our fuel stop). By 3 PM I was heading for Big Springs on I-80 east. I pulled into the Big Springs fuel stop at 5:30PM. I fueled(146 gallons) and then decided to continue to Lexington, Nebraska as I still have time to travel. My truckstop booklet says Lexington has a truckstop. I went passed the closed Nebraska weigh station and got to Lexington around 9 PM.(my time-CST)..Found a convenient store with truck parking north of I-80. KFC restaurant was across the street so I went there for dinner. Back at the truck, I went to bed......
Was awake by 6 AM so I went into the truckstop and looked at all the truck stuff and cards. Bought a Pepsi and munchies and headed back to my truck. Did vehicle inspection and paperwork and left for Aurora, Colorado. Got back on I-70 heading west to I-225 where I went south. Got off I-225 at Mississippi Ave. and found the tire store by 7:15 AM. The store opened at 7AM and the manager told me where to park and he checked my seal so I could open the doors. I worked the trailer from the inside and the trailer was ALMOST FULL. I rolled the tires to the tire store employees starting around 7:30 AM and we were done at 8:45 AM. I called dispatch and let them know I was on my way to the second and final stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I had a 1 PM appointment but got there early. Left Aurora at 9:15 AM heading north on I-225 to west on I-70. A short mileage to I-270 which I took to I-25 north. Drove into Wyoming and had to stop at the Wyoming weigh station and show the DOT officer my permit book. No problem... Got to I-80 and had to go a short distance on I -80. Got off I-80 and found the tire store at 11:15 AM. I and one tire store employee were unloading the trailer by 11:45 AM and at 12:15 PM there were two more employees helping. By 2 PM the trailer was totally unloaded and I had my paperwork. I went back to a close truckstop I had passed when I was looking for the tire store. I parked the truck and called dispatch. I was given a load of auto part in Lexington, Nebraska to pick up tomorrow morning. Decided to go to Big Springs, Nebraska(our fuel stop). By 3 PM I was heading for Big Springs on I-80 east. I pulled into the Big Springs fuel stop at 5:30PM. I fueled(146 gallons) and then decided to continue to Lexington, Nebraska as I still have time to travel. My truckstop booklet says Lexington has a truckstop. I went passed the closed Nebraska weigh station and got to Lexington around 9 PM.(my time-CST)..Found a convenient store with truck parking north of I-80. KFC restaurant was across the street so I went there for dinner. Back at the truck, I went to bed......
February 14, 2010
February 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was up around 6:30 AM and for breakfast I had a couple pieces of yesterdays pizza...pretty good!!! I got into the terminal's truckers' lounge about 7:15 AM and found that I would have a load soon. I watched the news on the terminal TV and talked with the couple drivers that were sitting with me. It was about an hour when I got called to the dispatch window. They had a tire load for me with two drops; one drop was in Aurora, Colorado and the last drop was Cheyenne, Wyoming. I topped off my tanks (34 gallons), hooked up the trailer, did a vehicle inspection(and checked the seal on the trailer doors), did paperwork and headed out by 9:10 AM taking I-435 south. Got to I-70 and went west to I-670 which I took west through KC MO until it joined I-70 again in Kansas. Followed I-70 onto the Kansas toll road. Got off the toll road at Topeka, Kansas at around 11 AM an continued west on I-70. Traveled through the hilly part of Kansas. I just kept cruising along until I got to Hays, Kansas at 2:30 PM. I visited Wal-Mart but didn't buy anything and then had a meal across the street. Headed west again at 4 PM and was in the middle of the Kansas flat lands. Eastern Colorado is just as flat as western Kansas. I am one the the few people that don't mind the flatness...Nebraska has more flat land and no on complains about it... I don't think it's the flatness as much as it is what is on the land. I passed into Colorado and was in our fuel stop at Watkins, Colorado at 9:15PM. I decided to sleep here tonight and finish the trip to Aurora, Colorado tomorrow early....
I was up around 6:30 AM and for breakfast I had a couple pieces of yesterdays pizza...pretty good!!! I got into the terminal's truckers' lounge about 7:15 AM and found that I would have a load soon. I watched the news on the terminal TV and talked with the couple drivers that were sitting with me. It was about an hour when I got called to the dispatch window. They had a tire load for me with two drops; one drop was in Aurora, Colorado and the last drop was Cheyenne, Wyoming. I topped off my tanks (34 gallons), hooked up the trailer, did a vehicle inspection(and checked the seal on the trailer doors), did paperwork and headed out by 9:10 AM taking I-435 south. Got to I-70 and went west to I-670 which I took west through KC MO until it joined I-70 again in Kansas. Followed I-70 onto the Kansas toll road. Got off the toll road at Topeka, Kansas at around 11 AM an continued west on I-70. Traveled through the hilly part of Kansas. I just kept cruising along until I got to Hays, Kansas at 2:30 PM. I visited Wal-Mart but didn't buy anything and then had a meal across the street. Headed west again at 4 PM and was in the middle of the Kansas flat lands. Eastern Colorado is just as flat as western Kansas. I am one the the few people that don't mind the flatness...Nebraska has more flat land and no on complains about it... I don't think it's the flatness as much as it is what is on the land. I passed into Colorado and was in our fuel stop at Watkins, Colorado at 9:15PM. I decided to sleep here tonight and finish the trip to Aurora, Colorado tomorrow early....
February 13, 2010
February 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Springfield, Missouri)
Was woken up at 7:30 AM and told to back up to door “C”, which I did after the gal that woke me up-by tapping on my sleeper-checked my trailer door's seal and I opened the doors. They started unloading me at 8 AM and I went and watched the unloading. All the mufflers were in boxes on pallets so the forktruck they used did a pretty fast job. When they took out a pallet, they checked the contents and labeled the whole pallet. Them they stored it wherever it went. They had me ready to go at 9:30 AM. Called dispatch and was told to “deadhead(go empty)” to the Joplin, Missouri terminal. Did my daily checks and paperwork, ate some munchies and headed west on I-44 just before 10 AM. Was in Joplin yard by 11:15 AM. Dropped my empty trailer and checked in with dispatch. Dispatch said they had a hot load that had to get to Kansas City, Missouri and I could have as no one really wanted it(because it didn't have enough pay miles). I said to give it to me and I would go with it. The load weight was light(31,490 lbs) so I fueled(174 gallons), hooked up the trailer, did a vehicle inspection, did the paperwork and was out of there by 1 PM. Got on I-44 east a short ways to Hwy 71 where I took it north. I kept moving as the traffic was light on this 4 lane road. Followed Hwy 71 to just below Kansas City where I took the I-435 up the east side of KC, Mo to our terminal above I-70. Got to the terminal and checked with dispatch as to drop in the yard or deliver it. Was told to drop it and a local driver would deliver it in the morning. After I dropped the trailer, it was after 4PM and dispatch said I would have nothing tonight so....I talked with the other waiting drivers and we all ordered pizzas to be delivered to us. I got a large sausage with extra cheese...Watched the terminal TV with the others and ate my pizza....went to bed around 10 PM....
Finally going west again.....tomorrow.....PT
Was woken up at 7:30 AM and told to back up to door “C”, which I did after the gal that woke me up-by tapping on my sleeper-checked my trailer door's seal and I opened the doors. They started unloading me at 8 AM and I went and watched the unloading. All the mufflers were in boxes on pallets so the forktruck they used did a pretty fast job. When they took out a pallet, they checked the contents and labeled the whole pallet. Them they stored it wherever it went. They had me ready to go at 9:30 AM. Called dispatch and was told to “deadhead(go empty)” to the Joplin, Missouri terminal. Did my daily checks and paperwork, ate some munchies and headed west on I-44 just before 10 AM. Was in Joplin yard by 11:15 AM. Dropped my empty trailer and checked in with dispatch. Dispatch said they had a hot load that had to get to Kansas City, Missouri and I could have as no one really wanted it(because it didn't have enough pay miles). I said to give it to me and I would go with it. The load weight was light(31,490 lbs) so I fueled(174 gallons), hooked up the trailer, did a vehicle inspection, did the paperwork and was out of there by 1 PM. Got on I-44 east a short ways to Hwy 71 where I took it north. I kept moving as the traffic was light on this 4 lane road. Followed Hwy 71 to just below Kansas City where I took the I-435 up the east side of KC, Mo to our terminal above I-70. Got to the terminal and checked with dispatch as to drop in the yard or deliver it. Was told to drop it and a local driver would deliver it in the morning. After I dropped the trailer, it was after 4PM and dispatch said I would have nothing tonight so....I talked with the other waiting drivers and we all ordered pizzas to be delivered to us. I got a large sausage with extra cheese...Watched the terminal TV with the others and ate my pizza....went to bed around 10 PM....
Finally going west again.....tomorrow.....PT
February 12, 2010
February 12, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Roanoke, Indiana)
I woke up at 6 AM and felt good. A little bit of extra sleep. I was told to pick up my load of mufflers in south Chicago, Illinois around noon so I was in no hurry. Went into the convenience store and got some milk and breakfast stuff and then got ready to go. Got vehicle inspection done and paperwork legal and headed out at 7 AM. Went north on I-69 to I-80/I-90 tollway where I took it west. At Lake Station, Indiana, I-94 joined I-80/I-90 and I followed I-94 to the exit to get to the shipper. Found the shipper around 10 AM. I had to wait until 1 PM before I got loaded but the loading went fast; I was out at 1:30 PM and headed down I-94 to south I-57 which I took. I took I-80 west to I-55 and headed south toward St. Louis, Missouri. Stopped at my favorite rest area for a break...Funks Grove, Illinois. Was there until 4:30 PM when I started moving south again. No problems with Springfield, Illinois traffic as I glided through it. On down to St. Louis where I went through town and caught I-44 west. Took a short break at 8 PM after the Union, Missouri exit( rest area). Took off for Springfield, Missouri even though I will be a little over on my logbook again...Missouri weigh stations were open but I had no problem with them. It was 10:45 PM when I pulled into the parking lot of the receiver of this load here in Springfield. They were all locked up so I just bunked in for the night...was tired...
I woke up at 6 AM and felt good. A little bit of extra sleep. I was told to pick up my load of mufflers in south Chicago, Illinois around noon so I was in no hurry. Went into the convenience store and got some milk and breakfast stuff and then got ready to go. Got vehicle inspection done and paperwork legal and headed out at 7 AM. Went north on I-69 to I-80/I-90 tollway where I took it west. At Lake Station, Indiana, I-94 joined I-80/I-90 and I followed I-94 to the exit to get to the shipper. Found the shipper around 10 AM. I had to wait until 1 PM before I got loaded but the loading went fast; I was out at 1:30 PM and headed down I-94 to south I-57 which I took. I took I-80 west to I-55 and headed south toward St. Louis, Missouri. Stopped at my favorite rest area for a break...Funks Grove, Illinois. Was there until 4:30 PM when I started moving south again. No problems with Springfield, Illinois traffic as I glided through it. On down to St. Louis where I went through town and caught I-44 west. Took a short break at 8 PM after the Union, Missouri exit( rest area). Took off for Springfield, Missouri even though I will be a little over on my logbook again...Missouri weigh stations were open but I had no problem with them. It was 10:45 PM when I pulled into the parking lot of the receiver of this load here in Springfield. They were all locked up so I just bunked in for the night...was tired...
February 11, 2010
February 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-traveling)
Got to Tulsa, Oklahoma and zipped right through it while heading for Joplin, Missouri terminal. Got to the terminal and fueled(165 gallons) and got back on I-44 eastbound by 3:30 AM. The highways were nice and quiet this Sunday AM and it was nice. Stopped out of a rest area from Rolla, Missouri at 6:30 AM and was going again at 6:45 AM. Went through St. Louis, Missouri and into Illinois where I got on I-70 east and stopped in Effingham, Illinois at 10:15AM. I was going to have breakfast but decided to wait and buy my dinner later. Was back on I-70 east by 10:30 AM. Went on into Indiana and stopped at our fuel stop at the Monrovia exit 12:30PM. Fueled(80 gallons) and had lunch with three other company drivers I found in the restaurant. I was back on the road by 3PM and went through Indianapolis to the eastern I-465 loop. Took the loop north to I-69 north. Followed I-69 north to exit 96 where the auto plant sat on the west side of the interstate. It was actually considered Roanoke, Indiana. Was there at 5:30 PM and found the 24/7 plant ready for my load. I was unloaded very fast and was out of the plant by 6:30 PM. There was a convenient store with truck parking within sight of the plant exit. Went to the store and called dispatch. I was giving a load to pick up in the morning in south Chicago, Illinois. I was really over my hours today so I went to bed after I went in the store and got some munchies...
Got to Tulsa, Oklahoma and zipped right through it while heading for Joplin, Missouri terminal. Got to the terminal and fueled(165 gallons) and got back on I-44 eastbound by 3:30 AM. The highways were nice and quiet this Sunday AM and it was nice. Stopped out of a rest area from Rolla, Missouri at 6:30 AM and was going again at 6:45 AM. Went through St. Louis, Missouri and into Illinois where I got on I-70 east and stopped in Effingham, Illinois at 10:15AM. I was going to have breakfast but decided to wait and buy my dinner later. Was back on I-70 east by 10:30 AM. Went on into Indiana and stopped at our fuel stop at the Monrovia exit 12:30PM. Fueled(80 gallons) and had lunch with three other company drivers I found in the restaurant. I was back on the road by 3PM and went through Indianapolis to the eastern I-465 loop. Took the loop north to I-69 north. Followed I-69 north to exit 96 where the auto plant sat on the west side of the interstate. It was actually considered Roanoke, Indiana. Was there at 5:30 PM and found the 24/7 plant ready for my load. I was unloaded very fast and was out of the plant by 6:30 PM. There was a convenient store with truck parking within sight of the plant exit. Went to the store and called dispatch. I was giving a load to pick up in the morning in south Chicago, Illinois. I was really over my hours today so I went to bed after I went in the store and got some munchies...
February 10, 2010
February 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling) Started my day by getting through the Guadalupe Mountains on Hwy 62 toward Carlsbad. Before we got to Whites City, New Mexico, Willard, the driver I am running with, told me about Matilda, a witch that is suppose to roam these parts. Future trips through this area confirmed the “witch” story was wide spread so I wrote a story about her from what all the drivers said(click on Matilda the Witch). Matilda was rumered to use people(truckers in our case) in her potions and she knew who had few ties to other people and who wouldn't be looked for if reported missing. Went past Whites City-gateway to the Carlsbad Caverns-and onto Carlsbad, New Mexico. Got to Carlsbad at 2:30 AM and Willard and I kept moving now toward Lubbock, Texas on Hwy 62. We drove into Texas and stopped in Seminole, Texas for a break. We stopped in the parking lot of Wal-Mart to stretch the ol' legs. I looked at the Wal-Mart at was surprised as it looked like the smallest Wal-Mart I had ever seen. We continued north on Hwy 62 toward Lubbock, Texas and got there around 6:30 AM. Hwy 82 was now running with Hwy 62 and we switched to Hwy 82 when we left Lubbock. Told the lower 289 loop around the southern and eastern side of Lubbock until Hwy 82 went east from the loop. We then took the two lane roads to Wichita Falls, Texas getting there at.10:30 AM. Stopped at a convenient store for a break and got a big 44oz. Pepsi soda pop and some munchies. We continued to I-44 and went north to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, I stopped at the “Just a Truckstop” and Willard went onto the Joplin, Missouri terminal yard. I had put in over 14 hours of driving and already was in violation of the 10 hour rule. It was now a little after 1 PM. I had lunch and then laid down for my sleep. I awoke at 10 PM and after adjusting things to be legal, I left for the Joplin, Missouri yard. I was closing in on Tulsa, Oklahoma as my day ended...
February 9, 2010
February 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-El Paso, Texas)
A new day came and I had to face it. I sat at the El Paso terminal with the other waiting drivers. Four of us went to a Mexican buffet for lunch and filled up on gas producing food. After lunch, we went back to the terminal. It was not long and I got called to the dispatch window. He gave me a load to Ft.Wayne, Indiana that I need to pick up. I was told to pick it up at 4 PM. I got my paperwork caught up, trailer hooked up, vehicle inspection gone and fueled(148 gallons). The directions to the pick up were easy and I was there well before 4 PM. I was told to back up to the dock next to the other truck from my company. The other driver-named Willard-had a load going to Youngstown, Ohio. Willard and I had to wait until we were loaded and got our paperwork at 10 PM. Five hours to get loaded; doesn't happen too often. We were ready to go and I wasn't sure of the best route to take. Willard said he was going east toward Carlsbad, New Mexico and I decided to go with him. After we left El Paso, it was desert for a hundred miles. Hit the end of my day when we pulled into the rest area on the up grade into the Guadalupe Mountains. We stopped for a short break and headed on.
A new day came and I had to face it. I sat at the El Paso terminal with the other waiting drivers. Four of us went to a Mexican buffet for lunch and filled up on gas producing food. After lunch, we went back to the terminal. It was not long and I got called to the dispatch window. He gave me a load to Ft.Wayne, Indiana that I need to pick up. I was told to pick it up at 4 PM. I got my paperwork caught up, trailer hooked up, vehicle inspection gone and fueled(148 gallons). The directions to the pick up were easy and I was there well before 4 PM. I was told to back up to the dock next to the other truck from my company. The other driver-named Willard-had a load going to Youngstown, Ohio. Willard and I had to wait until we were loaded and got our paperwork at 10 PM. Five hours to get loaded; doesn't happen too often. We were ready to go and I wasn't sure of the best route to take. Willard said he was going east toward Carlsbad, New Mexico and I decided to go with him. After we left El Paso, it was desert for a hundred miles. Hit the end of my day when we pulled into the rest area on the up grade into the Guadalupe Mountains. We stopped for a short break and headed on.
February 8, 2010
February 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Sanderson, Texas)
Had my alarm clock set for 4 AM but was awake before that. Didn't see to much of Sanderson but what I saw was an old town. Not much to say as it was night and dark outside. I was traveling by 4:15 AM up Hwy 285. Got to Fort Stockton, Texas through a lot of hill country around 6 AM and caught I-10 westbound. Got to our El Paso Terminal shortly after 9 AM. Checked in with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard which I did. I got on the EL Paso ready board and sat in the drivers lounge talking with the other drivers. For lunch, I went to eat with four other drivers to a Chinese Restaurant. Went back to the terminal and found that I wouldn't be going out until tomorrow. I sat in the lounge until the terminal shut. Went out to bed and watched my TV until I fall asleep.
Had my alarm clock set for 4 AM but was awake before that. Didn't see to much of Sanderson but what I saw was an old town. Not much to say as it was night and dark outside. I was traveling by 4:15 AM up Hwy 285. Got to Fort Stockton, Texas through a lot of hill country around 6 AM and caught I-10 westbound. Got to our El Paso Terminal shortly after 9 AM. Checked in with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard which I did. I got on the EL Paso ready board and sat in the drivers lounge talking with the other drivers. For lunch, I went to eat with four other drivers to a Chinese Restaurant. Went back to the terminal and found that I wouldn't be going out until tomorrow. I sat in the lounge until the terminal shut. Went out to bed and watched my TV until I fall asleep.
February 7, 2010
February 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEAR:(Wednesday-Laredo, Texas)
Woke up in my tractor and checked in with dispatch. Found that I was number one on the Laredo ready board. I was given the choice of a load to El Paso, Texas or one to Jacksonville, Florida. I took the one to El Paso as I had never been that way and I really didn't want to go to Florida. Got hooked up to my trailer and did a vehicle inspection. Had the terminal maintenance man replace three light bulbs that were missing; probably borrowed by the driver that brought it over the border. Got logbook caught up and then dispatched to go. Headed up I-35 (at 10 AM) passed several warehouses and small businesses. I drove through the border guard check point and onto Hwy 83 to the left. Went north on Hwy 83. The scenery was interesting to me. The fields on both sided of the road were covered with very short bushes/shrubs and nothing that appeared grass like. The trees, when they were visible, weren't very tall and didn't look as nice as the ones several hundred miles north and east of here. I came to the town of Catarina, Texas; pretty name for a town. The town consisted of scattered old buildings and not many of then. There was an old looking gas station that seemed to have unpaved truck parking. Onto Carrizo Springs, Texas where they had houses and businesses lined on streets like bigger towns I know. Pleasant little community where I caught Hwy 287 westward to Eagle Pass, Texas. Eagle Pass had a full truckstop where I stopped for a break and wrote a bit at 1PM . I was stopped until 2:45 PM and then moved on westbound on Hwy 287. A couple places before I got to Del Rio, Texas, I could look to my left and see the Rio Grande River and Mexico. Got to Del Rio and found the town quite pleasant. Stopped for some KFC chicken to eat along the way; got me a bucket of 12 pieces. Continued to Sanderson, Texas and got there at 7:45 PM. Found a place to bed down for 8 hours and went to bed...
Woke up in my tractor and checked in with dispatch. Found that I was number one on the Laredo ready board. I was given the choice of a load to El Paso, Texas or one to Jacksonville, Florida. I took the one to El Paso as I had never been that way and I really didn't want to go to Florida. Got hooked up to my trailer and did a vehicle inspection. Had the terminal maintenance man replace three light bulbs that were missing; probably borrowed by the driver that brought it over the border. Got logbook caught up and then dispatched to go. Headed up I-35 (at 10 AM) passed several warehouses and small businesses. I drove through the border guard check point and onto Hwy 83 to the left. Went north on Hwy 83. The scenery was interesting to me. The fields on both sided of the road were covered with very short bushes/shrubs and nothing that appeared grass like. The trees, when they were visible, weren't very tall and didn't look as nice as the ones several hundred miles north and east of here. I came to the town of Catarina, Texas; pretty name for a town. The town consisted of scattered old buildings and not many of then. There was an old looking gas station that seemed to have unpaved truck parking. Onto Carrizo Springs, Texas where they had houses and businesses lined on streets like bigger towns I know. Pleasant little community where I caught Hwy 287 westward to Eagle Pass, Texas. Eagle Pass had a full truckstop where I stopped for a break and wrote a bit at 1PM . I was stopped until 2:45 PM and then moved on westbound on Hwy 287. A couple places before I got to Del Rio, Texas, I could look to my left and see the Rio Grande River and Mexico. Got to Del Rio and found the town quite pleasant. Stopped for some KFC chicken to eat along the way; got me a bucket of 12 pieces. Continued to Sanderson, Texas and got there at 7:45 PM. Found a place to bed down for 8 hours and went to bed...
February 6, 2010
February 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:
Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I checked out of the motel and went to the terminal where I found that I might be going out today. I went out for bunch about 10:30 AM with two other drivers waiting for loads. Had some kind of soap made with cow stomach-a Mexican soup-and it was pretty good. I had three bowls....spend the rest of the day at the terminal watching the terminal TV with other drivers. The time came when it was obvious that I was not going out today. Went to my tractor, turned on my TV and went to bed...
"Trucker Friendly" coming soon...PT
Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I checked out of the motel and went to the terminal where I found that I might be going out today. I went out for bunch about 10:30 AM with two other drivers waiting for loads. Had some kind of soap made with cow stomach-a Mexican soup-and it was pretty good. I had three bowls....spend the rest of the day at the terminal watching the terminal TV with other drivers. The time came when it was obvious that I was not going out today. Went to my tractor, turned on my TV and went to bed...
"Trucker Friendly" coming soon...PT
February 5, 2010
February 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
Got my sleep and was wide awake by 7 AM. Did some reading and watching TV. Feeling board so I packed up and checked out of the motel. Was at the terminal around 9 AM and met an old friend of mine, Sundance. We went to eat and then to Wal-Mart. I called dispatch and I would be going out before Sundance but neither of us would be leaving Laredo today. We got a motel room and then went to the afternoon movies...After two movies, we went to dinner and told each other talker tales. Got to room and just talked, ate munchies and watched TV. Nothing really exiting today.
A more "trucker friendly" blog coming up...PT
Got my sleep and was wide awake by 7 AM. Did some reading and watching TV. Feeling board so I packed up and checked out of the motel. Was at the terminal around 9 AM and met an old friend of mine, Sundance. We went to eat and then to Wal-Mart. I called dispatch and I would be going out before Sundance but neither of us would be leaving Laredo today. We got a motel room and then went to the afternoon movies...After two movies, we went to dinner and told each other talker tales. Got to room and just talked, ate munchies and watched TV. Nothing really exiting today.
A more "trucker friendly" blog coming up...PT
February 4, 2010
February 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Winfield, Texas)
I was awake by 4 AM and pulling out onto I-30 heading west by 4:30 AM. As I got close to Dallas, I went over the huge lake and passed I-635 as I decided to decided to go straight to I-35E through town. Sunday morning early and no traffic. Took I-35E south and went passed Red Oak, Texas about 6:30 AM. Thought about stopping in Red Oak but decided to stop at the convenience store at the Italy, Texas exit. Got some munchies and took off south and got to I-35 and continued south. Pulled into the “Just A Truckstop” in San Antonio, Texas about 11:15 AM for lunch and fuel. After eating lunch I fueled. While fueling, I met another one of our drivers going to Laredo. His wife rode with him and they went by the names of “Bonnie & Clyde”. We ran together to Laredo and chit chatted the whole way. Talking with Bonnie and Clyde sure made the lonely stretch to Laredo more enjoyable. Got to Laredo and went to the terminal yard. Checked in with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork in....which I did. It had to be about 2:30 PM and dispatch told me to get a room for the night as there would be no load for me tonight. I got the room and ate my munchies and watched motel TV through the evening and into the night. Went to sleep...
I was awake by 4 AM and pulling out onto I-30 heading west by 4:30 AM. As I got close to Dallas, I went over the huge lake and passed I-635 as I decided to decided to go straight to I-35E through town. Sunday morning early and no traffic. Took I-35E south and went passed Red Oak, Texas about 6:30 AM. Thought about stopping in Red Oak but decided to stop at the convenience store at the Italy, Texas exit. Got some munchies and took off south and got to I-35 and continued south. Pulled into the “Just A Truckstop” in San Antonio, Texas about 11:15 AM for lunch and fuel. After eating lunch I fueled. While fueling, I met another one of our drivers going to Laredo. His wife rode with him and they went by the names of “Bonnie & Clyde”. We ran together to Laredo and chit chatted the whole way. Talking with Bonnie and Clyde sure made the lonely stretch to Laredo more enjoyable. Got to Laredo and went to the terminal yard. Checked in with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork in....which I did. It had to be about 2:30 PM and dispatch told me to get a room for the night as there would be no load for me tonight. I got the room and ate my munchies and watched motel TV through the evening and into the night. Went to sleep...
February 3, 2010
January 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Troy, Illinois)
Sleeping through the early hours when the driver with my relay to Laredo, Texas knocked lightly on my tractor's sleeper at 4 AM and woke me up. The driver told me the load weighed 42,0000 lbs -according to him-with 33,680 on the trailer tandems(trailer's double axles). I weighed the load just to be safe and he was right. I was almost ready to move out at 4:30 AM. Called dispatch and got the word to go. Got some munchies and pulled out toward Laredo at 4:45 AM. Saturday and early morning hours led me to believe that traffic around the southeast side of St. Louis would be very light. I was right. At the intersection of I-255 and I-70 in Illinois, I took I-255 south into Missouri. Shortly after entering Missouri, I got to I-55 and went south. Followed I-55 south passed Cape Girardeau, Missouri-home town of Rush Limbaugh- and Sikeston, Missouri-home of the thrown rolls-and stopped at a truckstop for a break. I got out of my tractor and walked around the truck, as I often do, just glancing at the tractor or trailer. This time, while walking around the trailer, I looked at my trailer's tire and something did not look right. I got my tire thumper out a did some thumping...the outer rear left tire was low if not flat. I checked it with my air gauge and it had a little over 20 lbs of air in it. I looked at the tire and did see a nail in it. Called the shop at the Joplin, Missouri terminal and was told to get it fixed where I was as they had tire repair. I did and the repair shop got right on it. It was ready to go in 45 minutes and I was back on the road at 8:15 AM. Continued down I-55 into Arkansas where the truck scales are almost always open and they were this time. I got through the scales with no problem. I continued on down I-55 to West Memphis, Arkansas where I stopped for fuel and lunch. Fueling took 110 gallons and I enjoyed filling me up at the buffet. Took off toward Little Rock, Arkansas on I-40. When close to Little Rock, I took I-440 to I-30 where I continued on I-30 west. Stopped at Mandeville, Arkansas's “big ball” truckstop for a break. Was there about half an hour and then continue to Winfield, Texas where I bedded down for a long break. I think I was asleep by 7:30PM as I listened to the radio.….
Sleeping through the early hours when the driver with my relay to Laredo, Texas knocked lightly on my tractor's sleeper at 4 AM and woke me up. The driver told me the load weighed 42,0000 lbs -according to him-with 33,680 on the trailer tandems(trailer's double axles). I weighed the load just to be safe and he was right. I was almost ready to move out at 4:30 AM. Called dispatch and got the word to go. Got some munchies and pulled out toward Laredo at 4:45 AM. Saturday and early morning hours led me to believe that traffic around the southeast side of St. Louis would be very light. I was right. At the intersection of I-255 and I-70 in Illinois, I took I-255 south into Missouri. Shortly after entering Missouri, I got to I-55 and went south. Followed I-55 south passed Cape Girardeau, Missouri-home town of Rush Limbaugh- and Sikeston, Missouri-home of the thrown rolls-and stopped at a truckstop for a break. I got out of my tractor and walked around the truck, as I often do, just glancing at the tractor or trailer. This time, while walking around the trailer, I looked at my trailer's tire and something did not look right. I got my tire thumper out a did some thumping...the outer rear left tire was low if not flat. I checked it with my air gauge and it had a little over 20 lbs of air in it. I looked at the tire and did see a nail in it. Called the shop at the Joplin, Missouri terminal and was told to get it fixed where I was as they had tire repair. I did and the repair shop got right on it. It was ready to go in 45 minutes and I was back on the road at 8:15 AM. Continued down I-55 into Arkansas where the truck scales are almost always open and they were this time. I got through the scales with no problem. I continued on down I-55 to West Memphis, Arkansas where I stopped for fuel and lunch. Fueling took 110 gallons and I enjoyed filling me up at the buffet. Took off toward Little Rock, Arkansas on I-40. When close to Little Rock, I took I-440 to I-30 where I continued on I-30 west. Stopped at Mandeville, Arkansas's “big ball” truckstop for a break. Was there about half an hour and then continue to Winfield, Texas where I bedded down for a long break. I think I was asleep by 7:30PM as I listened to the radio.….
February 2, 2010
February 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Troy, Illinois)
A day of frustration developed as I slept. I was up at 8 AM and called in to dispatch and there was nothing for me to do. This went on with every call through the day. Nothing, nothing, nothing, and nothing...Every hour I called in for nothing until 5 PM. I have a relay coming in at 6 AM tomorrow going to Laredo, Texas. After I got the load I had dinner in the restaurant and then went to my tractor, watched TV and went to sleep.
SECOND 5 YEARS:(effects of diabetes—drivers, watch your diets...)
I got into Geneva, Alabama to deliver a load of meat. In the morning, before unloading, a nice looking , cleanly dressed man asked if he could lump(unload my load for pay) my load. I said sure. I got backed up to the dock and this man-named William- started unloading the boxes of meat. I did what I often do and that was to go back into the trailer and talk with the lumpers. Talking to people around different parts of North America was one the the “pluses” I felt of being a truck driver.(note: the following conversation has been modified to maintain the “family friendly” status of this blog). William and I covered many topics. The one topic he brought up after I mentioned I had been in nursing prior to driving and that I had diabetes(not insulin dependent at that time), I felt interesting that he would even bring up. The topic concerned his relationships with the ladies....He said the he had been an insulin dependent diabetic for years and it had affected his relations with the females of our species. He asked if I had the same problem as him(he really didn't want an answer) and I just let him talk and never answered the question. His statement that followed his question...He had through the years prior to taking insulin, been able to become extremely friendly with 2 to 3 females a day. At the time of the statement he claimed that he was lucky to be extremely friendly with one female a month. He was truly concerned about his condition as it was related to the diabetes. The reason I bring this up is that diabetes has several negative affects in our lives if we have it; especially us as truck drivers. Now days, there is a STRICT program federally that allows insulin dependent diabetics to drive interstate. It is very strict and knocked me out of the driving world. If anyone is curious about the program, contact your state DOT department involved with commercial vehicles as there are forms that certain doctors have to fill out on your “5” years insulin taking history. Any drivers should watch their dietary calorie intake, visit your doctor regularly to monitor their health(more than for the two year health card) and watch those snacks and munchies-like I didn't. I believe diabetes is one of the physical conditions that causes the most drivers to loose their careers, as well as other things. DRIVE SAFE AND HEALTHY!!!
A day of frustration developed as I slept. I was up at 8 AM and called in to dispatch and there was nothing for me to do. This went on with every call through the day. Nothing, nothing, nothing, and nothing...Every hour I called in for nothing until 5 PM. I have a relay coming in at 6 AM tomorrow going to Laredo, Texas. After I got the load I had dinner in the restaurant and then went to my tractor, watched TV and went to sleep.
SECOND 5 YEARS:(effects of diabetes—drivers, watch your diets...)
I got into Geneva, Alabama to deliver a load of meat. In the morning, before unloading, a nice looking , cleanly dressed man asked if he could lump(unload my load for pay) my load. I said sure. I got backed up to the dock and this man-named William- started unloading the boxes of meat. I did what I often do and that was to go back into the trailer and talk with the lumpers. Talking to people around different parts of North America was one the the “pluses” I felt of being a truck driver.(note: the following conversation has been modified to maintain the “family friendly” status of this blog). William and I covered many topics. The one topic he brought up after I mentioned I had been in nursing prior to driving and that I had diabetes(not insulin dependent at that time), I felt interesting that he would even bring up. The topic concerned his relationships with the ladies....He said the he had been an insulin dependent diabetic for years and it had affected his relations with the females of our species. He asked if I had the same problem as him(he really didn't want an answer) and I just let him talk and never answered the question. His statement that followed his question...He had through the years prior to taking insulin, been able to become extremely friendly with 2 to 3 females a day. At the time of the statement he claimed that he was lucky to be extremely friendly with one female a month. He was truly concerned about his condition as it was related to the diabetes. The reason I bring this up is that diabetes has several negative affects in our lives if we have it; especially us as truck drivers. Now days, there is a STRICT program federally that allows insulin dependent diabetics to drive interstate. It is very strict and knocked me out of the driving world. If anyone is curious about the program, contact your state DOT department involved with commercial vehicles as there are forms that certain doctors have to fill out on your “5” years insulin taking history. Any drivers should watch their dietary calorie intake, visit your doctor regularly to monitor their health(more than for the two year health card) and watch those snacks and munchies-like I didn't. I believe diabetes is one of the physical conditions that causes the most drivers to loose their careers, as well as other things. DRIVE SAFE AND HEALTHY!!!
February 1, 2010
February 1, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Cleveland, Ohio)
Woke up early today while at “in the pits” truckstop...because it was in the Cleveland “pits” as I call them. Called into dispatch at 8:15 AM and was told that I had a load to pick up that was going to Laredo, Texas. I had to pick up the load in Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. I was happy as I finally got two good loads in a row...or so I thought. I went to Euclid and was loaded with 20,000 lbs of car seats going to Mexico. I called dispatch to let them know I was ready to go and they said to “relay” this load at Troy, Illinois with a team(two drivers per tractor so that the tractor can keep moving the load without long breaks). WHAT??? I always hated getting stuck in the St. Louis area as loads out of there weren't the best(I felt)...They set me up with a midnight relay which would be very attainable. I was moving east on I-90 by noon. Not long after stating, I got to I-271 and took it south toward Columbus, Ohio. I-271 south ended and went into I-71 and I followed it south. As I got close to Columbus, I stopped at a rest area for a short break. Continued and shortly came to I-270 which I did NOT take around Columbus. I enjoy going through Columbus as the downtown area looked to me like a combination of the present times and the “good ol” days. Took I-71 to I-70 west out of Columbus. Followed I-70 west to New Paris,Ohio(border of Ohio & Indiana) where I stopped at the “Just a Truckstop” for dinner and fuel(96 gallons). MY luck! I found a parking spot right at the restaurant entrance door! With my tank full and my tractor tanks full, I continued west on I-70 to Troy, Illinois. Of course, when I got to Indianapolis, Indiana I continued on I-70 through the downtown area. It is beautiful at night with the lighting. Got to Troy, Illinois and transferred the load to the team drivers at 10:45 PM. Dispatch told me to call in in the morning. Went to bed...
Coming up: (stretching the limits of being a “family friendly” blog-done rarely) Conversation I had with a lumper(trailer unloader) as he unloaded the load of meat I had. It happened in Geneva, Alabama. Also could be listed on this blog as a “trucker helpful hint”.
Woke up early today while at “in the pits” truckstop...because it was in the Cleveland “pits” as I call them. Called into dispatch at 8:15 AM and was told that I had a load to pick up that was going to Laredo, Texas. I had to pick up the load in Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. I was happy as I finally got two good loads in a row...or so I thought. I went to Euclid and was loaded with 20,000 lbs of car seats going to Mexico. I called dispatch to let them know I was ready to go and they said to “relay” this load at Troy, Illinois with a team(two drivers per tractor so that the tractor can keep moving the load without long breaks). WHAT??? I always hated getting stuck in the St. Louis area as loads out of there weren't the best(I felt)...They set me up with a midnight relay which would be very attainable. I was moving east on I-90 by noon. Not long after stating, I got to I-271 and took it south toward Columbus, Ohio. I-271 south ended and went into I-71 and I followed it south. As I got close to Columbus, I stopped at a rest area for a short break. Continued and shortly came to I-270 which I did NOT take around Columbus. I enjoy going through Columbus as the downtown area looked to me like a combination of the present times and the “good ol” days. Took I-71 to I-70 west out of Columbus. Followed I-70 west to New Paris,Ohio(border of Ohio & Indiana) where I stopped at the “Just a Truckstop” for dinner and fuel(96 gallons). MY luck! I found a parking spot right at the restaurant entrance door! With my tank full and my tractor tanks full, I continued west on I-70 to Troy, Illinois. Of course, when I got to Indianapolis, Indiana I continued on I-70 through the downtown area. It is beautiful at night with the lighting. Got to Troy, Illinois and transferred the load to the team drivers at 10:45 PM. Dispatch told me to call in in the morning. Went to bed...
Coming up: (stretching the limits of being a “family friendly” blog-done rarely) Conversation I had with a lumper(trailer unloader) as he unloaded the load of meat I had. It happened in Geneva, Alabama. Also could be listed on this blog as a “trucker helpful hint”.
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