July 31, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-traveling)
As I entered the new day, I passed one of my best restaurants(in 1990) in the country just south of Plain City, Ohio. Heading north on Hwy 42, I pass California(New California, Ohio) before getting to Delaware(Ohio). In Delaware, I took Hwy 36east to I-71 north.

I took this route around Columbus, Ohio JUST to avoid the scales on northbound I-71 south of Berkshire(Ohio). My truck weight is fine but I am in violation with logbook time. If they were to check my funny book, they would fine me and shut me down for at least eight hours.

On up I-71 I go to I-271 where I take it north to exit 26. I then go to my delivery point and get there at 3 AM EST. There is one other truck parked outside the gate and so I park behind it. Since I have been here several times, I know that the shipping clerk will be out here early getting my paperwork and giving dock assignments so I will plan on only a short nap. If I had taken my 8 hour sleep break, I wouldn't be here until the afternoon, but that would have been OK. I just like to get unloaded!!!

After unloading was done, I and another driver from my company went over to our fuel stop(truckstop) found in one the the Cleveland area's BIG holes(several big holes in this area. Why? don't know.). We found it and had to drive down into it. We went into the restaurant(really dumpy but I liked it) and called in to see if we had loads yet...nope. We had lunch and I played the "stuff" grabbing game and ended up with a stuffed animal.

We called in and found that both of us had loads to pick up here at the Ford engine plant tomorrow. I will be taking my engines to St. Paul, Minnesota and the other driver is going to Kansas City. We bunked in for the night with our alarm clocks set so as to meet and go to the plant together. He's been there before...

July 30, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Went to the barfet with a couple other drivers because it didn't look like I would be getting out until this afternoon. Really full from the meal so I laid down in my bunk and watched my TV through the early morning. About 10:45 AM CST dispatch had a driver come out to my tractor and get me. I found that they-dispatch-had a load of salad dressing for me to take to Maple Heights, Ohio. I had to pick up my trailer at the Lipton Company(Good Company) in Independence, Missouri after I fueled my tanks(127 gallons) and got an empty trailers.

I deadheaded to Independence and got my loaded trailer. After getting my paperwork and my vehicle inspection done, I headed for Ohio. I stopped at exit 28 on I-70 and got my trailer weighted. The trailer/tractor weight was fine(72,350 lbs) so I headed east. I stopped at Fulton(Missouri) and checked my Post Office Box. Back to I-70 east I went at Kingdom City(Missouri). Onward.....

Took I-270 over the north part of St Louis into Illinois where I hooked up with I-70 eastbound again. Just kept up with the eastward movement. Took breaks at the Pickle Parks at around Altamont, Illinois and New Paris, Ohio on I-70. Kept moving to exit 79 off I-70 where I took Hwy 42 north. This Hwy 42 trip was taken to avoid the State scale on I-71 north as I am over my 10 hour driving rule. I know I am in violation but I am not tired and I wanted to get this load to Maple Heights before stopping.

As my day ended at midnight EST I was closing in on Plain City, Ohio.

July 29, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Slept in today and when I got up I checked where I was on the TRB. I was 22 and that meant it was a day here in Kansas City. Just took it easy today and associated with the other drivers and did some writing(typing on my laptop).

My Opinion: (unreasonables...)
I was caught a few times for speeding but for some reason didn't get a speeding ticket. I didn't count on luck so for the most part I stayed within the road laws of each state. Well, the only exception was the meat hauling company I drove for in the Second 5 Years. Among it's drivers, it was a point of "honor" to at least break the speed laws in the state of Ohio a little bit. Their Highway Patrol were so strict(YES, you would get tickets for 56 in their 55 mph speed limit interstates---no warnings; see Highway Patrol-Ohio under "What's in my blog...???" below) they became-and may still be-a challenge to see if you could break the laws without them around. Some city police didn't even like them!!!

Now, was this unsafe??? Answer that question yourself. Their truck speed limit was(I believe still is) 55 mph while cars were 65. When I and other truckers would break their laws, we did it driving under 65 mph, often under 60 mph, When I drove, many states had 60 and 65 mph as their upper speed limits already. I saw several states, including some Communist states in the northeast, raise their speed limits to 65 and 70 mph(a couple to 75 mph) while I was driving. Ohio had good straight roads, not like the many mountainous, curving roads in Pennsylvania and they-Pennsylvania- raised their limits.

In states where the speed limits are kept at 55 on the interstates, the trucker is used as an "income" maker for the state' coffers-totally unfair!!! These states are NOT interested in road safety as much as they are seeing the truckers build up their coffers. If the speed were so vital to safety, than why have I seen so many lawman watching a "safe" steady flow of fast moving traffic-including semis- without issuing a single "speeding" ticket. (see Highway Patrol-California and ESPECIALLY "Catch 22" under "What's in my blog...???" below...)

July 28, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Milan, Michigan)
Well rested and backed up to the dock waiting to be loaded as my day started. Shortly after midnight, I felt the trailer start shaking indicating that I was being loaded. I got out and walked back to the dock and found the loading done. I was loaded by the forktruck pushing the load(less than 6,000 lbs) in; a loading procedure I have seen before.

By 12:45 AM EST, I was heading toward Kansas City, Missouri down Hwy 23. I went into Ohio and connected with I-475 going south. Followed I-475 south to Hwy 24 which I took to the southwest. Night darkness surrounded me as I passed Waterville, Napoleon, Defiance and Antiwerp, Ohio before passing into Indiana.

The traffic was light as I passed one of my favorite spots-convenient store at New Haven, Indiana-at 3:15 AM EST. I kept on moving and went through Ft. Wayne(I-469 not built yet) to I-69 southbound. On I-69, I stopped for a short break at the first Pickle Park I came to. On past Indianapolis through the downtown area on I-70. I-70 westbound into Illinois and to our fuel stop at Effingham, Illinois at 7:30 AM CST.

At Effingham, I sat in the truckstop restaurant, eating the breakfast buffet, and talking with a couple drivers from my company. We talked and really said nothing; just enjoyed the company. By 9 AM CST I was sleeping in my bunk with my tractor engine running.

I was up and ready to go at 4 PM CST and left the truckstop, after eating a couple munchies, shortly after that. I headed west on I-70 and took I-270 west over the north part of St. Louis. Hooked back into I-70 and continued west. Thought about stopping at Fulton, Missouri to get my post box mail but didn't. I did stop at the Pickle Park by the town of Danville, Missouri and that stop may have made me not want to stop in Fulton....When I am moving, I really want to keep going.

Got to the Kansas City terminal at 10:15 PM CST where I checked in with dispatch. He said to drop my load in the terminal yard and go on the TRB, with I did. Watched terminal TV with a few other drivers past the day ending...

July 27, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Youngstown, Ohio)
Woke up at the "Big Ball" truckstop at 4 AM to wait for my relay to Southgate. I had done this "New Jersey to Southgate, Michigan" run a couple weeks ago but this was for a different company. I waited and waited until 7:45 AM EST when my relay showed up. I was already unhooked so I helped the other driver unhook and switch trailers. I did my check call, got directions to the delivery point, was dispatched and was gone by 8 AM EST. This load, I was retold, was hot. It had to be at the delivery point by noon.

I kept my speeds up and did pretty good. Followed I-80 west to I-280(southeast of Toledo, Ohio) and went north on it. Went over the I-280 drawbridge, which I was happy was down. Got to I-75 and went north into Michigan. I made it; got to the receiver at 11:30 AM EST. Made delivery and was back to the terminal by 1:30 PM EST.

Got on the TRB and saw it would be awhile before getting out. Went to my trailer and took a long nap. At 9:30 PM EST dispatch assigned me a load of auto parts to pick up in Milan, Michigan at midnight. I got on the road and took I-94 west to Hwy 23 south. Got to the pickup in Milan and was put to the dock. Midnight hit and I wasn't started being loaded yet.

July 26, 1990,2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Lorain, Ohio)
Sleeping nicely and BANG, BANG, BANG on the side of my sleeper at around 6 AM EST. The auto plant was ready to unload me. I docked the trailer and walked to the dock to watch the unloading. By the time I got around to the back, they were a good half done. I was out of that plant totally by 6:45 AM EST. I drove around for a short time to find a place to park the truck(note: some drivers will drive many miles to go to an official truckstop-I won't) and finally found one-a parking spot in a cul-de-sac about 300 feet from a convenience store with a phone-

I got parked OK and walked to the phone. I made my check call and was told to call back every hour; something I really didn't want to hear. I was really bored all morning and into the afternoon. At the 2:30 PM EST check call, I had a load. I was to deadhead to the "Big Ball" truckstop in Youngstown, Ohio for a relay to Southgate, Michigan. Sure sounds like what I had done a short time before. Well, I got on I-80 and took it to Youngstown where I went to the assigned truckstop and called in. I was told this load I was waiting for was "HOT" and that it had not even been loaded in New Jersey yet. WAS I HAPPY???? NO!!! I wanted to earn money.
Anyway, I was there for the night it looked.

I spent time in the truckstop and noticed alot of drivers playing a game I liked: try & "grab" the prize you want. I played it for awhile and ended up with seven stuffed animals for about $10 worth of quarters. Not bad!!!

Side Note:
A couple days ago I wrote about a friend of mine being killed and it wasn't his fault. I thought this morning of another friend I had that was killed. I hadn't seen him or his wife-lived in Southaven, Mississippi-in about 9 months. I saw her finally and I asked what my friend was doing. She said that he had been killed in a traffic accident. I asked what happened and she said he had avoided hitting a bunch of stopped cars in a construction zone. Instead of hitting the cars, he went through a couple concrete barriers-big truck can often do that-and died when his rig burst into flames. I felt sorry for her and kept my mouth shut. She made it sound like he sacrificed himself for the cars. I kept my mouth shut because-to me- it sure sounded like he was going too fast for the circumstances and paid for that moment of bad judgment(we all have them) with his life.

July 25, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Marion, Illinois)
Once again, I woke early-around 4 AM CST- and knew it was too early to be getting up. I layed in my bed and listened too the radio for awhile. Nothing exciting no matter which thing I did. I got up around 5 AM CST and went into the truckstop and saw no one I knew as this was not a regular truckstop for our company. Decided to have breakfast as they were putting out a buffet as I was walking around. The buffet was OK and I filled myself up.

Was at the pickup, about 5 blocks west of exit 59 off of I-57, at a little after 8 AM EST. Checked in and was told to back up to dock #7 but that it would be awhile before they would load me. I docked my trailer and then made my morning check call... Loading started at 9:45 AM CST and it took less than half an hour. I got all my paperwork up to date. I put myslf here in Herrin(Illinois) for the past night so I could start today with a fresh 10 hours of running time. I was out of there by 10:30 AM CST with what they loaded on me, a full 8,450 lbs. of freight heading for Lorain, Ohio.

Kept with the program and headed up I-57 to I-70. Went east on I-70 and stopped at the BLUE & WHITE truckstop(not there any longer) at Monrovia, Indiana for fuel(98 gallons) & break at 2:30 PM CST. I hit the road by 3 PM CST as business was done and I didn't see anyone I knew from my trucking company. Got back on I-70 east into Ohio and got on I-75 north. At Findley(Ohio) I took Hwy 12 to the northeast until it turned into Hwy 6. I loved the back roads and Hwy 12 seemed really nice today as did Hwy 6. Stayed on Hwy 6 through Sandusky, Ohio, along Lake Erie and onto Lorain. The auto plant was an easy find as I rolled in at 10 PM EST. The guard said I could sleep on the premises until my appointment tomorrow so I bedded down...just an uneventful day....

July 24, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Fulton, Missouri)
Got up at 5 AM from my camper at the Barnes place and was gone before any of them were up. I got to the Kansas City terminal about 8:15 AM CST and got on the TRB. I pushed getting here so I wouldn't have to sit around waiting for a load very long. About 15 minutes after getting on the TRB, dispatch called me to the window....WHAT??? Ridgway(the Popcorn Capital of the World ), Illinois again??? I took the load's paperwork and I was gone. Hooded out and filled my tanks(76 gallons). At 9:30 AM CST I headed south on I-435 to I-70 which I took east. Stopped for a short break at the rest area before Miniola hill, the site of many a truck drag race.

Stayed on I-70 through St Louis and over the Mississippi River. I-64 joins I-70 going over the river and I switched to it going east. Stayed on I-64 to exit 110(Hwy 45) and then went south. Hwy 45 "hits" Hwy 1. I now go stay down, the way I was going but now on Hwy 1. About 15 to 16 miles, I got to the Ridgway turnoff which I took to the delivery point just outside town. I parked my truck and checked in at 4:15 PM EST. My check in proved great as they unloaded me and was done by 5 PM CST.

I called dispatch and was given a load to pick up in Herrin, Illinois tomorrow. This load tomorrow was going to some auto plant in Lorain, Ohio. I went back to Hwy 1 and went south to Hwy 13. Went west on Hwy 13 to Marion, Illinois and stopped at the truckstop there for the night...

Second 5 Years:(death while driving???)
One winter Friday I had gotten a load to Indianapolis from Kansas City, Missouri. Saturday night I pulled into the BLUE & WHITE truckstop(exit 59, I-70, Indiana)-not there now-and decided to wait there until Sunday night. Sunday morning came and the truckstop was a buzz with a little excitement. I saw a Highway Patrolman interviewing a couple truckstop workers.

I found out that a driver at the west bound rest area just up the road had been killed. It seems that he was getting out of his tractor when another truck pulled in next to him. Apparently the driver pulling in got too close to the victim's truck and crushed him to death. The driver knew what had happened but didn't stop (Maybe because a being over on logbook hours???). He then went to the BLUE & WHITE's shop and fixed a couple spots of damage to his truck. The shop workers didn't remember his details...The driver got away and to this day(July 24, 2010) hasn't been caught for the HIT & RUN....that I know of.

The next week, I had made a delivery in Seymour, Indiana on Friday afternoon. I was then told to pick up a load Monday in Bloomingdale, Indiana. Well, I went to the BLUE & WHITE truckstop again on Saturday and decided to stay there until Sunday night. Sunday morning I made my daily check call and the dispatcher told me my wife wanted me to call her. I called and she said for me to call Chuck. I did and Chuck told me that my friend, a fellow teacher at the truck school I taught at, had been killed the previous Sunday...at an I-70 westbound rest area.

July 23, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Fulton, Missouri)
Stayed in Fulton for one more day. Sent time with my kids again.

A Truckers Tale:(I don't do windows!!!)
There were a few times through my driving career I noticed that I would go through several weather systems a day. When this happened, I noticed it was when I was going west to east or east going west. It was not long into my driving career that I noticed there were times that I would go through rain, sunshine, rain, sunshine and rain again. There were times when I could look into the surrounding skies and see up to 5 different thunder/lightning storm systems at one time(This I saw one night while going through the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming along I-80). The going from no rain to rain and back, I can remember up to three times in one day between Kansas City(Missouri) to Columbus(Ohio).

I met one driver who took this frequent weather change seriously. He claimed that he would hit the rains enough(not north in the winter) each day, or so, that he didn't have to clean his windshield when he refueled-unless his fuel was pumped for him and the pumpers would wash the windshields . I ran with him a couple days and I didn't wash mine either. After the first day-going south past Shepherdsville, Kentucky-I complained to him that I saw sunbeams coming through the dirt on the windshield...I washed my windshield at the next break...The driver with the continually dirty windshield???? He just kept it dirty and sure enough, we got rain that was heavy enough to clean his windows. This fellow gave meaning to the phase, "I don't do windows."

July 22, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Fulton, Missouri)
Off duty until tomorrow. Spent the day with my Kids...

Trucker helpful hint:(state fishing licenses and their costs)
We drivers continue to be a revenue enhancer for state coffers. Over the years of driving I have heard of many fines imposed on truckers who wanted to take a little fishing break. Yep, each state has different fishing laws and licenses. Watch it!

If you like to fish, stop and buy a fishing license for that state. Avoid the states ridiculous fines. Something to ask about... Some states have a GENERAL license and then a license for the particular type of fish you will be trying to catch.

The citations for occasional fishing with no license in different states can be costly. The worst I heard of was around $1500 for NO proper license and (this is unbelievable) having a fishing pole in his truck bunk. (Trucker tale? I can't call him a liar!!!)

The last fine I remember was for $447.00. The trucker I got this from is believable but loves to talk...These are only two fines I have heard of...

There was once a group that was trying to get a special nationwide fishing license that was suppose to go along with a CDL. If you had this license, then fishing in all states was legal if you had a CDL Class A. Like all great ideas, the idea died...

July 21, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Day started as I drove into the terminal yard. I knew I was to drop my trailer so I did. I took my paperwork into dispatch, handed it in and he put me off duty until Monday. I decided to sleep in my truck and go home after sleeping; I did just that...

Got up from sleeping in my bunk, got in my car and drove home to Fulton, Missouri

A Trucker Tale:
It was after midnight. I was getting close to Kendleton, Texas off of Hwy 59 and my logbook showed me out of driving time. Kendleton had a nice small truck parking area and convenient store I like stopping at, so I decided to park for a sleep break. As I drove into the parking lot I hit one really bad pothole. I had everything changing selves in my bulk and I felt, while in my seat belted seat, I hit the ceiling. I parked the truck and got my logbook caught up; I was logged off duty in the sleeper bulk. I had to check and see if hitting that bump broke anything under the hood. I didn't find anything broken but still didn't feel good about possibly have broken something.

I decided to continue toward Laredo, Texas and listen to see if something had broke. I didn't hear anything strange. The next couple truckstop were totally full so I kept moving toward Laredo. Now, along Hwy 59 between Houston and Laredo, there were 4 pull off areas set up to check big trucks. In my years driving to Laredo on Hwy 59, I had never seen one of them open for business.

I got to the two lane highway(59) past Victoria(Texas) so I decided to just go to Laredo. I was beeboppin down the two lane road toward Laredo when I saw the lights instructing big trucks to pull in for inspection. I pulled in and there was a truck in front of me. My logbook showed me in the bunk sleeping in Kendleton(about a 100 miles back!!!). I WAS CAUGHT!!!! The other truck started moving and I moved up to the officer. He asked to see my bills(shipping papers). I only hand over what I am asked for. I gave him the bills and he looked at them. He then asked if I knew how much weight I had on and I answered, "About 27,000 lbs.". He handed me the paperwork and said to have a good morning. BOY WAS I LUCKY!!! I said, "Thank you and you too". I put the truck in gear and got out of there. I couldn't have gone to sleep if I had wanted to so I went on to Laredo...

July 20, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Searcy, Arkansas)
Sleeping nicely when I woke up around 3 AM CST thinking of that heavy vitamin smell in the trailer. Today's shipper might not like it(see below); I got up and checked the weather...just hot...even now....No rain so I went out and opened my trailer doors to let the smile out as much as possible. Left them open and went back to bed.

Was awake again about 7:30 AM CST. Watched TV and just laid in bed until 9 AM CST. Got ready for my day and called dispatch. Made check call and got directions to the Batesville pickup. Not to pick up until this afternoon so I checked out of room and went to the KFC and waited for their lunch buffet. Ate at KFC and headed northeast on Hwy 67 to Hwy 167 to Batesville, Arkansas. Once again, the pickup spot was easy to find. I was at the pickup at 1:30 PM CST. I checked in with the receiving clerk(very nice person) and he had me back up to the dock but told me it would be awhile before I was loaded. I docked my trailer and sat in the driver's seat for awhile and got all my paperwork caught up and legal...I was loaded by one grumpy middle aged female forktruck driver. I don't know why she was so upset; maybe because of the vitamin smell(much, much less than it was) inside as those smells really linger.

I was ready to go at 4 PM CST. I looked at my map and BOY, what a choice of ways to go! I went back into the shipping clerk and talked to another driver about the best way to go to Kansas City, Missouri from here. (See "hint" below) I followed what they gave me(Hwy 14 west to Hwy 412 west to Hwy 65 north), had no stressful driving, small roads and really nice scenery!!! Follow Hwy 65 into Missouri and to the north side of Springfield( Missouri). I got on I-44 west a short few miles to Hwy 13 north. Took Hwy 13 to Clinton, Missouri where I grabbed Hwy 7 to the northwest. At Harrisonville, Missouri, I took Hwy 71 to I-435 east and then north to our terminal. After traveling, taking a couple short breaks and site seeing, I pulled into the Kansas City terminal right as my day ended...



Trucker Helpful Hint:(traveling through the mountains and unknown territory)
If you are not familiar with a route-like mountains-that you might be running, check with others before making your final decision. Mountain roads look good on a map but driving them with a 67 foot semi is a different story!!! The best case I know of was when I made a pickup in Gainsville, Georgia and was taking it up I-75. The map showed good roads up into Tennessee and then into Cleveland(Tennessee). I really talked to alot of drivers and the shipping clerk. The best way by map looked good but all the drivers I talked to said not to do it. There are a couple curves in Tennessee that would put the semi and oncoming traffic in danger. I hated to, but did, waste the miles and time going back through Atlanta. Who knows, I may have saved an accident/injury(ies) from happening???

July 19, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Memphis, Tennessee)
I woke while sleeping in my tractor bunk around 1 AM. I laid there, kind of watched TV for awhile and dozed off and on until about 2:15 AM CST. I was up ready to leave, fueled(122 gallon) and heading over the Mississippi River by 3 AM CST. The Arkansas westbound coupe was open so I went across it; no problem.

At 5:30 AM CST I had found the delivery spot in the northern part of Little Rock, Arkansas. The place was still closed so I just sat at the gate that looked like it took me to the loading/unloading docks. I could see a convenience store about a block west of me so I took a walk to it. I got me a couple donuts-no police at the store eating donuts-and a chocolate milk. Went back to my truck and sat in the driver's seat and ate and waited. A little after 7 AM CST the employees started showing up. One employee opened the gate and told me where to back the trailer up to. A little after 9 AM EST I was empty. I walked into the trailer and the smell about knocked me over. The smell was like the oil base drugs I had given as a nursing student years ago. I can still "see" the thick oily yellow texture of the medicine.

I called dispatch and was given a load to pick up tomorrow afternoon in Batesville, Arkansas.
I drove to Searcy, Arkansas where I got a motel room for the night. After checking out my room, complaining about what a hot day it was, I dropped my trailer and drove over to the Wal-Mart. I did some shopping and then went back to my motel room. Around 6 PM CST I went to the Waffle House for dinner.

While eating, I talked with a Husband/Wife driving team of another company. They mainly complained about their company (a nation wide, well known company) and made me happy I was driving for the one I am. My company had problems but don't all???

Went back to the room for the night.

July 18, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling)
As the day started, I was getting close to downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Went through the downtown and got to I-65 going south. I stopped at Shepherdsville, Kentucky at 1 AM EST for the night.

I was up eating munchies in my tractor at 8 AM EST. I was sitting in the driver's seat while munching and just watching what was going on it the parking lot. Nothing out of the normal activities did I see.

I was heading south by 9:00 AM EST. Got to the Bowling Green Area and saw a Kentucky Bear with three cars pulled over. This(highway patrol with multi vehicles pulled overs) is seen in Ohio often but never-by me-in Kentucky. I saw no vehicle damage so he apparently did a multi vehicle pull over...Maybe an old Ohio highway patrolman that moved to Kentucky.

Into Tennessee on I-65 into north Nashville. I took I-65 to I-40 and headed west. I stopped for a half hour break at the Bucksnort, Tennessee exit convenient store.


Now Bucksnort is not an incorporated town but this "community" is between the towns of Only & Spot, Tennessee. Isn't that interesting?

Got to the Memphis, Tennessee terminal at 2:30 PM CST and decided to call it quits until very early tomorrow. I don't really feel too well as I feel tired. I have time to take it easy and just decided to use it. Parked in the terminal yard, went inside the building and saw no one I knew.
Went back to my tractor and laid down and napped...

July 17, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Stoney Ridge, Ohio)
Woke up around 4 AM EST and felt ready to go. Was heading north on I-280 by 4:15 AM EST. Got on I-75 and went into Michigan where I stopped at our terminal in Taylor(Michigan). I talked with dispatch and got directions to the Kids R US store warehouse. I drove to the store warehouse and was there at 6:45 AM EST. It wasn't long-8:30 AM EST-and they had me unloaded. I just when back to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. I was put on the trucker ready board.

Late morning I got a load; pick up farm animal vitamins in Romulus, Michigan and take them to Little Rock, Arkansas for a Thursday AM delivery. The first thing I thought of was the convenience store in New Haven, Indiana and taking a break there(I like the surroundings and the people I see). I got ready and didn't fuel as I would come back and weigh my load; it may be heavy.

I got to the main gate to pick up the load and it was the start of their 1 hour lunch; the guards at he gates took the same lunch period. I sat at the front gate until the guard was gone with his lunch. He finally let me into the plant and I was backed to a dock. It was 4 PM EST before I left and went back to the terminal to weight my load(see "Trucking Student Questions" below). I fueled (155 gallons) and at 6 PM EST I headed straight down I-75 toward Cincinnati, Ohio. I didn't even go through New Haven, Indiana to take a break as I mentions earlier.

I followed I-75 through Cincinnati and over the Ohio River into Kentucky. Shortly after getting into Kentucky I took I-71 toward Louisville(Kentucky).

As my day ends, I am close to going through downtown Louisville...

Trucking Student Questions:
When I weighed my new load I had a total load weight of 76,500 lbs. My steering axle weighed 11,560 lbs and my trailer tandems weighed 33,080 lbs. What was the weight of my tractor tandems??? I put on about 950 lbs of fuel. Did I have anything to worry about???

July 16, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Edison, New Jersey)
I woke up at the Auto plant in Edison, NJ around 6 AM EST. Went back to sleep and didn't worry about anything...my load was delivered and I had not been assigned another yet.

I walked to the guard house and talked to the guard about a place I could go to eat. Taking the full truck in a populated area can be a parking problem. The Newark area looked that way, as did the east bay area of the San Francisco area. The guard pointed out a restaurant about 3 blocks away that, he claimed, served good food and had truck parking. I left the plant and drove there. Truck parking was pretty good but I never got to try the food. I parked the truck and made a check call to dispatch. Dispatch had a load for me to pick up there in Edison, New Jersey going to.....the city of Southgate, Michigan....sitting right next to Taylor, Michigan...Oh surprise!!!

The load consisted of kid's clothes for Kids R Us. Once again, the pick up spot was easy to find. I was loaded by 10 AM EST and just reversed my route from coming here. I took I-287 west to Hwy 206 north. Caught I-80 at Netcong, New Jersey going west. Stayed on it into Pennsylvania and into Ohio. I did make a fuel stop at Barkeyville, Pennsylvania and only took on 50 gallons as I would be getting terminal fuel in Taylor, Michigan tomorrow.

Onto the Ohio turnpike to I-280(south of Toledo, Ohio) at Stoney Ridge, Ohio where I stopped at 8 PM EST for dinner and to sleep for the night. Will go into Michigan tomorrow.

July 15, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS: (Sunday-Taylor, Michigan)
Was sleeping nicely when there came a knock on the side of my tractor. It was a little after 2:45 AM EST; it was the night dispatcher telling me he had a load for me. He had just got the order to send a truck-me-to Ypsilanti, Michigan and pick up a load of auto parts for Edison, New Jersey. This load had just come in-on Sunday morning-and dispatch told me it was "hot". Since it was so early in the morning, could I turn down the load???

The company had a policy that a driver could turn down a load without penalty (company discipline), but if they turned all (one to numerous choices offered at one time) offered loads down, their names were placed at the end of the trucker ready board. If there are few drivers on the list, it is not bad; if a several day wait for a load...
One must remember the human element to this. If a driver turns down a load a dispatcher is having trouble assigning, the dispatcher would likely remember the driver in a negative way; then the driver needs help or a favor??? Dispatchers can do many things they say they can't. They can get you that load to Seattle you were really wanting.
I have had dispatchers save loads for me-knowing I liked them & if they could- even though I was not high on the trucker ready board.

I left for the Ypsilanti auto assembly plant by 3:30 AM EST-after fueling(156 gallons) and found the place and was backed up to the dock by 4:15 AM EST. The load was sitting on the dock waiting for me and the loader actually just used the forktruck to push the load-weighing 8,145 lbs-into my trailer. The loader told me that the Edison plant was needing these "extra" Ypsilanti pants by Monday morning. He said the Edison plant would probably unload me whenever I got there. By 5:15 AM EST I was loaded and on my way. I took I-94 west about 5 miles to Hwy 23 and then went south into Ohio. Shortly after entering Ohio I came to I-475 and took it east. When I got to I-75, I took it north(actually east) to I-280. I-280 was taken south to Stoney Ridge, Ohio (intersection with the I-80 toll road). Note that I-280 is the only interstate highway I am aware of that has a drawbridge(traffic is-or was-periodically stopped for the rise of the bridge) .

I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" for the breakfast buffet(not "barfet" this time) at Stoney Ridge. After breakfast I laid in my tractor's bed and napped for two hours. I woke and worked my logbook so that I had a "paperwork" 8 hour break at Stoney Ridge. I wasn't at all tired so I headed toward Edison, New Jersey at 9:30 AM EST on the I-80 toll road.

During my almost 3 hour trip to Youngstown, Ohio, where I stopped for a short break, I traveled over many long interstate bridges while going past the southern Cleveland area. The interstate went past hundreds of backyards also that I took a fast peek at. Got off the toll road at Youngstown but continued following I-80 into Pennsylvania. It seemed that once I hit Pennsylvania, the terrain became mountainy and beautiful.

A real beautiful spot-seen later in my driving career-to see in the town of Emlenton, Pennsylvania down in the river valley as you go over the high I-80 bridge-between exits 42 and 45- to the south of the town. It is really beautiful as I saw it one time; night time in the middle of winter.

Continued east on I-80 over the mountains and valleys of-for the most part-beautiful Pennsylvania. Stopped for a short break at the rest area near Hetlerville, Ohio. Went into New Jersey over the Delaware River. Continued east on I-80 until I came to Hwy 206(at Netcong, New Jersey) where I went south. Boy, the green along Hwy 206 was really green and beautiful!!! Loved it!!! Got to I-287 and took it south and west to Edison. The auto plant was easy to find and I pulled up to the guard gate at 7:45 PM EST.

I told the guard that I was told this load was "hot". He took my paperwork and called someone. He then told me to take the trailer to the trailer yard, drop the trailer and wait for the yardtruck to bring the trailer-emptied- to me. This I did. The yardtruck brought my trailer back and I asked the yardtruck driver where a good place was to spend the night. He told me to just sleep the night in their trailer yard. I hooked up to my trailer and backed it into a parking spot . I updated my logbook, turned my TV on and went to bed for the night

July 14, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Taylor, Michigan)
I pulled into the Taylor terminal as the day started. I found a parking spot by the terminal building and backed into it. Walked up to the night dispatcher at about 12:15 AM EST with my paperwork. I was hoping he would tell me to drop my load, hand the paperwork in and go on the trucker ready board.`HE DID!!! I DID!!! I was separated from the trailer and going to sleep at 12:45 AM EST.

I was up and in the terminal building by 8 AM EST. Finding my standing on the trucker ready board to be 12, I got out my new laptop(no hard drive-just floppies) and played with it. I write "played" with it but I was actually learning how to use it. I didn't learn much!!! I played with it until 1:30 PM EST when I went to the Swedish restaurant for lunch with a few other drivers. After lunch, I went to the big department store and looked around until 6:15 PM EST. Back to the terminal...

Waiting days for loads was part of my "trucking" experience. Went out to my tractor to sleep at 8PM EST as I was number "1" on the trucker ready board. went to sleep...

Got load tomorrow to a different place, at least to me!!!!

A Trucker's Tale...with picture.
I ran along with a CR England driver one day and did he have a tale to tell. He had been in the state of Maine and going down a hill. He was doing the speed limit and not over it. While he was making his decent, a Moose strolled out in front of his truck. He had no choice but to hit it dead center. It wiped out his tractor and put him in the hospital. While in the hospital, a Maine conservation agent came to see him. Oh yes, the agent gave him a $70 or $90 citation for killing Maine wildlife...


This is only a one lane road...but the moose is huge!!!

July 13, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling)
The day's start found me getting through Poplar Bluff, Missouri while heading north on Hwy 67. Dark and rainy tonight and the CB radio was pretty much quiet. Just kept going even though I was over the driving 10 hour rule. Yes folks, I was in violation. Hwy 67 joined I-55 and I kept going north to I-255, south of St. Louis. Took I-255 into Illinois and up to the "Big Ball Truckstop" in Troy, Illinois. This was my goal and I got here at 3 AM CST. Parked truck and went right to sleep...

I got up around 11 AM CST and went into the restaurant and found a couple drivers from my company. I sat down with them and we talked. They both came from the Taylor(Detroit) Michigan terminal and told me that there weren't too many drivers on the trucker ready board. My chances of dropping the load in the yard and getting another load out where looking decent. I had a small breakfast with them and then left. I was gone by 12:15 PM CST. I just kept the pace up, but I had to(I like to put the name on my log book) stop for a short break at Funk's Grove(Illinois) rest area. After the short break it was north again. Got to I-80 and took it to the east. I-80 eastbound joined up with I-94 eastbound and I followed them into Indiana. I stopped at the truckstop where I-80 and I-94 split going east at 6:30 PM EST. I fueled(50 gallons-going to Taylor terminal with company fuel) and had the dinner buffet(barfet???). Was back on the road by 8 PM EST and heading east on I-94 toward Detroit.

My day ended as I pulled into the Taylor terminal south of Detroit, Michigan...

July 12, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday- traveling)
My day started as I was traveling up I-35 toward Red Oak, Texas. I got to the I-35E/I-35W split and took I-35E north.

Got to the Italy exit and stopped for some munchies. Talked to the gal behind the counter for awhile as she wasn't busy. I couldn't believe what she had told me; she was over 30 years old, married, and never been out of northeast Texas, not even on a vacation. Shoot, I hadn't been in North Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine yet.

Got to Red Oak at 3 AM CST and bunked down for the night. Got up shortly after 9 AM CST and went in to see dispatch(the likes of whom I knew pretty well). I talked with them in hopes of dropping this load and getting another, like to Seattle, San Francisco or Salt Lake City...no luck!

Left Red Oak at noon with my records all legal and my fuel tanks full(took on 96 gallons). Heading up I-35E, I came to I-30 which I went east on. This stretch of Texas and Arkansas-Arkansas being greener-to Little Rock(Arkansas) is an interesting part of the county; it's really beautiful one moment and then dull and boring the next...And it seems never ending.

Got to Little Rock and decided to change the regular way I run this route(we could do that if it weren't too far "out of route"). Instead of going through Kentucky and Tennessee, I went north, out of Little Rock, on Hwy 67. Hwy 67 was a 4 lane highway to Newport(Arkansas), then 2 lane into Missouri. I liked Newport and stopped there for a diet soda(soft drink in Canada) and some munchies. Was there for a little over 10 minutes. Followed Hwy 67 into Missouri as I traveled through and highs and lows of the Ozark Mountains.

Got through Poplar Bluff, Missouri as my day ended...

July 11, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Laredo, Texas)
I was up and awake at the Morton's home before Steven and Reida went to their teaching jobs for summer school. I called our Laredo dispatch and was told that if I got out today, it would be later into the afternoon on night.

I got my new computer out and played with it. I basically knew only how to turn it on, get it programed(learned yesterday) to start using and how to type on the keys...that's it. I had no idea of the basics that children know-in 2010- before they get out of elementary school here in North America. Pam got up, came out and we played with the computer(remember...no hard drives-just 3.5 in. floppy discs). We played with the computer until a little after 10 AM CST when Cathy came over.

In the last couple days I had mentioned to Cathy that I knew something about air conditioning and heating. She asked if I would look at her truck's air conditioning and I said I would. I had forgotten and this morning she came over-knowing I am here because my tractor was parked in the street-and asked if I could look at it. I said yes.

I asked her the symptom on why she thinks her air conditioning wasn't working right; sounded like a simple case of very slow leaking Freon. I looked at the system and yep, it was low on
Freon. I told her that if she drove us to the auto parts store, I could fix her problem. I would pay for the Freon and kit to put it in if she would have lunch at a fast food restaurant I liked; I would be buying, of course. She said OK and we were off. We had lunch together and I got her A/C unit working correctly.

It was about 1:30 PM CST when I got back to the Morton house. Pam had been playing with my computer-no "windows" at all...just "Dos"-but she couldn't show me anything new.

By 3 PM CST I was back at the Laredo terminal and hoping for a load out. Got one just before 5 PM CST to Detroit(Taylor), Michigan for Monday. Boy, I feel I have done this route a few times. What's worth is I have alot of time to do it. The best idea here is to get the load to Taylor as early as possible and, if they have few drivers, they will let me drop it and take another load. The local drivers can deliver it.

I was heading up I-35 by 6 PM CST and got up to "Just a Truckstop" at 8:30 PM CST. I had dinner but decided to get my fuel up in Red Oak(Texas) as they sometimes pump it for me; I don't have to log 15 minutes for fueling if someone else fuels for me...no, you can't fuel someone elses truck while they fuel yours to get out of logging 15 minutes.

Traveled up I-35, taking the lower level of the duel level interstate of Austin(Texas). Just after Georgetown(Texas), the traffic built up and slowed. Reason??? There was a bad multi car accident on the southbound side and northbounders had to slow and look at it

As my day ended, I still had a good couple hours to my planned stop in Red Oak, Texas.

July 10, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I was up at about 8:30 AM CST and Pam(see yesterday's blog) yelled out from her room that she would be ready to go shortly. Pam had two small children and I don't remember why she didn't have them today. The children usually stay with Grandma but Grandma and Grandpa were both teachers and teaching summer school.

Pam walked around the corner and WOW!!! She looked really good. I didn't need to tell her as she knew it!!! Anyway, Pam was driving me around today and I was to get a new copy of disc 2 from Radio Shack. We went into Radio Shack and had no trouble as three of the salesmen wanted to made sure SHE was happy....Cool, I got my disc. We then spent a couple hours at Wal-Mart. All this time I was hoping that some of the other drivers would see her and I. No luck!!! All day, I saw NO other drivers...I even took her out to lunch at the Chinese Restaurant we drivers liked going to. No one saw us together.

Pam and I went to her folk's place(her place also) and got the computer up and running. She showed me how to do some things with it. I knew nothing about the computer before talking with her and didn't remember a quarter of what she said.

Cathy came over and we went to her ranch south of Laredo and took care of the animals. We talked 'til about 11 PM CST and I went back to the Morton's and went to sleep...May get a load out tomorrow.


A TRUCKER'S TALE:
Was heading west on I-10 near Indio, California when I heard on the CB radio a driver talking about the POWER of his engine. He claimed to have had a Caterpillar 850 housepower V-8 engine put in his tractor and that he now could pull a certain mountain grade(I didn't record which one he said) at 90 miles per hour with 110,000 lbs(80,000 lbs is the legal limit). Call him a liar??? No because maybe he could...I don't know but I did talk with an John Deere Engineer that said that engine wasn't legal for road use...it was for things that needed an engine with a constant speed. If he did put it in his tractor, with many modifications, it wouldn't last long.

July 9, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
Woke up and the Mortens(Steven & Reida)-both teachers-had gone to work. Pam, the Morton's daughter living with then, had two children: Kelli in kindergarten and Billy who wasn't old enough for school yet. Kelli had gone to school and Pam was up. I talked with Pam for awhile and then left to do some "shopping". The "shopping" was just a way to "kill" time while I waited for a load. (correction here...I assumed Kelli had gone to school. Not seeing Billy around, I asked and Pam told me they were visiting someone-don't remember who-and would be gone for a couple days)

I guess the highlight of my day was going to Radio Shack and seeing a laptop computer "on sale" for $999.00. I knew so very little about computers(no idea of the internet or email) that maybe I did not need to be buying one. I got it as I was interested in writing and the computer-I thought-represented the old typewriter that would store information and you could correct mistakes without using "Whiteout". I bought it, a printer that used the old paper feed, a carrying case and some 3.5 inch floppy discs. It all cost around $1500.00.... This computer had no hard drive and basically ran off four program discs. Disc 2 was missing when I bought the unit so the RS salesman said he would make me a copy, but he would not be able to make it until later that day. I took my new toy back to the Mortons and Pam was really excited about it. When Steven came home from work, he took me back to Radio Shack for disc 2.

That evening, Pam and I played with the computer and found the disc 2 to be defective. Pam said she would take me to Radio Shack for another disc 2 tomorrow.

I called dispatch and it looked like I would be in Laredo to about Wednesday.

July 8, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Joplin, Missouri)
Just leaving Joplin as the new day started. It was a beautiful night and the traffic was very light, being Sunday morning. As the morning progressed, the traffic even got less. I had thought of going down Hwy 69 at Big Cabin, Oklahoma but I was enjoying the smooth driving and not worrying about all the little towns, stoplights and speed limit changes. Since I was enjoying the constant speed of the "Big Road", I decided to go through Oklahoma City and down to Dallas; it will be further and a little more time but more enjoyable. I took the I-44 toll road to Oklahoma City and then got on I-35 south. Stopped for a short break at the last rest area in Oklahoma. On to Dallas and into Texas I went. The sun was making it's appearance as I entered Texas. When I got to the I-35 split into I-35W & I-35E, I stayed on I-35W. If this hadn't been Sunday morning I would have taken I-35E so I could stop at our Red Oak(Dallas) terminal and say, "HI". Went past Ft. Worth and on south. South of Ft. Worth, I saw an overturned Semi that was being worked on. I was doing pretty good as I was passing Waco(Texas) by 8 AM EST and I stopped at Temple(Texas) at a convenient store and got some munchies for breakfast. On I went to the south on I-35. Took the lower level of the duel level interstate at Austin.

Getting to the rest area before San Marcos at around 10:45 AM CST I stopped for a short time. I figured my logbook-not writing in it-and I was right at the 10 hour rule. I sure didn't want to stay here for 8 hours so I kept going and didn't fill in my logbook. I got to the "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio and took a long break. I had lunch and filled my fuel tanks(106 gallons). I was feeling fine and I not tired so I went on to Laredo, Texas. I got to Laredo at 4:30 PM CST and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork into dispatch. I "took" care of my logbook...

I called my church friends-the Mortons- and they said to come and stay with them. They have an extra room and love company. I got over to their place at 5:30 PM CST and their daughter Pam was there with Cathy, a girl friend of mine. They had had their big Sunday dinner and I was offered leftovers. I accepted as Reida and Pam really were great cooks and their leftovers were better than anything I would find in a truckstop.

I went with Cathy to her ranch-south of Laredo-and helped take care of her animals. I went back to the Mortons and went to my room and went to bed...

Modernizing me starts tomorrow!!!

July 7, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling)
My day started while I was traveling west on I-70. A little after 1 AM EST I crossed the border into Illinois. Crossed into the Central Standard Time Zone, getting to Troy, Illinois at 1:45 AM CST. Found a parking spot at the "Big Ball" truckstop and parked; went to sleep.

I got up around 9 AM CST and went into the truckstop to make a check call. After the call I went into the restaurant to have breakfast. I found a couple other drivers from my company there; I sat down with them. We talked and I found that one of them had a load to Laredo, Texas he didn't want. I wasn't too happy about my Dallas, Texas and he wanted my load. We called dispatch and switched loads; I am going to Laredo now.

I skipped breakfast and we switched trailers and paperwork. My new load weight was OK at 25,462 lbs. The driver I switched with, Pecos(his handle-nickname), was headed to Joplin as I was, so we ran together. We went to channel 25 on the CB radio and talked all the way to Joplin, Missouri.

We headed west on I-70 until we crossed the Mississippi River into St. Louis where we got on I-44 west(southwest). Followed I-44 west to Joplin, getting there around 3 PM CST. I needed tractor service so I had to drop my trailer and park my tractor by the service bays. I went to the bunk and napped while I got my oil changed, joints lubricated and a rear wheel seal replaced. I got done being serviced at 8:40 PM CST and I was happily sleeping so I stayed on my 8+ hour break and slept.

I got up at 11:30 PM CST and fueled(134 gallons), hooked up my trailer, did vehicle inspection and paperwork. I left at Midnight...

July 6, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Taylor, Michigan)
I got up after a good sleep in my "room"-my tractor sleeper. went into the terminal and never much going on. My number on the trucker ready bound was 23 and if I get out it will be later. I went to lunch at the Swedish restaurant a few blocks from the terminal. Went to the store, looked around and bought some munchies for the truck. Back to the terminal and did some writing.

A little after 5 PM EST dispatch called me up and gave me a load to Dallas, Texas. It's a good light load but it is going over the same roads I have done before; I will do them many times in the future. It wasn't much of a change, but I decided to go through New Haven(Indiana) and Joplin(Missouri) instead of Nashville and Memphis(Tennessee). My decision was partially made as my tractor needs servicing and Joplin is very convenient for the service.

At 6 AM EST, I was fueled(122 gallons) and heading south on I-75 toward Toledo, Ohio. In Toledo, I took I-475 and went west and then south on it. Got to Hwy 24 and took it southwest through Waterville(Ohio). Followed Hy 24 through Napoleon(Ohio) and Defiance(Ohio) to the little irritating town of Antwerp, Ohio. (first stoplight is totally worthless, or was). Into Indiana and stopped at and convenient store I enjoy stopping at in New Haven(Indiana). Took a short break and went through Ft. Wayne, Indiana(I-469 not finished yet) to I-69 and went south. Getting to Indianapolis, I took I-465 south to I-70 west through town as my day was ending...

July 5, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Shepherdsville, Kentucky)
Was up and gone by 7:15 AM EST. Taking I-65 north, I came to the outer loop(I-265) and went to the east around Louisville; I took it as I felt like it. I-265 took me to I-71 and that I took northeast. When I got to the junction of I-71 & I-75 I went north. When I came to I-275-south of the Ohio River-I had to take it legally as big trucks aren't to go down the hill to the bridge over the Ohio River. I decided to take I-275 all the way east , north and then west to I-75. North on I-75 heading to Dayton was my next shot.

I liked Dayton because I liked seeing a certain street sign...see picture below...


I stopped at the rest area by Piqua, Ohio for a short break and then it was back to the road northbound. Went through Toledo, Ohio and into Michigan. The Michigan state truck weigh scales were open and I went across them with no problem.

Got to our Taylor(Detroit), Michigan terminal at 3 PM EST and checked with dispatch. I was told to drop my trailer in the yard and told to go on the trucker ready board. Not going out tonight so I went to the Swedish buffet(barfet???) and "pigged" out...Boy their food is good. Back to terminal and went to bed.

July 4, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Mandeville, Arkansas)
Holiday? I spent the day traveling over roads I have, and will, travel many times. The terrain is well know to me. I turned on my CB radio and listened, and talked, all day while traveling. Didn't hear anything worth remembering.

Ate munchies for breakfast while I was driving. Left northeast on I-30 a little bite before 8 AM CST. Got to little Rock and took I-440 to I-40 where I went east to Wheatley(Arkansas). Stopped at Wheatley and got some ice cream, sour gummy worms and a soda(great for leading to diabetes). Back to I-40 east. Stopped at our terminal in Memphis, Tennessee and fueled(98 gallons). Didn't hang around the terminal. Headed for Nashville on I-40, getting there at 4:45 PM CST. I stopped at the "All Right" truckstop and thought about having dinner. I decided to just keep going. I left up I-65 into Kentucky. I followed I-65 to Shepherdsville(Kentucky) where my driving time was up and the truckstop was OK. Stopped there for the night and just listened to all the fireworks the local people were shooting off.


Side Note:
Christmas was the only holiday the companies I worked for made a real effort to get their drivers home for. If a driver-I never did-worked it right, they could get New Years Day off with an extended Christmas "off" period. If drivers wanted any of the other holidays off, they had to work them into their earned time off.

July 3, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo. Texas)
Was up-slept at the terminal last night-and in the terminal by 6:15 AM CST to find me number 3 on the trucker ready board. It wasn't much past 6:30 AM CST that the dispatcher called me to the dispatch window and gave me a load!!! Oh Boy!!! Houston, Texas??? I waited all this time for a Houston load??? Well, I took it but not with a smile on my face. Dispatch did say that they would take the load off the trailer today if I got it to them by 5 PM CST.

The load was light and I had been to this receiver before. It wasn't too far from our fuel stop, poor excuse for a truckstop, but a truckstop never the less. I didn't fuel in Laredo and was on my way by 7:15 AM CST. The border guard station wasn't busy as no one was on the road so I talked with the border guard for about 5 minutes. Went on to Freer where I stopped for a real short break and got me some ice cream which didn't last very long. I kept my speed up and was moving along nicely. Went right through Beeville and onto Victoria where I hit the 4 lane road. Onto I-610 where I took it to the north side of Houston and found the receiver's place. I was there at 1:45 pm CST and sure enough, the receiving department took the load off me.

I was empty by 3 PM CST and called dispatch. They had a load for me to Detroit, Michigan to pick up tomorrow. Have to go to the northern part of Houston; I am almost there now. I found the pickup spot by 4 PM CST. OH Boy, they said they would go ahead and load me as the load was ready and sitting on their floor. The load weighed 8, 984 lbs.; nothing for the big truck. By 4:45 PM CST I was loaded, dispatched and heading for the fuel stop. Fueled(168 gallons) and headed up Hwy 59 toward Texarkana(Texas or Arkansas). Hwy 59 is interesting to me as it has alot of beautiful scenery but it sure is a long, long drive!!! It just doesn't want to end...

Got up to I-30 and went east into Arkansas stopping at the "Big Ball" truckstop in Mandeville. There I sat out the night...

June 2, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
I got up and walked into the terminal where I talked with the other drivers there and watched some TV. Cathy called me around 11 AM CST and I invited her to an early dinner(4 PM CST). She said OK and I went to her house at 1 PM CST.

OK, don't let this ruin your opinion of Cathy as she was(has died of brain cancer since our dating) an extremely nice-and attractive-gal but she would once in a while keep her horses in her house...Hey, she loved her horses. Her ranch didn't have a house or barn-just a shading covering-so if the weather was to get really bad, she brought the horses(3) to her fenced in back yard. If the weather got really, really bad she brought them inside...I only saw them inside once. The horses kept her parrot company.

Before going to Cathy's place, I stopped at the store and bought a bunch of "Gummy Bears-regular & sour-" as we both enjoyed munching on them. After dinner, we went to her ranch, took care of the animals and them sat on her pickup's tailgate, talked, ate Gummy Bears and looked at Mexico (across the Rio Grande River) until 11:30 PM CST.

I was at the terminal by the end of the day. The trucker ready board showed that I would be gone by Tuesday morning.

July 1, 1990, 2010

FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Laredo, Texas)
Today I got up and went to church. After church, I went over to the Morton's (church leader & his wife) and had dinner with them and some other guests. One guest, Cathy, and I have become pretty good friends. After dinner, Pam(the Morton's 25 year old daughter), Cathy and I went to Cathy's ranch to feed the animals. Her ranch is just south of Laredo and sat between Hwy 82 and the Rio Grande River. After a nice time, the three of us returned to the Morton's home. Cathy is to call me tomorrow to come to her ranch for the afternoon and evening....Went back to the terminal and looked at the trucker ready board...I will be here tomorrow also...good.