FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was up at 5:30 AM CST wantin' to go. I took care of my logbook, fueled(176 gallon) and weighed. I went into the terminal and checked in with dispatcher; did a check call and I was gone by 6 AM CST. I took I-35 north all the way to St. Paul. Traveled into Iowa and into Minnesota stopping for a short break at a pickle park north of Ames, Iowa. The scenery...Corn turning yellow and some soy beans... The chicken couple northbound in Minnesota was open and I had to get weighed. Went on the the delivery point in south St. Paul and got empty at 2:15 PM CST.
I called dispatch and told them I was empty; they gave me a load to pick up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I immediately left for Eau Claire and went up to I-94 eastbound. Went over the St. Croix River(just north of the Mississippi River) into Wisconsin.
I got to the shipper and the route into the plant is really bad. I saw only one way into the plant and it was through a residential area with several children playing along the streets. I didn't drive more than 10 mph through that area. Picked up my load of paper towels going to Homerville, Georgia(kinda like Andy & Mayberry). Friday and my delivery date is Wednesday. I have alot of time to do an easy two day trip. I left down I-94 and stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in Portage, Wisconsin. I ate and was going to watch some movies but I didn't like the movie room there. After eating, I went to my tractor and wrote....stayed the night...
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.
August 31, 2010
August 30, 2010
August 30, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Amarillo, Texas)
Just woke up at 6:05 AM CST and wanted to return to the sleep state but didn't. I was feeling tired but decided to get moving. Vehicle inspection was easy and fast as I was bobtailing to Oklahoma City. I was on my way, after a brisk walk around my traitor. Pulled out on I-40 at 6:30 AM CST and headed east. The sun wasn't up, though almost, as I made Oklahoma my goal. I have to drive a lot more carefully as I have no weight on my drive tandems. The roads are dry and I didn't think, and didn't, I would have problems.
Into Oklahoma I went and onto Oklahoma City, getting to the "All Right Truckstop" at 10:45 AM. Had breakfast and called dispatch. I was given a load of glass to pick up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma going to St Paul, Minnesota.
I left Oklahoma City on I-44 northeast to Tulsa(Oklahoma) where I would find Sapulpa. I stopped at the toll road service center(pickle park) before Tulsa. I went to get out of my tractor and IT HIT ME!!! The exercise I got yesterday walking down to the Carlsbad Cavern floor hit me in what seemed every muscle. I could hardy get out of the tractor and touch the ground. I got back in the tractor and took pain killers. This soreness would last for several days.
I got to the glass plant and picked up my trailer of glass. The glass load weight showed on the paper work 34,580 lbs. I weighed at the truckstop on the east side of town and found my weight OK with my tanks 3/4 empty. I did get to Kansas City Terminal, filled my tanks and reweigh. I was fine.
I decided to go up out of Tulsa on Hwy 169 as I wanted to see something different. The mileage was shorter but the travel was slower; the time to Kansas City, either way was probably equal. I got to Coffeyville, Kansas 4:45 PM CST and stopped on the street so I could get some fast food. I was back on Hwy 169 northbound at 5:30 PM CST.
My driving time-10 hours-would run out before I got to Kansas City, but I finished the day by getting to our Kansas City terminal and parked for the night by 9 PM CST.
Just woke up at 6:05 AM CST and wanted to return to the sleep state but didn't. I was feeling tired but decided to get moving. Vehicle inspection was easy and fast as I was bobtailing to Oklahoma City. I was on my way, after a brisk walk around my traitor. Pulled out on I-40 at 6:30 AM CST and headed east. The sun wasn't up, though almost, as I made Oklahoma my goal. I have to drive a lot more carefully as I have no weight on my drive tandems. The roads are dry and I didn't think, and didn't, I would have problems.
Into Oklahoma I went and onto Oklahoma City, getting to the "All Right Truckstop" at 10:45 AM. Had breakfast and called dispatch. I was given a load of glass to pick up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma going to St Paul, Minnesota.
I left Oklahoma City on I-44 northeast to Tulsa(Oklahoma) where I would find Sapulpa. I stopped at the toll road service center(pickle park) before Tulsa. I went to get out of my tractor and IT HIT ME!!! The exercise I got yesterday walking down to the Carlsbad Cavern floor hit me in what seemed every muscle. I could hardy get out of the tractor and touch the ground. I got back in the tractor and took pain killers. This soreness would last for several days.
I got to the glass plant and picked up my trailer of glass. The glass load weight showed on the paper work 34,580 lbs. I weighed at the truckstop on the east side of town and found my weight OK with my tanks 3/4 empty. I did get to Kansas City Terminal, filled my tanks and reweigh. I was fine.
I decided to go up out of Tulsa on Hwy 169 as I wanted to see something different. The mileage was shorter but the travel was slower; the time to Kansas City, either way was probably equal. I got to Coffeyville, Kansas 4:45 PM CST and stopped on the street so I could get some fast food. I was back on Hwy 169 northbound at 5:30 PM CST.
My driving time-10 hours-would run out before I got to Kansas City, but I finished the day by getting to our Kansas City terminal and parked for the night by 9 PM CST.
August 29, 2010
August 29, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-El Paso, Texas)
I was awake by 7 AM MST just to see how the TRB was going. I went into the terminal and found my number at 23. Nothing soon...
As I walked out of the terminal, there were a couple drivers sitting by the door, one had an assignment. He was to bobtail to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I just went back to my tractor and continued to watch my TV and lay there. I thought of filling my tanks with fuel but I don't know what my load will be or how much it will weigh. I went back into the terminal about 8:20 AM MST and found I was number 11 on the TRB. I had brought in some munchies so I just sat down and waited.
Erma, the dispatcher gal, didn't look busy at the window so I went up and asked what my status was. She looked my truck number up and told me to call the dispatcher in Joplin, Missouri. I did and found I too was to bobtail to Oklahoma City. Joplin dispatch, my main dispatcher, said that he would just put me down to be in Oklahoma City Friday at 8 AM CST. Great, no problem.
I filled my tanks(148 gallons), get my logbook updated and looked at my map. I decided to go out Hwy 180 toward Carlsbad, New Mexico. No one is running with me so I can do what I want to do. As I headed out Hwy 180, looking at all the desert, I started thinking about seeing Carlsbad Caverns; the opportunity couldn't get better than this...plenty of time and no trailer. I went up-a good climb past El Capitan Mountain- into New Mexico to Whites City. Got to Whites City, New Mexico at 12:30 PM MST and pulled to the side of the road to think. Should I, or not, go up to the Caverns? I really wanted to.
I decided to follow the several mile road to the top of the mountain where the caverns had their opening. I parked in the RV section of parking. I had a choice, take the long walk down or the elevator to the cavern floor. I took the long walk, a mistake to be realized tomorrow. It was a nice , well angled, long walk. The downward angle was pretty steep but I handled it. I rented the ear piece that told of the rock formations as I descended to the cave floor. Getting to the floor, I found myself amazed at the beauty the the area. There were two telephones at the cave bottom and so I called two of my girlfriends: Jan in Kansas City and Cathy in Laredo. I took the elevator up to the surface when I got done looking around. It was now getting close to 4:45 PM MST and I got back to Hwy 180 and headed told Carlsbad, New Mexico.
I was back to Hwy 180 westbound at 5:15 PM MST. Zipped through Carlsbad and got to Texas by 7:30 PM MST. Hwy 180 runs with Hwy 62 and they separate in Seminole, Texas. I followed Hwy 62 to Lubbock, Texas and took the "289" loop north and then east to I-27 north. I pulled into "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo, Texas at 9:30 PM CST. I was hungry so I went to the buffet at the restaurant. The buffet was just about done for the day and wasn't looking good. I decided to have the "all the ribs I can eat" meal. I was sitting with two other drivers from my company so as my day ended, I was talkin' and eatin'...
I was awake by 7 AM MST just to see how the TRB was going. I went into the terminal and found my number at 23. Nothing soon...
As I walked out of the terminal, there were a couple drivers sitting by the door, one had an assignment. He was to bobtail to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I just went back to my tractor and continued to watch my TV and lay there. I thought of filling my tanks with fuel but I don't know what my load will be or how much it will weigh. I went back into the terminal about 8:20 AM MST and found I was number 11 on the TRB. I had brought in some munchies so I just sat down and waited.
Erma, the dispatcher gal, didn't look busy at the window so I went up and asked what my status was. She looked my truck number up and told me to call the dispatcher in Joplin, Missouri. I did and found I too was to bobtail to Oklahoma City. Joplin dispatch, my main dispatcher, said that he would just put me down to be in Oklahoma City Friday at 8 AM CST. Great, no problem.
I filled my tanks(148 gallons), get my logbook updated and looked at my map. I decided to go out Hwy 180 toward Carlsbad, New Mexico. No one is running with me so I can do what I want to do. As I headed out Hwy 180, looking at all the desert, I started thinking about seeing Carlsbad Caverns; the opportunity couldn't get better than this...plenty of time and no trailer. I went up-a good climb past El Capitan Mountain- into New Mexico to Whites City. Got to Whites City, New Mexico at 12:30 PM MST and pulled to the side of the road to think. Should I, or not, go up to the Caverns? I really wanted to.
I decided to follow the several mile road to the top of the mountain where the caverns had their opening. I parked in the RV section of parking. I had a choice, take the long walk down or the elevator to the cavern floor. I took the long walk, a mistake to be realized tomorrow. It was a nice , well angled, long walk. The downward angle was pretty steep but I handled it. I rented the ear piece that told of the rock formations as I descended to the cave floor. Getting to the floor, I found myself amazed at the beauty the the area. There were two telephones at the cave bottom and so I called two of my girlfriends: Jan in Kansas City and Cathy in Laredo. I took the elevator up to the surface when I got done looking around. It was now getting close to 4:45 PM MST and I got back to Hwy 180 and headed told Carlsbad, New Mexico.
I was back to Hwy 180 westbound at 5:15 PM MST. Zipped through Carlsbad and got to Texas by 7:30 PM MST. Hwy 180 runs with Hwy 62 and they separate in Seminole, Texas. I followed Hwy 62 to Lubbock, Texas and took the "289" loop north and then east to I-27 north. I pulled into "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo, Texas at 9:30 PM CST. I was hungry so I went to the buffet at the restaurant. The buffet was just about done for the day and wasn't looking good. I decided to have the "all the ribs I can eat" meal. I was sitting with two other drivers from my company so as my day ended, I was talkin' and eatin'...
August 28, 2010
August 28, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-El Paso, Texas) Woke up with little hope of getting out today. Made plans to go and see a couple movies. Turned out I saw the "old" movies Die Hard, Midnight Run and Rain Man at a huge theater. I ate three buckets of popcorn and drank two large "diet" sodas(soft drinks in Canada); turned out to be my only day's food after a couple munchies for breakfast. I did call El Paso dispatch between movies and found I had NO loads. As darkness overtook the skies, I found my at the terminal, talking to the other drivers, watching terminal TV and nursing a stomach that was upset from all the buttery popcorn I ate . Not having a load, I went to my bed at 10:30 PM MST. A Trucker's Tale-mine: I had decided to eat in Red Oak, Texas at the truckstop that shares the building with our terminal. I sat down and looked at the menu. It had Cajun Gumbo soap on it with a saying like, "made by a real Cajun". I asked the waitress if the cook was of Cajun decent. She said no and I ask if the owner was Cajun. She she no. I then asked who in the place was Cajun. The waitress pointed to the gal at the cash register, just an employee at the restaurant.
August 27, 2010
August 27, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-traveling) Actually started day at 11PM MST 08/26/1990
Beautiful full moon out tonight that makes this night traveling very enjoyable. Following Hwy 54 south of Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Vaughn(New Mexico), the treeless night terrain is enhanced by the big full moon. If anyone hasn't seen the great skies of New Mexico-day or night-, they are worth the effort to see...
Vaughn is in the fairly level tops of the mountains and traveling south on Hwy 54, one starts going down the long grade to the desert floor. By the time I reached Carrizozo(New Mexico) I was on the desert floor. I stopped at the open convenient store for a short break, just parking my truck on the street. I called dispatch in El Paso and was told to bring the load to the yard and drop it. I told him that I would be there before 5 AM MST and he said that he would see me.
I drove down Hwy 54 into the "long" -it seemed like it-city of Alamogordo, New Mexico. On through it into Texas and into EL Paso. Got to I-10 and took it west to our terminal. I dropped the trailer at the terminal and checked in with the dispatcher before 5 AM MST. I was told that there would be nothing out for me today.
I bobtailed to the "Just a Truckstop", found a couple other drivers from my company having breakfast and decided to eat with them. We were there until about 8:30 AM MST and then I went back to the terminal and laid down. Slept until about 1 :30 PM MST. Nothing happening and so I checked on my standing on the TRB. Definitely nothing out today...Got me a motel room and some munchies. Stayed in room the rest of day.
Beautiful full moon out tonight that makes this night traveling very enjoyable. Following Hwy 54 south of Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Vaughn(New Mexico), the treeless night terrain is enhanced by the big full moon. If anyone hasn't seen the great skies of New Mexico-day or night-, they are worth the effort to see...
Vaughn is in the fairly level tops of the mountains and traveling south on Hwy 54, one starts going down the long grade to the desert floor. By the time I reached Carrizozo(New Mexico) I was on the desert floor. I stopped at the open convenient store for a short break, just parking my truck on the street. I called dispatch in El Paso and was told to bring the load to the yard and drop it. I told him that I would be there before 5 AM MST and he said that he would see me.
I drove down Hwy 54 into the "long" -it seemed like it-city of Alamogordo, New Mexico. On through it into Texas and into EL Paso. Got to I-10 and took it west to our terminal. I dropped the trailer at the terminal and checked in with the dispatcher before 5 AM MST. I was told that there would be nothing out for me today.
I bobtailed to the "Just a Truckstop", found a couple other drivers from my company having breakfast and decided to eat with them. We were there until about 8:30 AM MST and then I went back to the terminal and laid down. Slept until about 1 :30 PM MST. Nothing happening and so I checked on my standing on the TRB. Definitely nothing out today...Got me a motel room and some munchies. Stayed in room the rest of day.
August 26, 2010
August 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Joplin, Missouri)
As my day started, maintenance was finishing the service and repairs on my tractor. I had napped through the repairs so I set my alarm clock to 2:30 AM CST and went back to sleep. When the alarm went off, I had got my big required break in and now had a full ten hours to drive. I fueled (97 gallons) and was heading for Oklahoma by 3:15AM CST.
After heading west(southwest) on I-44 through Tulsa(Oklahoma) I got to Oklahoma City and decided to stop at the "Just a Truckstop" for breakfast. Time was 7 AM when I sat down to eat.
After eating I took off west on I-40 for new Mexico, stopping at the "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo, Texas at 12:30 PM CST. I had a bad "sleep" last night and was still quite tired. I laid down and took a long nap until 7 PM CST. Wide awake now, I went into the truckstop and got something to eat. I left for El Paso at 9 PM CST west on I-40. The New Mexico scales weighed me and asked me to bring my permit book in. I did and things were fine, Went on to Santa Rosa and headed south on Hwy 54 as my day ended.
---Carlsbad Caverns, the visit happens in a couple days---
As my day started, maintenance was finishing the service and repairs on my tractor. I had napped through the repairs so I set my alarm clock to 2:30 AM CST and went back to sleep. When the alarm went off, I had got my big required break in and now had a full ten hours to drive. I fueled (97 gallons) and was heading for Oklahoma by 3:15AM CST.
After heading west(southwest) on I-44 through Tulsa(Oklahoma) I got to Oklahoma City and decided to stop at the "Just a Truckstop" for breakfast. Time was 7 AM when I sat down to eat.
After eating I took off west on I-40 for new Mexico, stopping at the "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo, Texas at 12:30 PM CST. I had a bad "sleep" last night and was still quite tired. I laid down and took a long nap until 7 PM CST. Wide awake now, I went into the truckstop and got something to eat. I left for El Paso at 9 PM CST west on I-40. The New Mexico scales weighed me and asked me to bring my permit book in. I did and things were fine, Went on to Santa Rosa and headed south on Hwy 54 as my day ended.
---Carlsbad Caverns, the visit happens in a couple days---
August 25, 2010
August 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Pocahontas, Illinois)
Wasn't in a hurry so I just laid in my tractor bed for awhile after I woke up. After I literally got tired of laying around, I got up and went into the restaurant. There was another driver from my company there so I sat down and had breakfast with him. He was complaining about his load and not having enough time to get it to El Paso, Texas. I asked if he would have time to deliver the load I had to Maple Heights, Ohio; he said yes. We called dispatch and swapped loads. Now I was going to El Paso.
We traded trailers, did our vehicle inspections and we were off, going in different directions. We both left the drop yard at 10:10 AM CST. I headed west on I-70 over the Mississippi River and into St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis I get on I-44 west(southwest) toward Joplin, Missouri. Following I-44, I traveled over the mountains and valleys of the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains. After 4 hours of driving, I got to Marshfield(Missouri) where one of my favorite restaurants sits off the interstate and has plenty of truck parking. I stopped and had the buffet lunch of ribs and salad. I
I got to Joplin before 5 PM CST and went through the mandatory vehicle inspection building. I was due for truck service so I had to drop my trailer and wait. I got in for service with just a little wait. During the service, maintenance found that my steering column was just one bolt from falling apart. They repaired it... As my day ended, maintenance was finishing my service....
Wasn't in a hurry so I just laid in my tractor bed for awhile after I woke up. After I literally got tired of laying around, I got up and went into the restaurant. There was another driver from my company there so I sat down and had breakfast with him. He was complaining about his load and not having enough time to get it to El Paso, Texas. I asked if he would have time to deliver the load I had to Maple Heights, Ohio; he said yes. We called dispatch and swapped loads. Now I was going to El Paso.
We traded trailers, did our vehicle inspections and we were off, going in different directions. We both left the drop yard at 10:10 AM CST. I headed west on I-70 over the Mississippi River and into St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis I get on I-44 west(southwest) toward Joplin, Missouri. Following I-44, I traveled over the mountains and valleys of the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains. After 4 hours of driving, I got to Marshfield(Missouri) where one of my favorite restaurants sits off the interstate and has plenty of truck parking. I stopped and had the buffet lunch of ribs and salad. I
I got to Joplin before 5 PM CST and went through the mandatory vehicle inspection building. I was due for truck service so I had to drop my trailer and wait. I got in for service with just a little wait. During the service, maintenance found that my steering column was just one bolt from falling apart. They repaired it... As my day ended, maintenance was finishing my service....
August 24, 2010
August 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Didn't sleep well through the night while I tried to sleep while parked at the terminal . Finally got up at 4:30 AM CST and went into the terminal and talked with the night dispatcher. The day shift personnel started showing up at 6 AM CST. Went to breakfast at a barfet with three other drivers and then back to the terminal.
I started the day as number 17 on the TRB and didn't plan on getting out of here today. Surprise, freight was moving pretty good and I had a load at 11:10 AM CST. I was given a load of salad dressing to pick up in Independence(Missouri) going to Maple Heights, Ohio. I deadheaded down I-435 to I-70 west. Got off at exit 12 and went to the factory...Drop & hook...and after a vehicle inspection and insuring that I had the correct trailer, I left-about 1 PM CST-and headed east on I-70.
I had until Monday to get this "less than 15 run" finished, so I decided to stop at the Kingdom City truckstop("Just a Truckstop") and have dinner and watch some movies...I got to the truckstop a little after 3 PM CST and felt still full-at least non-hungry-from breakfast. I walked into the movie room and couldn't get interested in what was playing. Nothing made me feel I should stay at the truckstop so I moved on about 3:30 PM CST.
Followed I-70 east to I-270 over the north part of St. Louis, through some traffic and then onto I-70 east again in Illinois. It got to be 6:15 PM CST when I pulled into our drop yard at Pocahontas, Illinois. I had started thinking of having a Reuben sandwich which the restaurant in Pocahontas made really well. It's expensive but really good. I didn't have anyone to eat with so I just ate and went back to my truck. Had driving time but felt I needed to sleep here tonight. In my bunk, I turned on my TV, wrote and went to sleep...
This load??? Someone watching out over me??? tomorrow...
Didn't sleep well through the night while I tried to sleep while parked at the terminal . Finally got up at 4:30 AM CST and went into the terminal and talked with the night dispatcher. The day shift personnel started showing up at 6 AM CST. Went to breakfast at a barfet with three other drivers and then back to the terminal.
I started the day as number 17 on the TRB and didn't plan on getting out of here today. Surprise, freight was moving pretty good and I had a load at 11:10 AM CST. I was given a load of salad dressing to pick up in Independence(Missouri) going to Maple Heights, Ohio. I deadheaded down I-435 to I-70 west. Got off at exit 12 and went to the factory...Drop & hook...and after a vehicle inspection and insuring that I had the correct trailer, I left-about 1 PM CST-and headed east on I-70.
I had until Monday to get this "less than 15 run" finished, so I decided to stop at the Kingdom City truckstop("Just a Truckstop") and have dinner and watch some movies...I got to the truckstop a little after 3 PM CST and felt still full-at least non-hungry-from breakfast. I walked into the movie room and couldn't get interested in what was playing. Nothing made me feel I should stay at the truckstop so I moved on about 3:30 PM CST.
Followed I-70 east to I-270 over the north part of St. Louis, through some traffic and then onto I-70 east again in Illinois. It got to be 6:15 PM CST when I pulled into our drop yard at Pocahontas, Illinois. I had started thinking of having a Reuben sandwich which the restaurant in Pocahontas made really well. It's expensive but really good. I didn't have anyone to eat with so I just ate and went back to my truck. Had driving time but felt I needed to sleep here tonight. In my bunk, I turned on my TV, wrote and went to sleep...
This load??? Someone watching out over me??? tomorrow...
August 23, 2010
August 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Walcott, Iowa)
Had my alarm set for 2:30 AM CST and got up when the alarm went off. Got up, sat on my bed and ate some munchies while I got my logbook caught up. Afterward, I took my tire thumper, walked around the truck and did my vehicle inspection. I was on my way west on I-80 by 3 AM CST and wide awake, feeling great.
Kept my speed up-within the speed limit-while I circled Des Moines, Iowa and got on I-35 south. Noticed the sun starting to make it's appearance as I passed the I-35 exit for Osceola, Iowa and a little while after that, I past into Missouri. The Missouri scales were closed(these scales are the ones I passed and then had the "hunting-turkey accident" found under "What's in my blog"...I will never forget ) and on to our Kansas City, Missouri terminal I went.
Got to the terminal at around 8:30 AM CST and got directions to my delivery in the Bright Lights. My delivery destination was an easy find and I checked in with receiving when I got there. I was told to drop the trailer at the dock and then bobtail to my terminal....which I did.
I went on the TRB at the terminal and had nothing to do the rest of the day. While sitting in the trucker lounge watching TV with other drivers, the pizza delivery guy came in delivering pizzas. I talked him into selling me an extra sausage medium pizza with extra cheese for $4.00. It was good and I had breakfast for tomorrow also.
Day ended as I slept in my tractor bed...
Had my alarm set for 2:30 AM CST and got up when the alarm went off. Got up, sat on my bed and ate some munchies while I got my logbook caught up. Afterward, I took my tire thumper, walked around the truck and did my vehicle inspection. I was on my way west on I-80 by 3 AM CST and wide awake, feeling great.
Kept my speed up-within the speed limit-while I circled Des Moines, Iowa and got on I-35 south. Noticed the sun starting to make it's appearance as I passed the I-35 exit for Osceola, Iowa and a little while after that, I past into Missouri. The Missouri scales were closed(these scales are the ones I passed and then had the "hunting-turkey accident" found under "What's in my blog"...I will never forget ) and on to our Kansas City, Missouri terminal I went.
Got to the terminal at around 8:30 AM CST and got directions to my delivery in the Bright Lights. My delivery destination was an easy find and I checked in with receiving when I got there. I was told to drop the trailer at the dock and then bobtail to my terminal....which I did.
I went on the TRB at the terminal and had nothing to do the rest of the day. While sitting in the trucker lounge watching TV with other drivers, the pizza delivery guy came in delivering pizzas. I talked him into selling me an extra sausage medium pizza with extra cheese for $4.00. It was good and I had breakfast for tomorrow also.
Day ended as I slept in my tractor bed...
August 22, 2010
August 22, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Grand Island, Nebraska)
Up and going at 6:30 AM CST. With my vehicle inspection finished and logbook looking good, I was heading east on I-80. Keeping my speed up today-within the law-with hopes of getting unloaded at my delivery point.
Past Lincoln and Omaha and went over the Missouri River into Iowa. Saw very little of Council Bluffs(Iowa) as I left the Missouri River flood plane for the higher farmlands. Continued east on I-80 through miles and miles of corn crops. Stopped for a short break at the rest area(pickle park) near Casey(Iowa). Continued east past Des Moines. Just beeboppin along eastbound seeing more and more corn as scenery. Past Carolville and Iowa City and kept moving east. Decided to stop at our fuel stop at Walcott for a break and fuel. Took on 102 gallons and left for the eastbound road. Wanting to get the load off today is what keeps me going today. Followed I-80 over the Quad Cities and into Illinois. It wasn't long after crossing into Illinois, that I got to Wyanet, Illinois and found the delivery point. The time was 3:15 PM CST went I checked in with the receiving clerk. He said to back up to the dock and he would unload me ... I did; he did.
I called dispatch at 4 PM CST and was given a load to pick up in Rock Island, Illinois, going to Kansas City, Missouri. This load was a "drop & hook" and that's what I did once I got to the pickup. I took my new trailer and headed west on I-80. I was running out of legal driving time so I stopped at the Walcott, Iowa truckstop for the night. I was tired so I just laid in my bed and watched my TV....
Up and going at 6:30 AM CST. With my vehicle inspection finished and logbook looking good, I was heading east on I-80. Keeping my speed up today-within the law-with hopes of getting unloaded at my delivery point.
Past Lincoln and Omaha and went over the Missouri River into Iowa. Saw very little of Council Bluffs(Iowa) as I left the Missouri River flood plane for the higher farmlands. Continued east on I-80 through miles and miles of corn crops. Stopped for a short break at the rest area(pickle park) near Casey(Iowa). Continued east past Des Moines. Just beeboppin along eastbound seeing more and more corn as scenery. Past Carolville and Iowa City and kept moving east. Decided to stop at our fuel stop at Walcott for a break and fuel. Took on 102 gallons and left for the eastbound road. Wanting to get the load off today is what keeps me going today. Followed I-80 over the Quad Cities and into Illinois. It wasn't long after crossing into Illinois, that I got to Wyanet, Illinois and found the delivery point. The time was 3:15 PM CST went I checked in with the receiving clerk. He said to back up to the dock and he would unload me ... I did; he did.
I called dispatch at 4 PM CST and was given a load to pick up in Rock Island, Illinois, going to Kansas City, Missouri. This load was a "drop & hook" and that's what I did once I got to the pickup. I took my new trailer and headed west on I-80. I was running out of legal driving time so I stopped at the Walcott, Iowa truckstop for the night. I was tired so I just laid in my bed and watched my TV....
August 21, 2010
August 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Green River, Wyoming)
Woke up by the alarm clock by 7:30. After getting things catch up and ready to go, I left the truckstop by 7:50 AM MST and headed for a mining company called Church & Dwight. I traveled a few miles east of the truckstop on the side road to the interstate. Came to a small road that headed north and took it several miles. Found the company with no problems. Checked in with shipping, gave them a PICK UP NUMBER for the load I needed and backed up to the dock I was told to.
I was worried about the weight of what they were putting on me. Chemical companies often will put on as much as they can get away with. I was lucky this time as the weight of the chemical was only 37,560 lbs according to the paperwork. I was loaded 9:15 AM MST and out of there, after my call to dispatch, by 10:15 AM MST, I had logged Green River as my point of pick up and start of my day. I was going to Paas Easter Eggs in Wyanet, Illinois so I got started. So I wouldn't back track and waste time and miles, I took the side roads to Green River where I caught the interstate, I was on the "flat" Great Divide Basin for some time when I past Rawlins, Wyoming, where I started getting into the "hilly" parts of I-80. Hit the flats before Laramie and was amazed about how small that city looked from a distance. As I closed in on Laramie, it grew. Through it I went and into some more mountains on it's east side(like Albuquerque, New Mexico). Climbed over the peak-over 11,000 ft high-and headed toward Cheyenne, past Curt Gowdy State Park. At night, as one descends toward Cheyenne, the lights of Cheyenne can be seen for a long time before arriving there. I past Cheyenne and stopped for a short break at the pickle park just before Nebraska. This rest area was in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming and seemed like a really nice place to visit,
It just seemed to me that once I got to Nebraska the land turned into beautiful green, grassy ranches, I traveled to Big Springs on I-80 where I stopped for a break, fuel(111 gallons) and then back on the road. I was pushing it and not letting up on my speed(speed limits of course). I stayed with it but had to stop and go over the scales in North Platte, Nebraska. On I went to Grand Island, where my 10 hour driving rule was running out. It was now 10 PM CST went I got parked and bedding down for my sleep...
Woke up by the alarm clock by 7:30. After getting things catch up and ready to go, I left the truckstop by 7:50 AM MST and headed for a mining company called Church & Dwight. I traveled a few miles east of the truckstop on the side road to the interstate. Came to a small road that headed north and took it several miles. Found the company with no problems. Checked in with shipping, gave them a PICK UP NUMBER for the load I needed and backed up to the dock I was told to.
I was worried about the weight of what they were putting on me. Chemical companies often will put on as much as they can get away with. I was lucky this time as the weight of the chemical was only 37,560 lbs according to the paperwork. I was loaded 9:15 AM MST and out of there, after my call to dispatch, by 10:15 AM MST, I had logged Green River as my point of pick up and start of my day. I was going to Paas Easter Eggs in Wyanet, Illinois so I got started. So I wouldn't back track and waste time and miles, I took the side roads to Green River where I caught the interstate, I was on the "flat" Great Divide Basin for some time when I past Rawlins, Wyoming, where I started getting into the "hilly" parts of I-80. Hit the flats before Laramie and was amazed about how small that city looked from a distance. As I closed in on Laramie, it grew. Through it I went and into some more mountains on it's east side(like Albuquerque, New Mexico). Climbed over the peak-over 11,000 ft high-and headed toward Cheyenne, past Curt Gowdy State Park. At night, as one descends toward Cheyenne, the lights of Cheyenne can be seen for a long time before arriving there. I past Cheyenne and stopped for a short break at the pickle park just before Nebraska. This rest area was in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming and seemed like a really nice place to visit,
It just seemed to me that once I got to Nebraska the land turned into beautiful green, grassy ranches, I traveled to Big Springs on I-80 where I stopped for a break, fuel(111 gallons) and then back on the road. I was pushing it and not letting up on my speed(speed limits of course). I stayed with it but had to stop and go over the scales in North Platte, Nebraska. On I went to Grand Island, where my 10 hour driving rule was running out. It was now 10 PM CST went I got parked and bedding down for my sleep...
August 20, 2010
August 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Bountiful, Utah)
Time with the family is great but I was happy that it was time to get moving again. My Brother-in-law took me back to my truck at the Discount Tire Store. I said my "byes" and took my truck from the tire store to the side of the K-Mart store and behind a good convenient store.
I called dispatch and after two more calls, dispatch gave me a load to pick up in Wyoming for tomorrow. I will be going to a mine in the western Great Divide Basin near Green River. The directions to the mine included the Little America Truckstop so I decided to go there for the night.
Before leaving the Bountiful area, I took my Mom to lunch after she picked me up. After lunch, I headed south on I-15 until I got to I-80 eastbound. Going eastbound on I-80, I climbed the steep grade to, and past, Park City(Utah) and onto Wyoming. I had to stop at Wyoming's Port of Entry super coupe where(twenty years ago) everyone had to take their permit books in for inspection.
Drove through Evanston, over the Twin Sisters and unto the Little America truckstop before reaching Green River. I was parked and was in the truckstop by 4 PM MST. I asked a couple of the truckstop employees about the company I was to pickup from tomorrow. They both knew of it and gave me the same information that my company had given me.
I looked at the prices on the menu at their restaurant and they were too high for me. I just went to my tractor, got my logbook updated, wrote and looked at my TV(no TV reception for me here) on the new shelf I put in....
Time with the family is great but I was happy that it was time to get moving again. My Brother-in-law took me back to my truck at the Discount Tire Store. I said my "byes" and took my truck from the tire store to the side of the K-Mart store and behind a good convenient store.
I called dispatch and after two more calls, dispatch gave me a load to pick up in Wyoming for tomorrow. I will be going to a mine in the western Great Divide Basin near Green River. The directions to the mine included the Little America Truckstop so I decided to go there for the night.
Before leaving the Bountiful area, I took my Mom to lunch after she picked me up. After lunch, I headed south on I-15 until I got to I-80 eastbound. Going eastbound on I-80, I climbed the steep grade to, and past, Park City(Utah) and onto Wyoming. I had to stop at Wyoming's Port of Entry super coupe where(twenty years ago) everyone had to take their permit books in for inspection.
Drove through Evanston, over the Twin Sisters and unto the Little America truckstop before reaching Green River. I was parked and was in the truckstop by 4 PM MST. I asked a couple of the truckstop employees about the company I was to pickup from tomorrow. They both knew of it and gave me the same information that my company had given me.
I looked at the prices on the menu at their restaurant and they were too high for me. I just went to my tractor, got my logbook updated, wrote and looked at my TV(no TV reception for me here) on the new shelf I put in....
August 19, 2010
August 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Bountiful, Utah)
Last day off in northern Utah for this trip. My oldest niece was moving to her dorm room at Logan State University(Logan University) and she was driving . Her Dad and I followed her with our vehicle loaded with her stuff. After we got her moved into her dorm, her Dad-knowing I liked seeing places-drove me around Logan before we left for Bountiful. Spend rest of day with family.
Side Note:(What if she had a gun???)
I had waited for a relay while sitting in West Memphis, Arkansas. I got the load and headed for Montgomery, Alabama where I was planning on fueling. I got to Montgomery and pulled into the fuel stop. Before I got out to fuel, I worked on my logbook( it was 2 AM and the truckstop wasn't busy) and before I knew it, my passenger door opened and a gal jumped in, obviously drunk. She kept saying that she needed $5,00 for baby diapers. She was half crying and kept repeating that her baby needed those diapers. It was obvious to me that she just wanted another drink. I finally got her out of my truck and LOCKED the side door!!! I kept it locked from then on. I reported the gal to the manager and he had had other reports of her. He never found her to the time I had reported her.
Last day off in northern Utah for this trip. My oldest niece was moving to her dorm room at Logan State University(Logan University) and she was driving . Her Dad and I followed her with our vehicle loaded with her stuff. After we got her moved into her dorm, her Dad-knowing I liked seeing places-drove me around Logan before we left for Bountiful. Spend rest of day with family.
Side Note:(What if she had a gun???)
I had waited for a relay while sitting in West Memphis, Arkansas. I got the load and headed for Montgomery, Alabama where I was planning on fueling. I got to Montgomery and pulled into the fuel stop. Before I got out to fuel, I worked on my logbook( it was 2 AM and the truckstop wasn't busy) and before I knew it, my passenger door opened and a gal jumped in, obviously drunk. She kept saying that she needed $5,00 for baby diapers. She was half crying and kept repeating that her baby needed those diapers. It was obvious to me that she just wanted another drink. I finally got her out of my truck and LOCKED the side door!!! I kept it locked from then on. I reported the gal to the manager and he had had other reports of her. He never found her to the time I had reported her.
August 18, 2010
August 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Bountiful, Utah)
Taking a few days off with family living in Bountiful. The visiting of relatives and friends around North America was another positive with driving a truck nationwide. That is, if your family and friends are spread around the country.
Started working on a shelf for my tractor sleeper yesterday with my oldest nephew. Finished the shelf and my nephew took me to my tractor and helped me put it in. It ended up over the area for my feet and I was able to watch my TV very easily. Spent rest of day away from the truck.
Side Note: (What do you want out of driving???)
I ask that question as I have seen several drivers with reasons for driving other than earning money...
I always wanted to travel and see places without paying for it. The pay is great but the travel is what I wanted. My excitement came when I got my loads delivered and had to wait to see where I would go next. I loved not knowing where I would be in the next week.
I was stuck with one fellow that had been a Vice-President of a huge corporation. When we were in San Francisco(California), we went up to one of his old offices and talked with some of his past employees. He just always wanted to drive a truck and after he was successful with all other goals, he dumped them and lived his dream.
Just to drive must have been one fellows goal. I run with him one day and he said that he had worked for the company I did. He quit as my company didn't give him enough miles. He was very happy with the miles he was "now" getting. I asked what he was earning and he said (now this is 20 years ago) 17 cents a mile. He had been earning 24 cents a mile with my company. I drove fewer miles to earn what he had to drive alot for. HE WAS HAPPY WITH IT...
I run north through California if a fellow that liked being his own "boss". He started off driving as a lease(hired his truck out to other companies) driver. He came from a family of truckers. He "now" had a broker that had him in a loop from Memphis, Tennessee to Los Angeles(California), to Chicago(Illinois), and then back to Memphis. HE WAS HIS OWN BOSS. He answered to himself only.
And finally for now, I knew, and talked twice to a doctor(MD) that "burnt out" with his doctor job. He always wanted to drive a truck and so he did!!!!
Taking a few days off with family living in Bountiful. The visiting of relatives and friends around North America was another positive with driving a truck nationwide. That is, if your family and friends are spread around the country.
Started working on a shelf for my tractor sleeper yesterday with my oldest nephew. Finished the shelf and my nephew took me to my tractor and helped me put it in. It ended up over the area for my feet and I was able to watch my TV very easily. Spent rest of day away from the truck.
Side Note: (What do you want out of driving???)
I ask that question as I have seen several drivers with reasons for driving other than earning money...
I always wanted to travel and see places without paying for it. The pay is great but the travel is what I wanted. My excitement came when I got my loads delivered and had to wait to see where I would go next. I loved not knowing where I would be in the next week.
I was stuck with one fellow that had been a Vice-President of a huge corporation. When we were in San Francisco(California), we went up to one of his old offices and talked with some of his past employees. He just always wanted to drive a truck and after he was successful with all other goals, he dumped them and lived his dream.
Just to drive must have been one fellows goal. I run with him one day and he said that he had worked for the company I did. He quit as my company didn't give him enough miles. He was very happy with the miles he was "now" getting. I asked what he was earning and he said (now this is 20 years ago) 17 cents a mile. He had been earning 24 cents a mile with my company. I drove fewer miles to earn what he had to drive alot for. HE WAS HAPPY WITH IT...
I run north through California if a fellow that liked being his own "boss". He started off driving as a lease(hired his truck out to other companies) driver. He came from a family of truckers. He "now" had a broker that had him in a loop from Memphis, Tennessee to Los Angeles(California), to Chicago(Illinois), and then back to Memphis. HE WAS HIS OWN BOSS. He answered to himself only.
And finally for now, I knew, and talked twice to a doctor(MD) that "burnt out" with his doctor job. He always wanted to drive a truck and so he did!!!!
August 17, 2010
August 17, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Bountiful, Utah)
I spent the first half of the day with my Mom. After I took her out to lunch, she dropped me off at my Sister and Brother-in-law's place.
I had been thinking of a shelf for my sleeper that would hold my printer and television. I put my ideas on paper and my oldest nephew took me to my tractor to get the measurements I needed. We then went to the lumber store and got the piece of wood I would need. We both worked on the piece of wood for awhile.
That evening I went with my Sister and her family to Brigham Young University as my oldest niece was in some sort of talent competition. Funny thing is that I can remember chasing my younger niece and nephews around and through the building bushes that evening after the performance ...
A Trucker's Tale: (DWIs & DUIs...a long lingering problem)
I was running with a real nice fellow from my company one day and we were just chit-chatting. We got into the problems that DWIs cause drivers and he told his story.
He had two or three DWIs about twenty years earlier, long before he had thought about driving. Well, he was able to drive as he had been "clean"since his last DWI(again around twenty years earlier) and the formal "CDL" hadn't come around yet. He had a little problem when the CDL License became the "Rule of the Road" but because of a good record, was able to get his CDL. He now had a nice family and had been a great member of society for twenty years...no problem...in the United States.
We worked for a company that went into Canada. Canadian custom officers, when you stop at the custom booths after crossing the border, usually ask some sort of question(s). Well, the custom's official asked him if he had any DWIs on his record. Having been a long time since, and being honest, he said, "YES". Well, DWIs in Canada are-or were-a felony. He had to park his truck and check in with customs. The Canadians checked his present driving record and saw that it was OK. He-not our company-had to buy a three day permit to drive the truck in Canada with NO renewals. He then had to report to the Canadian Embassy in Dallas, Texas-he was a Texan-and show proof that his record had been clear for all those years. They then gave him-I believe-a two year permit to drive in Canada, which he had to renew(showing proof he had been "clean:) every two years. After showing proof, he had to wait three days for his permits to be processed. All this was at his time and expense...
Now days, in the U.S., one DWI(even with time) is "deadly" with most companies and two are "deadly" to all because with two your CDL is forever revoked or denied...
I spent the first half of the day with my Mom. After I took her out to lunch, she dropped me off at my Sister and Brother-in-law's place.
I had been thinking of a shelf for my sleeper that would hold my printer and television. I put my ideas on paper and my oldest nephew took me to my tractor to get the measurements I needed. We then went to the lumber store and got the piece of wood I would need. We both worked on the piece of wood for awhile.
That evening I went with my Sister and her family to Brigham Young University as my oldest niece was in some sort of talent competition. Funny thing is that I can remember chasing my younger niece and nephews around and through the building bushes that evening after the performance ...
A Trucker's Tale: (DWIs & DUIs...a long lingering problem)
I was running with a real nice fellow from my company one day and we were just chit-chatting. We got into the problems that DWIs cause drivers and he told his story.
He had two or three DWIs about twenty years earlier, long before he had thought about driving. Well, he was able to drive as he had been "clean"since his last DWI(again around twenty years earlier) and the formal "CDL" hadn't come around yet. He had a little problem when the CDL License became the "Rule of the Road" but because of a good record, was able to get his CDL. He now had a nice family and had been a great member of society for twenty years...no problem...in the United States.
We worked for a company that went into Canada. Canadian custom officers, when you stop at the custom booths after crossing the border, usually ask some sort of question(s). Well, the custom's official asked him if he had any DWIs on his record. Having been a long time since, and being honest, he said, "YES". Well, DWIs in Canada are-or were-a felony. He had to park his truck and check in with customs. The Canadians checked his present driving record and saw that it was OK. He-not our company-had to buy a three day permit to drive the truck in Canada with NO renewals. He then had to report to the Canadian Embassy in Dallas, Texas-he was a Texan-and show proof that his record had been clear for all those years. They then gave him-I believe-a two year permit to drive in Canada, which he had to renew(showing proof he had been "clean:) every two years. After showing proof, he had to wait three days for his permits to be processed. All this was at his time and expense...
Now days, in the U.S., one DWI(even with time) is "deadly" with most companies and two are "deadly" to all because with two your CDL is forever revoked or denied...
August 16, 2010
August 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Bountiful, Utah)
Was awake shortly after 5 AM MST as I needed to get to Roy, Utah before their Discount Tire Store opened. I got my paperwork done and the vehicle inspection done and I was off up I-15 heading for Roy.
I was there by 6 AM MST, all backed in from the street and ready to unload. The manager and some other employees started showing up at 6:15 AM MST and went over to McDonalds for breakfast. The manager-John-asked if I wanted to join them and I did. Afterward, a couple of us unloaded the truck while the others opened the store, Everything came off OK and I got my paperwork signed. Off to Ogden...
I knew where the Ogden store was located so I went there and parked next to the building where the unloading took place. Two guys came out to help me and we emptied the trailer. I was done by 10:30 AM MST so I went to our Ogden, Utah fuel stop, fueled(65 gallons) and had lunch. I had requested the rest of the week -through Sunday- off to visit with my family. I got it and so I drove back to Bountiful and parked my truck next to the Bountiful Discount Tire Store building as had been OKed.
Spent the rest of the day with family members....
Was awake shortly after 5 AM MST as I needed to get to Roy, Utah before their Discount Tire Store opened. I got my paperwork done and the vehicle inspection done and I was off up I-15 heading for Roy.
I was there by 6 AM MST, all backed in from the street and ready to unload. The manager and some other employees started showing up at 6:15 AM MST and went over to McDonalds for breakfast. The manager-John-asked if I wanted to join them and I did. Afterward, a couple of us unloaded the truck while the others opened the store, Everything came off OK and I got my paperwork signed. Off to Ogden...
I knew where the Ogden store was located so I went there and parked next to the building where the unloading took place. Two guys came out to help me and we emptied the trailer. I was done by 10:30 AM MST so I went to our Ogden, Utah fuel stop, fueled(65 gallons) and had lunch. I had requested the rest of the week -through Sunday- off to visit with my family. I got it and so I drove back to Bountiful and parked my truck next to the Bountiful Discount Tire Store building as had been OKed.
Spent the rest of the day with family members....
August 15, 2010
August 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Provo, Utah)
Busy day ahead and I was well rested. Drove to the Provo Discount Tire Store(these people are always great to work with) and was there before anyone showed up. I knew which door to back up to so I was ready to go as the employees showed up. It wasn't long and I was unloading the tires to two guys at the rear of the trailer. Got their tires off(partial trailer load) and headed for the Orem(Utah) tire store.
When I got to the Orem store, the area I needed was clear; I backed to the correct door and checked in with the manager. He had one fellow come out and help me. We got these tires off and while I was getting my paperwork signed, I was invited to have some donuts from the back room. I had a french curl and an apple fritter. Back to business...
Note: The Provo and Orem stores were later combined into one larger store next to the "University Mall" in Prove. Left up I-15 toward Salt Lake City...
Traveled into the Salt Lake Valley and stopped at the Sandy Store. This store was a "back off the street and around the building to the back of the store" stop. I once tried to turn around in their back lot but it couldn't be done. (They later increased their back lot so that trucks could turn around in it). Off came their tires and it was off to Kearns(Utah).
I usually had the "Van Winkle" store-south Salt Lake City-- but this time I didn't. When I got to I-215, I took it west to the exit for Kearns. Went west to the Kearns store and it was a problem as it is a busy street that one has to back off of. No one ever helped with traffic...you just wait for a break. After backing off of the busy street, the trailer is parked in such a way that the tires have to be rolled "up hill" to get them off the trailer. Got this stop done and I left for downtown Salt Lake City.
The Salt Lake City store was pretty nice as it was a straight back to the unloading door after a spin through a residential neighborhood. I had to wait a short while as lunch time was taking my unloaders. I was out of their by 1:30 PM MST and headed for the Bountiful store.
The Bountiful store was different as I had to pull in and into the parking lot of the business next door. If they didn't have much business then I could just dodge what cars were in there lot and back up to the door. I got these tires off and talked with the manager for awhile. I asked if he knew of any place I could park the truck for a couple days. I have a Sister and Mother in Bountiful and had got the OK to take a few days off to visit them. He said that I could just come back and park it next to his building on the far side. Great and I did later.
It was getting a little late for my last two drops so I called the Roy(Utah) store and they said tomorrow for sure. I parked next to the Kmart store in Bountiful and had my Mother come and get me. I took her to dinner and we visited for awhile. I went back to the truck and slept there as I have an early start tomorrow...
Busy day ahead and I was well rested. Drove to the Provo Discount Tire Store(these people are always great to work with) and was there before anyone showed up. I knew which door to back up to so I was ready to go as the employees showed up. It wasn't long and I was unloading the tires to two guys at the rear of the trailer. Got their tires off(partial trailer load) and headed for the Orem(Utah) tire store.
When I got to the Orem store, the area I needed was clear; I backed to the correct door and checked in with the manager. He had one fellow come out and help me. We got these tires off and while I was getting my paperwork signed, I was invited to have some donuts from the back room. I had a french curl and an apple fritter. Back to business...
Note: The Provo and Orem stores were later combined into one larger store next to the "University Mall" in Prove. Left up I-15 toward Salt Lake City...
Traveled into the Salt Lake Valley and stopped at the Sandy Store. This store was a "back off the street and around the building to the back of the store" stop. I once tried to turn around in their back lot but it couldn't be done. (They later increased their back lot so that trucks could turn around in it). Off came their tires and it was off to Kearns(Utah).
I usually had the "Van Winkle" store-south Salt Lake City-- but this time I didn't. When I got to I-215, I took it west to the exit for Kearns. Went west to the Kearns store and it was a problem as it is a busy street that one has to back off of. No one ever helped with traffic...you just wait for a break. After backing off of the busy street, the trailer is parked in such a way that the tires have to be rolled "up hill" to get them off the trailer. Got this stop done and I left for downtown Salt Lake City.
The Salt Lake City store was pretty nice as it was a straight back to the unloading door after a spin through a residential neighborhood. I had to wait a short while as lunch time was taking my unloaders. I was out of their by 1:30 PM MST and headed for the Bountiful store.
The Bountiful store was different as I had to pull in and into the parking lot of the business next door. If they didn't have much business then I could just dodge what cars were in there lot and back up to the door. I got these tires off and talked with the manager for awhile. I asked if he knew of any place I could park the truck for a couple days. I have a Sister and Mother in Bountiful and had got the OK to take a few days off to visit them. He said that I could just come back and park it next to his building on the far side. Great and I did later.
It was getting a little late for my last two drops so I called the Roy(Utah) store and they said tomorrow for sure. I parked next to the Kmart store in Bountiful and had my Mother come and get me. I took her to dinner and we visited for awhile. I went back to the truck and slept there as I have an early start tomorrow...
August 14, 2010
August 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Rawlins, Wyoming) My day started in the truckstop in Rawlins. I finished buying my munchies and then, having fueled and updated my log book, left for Provo, Utah, my first tire stop. I was out of there at 12:30 AM MST heading west on I-80. Shortly after leaving Rawlins, I entered the Great Divide Basin which is great-for me-to drive through. If you get bored with western Kansas/eastern Colorado,- I don't-then it may really get on your nerves; there are places that are pretty "empty". I remember one time--not this one--while traveling it at night, I had a clear, starry night over head and I could see 5 thunderstorms around me...yes, at one time... I went on, over the Twin Sisters after going past Little America, and stopped at the rest area near Lyman(Wyoming) for a short break. I shortly passed into Utah, where their super coupe was closed. I thought I had heard of a shortcut to Provo(Utah), so I called out on the CB radio for some local information. I was given the route, which I took. I got off I-80 at Hwy 40 south. At Heber City, I took "Provo" Canyon to Provo. Followed the road through town and stopped at the motel off of I-15, which I had stayed at before. I got there at 6 AM MST. The motel clerk was a little surprised that I wanted to sign in so early but signed in into a room that had not been rented this past night. This motel had great semi parking, so I just left my truck and went to the room-lower floor near my truck- where I took a nap until around 11 AM MST. I went to lunch at the Chuck-A-Rama Buffet. I enjoyed the buffet pretty well but their lunch buffet was just a little too "lunchy". Went back to my room and stayed there throughout the night.
August 13, 2010
August 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS: (Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was awake just laying in my bunk as my day stated and so I decided to get up and get going. Sunday night/Monday morning is sometimes the best time to drive; it's just quiet and nice. I was on my way up I-435 by 12:30 AM CST. I-435 turns west and I took it to I-29 northbound.
Matter of Opinion: This stretch of I-29(St. Joseph to Iowa border), I find one of the nicest drives. I once talked to a fellow that called this stretch the most boring drive he knew...
Ten miles into Iowa on I-29, I turned west on Hwy 2 toward Lincoln, Nebraska. Alot of road construction was going on around Nebraska City after I went over the Missouri River. Hwy 2 to Lincoln was mainly to 2 lane road(all four lane road in 2010) through corn country. I got up to Lincoln and got to I-80 which I took west...more corn!!! I find it interesting that I remember corn crops in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, Wheat is south west Kansas and cotton in Georgia...
Followed I-80 and all the corn, , taking a short break at the pickle park near York(Nebraska), and ending at Big Springs(Nebraska) where I stopped for a long break at our fuel stop. Running has been great today. Good chit-chat on the CB radio all the way. Got to Big Springs at 8 AM MST.
Shut down for a long break. I went into the restaurant and ate breakfast. Went back to my truck after eating and not finding anyone I knew. Went to bed and slept nicely 'til my alarm went off at 5:30 PM MST. I thought about fueling but decided to do it in Rawlins, Wyoming
as that would make a nice stop. After my vehicle inspection and logbook update, I was heading west on I-80 by 6 PM MST. This area is where I seem to get into the ranch lands; from here through alot of Wyoming looks like grass production for cattle.
After entering Wyoming, I had to stop at the "Port of Entry" which was a super couple. Was out of there shortly as all my paperwork was in order. Went through Cheyenne and then the mountains start. Through Laramie and I kept on moving. Got to Rawlins(Wyoming) and our fuel stop at 11:15 PM MST. I fueled( 128 gallons) and walked around the truckstop. My day ended as I was buying munchies for the road....
I was awake just laying in my bunk as my day stated and so I decided to get up and get going. Sunday night/Monday morning is sometimes the best time to drive; it's just quiet and nice. I was on my way up I-435 by 12:30 AM CST. I-435 turns west and I took it to I-29 northbound.
Matter of Opinion: This stretch of I-29(St. Joseph to Iowa border), I find one of the nicest drives. I once talked to a fellow that called this stretch the most boring drive he knew...
Ten miles into Iowa on I-29, I turned west on Hwy 2 toward Lincoln, Nebraska. Alot of road construction was going on around Nebraska City after I went over the Missouri River. Hwy 2 to Lincoln was mainly to 2 lane road(all four lane road in 2010) through corn country. I got up to Lincoln and got to I-80 which I took west...more corn!!! I find it interesting that I remember corn crops in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, Wheat is south west Kansas and cotton in Georgia...
Followed I-80 and all the corn, , taking a short break at the pickle park near York(Nebraska), and ending at Big Springs(Nebraska) where I stopped for a long break at our fuel stop. Running has been great today. Good chit-chat on the CB radio all the way. Got to Big Springs at 8 AM MST.
Shut down for a long break. I went into the restaurant and ate breakfast. Went back to my truck after eating and not finding anyone I knew. Went to bed and slept nicely 'til my alarm went off at 5:30 PM MST. I thought about fueling but decided to do it in Rawlins, Wyoming
as that would make a nice stop. After my vehicle inspection and logbook update, I was heading west on I-80 by 6 PM MST. This area is where I seem to get into the ranch lands; from here through alot of Wyoming looks like grass production for cattle.
After entering Wyoming, I had to stop at the "Port of Entry" which was a super couple. Was out of there shortly as all my paperwork was in order. Went through Cheyenne and then the mountains start. Through Laramie and I kept on moving. Got to Rawlins(Wyoming) and our fuel stop at 11:15 PM MST. I fueled( 128 gallons) and walked around the truckstop. My day ended as I was buying munchies for the road....
August 12, 2010
August 12, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday- Lake Station, Indiana)
Sunday morning and driving is nice. I was gone from the truck stop at 3 AM EST and heading west on I-80. I was just beeboppin west enjoying the morning when Iowa was in front of me. I decided to take the southern loop around the Quad-Cities back up to westbound I-80. I continued to the pickle park near Grinnell, Iowa and took a short break. Back on the road and circled Des Moines, caughing I-35 south. I was keeping my speed up and moving alone very nicely.
I got to the Kansas City terminal yard at 11:15 PM CST. I checked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer and go on the TRB. I did and walked into the trucker lounge and did not see anyone that I knew. I went out to my tractor and took a long nap until around 5 PM. I them went to eat with a couple other drivers. Got back to the terminal to find me number 1 on the TRB. I didn't even know they had anything to send out. For some reason, the night dispatch liked me and remembered I liked Utah loads. He saw me and called me to the dispatch window. He had a Utah load of tires for delivery on Wednesday and said I could have it if I wanted. I took it, fueled(124 gallons), hooked up and did my vehicle inspection. After I was ready to go, I went to bed to get more sleep,,,,the day ended...
Sunday morning and driving is nice. I was gone from the truck stop at 3 AM EST and heading west on I-80. I was just beeboppin west enjoying the morning when Iowa was in front of me. I decided to take the southern loop around the Quad-Cities back up to westbound I-80. I continued to the pickle park near Grinnell, Iowa and took a short break. Back on the road and circled Des Moines, caughing I-35 south. I was keeping my speed up and moving alone very nicely.
I got to the Kansas City terminal yard at 11:15 PM CST. I checked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer and go on the TRB. I did and walked into the trucker lounge and did not see anyone that I knew. I went out to my tractor and took a long nap until around 5 PM. I them went to eat with a couple other drivers. Got back to the terminal to find me number 1 on the TRB. I didn't even know they had anything to send out. For some reason, the night dispatch liked me and remembered I liked Utah loads. He saw me and called me to the dispatch window. He had a Utah load of tires for delivery on Wednesday and said I could have it if I wanted. I took it, fueled(124 gallons), hooked up and did my vehicle inspection. After I was ready to go, I went to bed to get more sleep,,,,the day ended...
August 11, 2010
August 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Oshawa, Ontario)
I was up and ready to go at 5:45 AM EST but the gates didn't open until 6 AM EST. When they opened, the guard motioned me in to get loaded. I gave his a PICK UP number and he told me which dock to back up to. I did and it wasn't long before they started loading me. When I got the paperwork for this load, I got one sheet for customs to scan...something new for me. I didn't have to go in and see a customs broker. I was out of there by 7 AM EST and moving west on the Queen's(now King's) Highway 401, going past Toronto, London and Windsor before the bridge. Crossed the Ambassador Bridge, over the Detroit River, into the U S side. I handed customs the one paper, he scanned it and told me to have a nice day. That was nice as the trip into see a customs broker had to be logged as "working-not driving" and cost ya that all important commodity "Time".
Got to the Taylor(Detroit), Michigan terminal at 12:15 PM EST and parked my truck. I went inside the terminal and didn't see anyone that I knew. I told dispatch to do a check call for me and they did. I was hoping that they would have me drop this load to the Bright Lights and send me somewhere else.NO LUCK!!! I fueled(105 gallons) and were headed for I-94 east. Took I-94 past the westbound chicken couple,which was closed and no problem as my load was only weighing 24,960 lbs. Michigan, along I-94, today was beautifully green. Got to Lake Station, Indiana and stopped at "Just a Truckstop". Got there at 5:00 PM EST. I was in no hurry so I decided on having dinner, going in their movie room and then sending the night , which I did...
I was up and ready to go at 5:45 AM EST but the gates didn't open until 6 AM EST. When they opened, the guard motioned me in to get loaded. I gave his a PICK UP number and he told me which dock to back up to. I did and it wasn't long before they started loading me. When I got the paperwork for this load, I got one sheet for customs to scan...something new for me. I didn't have to go in and see a customs broker. I was out of there by 7 AM EST and moving west on the Queen's(now King's) Highway 401, going past Toronto, London and Windsor before the bridge. Crossed the Ambassador Bridge, over the Detroit River, into the U S side. I handed customs the one paper, he scanned it and told me to have a nice day. That was nice as the trip into see a customs broker had to be logged as "working-not driving" and cost ya that all important commodity "Time".
Got to the Taylor(Detroit), Michigan terminal at 12:15 PM EST and parked my truck. I went inside the terminal and didn't see anyone that I knew. I told dispatch to do a check call for me and they did. I was hoping that they would have me drop this load to the Bright Lights and send me somewhere else.NO LUCK!!! I fueled(105 gallons) and were headed for I-94 east. Took I-94 past the westbound chicken couple,which was closed and no problem as my load was only weighing 24,960 lbs. Michigan, along I-94, today was beautifully green. Got to Lake Station, Indiana and stopped at "Just a Truckstop". Got there at 5:00 PM EST. I was in no hurry so I decided on having dinner, going in their movie room and then sending the night , which I did...
August 10, 2010
August 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Taylor, Michigan)
Got up at 7 AM EST and went into dispatch for any paperwork needed to cross border into Canada. He gave me what I needed and I got ready to leave. Fueled(189 gallons) and got my logbook all caught up. Took off up I-75 to the Ambassador Bridge, which I went over.
Had to go to the customs broker to get the paperwork checked. When I got to the Canadian side, I went to find the broker and it wasn't easy. They were located about 3 blocks from the bridge but I found them after a lot of looking. The gal running the office on that Saturday was very nice, thank heavens, and got the paperwork done rapidly. After I got the OK from her, it was back to customs to get their OK. Got the Ok to head to Oakville and left.
Traveled east(northeast) up the Queen's Highway(Now the King's Highway) 401 toward London. The way the Canadians lay out their acreages sure is different from the way the Americans do it. Anyway, passed London and onto Oakville(south of Toronto(Ontario) where I dropped my trailer at the assembly plant. The yard trucks at this factory seem to always part their trailers really close together. I found a parking spot but it was too tight for me to get the trailer into. I just parked it in the middle of the drop yard and got me an empty trailer. A yard truck put my trailer in the trailer line.
Called into dispatch and got a load to pick up in Oshawa(Ontario) tomorrow AM. I talked with one of the other drivers from my company and he knew that this "Bumper" factory had night parking for us for tonight. Since I had time today, I went to the Woodbine Mall off of Queen's Highway 427. Bought some sour gummy bears from the candy stores. Enjoyed my visit there.
After the Mall, I went to the factory in Oshawa and checked in. Was told to park for the night and that the gates for our trucks opened up at 6 AM EST....Watched TV(Canadian TV was different from that found in the U S .
Got up at 7 AM EST and went into dispatch for any paperwork needed to cross border into Canada. He gave me what I needed and I got ready to leave. Fueled(189 gallons) and got my logbook all caught up. Took off up I-75 to the Ambassador Bridge, which I went over.
Had to go to the customs broker to get the paperwork checked. When I got to the Canadian side, I went to find the broker and it wasn't easy. They were located about 3 blocks from the bridge but I found them after a lot of looking. The gal running the office on that Saturday was very nice, thank heavens, and got the paperwork done rapidly. After I got the OK from her, it was back to customs to get their OK. Got the Ok to head to Oakville and left.
Traveled east(northeast) up the Queen's Highway(Now the King's Highway) 401 toward London. The way the Canadians lay out their acreages sure is different from the way the Americans do it. Anyway, passed London and onto Oakville(south of Toronto(Ontario) where I dropped my trailer at the assembly plant. The yard trucks at this factory seem to always part their trailers really close together. I found a parking spot but it was too tight for me to get the trailer into. I just parked it in the middle of the drop yard and got me an empty trailer. A yard truck put my trailer in the trailer line.
Called into dispatch and got a load to pick up in Oshawa(Ontario) tomorrow AM. I talked with one of the other drivers from my company and he knew that this "Bumper" factory had night parking for us for tonight. Since I had time today, I went to the Woodbine Mall off of Queen's Highway 427. Bought some sour gummy bears from the candy stores. Enjoyed my visit there.
After the Mall, I went to the factory in Oshawa and checked in. Was told to park for the night and that the gates for our trucks opened up at 6 AM EST....Watched TV(Canadian TV was different from that found in the U S .
August 9, 2010
August 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Spring Grove, Minnesota)
I had a nice TV-less night and woke up before they started loading me. I checked in with the shipping clerk and he was just as nice as the people I met last night. He said that they would be loading me in a short while. I walked to the bathroom and break room and then back to the truck to find them loading me.
I was out of there before 9:30 AM CST. I asked the shipping clerk if he knew the best way to go to the southeast. He said to take the small road(it was just down the road from us) south into Iowa and then to Hwy 76. I looked at my map book and decided to go that way as he did say the small road was OK for semis(I only had a load of 7,000 lbs)....((Side Note: Be very cautious of what people tell you, especially if they preface it with something like, "...no problem, I travel it all the time". Also be cautious of small back roads as they may have weight and size limitations on them(Low over pass on small bridge???)), I went the back roads down into Iowa and it was mainly a road for moving farm equipment around. Got on Hwy 76, taking it south through some beautiful scenery to Marquette(Iowa). I crossed the Mississippi River here into Wisconsin and jumped on Hwy 18 eastbound. I followed it through some of the greenest places I have ever seen. Also went through many small towns before getting to Madison and hooking up with I-90. Traveled down I-90 into Illinois and paid the 5 to 6 tolls before getting to Chicago. Above the downtown area I-94 hooked in with I-90. I followed I-94 to Lake Station, Indiana where I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner(5 PM EST? I thought about getting fuel but I decided that I would have enough to get to the Taylor(Detroit), Michigan terminal. When I left Lake Station, I followed I-94 to Taylor. Got there and just shut down and went to sleep when I got there at 9:15 PM EST...
I had a nice TV-less night and woke up before they started loading me. I checked in with the shipping clerk and he was just as nice as the people I met last night. He said that they would be loading me in a short while. I walked to the bathroom and break room and then back to the truck to find them loading me.
I was out of there before 9:30 AM CST. I asked the shipping clerk if he knew the best way to go to the southeast. He said to take the small road(it was just down the road from us) south into Iowa and then to Hwy 76. I looked at my map book and decided to go that way as he did say the small road was OK for semis(I only had a load of 7,000 lbs)....((Side Note: Be very cautious of what people tell you, especially if they preface it with something like, "...no problem, I travel it all the time". Also be cautious of small back roads as they may have weight and size limitations on them(Low over pass on small bridge???)), I went the back roads down into Iowa and it was mainly a road for moving farm equipment around. Got on Hwy 76, taking it south through some beautiful scenery to Marquette(Iowa). I crossed the Mississippi River here into Wisconsin and jumped on Hwy 18 eastbound. I followed it through some of the greenest places I have ever seen. Also went through many small towns before getting to Madison and hooking up with I-90. Traveled down I-90 into Illinois and paid the 5 to 6 tolls before getting to Chicago. Above the downtown area I-94 hooked in with I-90. I followed I-94 to Lake Station, Indiana where I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner(5 PM EST? I thought about getting fuel but I decided that I would have enough to get to the Taylor(Detroit), Michigan terminal. When I left Lake Station, I followed I-94 to Taylor. Got there and just shut down and went to sleep when I got there at 9:15 PM EST...
August 8, 2010
August 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-St. Paul, Minnesota)
I was sleeping really well when there came a light knocking on my tractor. I answered the knock and one of the other drivers waiting in the Ford trailer drop yard, was standing there. He said that the other drivers were going to the truckstop on the St. Paul southeast side. He just wanted to know if I wanted to go with them; I did. We were there by 8:30 AM CST.
We, four trucks, went to the truckstop off of I-494; What a dump!!! I walked into the restaurant and saw the cook, a short, stubby guy wearing a dirty white apron and hat, talking to one of the waitresses, a larger than average gal. I felt I was watching a "truckstop skit" from an old television series called Hee-Haw. I didn't have anything to eat while the other drivers did; I just had a large soda(soft drink in Canada) and talked with the drivers. Around 9:30 AM CST, one of the drivers found he had a load so I called to see if I had one; I did.
I called in and found I was picking up tomorrow in Spring Grove, Minnesota and going to the Ford plant in Oakville, Ontario(Canada). We all had loads and left the truckstop around 11 AM CST. I took Hwy 52 south to Rochester(Minnesota) where I found a Target store to do some shopping at. Looked around mostly and bought some munchies for later. I stopped at a KFC restaurant before Target and had their afternoon buffet. I left Rochester around 3:30 PM CST and headed for Spring Grove down Hwy 52. One thing I found interesting was that once I passed Rochester, the country became exceptionally beautiful to drive through. Loved it. Followed Hwy 52 to Harmony, Minnesota where I took Hwy 44 east. Shortly I came to Spring Grove and found the pickup on the east side of the small town. I checked in and found it too late to load today but I was told to back up to the dock and just wait until tomorrow. These people were some of the friendliest I have met in North America. I was told that I could use the bathrooms and break rooms of their company while I waited.
I walked around the plant and the people talked with me-not much as they were working-on a variety of topics. One thing I noted in my journal about these individuals was that they all kind of looked alike....
I was sleeping really well when there came a light knocking on my tractor. I answered the knock and one of the other drivers waiting in the Ford trailer drop yard, was standing there. He said that the other drivers were going to the truckstop on the St. Paul southeast side. He just wanted to know if I wanted to go with them; I did. We were there by 8:30 AM CST.
We, four trucks, went to the truckstop off of I-494; What a dump!!! I walked into the restaurant and saw the cook, a short, stubby guy wearing a dirty white apron and hat, talking to one of the waitresses, a larger than average gal. I felt I was watching a "truckstop skit" from an old television series called Hee-Haw. I didn't have anything to eat while the other drivers did; I just had a large soda(soft drink in Canada) and talked with the drivers. Around 9:30 AM CST, one of the drivers found he had a load so I called to see if I had one; I did.
I called in and found I was picking up tomorrow in Spring Grove, Minnesota and going to the Ford plant in Oakville, Ontario(Canada). We all had loads and left the truckstop around 11 AM CST. I took Hwy 52 south to Rochester(Minnesota) where I found a Target store to do some shopping at. Looked around mostly and bought some munchies for later. I stopped at a KFC restaurant before Target and had their afternoon buffet. I left Rochester around 3:30 PM CST and headed for Spring Grove down Hwy 52. One thing I found interesting was that once I passed Rochester, the country became exceptionally beautiful to drive through. Loved it. Followed Hwy 52 to Harmony, Minnesota where I took Hwy 44 east. Shortly I came to Spring Grove and found the pickup on the east side of the small town. I checked in and found it too late to load today but I was told to back up to the dock and just wait until tomorrow. These people were some of the friendliest I have met in North America. I was told that I could use the bathrooms and break rooms of their company while I waited.
I walked around the plant and the people talked with me-not much as they were working-on a variety of topics. One thing I noted in my journal about these individuals was that they all kind of looked alike....
August 7, 2010
August 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Walton, Kentucky)
Was up and in the truckstop at 5:15 AM EST. I was ready to leave-vehicle inspection & logbook update done-and left at 6 AM EST north on I-75 to the Cincinnati bypass I-275. Now I took I-275 west to the point where I-275 turns to the north east, Hwy 1 in Indiana. I decided to take Hwy 1(I enjoyed the country drive) to I-74 west toward Indianapolis.
Kept the rig moving up at speed limits the whole day. Got to Indianapolis and followed I-74(part of the lower city loop) until it got to I-65 and I followed it right through town and on north toward Lake Station. Pulled into the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana at 10:30 AM EST and decided to get something to eat only. I went in the restaurant and for some reason, nothing looked good.
I was only there about half an hour and headed west on I-94 through Chicago, Illinois until I-90 went west and I took it. I paid the 5 or 6 tolls on I-90 until it went into Wisconsin. Following I-94 to Madison(Capital of Wisconsin) where I-90 joins up with I-94. Got to our Portage (Wisconsin) fuel stop at 2 PM CST and fueled(116 gallons)and went into the restaurant to eat.
I found another driver from my company named "State Hopper"(handle) eating and I joined him. He was going to the St. Paul Ford plant like me and was coming from Detroit, Michigan. He knew that the Minnesota super coupe would be looking for him as he would be out of hours(doing the trip in one haul-no breaks-which takes 11.5 hours).He was planning on taking I-90 into Minnesota and onto Hwy 52. Hwy 52 would then be taken to the north to St. Paul. I asked him about taking Hwy 61 up along the Mississippi. He said he'd done that and found Hwy 52 easier and faster. I followed him to St Paul where we got to the plant at 9 PM CST. We dropped our trailers and called dispatch. State Hopper was ahead of me on the TRB. We talked with a couple other drivers there in the trailer drop yard next to the Mississippi River for awhile and then we all turned in for the night. I wrote a little and watched my TV...snore city!!!!
Was up and in the truckstop at 5:15 AM EST. I was ready to leave-vehicle inspection & logbook update done-and left at 6 AM EST north on I-75 to the Cincinnati bypass I-275. Now I took I-275 west to the point where I-275 turns to the north east, Hwy 1 in Indiana. I decided to take Hwy 1(I enjoyed the country drive) to I-74 west toward Indianapolis.
Kept the rig moving up at speed limits the whole day. Got to Indianapolis and followed I-74(part of the lower city loop) until it got to I-65 and I followed it right through town and on north toward Lake Station. Pulled into the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana at 10:30 AM EST and decided to get something to eat only. I went in the restaurant and for some reason, nothing looked good.
I was only there about half an hour and headed west on I-94 through Chicago, Illinois until I-90 went west and I took it. I paid the 5 or 6 tolls on I-90 until it went into Wisconsin. Following I-94 to Madison(Capital of Wisconsin) where I-90 joins up with I-94. Got to our Portage (Wisconsin) fuel stop at 2 PM CST and fueled(116 gallons)and went into the restaurant to eat.
I found another driver from my company named "State Hopper"(handle) eating and I joined him. He was going to the St. Paul Ford plant like me and was coming from Detroit, Michigan. He knew that the Minnesota super coupe would be looking for him as he would be out of hours(doing the trip in one haul-no breaks-which takes 11.5 hours).He was planning on taking I-90 into Minnesota and onto Hwy 52. Hwy 52 would then be taken to the north to St. Paul. I asked him about taking Hwy 61 up along the Mississippi. He said he'd done that and found Hwy 52 easier and faster. I followed him to St Paul where we got to the plant at 9 PM CST. We dropped our trailers and called dispatch. State Hopper was ahead of me on the TRB. We talked with a couple other drivers there in the trailer drop yard next to the Mississippi River for awhile and then we all turned in for the night. I wrote a little and watched my TV...snore city!!!!
August 6, 2010
August 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Marietta, Georgia)
I was number 1 in a line of trucks at the gate at 6 AM EST. I was awake at 5:30 AM EST and watched numerous trucks go in and out of the companies gate.
Side Note: When delivering to company warehouses, the company trucks-preparing to deliver their produces-usually have priority at the docks; they are often loaded and dispatched before the new products-that's us-will be taken care of. Get use to it...
I and Quiet Man(the driver I've run with for the last couple days) were the first two trucks through the gate to be unloaded.
Once to the dock, I was unloaded immediately but Quiet Man was not. I told Quiet Man that I would meet him at the shopping center about a half mile south of us. I left the dock and went to the shopping mall. I called dispatch and had no loads assigned to me yet so I parked my truck in the middle of the parking lot. I laid down and waited. It wasn't long and someone was knocking on my driver's door. I answered the call and the guy knocking suggested that I move my truck. There was a VW sitting next to me with an engine fire doing nicely. I pulled my truck forward and grabbed my fire extinguisher to see if I could help. By the time I got to the VW, the fire was out. I just want back to my tractor and waited.
Quiet Man showed up about 9:30 AM EST and we both checked with dispatch. I had a load to pick up in Hartwell, Georgia.....and take it back to Ford in St. Paul, Minnesota. Quiet Man had a load from Atlanta to El Paso, Texas. I took off for Hartwell down I-75; east on I-285 and then north(now east) on I-85 just about to the South Carolina border. Went south to Hartwell, getting to the pickup at 12:30 PM EST.
Picked up a pretty light load, some kind of car interiors, weighting 22,860 Lbs. They loaded me and I was out of there 1:15 PM EST.
Looking at this routing, boy, nothing too exciting. I decided to take I-85 north into South Carolina and then I-26 up into North Carolina where I grabbed I-40 westbound. I got to our truckstop in Knoxville, Tennessee at 5:15 PM EST and filled my tanks(89 Gallon). I wasn't there long and then off I took. Followed I-75 north. The interstate is fun for me north of Knoxville as I feel it is a roller coaster going into Kentucky....LOVE IT!!! Interesting stories around this border area but no time to write about them.
Running tired now and getting close to my 10 hour rule. I stopped at Walton, Kentucky-our fuel stop-for a break at 9:45 PM EST. I went right to sleep...My day ended with snoring no doubt...
I was number 1 in a line of trucks at the gate at 6 AM EST. I was awake at 5:30 AM EST and watched numerous trucks go in and out of the companies gate.
Side Note: When delivering to company warehouses, the company trucks-preparing to deliver their produces-usually have priority at the docks; they are often loaded and dispatched before the new products-that's us-will be taken care of. Get use to it...
I and Quiet Man(the driver I've run with for the last couple days) were the first two trucks through the gate to be unloaded.
Once to the dock, I was unloaded immediately but Quiet Man was not. I told Quiet Man that I would meet him at the shopping center about a half mile south of us. I left the dock and went to the shopping mall. I called dispatch and had no loads assigned to me yet so I parked my truck in the middle of the parking lot. I laid down and waited. It wasn't long and someone was knocking on my driver's door. I answered the call and the guy knocking suggested that I move my truck. There was a VW sitting next to me with an engine fire doing nicely. I pulled my truck forward and grabbed my fire extinguisher to see if I could help. By the time I got to the VW, the fire was out. I just want back to my tractor and waited.
Quiet Man showed up about 9:30 AM EST and we both checked with dispatch. I had a load to pick up in Hartwell, Georgia.....and take it back to Ford in St. Paul, Minnesota. Quiet Man had a load from Atlanta to El Paso, Texas. I took off for Hartwell down I-75; east on I-285 and then north(now east) on I-85 just about to the South Carolina border. Went south to Hartwell, getting to the pickup at 12:30 PM EST.
Picked up a pretty light load, some kind of car interiors, weighting 22,860 Lbs. They loaded me and I was out of there 1:15 PM EST.
Looking at this routing, boy, nothing too exciting. I decided to take I-85 north into South Carolina and then I-26 up into North Carolina where I grabbed I-40 westbound. I got to our truckstop in Knoxville, Tennessee at 5:15 PM EST and filled my tanks(89 Gallon). I wasn't there long and then off I took. Followed I-75 north. The interstate is fun for me north of Knoxville as I feel it is a roller coaster going into Kentucky....LOVE IT!!! Interesting stories around this border area but no time to write about them.
Running tired now and getting close to my 10 hour rule. I stopped at Walton, Kentucky-our fuel stop-for a break at 9:45 PM EST. I went right to sleep...My day ended with snoring no doubt...
August 5, 2010
August 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Mt. Vernon, Illinois)
Sunday morning and quiet when I got up at 5:30 AM CST. Quiet Man(handle of other driver I have been running with) and I met at 6:30 AM CST when he made his appearance from his bunk. We were heading south on I-57 by 7 AM CST. Highways really empty and did I enjoy it. The scale house was closed just north of I-24. I-24, we took to the southeast into Kentucky stopping at the exit 4 truckstop. We did laundry and I filled my tractor with munchies.
Headed out of Paducah, Kentucky, down I-24, toward Nashville, Tennessee at 11 AM CST. We stopped at our fuel stop in Nashville and filled our tanks(130 gallons-didn't worry about weight!!!). On to Chattanooga, Tennessee and into Georgia. Started the day driving through flat farm land and entered Georgia in the mountains. Nice drive down to Marietta, Georgia where we had a somewhat hard time finding the Coca Cola warehouse, but did find it.
We checked in with the guard gate and he wouldn't let us into the yard. It was 7 PM EST and so we just stayed on the street. The guard said that the gate open to us at 6 AM EST. We went to our bunks and I watched TV and went to sleep.
Tomorrow: "Hey pal(I'm pal), there's a VW on fire next to ya!"
Sunday morning and quiet when I got up at 5:30 AM CST. Quiet Man(handle of other driver I have been running with) and I met at 6:30 AM CST when he made his appearance from his bunk. We were heading south on I-57 by 7 AM CST. Highways really empty and did I enjoy it. The scale house was closed just north of I-24. I-24, we took to the southeast into Kentucky stopping at the exit 4 truckstop. We did laundry and I filled my tractor with munchies.
Headed out of Paducah, Kentucky, down I-24, toward Nashville, Tennessee at 11 AM CST. We stopped at our fuel stop in Nashville and filled our tanks(130 gallons-didn't worry about weight!!!). On to Chattanooga, Tennessee and into Georgia. Started the day driving through flat farm land and entered Georgia in the mountains. Nice drive down to Marietta, Georgia where we had a somewhat hard time finding the Coca Cola warehouse, but did find it.
We checked in with the guard gate and he wouldn't let us into the yard. It was 7 PM EST and so we just stayed on the street. The guard said that the gate open to us at 6 AM EST. We went to our bunks and I watched TV and went to sleep.
Tomorrow: "Hey pal(I'm pal), there's a VW on fire next to ya!"
August 4, 2010
August 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Portage, Wisconsin)
We(Quiet Man & I) were both up, fueled(just 50 gallons due to truck weight) and gone by 6:30 AM CST. It was a pretty boring day(Illinois, no wonder) but we talked the whole time on CB radio channel 26.
We followed I-90 down into Illinois to Rockford(Illinois) and then took I-39 south. We stopped at the southbound rest area rear Compton(Illinois) for a short break. I-39 was also Hwy 51 and when we got past Bloomington, Illinois, we followed just Hwy 51 south. We stayed on Hwy 51 and went right through Decatur(Illinois) and continued on Hwy 51. We took another break at Vandalia (Illinois), and then-once again-continued south. At Hwy 50, we went east to I-57. Quiet Man was happy to be back on the interstate highways, but I kinda liked the back roads.
We took I-57 south to Mt. Vernon and decided to call it quits for the day. We still had more running time but we stopped at a truckstop we had both previously enjoyed. We enjoyed it this time also. Decided to get up and get going around 6:30 AM CST.
We(Quiet Man & I) were both up, fueled(just 50 gallons due to truck weight) and gone by 6:30 AM CST. It was a pretty boring day(Illinois, no wonder) but we talked the whole time on CB radio channel 26.
We followed I-90 down into Illinois to Rockford(Illinois) and then took I-39 south. We stopped at the southbound rest area rear Compton(Illinois) for a short break. I-39 was also Hwy 51 and when we got past Bloomington, Illinois, we followed just Hwy 51 south. We stayed on Hwy 51 and went right through Decatur(Illinois) and continued on Hwy 51. We took another break at Vandalia (Illinois), and then-once again-continued south. At Hwy 50, we went east to I-57. Quiet Man was happy to be back on the interstate highways, but I kinda liked the back roads.
We took I-57 south to Mt. Vernon and decided to call it quits for the day. We still had more running time but we stopped at a truckstop we had both previously enjoyed. We enjoyed it this time also. Decided to get up and get going around 6:30 AM CST.
August 3, 2010
August 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-St. Paul, Minnesota)
Woke up after an OK night of sleep. It was about 8 AM CST and I went to the phone and.....
There was Gemini, my female truckin' friend. We both checked in. She just got on the TRB and so I invited her to breakfast-Dutch Treat of course- and she said yes. We went to a nice restaurant just a couple blocks away and had breakfast. We were there for a little more time than we needed to eat as we talked. I called in to find that I had a load to pick up. I took Gemini back to the drop yard and took off for the Coca Cola warehouse in-I believe-Eagan, Minnesota.
I was at the warehouse by 11 AM CST waiting to load. I met Quiet Man(his handle) waiting for an identical load as mine. We were both going to Marietta, Georgia for a Monday appointment. We were both loaded with 45,000 lbs of "DIET" tonic water.(I thought all tonic water was diet). We got loaded and decided to run together. We have alot of time with this load so I talked him into a little sight seeing. Out of the St. Paul area, we followed Hwy 61 south along the Mississippi River. The whole trip to I-90 was beautiful. The many stone walls I saw. Just loved it. Got to I-90 and went east to where I-94 joins. Took east(actually south here) Ended up at our truckstop("Just A Truckstop") in Portage, Wisconsin. We weren't in a hurry so we stayed at the truckstop for the night. We ate and watched movies
Woke up after an OK night of sleep. It was about 8 AM CST and I went to the phone and.....
There was Gemini, my female truckin' friend. We both checked in. She just got on the TRB and so I invited her to breakfast-Dutch Treat of course- and she said yes. We went to a nice restaurant just a couple blocks away and had breakfast. We were there for a little more time than we needed to eat as we talked. I called in to find that I had a load to pick up. I took Gemini back to the drop yard and took off for the Coca Cola warehouse in-I believe-Eagan, Minnesota.
I was at the warehouse by 11 AM CST waiting to load. I met Quiet Man(his handle) waiting for an identical load as mine. We were both going to Marietta, Georgia for a Monday appointment. We were both loaded with 45,000 lbs of "DIET" tonic water.(I thought all tonic water was diet). We got loaded and decided to run together. We have alot of time with this load so I talked him into a little sight seeing. Out of the St. Paul area, we followed Hwy 61 south along the Mississippi River. The whole trip to I-90 was beautiful. The many stone walls I saw. Just loved it. Got to I-90 and went east to where I-94 joins. Took east(actually south here) Ended up at our truckstop("Just A Truckstop") in Portage, Wisconsin. We weren't in a hurry so we stayed at the truckstop for the night. We ate and watched movies
August 2, 2010
August 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Lake Station, Indiana)
I got up shortly after midnight EST and laid there a few minutes. I really wanted to go but I didn't have anywhere close to an 8 hour break here. I wasn't tired and wanted to go!!!!
The problem was that the scale house over the border in Minnesota knew that many of our trucks went to the Ford assembly plant from the Detroit area and that it could not be done within the 10 hour rule. Many of our trucks had been caught at this scale, the drivers fined and the load shut down for 8 hours. I hadn't done yesterday's log book so I just backed up my times and gave me a nine hour break at Lake Station, Indiana. Took off at 12:30 AM EST and headed up through Chicago on I-94. I love Chicago-driving through it. I-90 joins I-94 at the lower end of town and splits from it just past the downtown area. I took I-90 to the northwest and paid all the tolls(about 5 of them).
Went into Wisconsin and I just plain enjoyed the ride! Right into Madison(Wisconsin) where I-94 once again joins I-90. This time I will stay on I-94 into Minnesota. Past Madison I came to Portage(Wisconsin) with one of our fuel stops. I stopped and fueled(88 gallons) and continued up I-94. Beautiful drive at night.
"Day" was well underway when I crossed the St. Croix River into Minnesota. Right after entering the state, I came to the scales and sure enough, I got the order to park my truck in parking space 10 and bring all my paperwork in for inspection. I did and while the one officer was looking at my paperwork, the other officer told another truck to do the same as me. This other truck did, but while he was parking, he BAD MOUTHED the officer to the person that he had been talking to on his CB. I heard the driver cussing the DOT officer out and so did they on the CB radio that was on in the building. The officer working with me just said,"No big deal but he could have said something about his log or load that we would focus on. It could hurt him...". I asked if the officer was finding every OK, as he should have. He said things were fine and to be sure to log this stop. Everything was fine until the officer COPIED my logs. He handed back my book and told me to have a nice day. I went to my truck and continued west on I-94 into St. Paul.
Went to the Ford assembly plant and was told to put the trailer in the drop yard next to the Mississippi River. (The River is pretty skinny here before it meets up with the St. Croix River) I dropped my trailer and called dispatch. I went on the TRB and was told I have nothing yet.
Side note: I asked my dispatcher if I could talk with the logbook department and he transferred me. When the gal from logbooks came on, I explained what had happened and she told me that if the DOT officer had COPIED my log for that day, that that day's log is the one that I have to use(they might turn it over to the Missouri or federal DOT. During an audit of the log books, they might pull it out and compare it to the ones I turned in. Problem....To make everything totally legal looking, I had to go back three days and redo the log pages.. I got everything OK but really didn't want to do that again.
Waited down in the drop yard all day and nothing!!! Watched my TV, wrote and went to sleep.
I got up shortly after midnight EST and laid there a few minutes. I really wanted to go but I didn't have anywhere close to an 8 hour break here. I wasn't tired and wanted to go!!!!
The problem was that the scale house over the border in Minnesota knew that many of our trucks went to the Ford assembly plant from the Detroit area and that it could not be done within the 10 hour rule. Many of our trucks had been caught at this scale, the drivers fined and the load shut down for 8 hours. I hadn't done yesterday's log book so I just backed up my times and gave me a nine hour break at Lake Station, Indiana. Took off at 12:30 AM EST and headed up through Chicago on I-94. I love Chicago-driving through it. I-90 joins I-94 at the lower end of town and splits from it just past the downtown area. I took I-90 to the northwest and paid all the tolls(about 5 of them).
Went into Wisconsin and I just plain enjoyed the ride! Right into Madison(Wisconsin) where I-94 once again joins I-90. This time I will stay on I-94 into Minnesota. Past Madison I came to Portage(Wisconsin) with one of our fuel stops. I stopped and fueled(88 gallons) and continued up I-94. Beautiful drive at night.
"Day" was well underway when I crossed the St. Croix River into Minnesota. Right after entering the state, I came to the scales and sure enough, I got the order to park my truck in parking space 10 and bring all my paperwork in for inspection. I did and while the one officer was looking at my paperwork, the other officer told another truck to do the same as me. This other truck did, but while he was parking, he BAD MOUTHED the officer to the person that he had been talking to on his CB. I heard the driver cussing the DOT officer out and so did they on the CB radio that was on in the building. The officer working with me just said,"No big deal but he could have said something about his log or load that we would focus on. It could hurt him...". I asked if the officer was finding every OK, as he should have. He said things were fine and to be sure to log this stop. Everything was fine until the officer COPIED my logs. He handed back my book and told me to have a nice day. I went to my truck and continued west on I-94 into St. Paul.
Went to the Ford assembly plant and was told to put the trailer in the drop yard next to the Mississippi River. (The River is pretty skinny here before it meets up with the St. Croix River) I dropped my trailer and called dispatch. I went on the TRB and was told I have nothing yet.
Side note: I asked my dispatcher if I could talk with the logbook department and he transferred me. When the gal from logbooks came on, I explained what had happened and she told me that if the DOT officer had COPIED my log for that day, that that day's log is the one that I have to use(they might turn it over to the Missouri or federal DOT. During an audit of the log books, they might pull it out and compare it to the ones I turned in. Problem....To make everything totally legal looking, I had to go back three days and redo the log pages.. I got everything OK but really didn't want to do that again.
Waited down in the drop yard all day and nothing!!! Watched my TV, wrote and went to sleep.
August 1, 2010
August 1, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Cleveland, Ohio)
Woke up at 7 AM EST and so did Rich(no handle--other driver from my company). We went in and had breakfast and just chatted with the other drivers for awhile.
Rich and I fueled(128 gallon) as he said the loads were not heavy(around 25,000 to 30,000 lbs for a full load) for this engine plant. I did my vehicle inspection BUT did not get my logbook caught up. I would do that at my planned stop in Lake station, Indiana
Rich and I went to the plant(close to intersection of I-480 and I-77) and checked in at 9:30 AM EST. We were told to wait as our appointments were not until later and this place goes by them. Rich got backed up about 10:30 AM EST and I at 11:15 AM EST. As I finished getting docked, Rich was done being loaded and, since he was going a different way than me, he left.
I was being loaded when lunch time hit. The union shop literally dropped everything. I had only two more pallets of engines to go in my trailer when lunch came. What they were loading was only about 20 feet from the trailer. I had to wait through their hour lunch to get the pallets loaded. This was frustrating as I was watching the trailer being loaded and could see the load paperwork sitting on the desk for me to sign. Anyway, got out of there finally at 1:15 PM EST.
Headed west on I-480 until I was able to get on I-80(toll road) westbound. Stayed on I-80 westbound until I went into Indiana and caught it's westbound I-80 toll road. The toll road ended a little before the planned stop at the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana. Drove into the "Just a Truckstop" at 6:30 PM EST after one short break in the last couple hours. Had the buffet(not the barfet). And decided to take me a little nap until about 1 AM EST...
Woke up at 7 AM EST and so did Rich(no handle--other driver from my company). We went in and had breakfast and just chatted with the other drivers for awhile.
Rich and I fueled(128 gallon) as he said the loads were not heavy(around 25,000 to 30,000 lbs for a full load) for this engine plant. I did my vehicle inspection BUT did not get my logbook caught up. I would do that at my planned stop in Lake station, Indiana
Rich and I went to the plant(close to intersection of I-480 and I-77) and checked in at 9:30 AM EST. We were told to wait as our appointments were not until later and this place goes by them. Rich got backed up about 10:30 AM EST and I at 11:15 AM EST. As I finished getting docked, Rich was done being loaded and, since he was going a different way than me, he left.
I was being loaded when lunch time hit. The union shop literally dropped everything. I had only two more pallets of engines to go in my trailer when lunch came. What they were loading was only about 20 feet from the trailer. I had to wait through their hour lunch to get the pallets loaded. This was frustrating as I was watching the trailer being loaded and could see the load paperwork sitting on the desk for me to sign. Anyway, got out of there finally at 1:15 PM EST.
Headed west on I-480 until I was able to get on I-80(toll road) westbound. Stayed on I-80 westbound until I went into Indiana and caught it's westbound I-80 toll road. The toll road ended a little before the planned stop at the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana. Drove into the "Just a Truckstop" at 6:30 PM EST after one short break in the last couple hours. Had the buffet(not the barfet). And decided to take me a little nap until about 1 AM EST...
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