FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Brazil, Indiana)
Another day on roads I am quite familiar with; one might say that days when one has redone the route many time with many times to come, then it is similar to working in a factory???
I went in and got myself a soda pop(soft drink in Canada) and nothing more. Got my paperwork done and was heading toward Joplin, Missouri by 9 AM EST. Into Illinois I went, into the "corn field" of America. Oh hum, I got through Illinois and over the Mississippi River into Missouri. Grabbed I-44 southeast and went over the "roller coaster" of I-44 before I reach I-270. I stopped at the rest area before Sullivan, Missouri for a short break.
I pulled into our yard in Joplin, Missouri at 4:30 PM CST. We have to go through the service bay when we pull into the yard and I was informed that my truck needed servicing. I dropped my trailer and had my tractor serviced. It didn't take long and while I was having to wait, I went into dispatch and made a check call. I was told to pick up a different trailer and take it to Olathe, Kansas. After servicing, logbook update, trailer hookup and vehicle inspection, I was off up to Hwy 66 and then westbound. I got to Hwy 69 and went north. Traveling north when my day ended...
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.
September 30, 2010
September 29, 2010
September 29, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Buffalo, New York)
Was woken up by a light tapping on my tractor at 7:30 AM EST. Red Barron, who I ran with yesterday, was wanting to swap loads as he didn't have the time to legally deliver his load to Oklahoma City; I did. I got up and told him I would swap loads if he would call his dispatcher and set it up. Turned out we had the same dispatcher and so we swapped and I did my check call for the day. Red Barron and I headed out west(southwest actually) on I-90 around 8:30 AM EST and continued our chit-chatting on CB radio channel 28. We hadn't been too worried about the conditions in front of us as we were within the speed limits and we weren't tailgating.
Entered Pennsylvania and about half their interstate was under construction, or so it seemed. We talked through all the 40 miles and all we really noticed was the construction.
Entered Ohio and followed I-90 until I came to I-271 which I took toward Columbus(Ohio). For some reason Red Barron and I split up at this time; he wanted to continue west. We determined our own routing and so he was free to go that way. It didn't make sense to me when he's heading to Joplin, Missouri like me. but it didn't need it.
I got on I-271 southbound and there was alot of construction. We were stopped on the road by the construction and had to wait. I got some munchies out and had my brunch or lunch. We finally got moving and travel was slow. I would imagine that I was slowed by at least 45 minutes while on I-271. Got to I-71 southbound and had some pretty nice driving. I went through downtown Columbus, Ohio to I-70. Headed west and stopped at the ''Just a Truckstop" on the Ohio/Indiana border at New Paris, Ohio. I fueled(218 gallons-close to running out!!!) and had lunch(pretty good buffet). I then continued west on I-70 to the truckstop at the exit for Brazil, Indiana. Shut down for night at 8:30 PM EST...
Was woken up by a light tapping on my tractor at 7:30 AM EST. Red Barron, who I ran with yesterday, was wanting to swap loads as he didn't have the time to legally deliver his load to Oklahoma City; I did. I got up and told him I would swap loads if he would call his dispatcher and set it up. Turned out we had the same dispatcher and so we swapped and I did my check call for the day. Red Barron and I headed out west(southwest actually) on I-90 around 8:30 AM EST and continued our chit-chatting on CB radio channel 28. We hadn't been too worried about the conditions in front of us as we were within the speed limits and we weren't tailgating.
Entered Pennsylvania and about half their interstate was under construction, or so it seemed. We talked through all the 40 miles and all we really noticed was the construction.
Entered Ohio and followed I-90 until I came to I-271 which I took toward Columbus(Ohio). For some reason Red Barron and I split up at this time; he wanted to continue west. We determined our own routing and so he was free to go that way. It didn't make sense to me when he's heading to Joplin, Missouri like me. but it didn't need it.
I got on I-271 southbound and there was alot of construction. We were stopped on the road by the construction and had to wait. I got some munchies out and had my brunch or lunch. We finally got moving and travel was slow. I would imagine that I was slowed by at least 45 minutes while on I-271. Got to I-71 southbound and had some pretty nice driving. I went through downtown Columbus, Ohio to I-70. Headed west and stopped at the ''Just a Truckstop" on the Ohio/Indiana border at New Paris, Ohio. I fueled(218 gallons-close to running out!!!) and had lunch(pretty good buffet). I then continued west on I-70 to the truckstop at the exit for Brazil, Indiana. Shut down for night at 8:30 PM EST...
September 28, 2010
September 28, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Joliette, Quebec)
I hadn't set my alarm and I woke up around 7 AM EST. I left the rest area around 7:30 AM EST after I got my paperwork caught up. I took Hwy 15 through Montreal, over the St. Lawrence River and down to Champlain, New York. The US customs stamped my paperwork and let me into the US with no problems. I pulled into a truckstop and checked my routing. I wanted to go west on Hwy 11 but my "trucker" Atlas says there is a low bridge. Since New York has several rules about their road use, I decided to call the state police(New York "Highway Patrol") and ask them if I can take this truck on Hwy 11. They said yes and that there would be no problems.
I went back to my truck and on the way out another truck from my company drove in and parked next to me. It was a fairly short driver with a handle of "Red Baron". I talked with him and found that he had just come out of Quebec also. He was planning on going Hwy 11 as he had done it before with no problems. We decided to run with each over. We left west on Hwy 11 at 9:45 AM EST and talked the each other on CB radio channel 28 as we went.
The Red Baron and I just drove and talked. We also mentioned to each other the beautiful Autumn colors of the foliage as we traveled Hwy 11. Got through to Watertown(New York)
and got on I-81 south bound. Shortly after getting on I-81, we stopped at a rest area for a short break. Took I-81 to Syracuse, New York where we took the toll road(I-90) toward Buffalo.
We got to our fuel stop at Buffalo and decided to shut down for the night. Red Barron asked if we could swap loads as his is going to Oklahoma City and he claims not to have the time to get it there. Time: 7:30 PM EST...
I hadn't set my alarm and I woke up around 7 AM EST. I left the rest area around 7:30 AM EST after I got my paperwork caught up. I took Hwy 15 through Montreal, over the St. Lawrence River and down to Champlain, New York. The US customs stamped my paperwork and let me into the US with no problems. I pulled into a truckstop and checked my routing. I wanted to go west on Hwy 11 but my "trucker" Atlas says there is a low bridge. Since New York has several rules about their road use, I decided to call the state police(New York "Highway Patrol") and ask them if I can take this truck on Hwy 11. They said yes and that there would be no problems.
I went back to my truck and on the way out another truck from my company drove in and parked next to me. It was a fairly short driver with a handle of "Red Baron". I talked with him and found that he had just come out of Quebec also. He was planning on going Hwy 11 as he had done it before with no problems. We decided to run with each over. We left west on Hwy 11 at 9:45 AM EST and talked the each other on CB radio channel 28 as we went.
The Red Baron and I just drove and talked. We also mentioned to each other the beautiful Autumn colors of the foliage as we traveled Hwy 11. Got through to Watertown(New York)
and got on I-81 south bound. Shortly after getting on I-81, we stopped at a rest area for a short break. Took I-81 to Syracuse, New York where we took the toll road(I-90) toward Buffalo.
We got to our fuel stop at Buffalo and decided to shut down for the night. Red Barron asked if we could swap loads as his is going to Oklahoma City and he claims not to have the time to get it there. Time: 7:30 PM EST...
September 27, 2010
September 27, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
I wasn't in a hurry today so I didn't leave the truckstop until 9:30 AM EST. Went up I-81 which I started on yesterday in southern part of Virginia. I am on a flat area in Pennsylvania, not too far from Hersey Park, but soon get into the mountainous areas. Up and down; up and down and up and down throughout the day. I pass the break off for I-78 and got into more mountains. Up past Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pennsylvania and continuing north. Up into New York where I stopped at our fuelstop in Binghamton.
I was in New York and I made a note in my journal about the cost of fuel. In the midwest, we were getting diesel fuel for $.75 to $.90 a gallon ; in New York I paid $1.70 a gallon. I thought about a partial filling but Canada had more expensive fuel. I will most likely have to go down through Ontario to Detroit, Michigan. I need to fill the tanks here in Binghamton. I filled them-127 gallons-and wasn't there very long: less than 20 minutes.
Here in Binghamton, New York I left taking I-88 northeast toward Albany and Schenectady. When I got to I-90, I had to stop and get a toll ticket. I was told, and it was correct, that if I got on I-87, then there would not be a toll charge....WHY??? Don't know!!!!
Headed up I-87, through the Adirondack Mountains, to Champlain(New York) where I passed Canadian customs with no problems. I went into Quebec and it was now after dark. Montreal was beautiful at night. I traveled up Hwy 15 into Montreal and then took Hwy 20 to the northeast. Got the St. Hyacinthe and delivered my load. It was just a "drop & hook" so I was out of there within a half hour. There was a guard on the lot and he told me that I could use his phone. I called in and was told to go to the tire plant in Joliette, Quebec and pick up tires to be dropped in the Joplin yard. I was also told that I had to go through customs at Champlain, New York.
I headed down Hwy 20 to Montreal. I followed Hwy 20 under the St. Lawrence River and got on Hwy 15 through downtown. Found Hwy 40 and went northeast to Hwy 31 and went to Joliette. Found the tire factory-huge and hard to miss-and found the the trailer I was to get. It was loaded and ready to go...another drop & hook. I had to sign some paperwork and then I was gone. I just went to Hwy 40 south and stopped at the rest area at 11 PM EST and went to bed...
I wasn't in a hurry today so I didn't leave the truckstop until 9:30 AM EST. Went up I-81 which I started on yesterday in southern part of Virginia. I am on a flat area in Pennsylvania, not too far from Hersey Park, but soon get into the mountainous areas. Up and down; up and down and up and down throughout the day. I pass the break off for I-78 and got into more mountains. Up past Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pennsylvania and continuing north. Up into New York where I stopped at our fuelstop in Binghamton.
I was in New York and I made a note in my journal about the cost of fuel. In the midwest, we were getting diesel fuel for $.75 to $.90 a gallon ; in New York I paid $1.70 a gallon. I thought about a partial filling but Canada had more expensive fuel. I will most likely have to go down through Ontario to Detroit, Michigan. I need to fill the tanks here in Binghamton. I filled them-127 gallons-and wasn't there very long: less than 20 minutes.
Here in Binghamton, New York I left taking I-88 northeast toward Albany and Schenectady. When I got to I-90, I had to stop and get a toll ticket. I was told, and it was correct, that if I got on I-87, then there would not be a toll charge....WHY??? Don't know!!!!
Headed up I-87, through the Adirondack Mountains, to Champlain(New York) where I passed Canadian customs with no problems. I went into Quebec and it was now after dark. Montreal was beautiful at night. I traveled up Hwy 15 into Montreal and then took Hwy 20 to the northeast. Got the St. Hyacinthe and delivered my load. It was just a "drop & hook" so I was out of there within a half hour. There was a guard on the lot and he told me that I could use his phone. I called in and was told to go to the tire plant in Joliette, Quebec and pick up tires to be dropped in the Joplin yard. I was also told that I had to go through customs at Champlain, New York.
I headed down Hwy 20 to Montreal. I followed Hwy 20 under the St. Lawrence River and got on Hwy 15 through downtown. Found Hwy 40 and went northeast to Hwy 31 and went to Joliette. Found the tire factory-huge and hard to miss-and found the the trailer I was to get. It was loaded and ready to go...another drop & hook. I had to sign some paperwork and then I was gone. I just went to Hwy 40 south and stopped at the rest area at 11 PM EST and went to bed...
September 26, 2010
September 26, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Traveling)
As my day started, I was close to entering Greensboro, North Carolina and my destination. I did not have directions. I stopped at a couple convenient stores and didn't find the place. I finally pulled up behind a police car and asked the officer; he gave me the directions and I was on my way. I finally found the place around 2 AM EST. I just parked and then laid in my bunk and went to sleep.
At 5:30 AM EST, I was awaken by a tapping on my tractor. The fellow said he would be unloading me and that it would be a few more hours before he could back me to the docks. He said that he would can out and get me so I could go back to bed. He woke me again at 8:30 AM EST and told me to go down to the end of the street and circle around so I could back in the gate. I did and when I saw the gate I had to back in with this little street........(see picture)
I stood outside my truck and looked at the situation. I unloader came out and I verified that it was the right gate. He said yes. I ask if he really wanted this 67 1/2 foot truck in that little gate. He said yes. He asked if I wanted him to put my truck in the "hole". NO WAY! If it goes it that hole, I will put it in!
I first moved my trailer tandems up as far as they could go. I started the backing and the opposite curb was hitting my tires before I knew it. I really worked at it and went over the opposite curb a couple times. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT I COULDN'T LINE THE UNIT UP STRAIGHT TO GO THROUGH THE GATE. I HAD TO BE GOING THROUGH THE GATE AS I WAS TURNING AND BACKING.
I finally got it inside the gate and lined up. I backed to the dock where the fellow unloaded me. He didn't take too long and I was unloaded. As he handed me my paperwork, he smiled and said,"You were the first 67 1/2 truck to back in that gate. I just smiles back and took my paperwork. I then moved the truck up and then closed my trailer doors. He didn't have anyone waiting for the dock so I went in the made my calls to dispatch. I had a load from Lexington, North Carolina to Quebec.
I had trouble getting out the gate though it wasn't as much trouble as getting in. Finally, when I got out, I saw an older fellow sitting in a lawn chair across the street watching me. I got out and
talked to him. He said he always likes to sit and watch the trucks back in that gate. He said some drivers take alot of time and hold traffic up, some a long time. He then said I was one of the best backers as it only took me 12 minutes and that I was the longest truck he'd seen go in.
I left down I-85 toward Lexington; got to Hwy 64 and went west to the pick up point. Lexington sits right on Hwy 52 so when I was loaded I just headed up it at 1:30 PM EST. Passed Winston-Salem and at Mt Airy took Hwy 89 to I-77, and into Virginia I went. Yesterday I came down the long mountain from Ft. Chiswell to North Carolina; today I am going up the mountain. The trip up went well as my load northbound was 22,780 lbs. I got to Ft. Chiswell at 3:30 PM EST and decided to eat. After eating, I decided to fuel my tanks as I don't know where I will fuel next. I fueled(42 gallons) and then headed up I-81.
On I-81 north, I dropped out of the mountains into the famous Shenandoah Valley and followed it up through Virginia stopping at a rest area outside Timberville for a short break. Went across the panhandle of Maryland into Pennsylvania. Stopped in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the night at 1o:30 PM EST. Really tired so I went right to sleep. Didn't set my alarm...
As my day started, I was close to entering Greensboro, North Carolina and my destination. I did not have directions. I stopped at a couple convenient stores and didn't find the place. I finally pulled up behind a police car and asked the officer; he gave me the directions and I was on my way. I finally found the place around 2 AM EST. I just parked and then laid in my bunk and went to sleep.
At 5:30 AM EST, I was awaken by a tapping on my tractor. The fellow said he would be unloading me and that it would be a few more hours before he could back me to the docks. He said that he would can out and get me so I could go back to bed. He woke me again at 8:30 AM EST and told me to go down to the end of the street and circle around so I could back in the gate. I did and when I saw the gate I had to back in with this little street........(see picture)
I stood outside my truck and looked at the situation. I unloader came out and I verified that it was the right gate. He said yes. I ask if he really wanted this 67 1/2 foot truck in that little gate. He said yes. He asked if I wanted him to put my truck in the "hole". NO WAY! If it goes it that hole, I will put it in!
I first moved my trailer tandems up as far as they could go. I started the backing and the opposite curb was hitting my tires before I knew it. I really worked at it and went over the opposite curb a couple times. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT I COULDN'T LINE THE UNIT UP STRAIGHT TO GO THROUGH THE GATE. I HAD TO BE GOING THROUGH THE GATE AS I WAS TURNING AND BACKING.
I finally got it inside the gate and lined up. I backed to the dock where the fellow unloaded me. He didn't take too long and I was unloaded. As he handed me my paperwork, he smiled and said,"You were the first 67 1/2 truck to back in that gate. I just smiles back and took my paperwork. I then moved the truck up and then closed my trailer doors. He didn't have anyone waiting for the dock so I went in the made my calls to dispatch. I had a load from Lexington, North Carolina to Quebec.
I had trouble getting out the gate though it wasn't as much trouble as getting in. Finally, when I got out, I saw an older fellow sitting in a lawn chair across the street watching me. I got out and
talked to him. He said he always likes to sit and watch the trucks back in that gate. He said some drivers take alot of time and hold traffic up, some a long time. He then said I was one of the best backers as it only took me 12 minutes and that I was the longest truck he'd seen go in.
I left down I-85 toward Lexington; got to Hwy 64 and went west to the pick up point. Lexington sits right on Hwy 52 so when I was loaded I just headed up it at 1:30 PM EST. Passed Winston-Salem and at Mt Airy took Hwy 89 to I-77, and into Virginia I went. Yesterday I came down the long mountain from Ft. Chiswell to North Carolina; today I am going up the mountain. The trip up went well as my load northbound was 22,780 lbs. I got to Ft. Chiswell at 3:30 PM EST and decided to eat. After eating, I decided to fuel my tanks as I don't know where I will fuel next. I fueled(42 gallons) and then headed up I-81.
On I-81 north, I dropped out of the mountains into the famous Shenandoah Valley and followed it up through Virginia stopping at a rest area outside Timberville for a short break. Went across the panhandle of Maryland into Pennsylvania. Stopped in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the night at 1o:30 PM EST. Really tired so I went right to sleep. Didn't set my alarm...
September 25, 2010
September 25, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Cleveland, Ohio)
Woke up early and took my time to get going as my pick up appointment wasn't until 1 PM EST. I checked out my map for the routing and it was a clear choice, go down I-77 into North Carolina. I will plan on fueling in Fort Chiswell, Virgina and having dinner there.
Got to my pick up in Wickliffe at noon EST and was backed up to the dock. I think they were loading me with buckets of roofing tar. Anyway, the load was 44, 624 lbs. They had a truck scale in their yard which I could weigh on. I had to move the trailer tandems up two holes so that the tandem weights where close to equal. I don't think filling my tanks in FT. Chiswell will be a problem. I can always reweigh after filling. I was on my way by 1:15 PM EST. I traveled west on I-90, past the 90 degree "Cleveland" interstate turn, to I-77 and on south. The drive south was nice and time went pretty fast. I was in some hilly area but hit the mountains-the beautiful mountains-of West Virginia when I crossed over the Ohio River. Following I-77, I continued down to Charleston(West Virginia) which I hadn't seen in the daylight hours. It is a fantastic looking city and I loved the way it is laid out, through the valleys it's in. Entered the West Virginia tollway and stopped at the first rest area I came to. Took a half hour break and then it was on down I-77. In and around the mountains I went. I like I-44 in St. Louis as it is kind of a roller coaster....so is the West Virginia tollway, especially southbound.
Into Virginia I went in the heights of the mountains. Through Virginia's two interstate tunnels I went as I descended to the intersections of I-77 and I-81 and Ft. Chiswell. Stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" at 8:30 PM EST and filled my tanks(78 gallons). The buffet was being taken down when I got to it so I sat down and looked at the menu. I was hungry but not wanting much. I had the breakfast plate with an extra egg and two pieces of sausage. After eating, it was back to the road(I-77 southbound at 10 PM EST). The interstate gets steep going south into North Carolina. I had to take it very slow as the 6% down grade can get pretty bad without a Jake Brake. I made it down into North Carolina with no problems.
Shortly after getting into North Carolina, I had to take Hwy 89 toward Mt. Airy(Mayberry and Andy Griffith) and then Hwy 52 southeast past Pilot Mountain( Mt. Pilot where Andy Griffith and Barnie would often mention going) to Winston-Salem(North Carolina). I got on I-40 east to Greensboro. As I closed in on Greensboro, I remembered that I didn't have directions and I didn't see a truckstop going into town....My day ended...
Woke up early and took my time to get going as my pick up appointment wasn't until 1 PM EST. I checked out my map for the routing and it was a clear choice, go down I-77 into North Carolina. I will plan on fueling in Fort Chiswell, Virgina and having dinner there.
Got to my pick up in Wickliffe at noon EST and was backed up to the dock. I think they were loading me with buckets of roofing tar. Anyway, the load was 44, 624 lbs. They had a truck scale in their yard which I could weigh on. I had to move the trailer tandems up two holes so that the tandem weights where close to equal. I don't think filling my tanks in FT. Chiswell will be a problem. I can always reweigh after filling. I was on my way by 1:15 PM EST. I traveled west on I-90, past the 90 degree "Cleveland" interstate turn, to I-77 and on south. The drive south was nice and time went pretty fast. I was in some hilly area but hit the mountains-the beautiful mountains-of West Virginia when I crossed over the Ohio River. Following I-77, I continued down to Charleston(West Virginia) which I hadn't seen in the daylight hours. It is a fantastic looking city and I loved the way it is laid out, through the valleys it's in. Entered the West Virginia tollway and stopped at the first rest area I came to. Took a half hour break and then it was on down I-77. In and around the mountains I went. I like I-44 in St. Louis as it is kind of a roller coaster....so is the West Virginia tollway, especially southbound.
Into Virginia I went in the heights of the mountains. Through Virginia's two interstate tunnels I went as I descended to the intersections of I-77 and I-81 and Ft. Chiswell. Stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" at 8:30 PM EST and filled my tanks(78 gallons). The buffet was being taken down when I got to it so I sat down and looked at the menu. I was hungry but not wanting much. I had the breakfast plate with an extra egg and two pieces of sausage. After eating, it was back to the road(I-77 southbound at 10 PM EST). The interstate gets steep going south into North Carolina. I had to take it very slow as the 6% down grade can get pretty bad without a Jake Brake. I made it down into North Carolina with no problems.
Shortly after getting into North Carolina, I had to take Hwy 89 toward Mt. Airy(Mayberry and Andy Griffith) and then Hwy 52 southeast past Pilot Mountain( Mt. Pilot where Andy Griffith and Barnie would often mention going) to Winston-Salem(North Carolina). I got on I-40 east to Greensboro. As I closed in on Greensboro, I remembered that I didn't have directions and I didn't see a truckstop going into town....My day ended...
September 24, 2010
September 24, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Cleveland, Ohio)
Sleeping nicely when a little knock came on the side of my truck a little after 6 AM EST. It was the receiving guy who would be unloading me. He claimed(he was correct) that the dock I was to back into was kind of difficult with the space I had to work with(see picture).
I followed his directions and got the truck backed into the dock with few problems. While I was being unloaded, another truck from my company drove in. We drivers talked and he had brought his load to Cleveland from Mobile, Alabama. I got unloaded and had troubles getting out of the back lot. The other truck had alot of problems backing in as he wasn't set up to get to the dock easily.
I called in and was told to call back in an hour. I waited for the other driver to get unloaded and then we took off for the "Pit Truckstop". We got there and several drivers were playing video games in the game room so I joined in. I spent over $10 before I stopped. Wasp, the handle of the other company driver, and I had dinner. I called in and got a load to be picked up tomorrow. I will pick it up in Wickliffe, Ohio and take it to Greensboro, North Carolina. I then went out to my tractor to write and watch my TV..
Sleeping nicely when a little knock came on the side of my truck a little after 6 AM EST. It was the receiving guy who would be unloading me. He claimed(he was correct) that the dock I was to back into was kind of difficult with the space I had to work with(see picture).
I followed his directions and got the truck backed into the dock with few problems. While I was being unloaded, another truck from my company drove in. We drivers talked and he had brought his load to Cleveland from Mobile, Alabama. I got unloaded and had troubles getting out of the back lot. The other truck had alot of problems backing in as he wasn't set up to get to the dock easily.I called in and was told to call back in an hour. I waited for the other driver to get unloaded and then we took off for the "Pit Truckstop". We got there and several drivers were playing video games in the game room so I joined in. I spent over $10 before I stopped. Wasp, the handle of the other company driver, and I had dinner. I called in and got a load to be picked up tomorrow. I will pick it up in Wickliffe, Ohio and take it to Greensboro, North Carolina. I then went out to my tractor to write and watch my TV..
September 23, 2010
September 23, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lemoyne, Ohio)
Have to be in Cleveland tomorrow so I hung around the truckstop until later in the afternoon. Had the directions to the delivery point and the directions looked simple to follow. Went in and watched two movies. After the Sunday morning movies(Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Lost Horizons) I had the buffet lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" I was at. After lunch I went in and watched another movie. After the movie, I went out to my tractor, fueled(168 gallons), did vehicle inspection, updated my logbook and left east on I-80 at 2:45 PM EST.
Traveled the toll road and it was just a pleasant drive. Kept my speed up and got to the I-480 off ramp before it seemed that I should be there. Took I-480 east toward to south side of Cleveland. I found where I will deliver tomorrow and parked in their pretty good sized parking lot at 5 PM EST. I had my TV on and saw the standard thing I see when watching TV in Cleveland; the city council arguing and fighting on the evening news. Watched the fight, wrote and went to bed...
Have to be in Cleveland tomorrow so I hung around the truckstop until later in the afternoon. Had the directions to the delivery point and the directions looked simple to follow. Went in and watched two movies. After the Sunday morning movies(Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Lost Horizons) I had the buffet lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" I was at. After lunch I went in and watched another movie. After the movie, I went out to my tractor, fueled(168 gallons), did vehicle inspection, updated my logbook and left east on I-80 at 2:45 PM EST.
Traveled the toll road and it was just a pleasant drive. Kept my speed up and got to the I-480 off ramp before it seemed that I should be there. Took I-480 east toward to south side of Cleveland. I found where I will deliver tomorrow and parked in their pretty good sized parking lot at 5 PM EST. I had my TV on and saw the standard thing I see when watching TV in Cleveland; the city council arguing and fighting on the evening news. Watched the fight, wrote and went to bed...
September 22, 2010
September 22, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Walcott, Iowa)
Another day of travel east. This day was a little different as I knew, or hoped for, what the end of the day would bring. I left Walcott at 7:15 AM CST after getting my logbook caught up and a vehicle inspection done. Followed I-80 east as I have done since Salt Lake City. Circled around the Quad-Cities and headed into Illinois on on east. Through what I believe is the busiest highway system in the USA, I-80 and I-94 running together south of Chicago, Illinois.
Got to Lake Station, Indiana at 11:45 AM EST where I had hoped to stop for lunch. I was going so well that I decided not to stop, but kept going east on I-80. The eastbound toll road started shortly after I-94 left I-80/I-90. I stopped for a short break at the first rest area on the toll road. Kept going east on the toll road and ended the Indiana toll road only to start the Ohio toll road on the west side of Ohio. I got to one of my favorite stops at the intersection of I-80/I-90 and I-280 south of Toledo, Ohio.
At this truckstop, I have plenty of parking and the buffet and movie room are great. It is also a fuel stop and I will fuel tomorrow. I got to "Just a Truckstop" at 3:30 PM EST and went and ate. I then went to the movie room and watched movies(American Ninja, The Fog, Witness). I then watched drivers play video games and talked with them as my day ended...
Another day of travel east. This day was a little different as I knew, or hoped for, what the end of the day would bring. I left Walcott at 7:15 AM CST after getting my logbook caught up and a vehicle inspection done. Followed I-80 east as I have done since Salt Lake City. Circled around the Quad-Cities and headed into Illinois on on east. Through what I believe is the busiest highway system in the USA, I-80 and I-94 running together south of Chicago, Illinois.
Got to Lake Station, Indiana at 11:45 AM EST where I had hoped to stop for lunch. I was going so well that I decided not to stop, but kept going east on I-80. The eastbound toll road started shortly after I-94 left I-80/I-90. I stopped for a short break at the first rest area on the toll road. Kept going east on the toll road and ended the Indiana toll road only to start the Ohio toll road on the west side of Ohio. I got to one of my favorite stops at the intersection of I-80/I-90 and I-280 south of Toledo, Ohio.
At this truckstop, I have plenty of parking and the buffet and movie room are great. It is also a fuel stop and I will fuel tomorrow. I got to "Just a Truckstop" at 3:30 PM EST and went and ate. I then went to the movie room and watched movies(American Ninja, The Fog, Witness). I then watched drivers play video games and talked with them as my day ended...
September 21, 2010
September 21, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Big Springs, Nebraska)
Just a day of travel eastbound on I-80 the whole day. I fueled(98 gallons) at Big Springs before leaving at 6:15 AM MST. I just traveled east as fast as the law would let me. I stopped at the rest area outside York, Nebraska for a short break. Eastbound again!!
Crossed into Iowa and stopped outside Casey, Iowa for a second short break. I continued to the big truckstop at Altoona, Iowa where I took an hour for dinner before I kept going. I kept going to Walcott, Iowa where I stopped for the night at 6:45 PM CST. I was tire so I just went to sleep after writing in my journal a few minutes...
Just a day of travel eastbound on I-80 the whole day. I fueled(98 gallons) at Big Springs before leaving at 6:15 AM MST. I just traveled east as fast as the law would let me. I stopped at the rest area outside York, Nebraska for a short break. Eastbound again!!
Crossed into Iowa and stopped outside Casey, Iowa for a second short break. I continued to the big truckstop at Altoona, Iowa where I took an hour for dinner before I kept going. I kept going to Walcott, Iowa where I stopped for the night at 6:45 PM CST. I was tire so I just went to sleep after writing in my journal a few minutes...
September 20, 2010
September 20, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Bountiful, Utah)
My Brother-in-law took me bad to my truck and I got my paperwork all caught up...just like yesterday. I studied my map and decided to head out by going south on I-15 to I-80 east. At 8:30 AM MST I went the way I had planned. I was looking forward to climbing the steep grade out of Salt Lake City to the east. It was a good climb and I got over Parley's Summit with little problem.
Onto Wyoming where I had to stop at the Wyoming Port of Entry and present my permit book for inspection. The inspection didn't take long and I was back on my way by 10:30 AM MST. Over the Twin Sisters, past the Flaming Gouge and over the Great Divide Basin past Rawlins, Wyoming. I stopped at the rest area just past Elk Mountain where I was at for a very short time; I listed it as a 15 minute break on my logbook.
After the short break, it was on to Nebraska through the mountainous lands between Rawlins and Laramie. Traveling east on I-80, I came out of the mountains to see Laramie as a little plot of trees way off in the distance. As I got closer, Laramie grew...Left Laramie and climbed into the higher mountains and then down into Cheyenne. I just kept traveling right through Cheyenne and into Nebraska passing one of my favorite places, Pine Bluffs(Wyoming). It also seems that as soon as I got to Nebraska, the terrain got greener. I went on to Big Springs, Nebraska and got there at 6:45 PM MST. I ate in their restaurant by just having a chef salad and then watched TV in their TV room upstairs. Afterward, I went out to my tractor and went to sleep...
My Brother-in-law took me bad to my truck and I got my paperwork all caught up...just like yesterday. I studied my map and decided to head out by going south on I-15 to I-80 east. At 8:30 AM MST I went the way I had planned. I was looking forward to climbing the steep grade out of Salt Lake City to the east. It was a good climb and I got over Parley's Summit with little problem.
Onto Wyoming where I had to stop at the Wyoming Port of Entry and present my permit book for inspection. The inspection didn't take long and I was back on my way by 10:30 AM MST. Over the Twin Sisters, past the Flaming Gouge and over the Great Divide Basin past Rawlins, Wyoming. I stopped at the rest area just past Elk Mountain where I was at for a very short time; I listed it as a 15 minute break on my logbook.
After the short break, it was on to Nebraska through the mountainous lands between Rawlins and Laramie. Traveling east on I-80, I came out of the mountains to see Laramie as a little plot of trees way off in the distance. As I got closer, Laramie grew...Left Laramie and climbed into the higher mountains and then down into Cheyenne. I just kept traveling right through Cheyenne and into Nebraska passing one of my favorite places, Pine Bluffs(Wyoming). It also seems that as soon as I got to Nebraska, the terrain got greener. I went on to Big Springs, Nebraska and got there at 6:45 PM MST. I ate in their restaurant by just having a chef salad and then watched TV in their TV room upstairs. Afterward, I went out to my tractor and went to sleep...
September 19, 2010
September 19, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Bountiful, Utah)
When my Brother-in-law went to work, he dropped me off at my truck. I got my paperwork all caught up and went to the public phone to make my morning check call. The public phone wouldn't work; I went to the one next to it. I could not get the second one to work; the one next to it either.
I went to the K-Mart store next door and tried to use it's phone. I was pretty irritable at this time. I couldn't get the K-mart phone to work and it was a different phone company than the first phones I had trouble with. I got ahold of the operator and she couldn't help me. I hung up and went back to my truck for a half hour to "cool" off. Didn't have problem phone problems after that.
Was at my pickup location at 9:30 AM MST and they had me back up to the dock. They were loading me with 34,650 lbs by 10:00 AM MST. I was loaded and at our fuel stop in Salt Lake City by 11:30 AM MST. I fueled(126 gallons) and called my Mother to let her know I would take her to lunch again when I got back to Bountiful around 12:45 PM MST.
Took my Mother to lunch again and spent night with my Sister's family...
When my Brother-in-law went to work, he dropped me off at my truck. I got my paperwork all caught up and went to the public phone to make my morning check call. The public phone wouldn't work; I went to the one next to it. I could not get the second one to work; the one next to it either.
I went to the K-Mart store next door and tried to use it's phone. I was pretty irritable at this time. I couldn't get the K-mart phone to work and it was a different phone company than the first phones I had trouble with. I got ahold of the operator and she couldn't help me. I hung up and went back to my truck for a half hour to "cool" off. Didn't have problem phone problems after that.
Was at my pickup location at 9:30 AM MST and they had me back up to the dock. They were loading me with 34,650 lbs by 10:00 AM MST. I was loaded and at our fuel stop in Salt Lake City by 11:30 AM MST. I fueled(126 gallons) and called my Mother to let her know I would take her to lunch again when I got back to Bountiful around 12:45 PM MST.
Took my Mother to lunch again and spent night with my Sister's family...
September 18, 2010
September 18, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Provo, Utah)
I was awake at 6AM MST and getting ready for my day. I was at the Provo tire store at 7 AM MST and backed up to the unloading door. I had done this run several times already. I got unloaded and headed for the Orem store. My day would follow with unloading at the Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake, Bountiful and Roy stores. I was almost too late for the Roy store but their business was slow so they unloaded me. I had to back into the store from the middle of the street at the Sandy, Kearns and Roy stores but didn't really have a problem; I really like backing; it's always a challenge.
After unloading, I called into dispatch and was told to pick a load of material up in west Salt Lake City tomorrow after 10 AM MST. This load was going to Cleveland, Ohio for Monday. No problem.
Went back to Bountiful for the night. Took my Mother out for dinner at her favorite Chinese restaurant and then went to my Sister's house and stayed the night with her family.
I was awake at 6AM MST and getting ready for my day. I was at the Provo tire store at 7 AM MST and backed up to the unloading door. I had done this run several times already. I got unloaded and headed for the Orem store. My day would follow with unloading at the Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake, Bountiful and Roy stores. I was almost too late for the Roy store but their business was slow so they unloaded me. I had to back into the store from the middle of the street at the Sandy, Kearns and Roy stores but didn't really have a problem; I really like backing; it's always a challenge.
After unloading, I called into dispatch and was told to pick a load of material up in west Salt Lake City tomorrow after 10 AM MST. This load was going to Cleveland, Ohio for Monday. No problem.
Went back to Bountiful for the night. Took my Mother out for dinner at her favorite Chinese restaurant and then went to my Sister's house and stayed the night with her family.
September 17, 2010
September 17, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-south of Moab, Utah)
When my day started, I was napping at a rest area south of Moab. I wasn't feeling tired as midnight came so I got up and walked around the rest area to stretch my legs and get really woke up. Night seemed totally dark so no full moon to "site see" tonight. Took Hwy 191 at 12:30 AM MST north through Moab and on to Green River(Utah)on I-70 west. I stopped at the truckstop/convenient store in Green River. I walked into the store and didn't see anything I was interested in. I have, in the past, bought the 3 hots dogs for $1.00 but they are not out at 2 AM MST. I was headed for Provo at 2:15 AM MST up Hwy 6. Passed Helper, Utah(got it's name because it provided "helper" locomotives to help get trains up over the mountains) after over an hour of level traveling over the upper Utah desert. Climbed over the mountain and past Soldier Summit(Utah) and then down into the Utah Valley where my first stop Tuesday was. Right before 5 AM MST, I stopped at the truck parking lot for the motel I would be staying at. I checked with the clerk to let her know that I would be checking in and she said that I could check in now as they had a room open by my truck. It's wasn't often that I could check into a room so early.
I watched the morning news and napped a little but wasn't tired. I played with writing with my computer until it was lunch and I could go to the buffet across to street. Went shopping after lunch but didn't buy anything I needed. Shopping was more of a time waster than anything else.
Watched TV into the evening and went to sleep...
When my day started, I was napping at a rest area south of Moab. I wasn't feeling tired as midnight came so I got up and walked around the rest area to stretch my legs and get really woke up. Night seemed totally dark so no full moon to "site see" tonight. Took Hwy 191 at 12:30 AM MST north through Moab and on to Green River(Utah)on I-70 west. I stopped at the truckstop/convenient store in Green River. I walked into the store and didn't see anything I was interested in. I have, in the past, bought the 3 hots dogs for $1.00 but they are not out at 2 AM MST. I was headed for Provo at 2:15 AM MST up Hwy 6. Passed Helper, Utah(got it's name because it provided "helper" locomotives to help get trains up over the mountains) after over an hour of level traveling over the upper Utah desert. Climbed over the mountain and past Soldier Summit(Utah) and then down into the Utah Valley where my first stop Tuesday was. Right before 5 AM MST, I stopped at the truck parking lot for the motel I would be staying at. I checked with the clerk to let her know that I would be checking in and she said that I could check in now as they had a room open by my truck. It's wasn't often that I could check into a room so early.
I watched the morning news and napped a little but wasn't tired. I played with writing with my computer until it was lunch and I could go to the buffet across to street. Went shopping after lunch but didn't buy anything I needed. Shopping was more of a time waster than anything else.
Watched TV into the evening and went to sleep...
September 16, 2010
September 16, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Cortez, New Mexico)
I was up at 4 AM MST and walked into the truckstop and made a check call. I was back in my truck and heading north on Hwy 666 by 4:30 AM MST. This stretch is quiet, especially because it's Sunday morning. I didn't find this stretch too interesting until I neared Utah and saw the mountains west Monticello, Utah in from of me. The Utah Port of Entry was closed so I went on to Monticello and took Hwy 191 north. I stopped for a short break in Monticello and got some munchies. Continued north on Hwy 191 until I got to the rest area south of Moab(Utah).
Pulled in and parked at the rest area. The attraction "Hole 'N the Rock" was just south of the rest area so I walked to it. Quite a place to see. I was there looking at things a long time(three hours???). After I got back to the truck, I decided to "play around" the rest area for awhile as the mountains can be explored and hiked in. I actually climbed around and talked with people until just before 6 PM MST. Sitting in my tractor and munching on munchies, I decided to nap until tomorrow. That I did...
I was up at 4 AM MST and walked into the truckstop and made a check call. I was back in my truck and heading north on Hwy 666 by 4:30 AM MST. This stretch is quiet, especially because it's Sunday morning. I didn't find this stretch too interesting until I neared Utah and saw the mountains west Monticello, Utah in from of me. The Utah Port of Entry was closed so I went on to Monticello and took Hwy 191 north. I stopped for a short break in Monticello and got some munchies. Continued north on Hwy 191 until I got to the rest area south of Moab(Utah).
Pulled in and parked at the rest area. The attraction "Hole 'N the Rock" was just south of the rest area so I walked to it. Quite a place to see. I was there looking at things a long time(three hours???). After I got back to the truck, I decided to "play around" the rest area for awhile as the mountains can be explored and hiked in. I actually climbed around and talked with people until just before 6 PM MST. Sitting in my tractor and munching on munchies, I decided to nap until tomorrow. That I did...
September 15, 2010
September 15, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Amarillo, Texas)
The fragrance of one of two cattle stockyards was before me today. It wasn't long after leaving Amarillo, going west on I-40, I passed the miles of stockyards to the south of the interstate. I was lucky to have air conditioning with "A/C Max"(circulates air inside enclosure with no outside air introduced). I wonder what is is like to work there, or the over stockyard I passed through during my driving career. The rest of the trip toward New Mexico was uneventful. An hour after starting my day, I hit New Mexico and the New Mexico weigh scales. The scale officer told me to park my truck and requested my permit book so he could review it. The permit book was all I took in, even though my logbook was totally legal.
I traveled on to Santa Rosa, New Mexico where I stopped for fuel at the "All Right Truckstop" shortly after 11 AM MST. I fueled(88 gallons) and ate as the buffet looked pretty good. I left Santa Rosa around 1:15 PM MST and continued on I-40 to Albuquerque. Before getting to Albuquerque westbound, I-40 goes up a small grade and then down a pretty steep grade into the city. Went through the city on I-40 and then I went north on I-25. A little over 15 miles on I-25, I take Hwy 550 to the northwest.
Hwy 550 is, to me, a beautiful drive after leaving I-25, especially in the evening with the lights of Albuquerque to the south as you climb into the mountains. The up grade-not too far-required me to downshift two times while climbing the grade. Shortly after the climb, I got to San Ysidro (New Mexico), where I only noticed only a fast food restaurant and a convenient store. I parked on the highway and went into the convenient store and got some munchies. Got back to my truck and left San Ysidro around 4 PM MST.
Continued up Hwy 550 into the "Navajo Nation" I even passed a Navajo law enforcement car and officer after getting through Cuba(New Mexico). This is interesting country to drive through as you're in the mountains but alot of the time you feel like you are on the plains. Few people and homes are seen outside city limits. As I approached Bloomfield, New Mexico and Hwy 64, the land seems to go into a huge pit and the road follows it. This land, flat and dripping to the north is just another "thing" I think one should see if one wants to see "things".
As I traveled west on Hwy 64, past Bloomfield and Farmington, there is a long-many miles-incline on the north of the road spotted with short bushes. I started talking with one of the local truck drivers running along side of me. He said that on weekend nights-like tonight-I could see drunk Indians laying on the incline "sleeping it off" and sometimes a bush burning like a torch.
Traveling west and getting to Shiprock, New Mexico I find another state weigh scale and I found it closed. Shiprock is named after a rock formation to the west of town that appears like an old sailing ship(check it out on the internet). I meet Hwy 666 where I was close to the center of many Navajo community activities(a Navajo police station and college among a few). I take Hwy 666 north into Colorado where I get to Cortez(Colorado) and the Colorado truck scales. I had to show the officer at the scales my permit book. After being released at the scales, I parked at the truck stop behind the scale house. I was feeling tired and it was 8:15 PM MST so I just parked and went to bed. This truckstop is the only one I know of that served(Don't know about in 2010) actual Buffalo burgers.
The fragrance of one of two cattle stockyards was before me today. It wasn't long after leaving Amarillo, going west on I-40, I passed the miles of stockyards to the south of the interstate. I was lucky to have air conditioning with "A/C Max"(circulates air inside enclosure with no outside air introduced). I wonder what is is like to work there, or the over stockyard I passed through during my driving career. The rest of the trip toward New Mexico was uneventful. An hour after starting my day, I hit New Mexico and the New Mexico weigh scales. The scale officer told me to park my truck and requested my permit book so he could review it. The permit book was all I took in, even though my logbook was totally legal.
I traveled on to Santa Rosa, New Mexico where I stopped for fuel at the "All Right Truckstop" shortly after 11 AM MST. I fueled(88 gallons) and ate as the buffet looked pretty good. I left Santa Rosa around 1:15 PM MST and continued on I-40 to Albuquerque. Before getting to Albuquerque westbound, I-40 goes up a small grade and then down a pretty steep grade into the city. Went through the city on I-40 and then I went north on I-25. A little over 15 miles on I-25, I take Hwy 550 to the northwest.
Hwy 550 is, to me, a beautiful drive after leaving I-25, especially in the evening with the lights of Albuquerque to the south as you climb into the mountains. The up grade-not too far-required me to downshift two times while climbing the grade. Shortly after the climb, I got to San Ysidro (New Mexico), where I only noticed only a fast food restaurant and a convenient store. I parked on the highway and went into the convenient store and got some munchies. Got back to my truck and left San Ysidro around 4 PM MST.
Continued up Hwy 550 into the "Navajo Nation" I even passed a Navajo law enforcement car and officer after getting through Cuba(New Mexico). This is interesting country to drive through as you're in the mountains but alot of the time you feel like you are on the plains. Few people and homes are seen outside city limits. As I approached Bloomfield, New Mexico and Hwy 64, the land seems to go into a huge pit and the road follows it. This land, flat and dripping to the north is just another "thing" I think one should see if one wants to see "things".
As I traveled west on Hwy 64, past Bloomfield and Farmington, there is a long-many miles-incline on the north of the road spotted with short bushes. I started talking with one of the local truck drivers running along side of me. He said that on weekend nights-like tonight-I could see drunk Indians laying on the incline "sleeping it off" and sometimes a bush burning like a torch.
Traveling west and getting to Shiprock, New Mexico I find another state weigh scale and I found it closed. Shiprock is named after a rock formation to the west of town that appears like an old sailing ship(check it out on the internet). I meet Hwy 666 where I was close to the center of many Navajo community activities(a Navajo police station and college among a few). I take Hwy 666 north into Colorado where I get to Cortez(Colorado) and the Colorado truck scales. I had to show the officer at the scales my permit book. After being released at the scales, I parked at the truck stop behind the scale house. I was feeling tired and it was 8:15 PM MST so I just parked and went to bed. This truckstop is the only one I know of that served(Don't know about in 2010) actual Buffalo burgers.
September 14, 2010
September 14, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Lancaster, Texas)
Sleep felt good last night as my tractor sat in the yard of our new terminal in Lancaster, Texas(Dallas area). I got up and checked with dispatch. The dispatcher told me that they had a Utah tire load coming in later today. In fact, he told me that I could deadhead to Carrollton, Texas and pick it up. I said OK.
I followed I-35E north to Carrollton and got to the location where the tires were being loaded. I checked in with the fellow in charge, dropped my empty trailer and waited for my tire load. I was there before my load was to be loaded into the trailer so I drove around awhile. I stopped for lunch at a pizza buffet and filled my tank. I got back to the loading location about 1 PM CST and my trailer was within an hour of getting done.
I was on my way back to Lancaster with this trailer at 2 PM CST. Dispatch wanted to do something with the paperwork so I had to take the load back to the terminal instead of taking it on to Utah; no problem as I get paid for the extra miles. Back at the new terminal, I fueled(142 gallons), did a good vehicle inspection, got my paperwork gone, eat left over pizza in the truckers' lounge, got my paperwork from dispatch and left a little past 4 PM CST. I decided to take I-20 west to Hwy 287 north where I could go up there the downtown of Fort Worth. I was amazed at the lack of traffic I run into on this Friday night, but not disappointed. The buildings of downtown Ft. Worth(Cow town) and downtown Dallas have architecture that seems so different from each other; strange to me for being so close.
Continued the long drive northwest on Hwy287. going through the "mess" in Wichita Falls, Texas. The drive was pleasant but for some reason, this stretch always seems never ending. After traveling through Childress(Texas) I stopped at the truckstop on the west end. I looked around for awhile and then headed toward Amarillo(Texas). I got to the "Just a Truckstop" at 11:15 PM CST. I was tired but I went into the truckstop, looked around and went back to my tractor and went to bed...
Sleep felt good last night as my tractor sat in the yard of our new terminal in Lancaster, Texas(Dallas area). I got up and checked with dispatch. The dispatcher told me that they had a Utah tire load coming in later today. In fact, he told me that I could deadhead to Carrollton, Texas and pick it up. I said OK.
I followed I-35E north to Carrollton and got to the location where the tires were being loaded. I checked in with the fellow in charge, dropped my empty trailer and waited for my tire load. I was there before my load was to be loaded into the trailer so I drove around awhile. I stopped for lunch at a pizza buffet and filled my tank. I got back to the loading location about 1 PM CST and my trailer was within an hour of getting done.
I was on my way back to Lancaster with this trailer at 2 PM CST. Dispatch wanted to do something with the paperwork so I had to take the load back to the terminal instead of taking it on to Utah; no problem as I get paid for the extra miles. Back at the new terminal, I fueled(142 gallons), did a good vehicle inspection, got my paperwork gone, eat left over pizza in the truckers' lounge, got my paperwork from dispatch and left a little past 4 PM CST. I decided to take I-20 west to Hwy 287 north where I could go up there the downtown of Fort Worth. I was amazed at the lack of traffic I run into on this Friday night, but not disappointed. The buildings of downtown Ft. Worth(Cow town) and downtown Dallas have architecture that seems so different from each other; strange to me for being so close.
Continued the long drive northwest on Hwy287. going through the "mess" in Wichita Falls, Texas. The drive was pleasant but for some reason, this stretch always seems never ending. After traveling through Childress(Texas) I stopped at the truckstop on the west end. I looked around for awhile and then headed toward Amarillo(Texas). I got to the "Just a Truckstop" at 11:15 PM CST. I was tired but I went into the truckstop, looked around and went back to my tractor and went to bed...
September 13, 2010
September 13, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
I was awake at 1 AM CST and tried to go back to sleep, After a couple hours of watching my TV and trying to sleep, I got up and made a call to my phone mail(tells me if I have an assignment) and found I still had no assignment. I just walked around, talked to other drivers and spent time in the movie room. At 7:30 AM CST I went to the restaurant and had the buffet. At 9 AM CST, I was giving the assignment to deadhead to the new terminal in the Dallas Area, Lancaster, Texas.
There was no hurry getting to Lancaster so I took off down I-35 after I made sure I was done eating. I called the Lancaster terminal and they told me how to find the new terminal. Traveled down I-35 into Texas and took I-35E when I-35 divided into east and west. Right through Dallas the found the terminal just south of I-20. Checked in with dispatch and was put on the TRB. Won't be leaving the yard until tomorrow...
I was awake at 1 AM CST and tried to go back to sleep, After a couple hours of watching my TV and trying to sleep, I got up and made a call to my phone mail(tells me if I have an assignment) and found I still had no assignment. I just walked around, talked to other drivers and spent time in the movie room. At 7:30 AM CST I went to the restaurant and had the buffet. At 9 AM CST, I was giving the assignment to deadhead to the new terminal in the Dallas Area, Lancaster, Texas.
There was no hurry getting to Lancaster so I took off down I-35 after I made sure I was done eating. I called the Lancaster terminal and they told me how to find the new terminal. Traveled down I-35 into Texas and took I-35E when I-35 divided into east and west. Right through Dallas the found the terminal just south of I-20. Checked in with dispatch and was put on the TRB. Won't be leaving the yard until tomorrow...
September 12, 2010
September 12, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling)
Passed Clarksville, Arkansas as my new day started. After entering Oklahoma, I was on I-40 for only about 45 miles when I took the Muskogee Turnpike(toll road) north to Tulsa. The directions were good that I had and I got right to the warehouse I was looking for on the northside at 3 AM CST. Went to sleep only to be woken up at 5 AM CST for unloading. I backed up to the dock and they started unloading me. I slept while they unloaded me. After they got done at 7:30 AM CST, I drove to the Tulsa terminal and called my regular dispatcher. I wanted to take a break but I was given a load that had to get going. It was going to Cincinnati, Ohio. I was feeling OK so I hooked up to the trailer, did my vehicle inspection, paperwork and headed northeast on I-44 at 9:30 AM CST.
About fifty miles from Tulsa, I pulled into the big rest area on the turnpike as I was a little tired. The town this rest area(pickle park) is closest to apparently is Vinita, Oklahoma so I am told. I met another driver from my company and we got talking. I told him that I was on my way to Cincinnati, Ohio and he said that he wished he had my load. His was to the auto assembly plant in east Oklahoma City. He asked if we could trade and I told that I would if he did the trade through his dispatcher. He did, we switched trailers and I was off to Oklahoma City at 11:30 AM CST.
This auto parts load I got was to be delivered as soon as possible and so I did. I had it dropped by 3 PM CST. I called dispatch with was told to call back in the morning. I drove to the "Just a Truckstop" and went to sleep.
Passed Clarksville, Arkansas as my new day started. After entering Oklahoma, I was on I-40 for only about 45 miles when I took the Muskogee Turnpike(toll road) north to Tulsa. The directions were good that I had and I got right to the warehouse I was looking for on the northside at 3 AM CST. Went to sleep only to be woken up at 5 AM CST for unloading. I backed up to the dock and they started unloading me. I slept while they unloaded me. After they got done at 7:30 AM CST, I drove to the Tulsa terminal and called my regular dispatcher. I wanted to take a break but I was given a load that had to get going. It was going to Cincinnati, Ohio. I was feeling OK so I hooked up to the trailer, did my vehicle inspection, paperwork and headed northeast on I-44 at 9:30 AM CST.
About fifty miles from Tulsa, I pulled into the big rest area on the turnpike as I was a little tired. The town this rest area(pickle park) is closest to apparently is Vinita, Oklahoma so I am told. I met another driver from my company and we got talking. I told him that I was on my way to Cincinnati, Ohio and he said that he wished he had my load. His was to the auto assembly plant in east Oklahoma City. He asked if we could trade and I told that I would if he did the trade through his dispatcher. He did, we switched trailers and I was off to Oklahoma City at 11:30 AM CST.
This auto parts load I got was to be delivered as soon as possible and so I did. I had it dropped by 3 PM CST. I called dispatch with was told to call back in the morning. I drove to the "Just a Truckstop" and went to sleep.
September 11, 2010
September 11, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-traveling)
Around 15 minutes past Sikeston, Missouri (home of the Lambert's Restaurant) on southbound I-55, my new day started. Traffic was "average" and the drive was very pleasant. CB radio had the regular jibber-jabber. Just an average night as I traveled through Arkansas into Tennessee.
Found the warehouse I was looking for in southeast Memphis, parked on the road and laid down for some sleep at 2:30 AM CST. I had a warehouse person knocking on my tractor at 6:30 AM CST as they wanted to unload me. I opened my doors and backed up to the dock and they started unloading me immediately. It didn't take long and I was empty. I wasn't too far from the Memphis company terminal so I just drove there and checked in with dispatch when I got there 8:30 AM CST. Dispatch gave me a Sears load to pickup in the middle of Memphis(Tennessee) at 4 PM CST and I was not to be more than 30 minutes early.
I had some time to "kill" so I went to my tractor, set my alarm for 2 PM CST and went to sleep. I was up and ready to go at 12:30 PM CST. Too early to go to the Sears warehouse so went shopping at the supermarket near the Elvis Presley museum and bought alot of munchies for the road. Came back to the terminal and filled my tanks(107 gallons),
I was at Sears at 3:40 PM CST and they had me back into a space at the open dock. They didn't start loading me until around 4:15 PM CST but they were fast. I was out of there and heading south on the side street toward I-55 when 5PM CST showed on my clock. I got on I-55 and went west into Arkansas where I stopped for dinner and "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis(Arkansas). I had the buffet and it was really good tonight.
I was back on the road heading west on I-40 over the flat land by 8 PM CST. After Little Rock(Arkansas), the terrain got hilly and stayed that way until I got out of Arkansas. I stopped for a break at the pickle park by Morrilton, Arkansas. I was passing Clarksville, Arkansas as my day ended at midnight.
Around 15 minutes past Sikeston, Missouri (home of the Lambert's Restaurant) on southbound I-55, my new day started. Traffic was "average" and the drive was very pleasant. CB radio had the regular jibber-jabber. Just an average night as I traveled through Arkansas into Tennessee.
Found the warehouse I was looking for in southeast Memphis, parked on the road and laid down for some sleep at 2:30 AM CST. I had a warehouse person knocking on my tractor at 6:30 AM CST as they wanted to unload me. I opened my doors and backed up to the dock and they started unloading me immediately. It didn't take long and I was empty. I wasn't too far from the Memphis company terminal so I just drove there and checked in with dispatch when I got there 8:30 AM CST. Dispatch gave me a Sears load to pickup in the middle of Memphis(Tennessee) at 4 PM CST and I was not to be more than 30 minutes early.
I had some time to "kill" so I went to my tractor, set my alarm for 2 PM CST and went to sleep. I was up and ready to go at 12:30 PM CST. Too early to go to the Sears warehouse so went shopping at the supermarket near the Elvis Presley museum and bought alot of munchies for the road. Came back to the terminal and filled my tanks(107 gallons),
I was at Sears at 3:40 PM CST and they had me back into a space at the open dock. They didn't start loading me until around 4:15 PM CST but they were fast. I was out of there and heading south on the side street toward I-55 when 5PM CST showed on my clock. I got on I-55 and went west into Arkansas where I stopped for dinner and "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis(Arkansas). I had the buffet and it was really good tonight.
I was back on the road heading west on I-40 over the flat land by 8 PM CST. After Little Rock(Arkansas), the terrain got hilly and stayed that way until I got out of Arkansas. I stopped for a break at the pickle park by Morrilton, Arkansas. I was passing Clarksville, Arkansas as my day ended at midnight.
September 10, 2010
September 10, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Two days of no driving has given me better running possibilities. I went into the dispatcher and ask for a load to Utah. He looked at me like I was crazy. I said I have gotten a few loads west from KC and he said he didn't have any. I told him that I would take a "hot" load and he gave me one he called "Urgent". I needed to deadhead to St. Joseph, Missouri and pick up a load of batteries to Memphis, Tennessee.
I took I-435 north and west to I-29 north. Followed I-29 to St. Joseph and found our drop yard. Didn't find the trailer I was to pick up and so I called Kansas City dispatch. I was told that the trailer wasn't loaded yet and when it is, the yard man(The driver that is based at the yard) would bring it to the yard. I just had to wait for the "urgent" load.
While I was waiting at the yard, another driver came in to get a trailer, he too came up from Kansas City to get a load. We talked and he told me that he got this load because he had dropped his Utah load in Kansas City due to the lack of hours on the seventy hour rule. SAME AS ME!!!
I got my trailer finally and headed back to the Kansas City terminal by 3:15 PM CST. I had decided to refuel(146 gallons) at this time, which I did. I decided to take interstate highways all the way so I headed to St. Louis. Got to Hwy 61 and took it south to I-270 south. Caught I-55 south and stayed on it as my day ended...
Two days of no driving has given me better running possibilities. I went into the dispatcher and ask for a load to Utah. He looked at me like I was crazy. I said I have gotten a few loads west from KC and he said he didn't have any. I told him that I would take a "hot" load and he gave me one he called "Urgent". I needed to deadhead to St. Joseph, Missouri and pick up a load of batteries to Memphis, Tennessee.
I took I-435 north and west to I-29 north. Followed I-29 to St. Joseph and found our drop yard. Didn't find the trailer I was to pick up and so I called Kansas City dispatch. I was told that the trailer wasn't loaded yet and when it is, the yard man(The driver that is based at the yard) would bring it to the yard. I just had to wait for the "urgent" load.
While I was waiting at the yard, another driver came in to get a trailer, he too came up from Kansas City to get a load. We talked and he told me that he got this load because he had dropped his Utah load in Kansas City due to the lack of hours on the seventy hour rule. SAME AS ME!!!
I got my trailer finally and headed back to the Kansas City terminal by 3:15 PM CST. I had decided to refuel(146 gallons) at this time, which I did. I decided to take interstate highways all the way so I headed to St. Louis. Got to Hwy 61 and took it south to I-270 south. Caught I-55 south and stayed on it as my day ended...
September 9, 2010
September 9, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Slept in and checked with weekend dispatch. Nothing happening. Hung around the terminal today after going to breakfast with a couple other drivers. Worked with my computer and watched terminal TV. Not much happening today. My TRB number didn't move down, or didn't seem to...
Slept in and checked with weekend dispatch. Nothing happening. Hung around the terminal today after going to breakfast with a couple other drivers. Worked with my computer and watched terminal TV. Not much happening today. My TRB number didn't move down, or didn't seem to...
September 8, 2010
September 8, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was on the TRB with a high number; I would be here for awhile. Since I was at my home terminal, I thought about going home until tomorrow(almost 3 hours each way) but since I was on the TRB, situations could change and I could get a load out or told to go to another location.
I decided to hang around the terminal. I went to the barfet for breakfast with several other drivers stuck at the terminal. Had my favorite, Texas toast sausage sandwiches; I had three of them.
Back at the terminal, I hooked up to a really dirty trailer and went to the company truck wash. They preferred that a tractor and trailer would go through instead of just a tractor. I guest that helps the standing trailers to stay cleaned.
I went to the shopping area near the terminal and did some shopping. No big deal.
Finished my day watching terminal TV with several other drivers...
I was on the TRB with a high number; I would be here for awhile. Since I was at my home terminal, I thought about going home until tomorrow(almost 3 hours each way) but since I was on the TRB, situations could change and I could get a load out or told to go to another location.
I decided to hang around the terminal. I went to the barfet for breakfast with several other drivers stuck at the terminal. Had my favorite, Texas toast sausage sandwiches; I had three of them.
Back at the terminal, I hooked up to a really dirty trailer and went to the company truck wash. They preferred that a tractor and trailer would go through instead of just a tractor. I guest that helps the standing trailers to stay cleaned.
I went to the shopping area near the terminal and did some shopping. No big deal.
Finished my day watching terminal TV with several other drivers...
September 7, 2010
September 7, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Taylor, Michigan)
Wake up came some time after 1 AM EST after a real good sleep. I went into the terminal and talked with the dispatcher until about 2 AM EST; did a check call with the dispatch before I left. I went out, hooked up to the trailer, weighed(total weight 57, 470), did vehicle inspection while fueling(145 gallons) and left headed west on I-94 around 2:30 AM EST.
I pulled into the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for breakfast at 6:30 EST and was on the road again(I-80 west) by 8 AM EST. Just a desire to get it there. I don't seem to get good loads out of this area(St. Louis) so I just wanted to get it delivered and then be disappointed.
Took I-80 west to I-55 south. On I-55 south, I stopped at the Funks Grove rest area for a short break. I like writing "Funks Grove" on my logbook. Continued down I-55 to I-270 west. Crossed over into Missouri and got to Hazelwood shortly(12:30 PM CST). found the plant and checked in with the guard. I then checked in with receiving and was told to drop my trailer and get an empty one. I did.
Now I was empty in the St. Louis area. I had a little running time but my 70 hour rule didn't have much time in it. I didn't have much time to run a really good load so guest what dispatch gave me....a load to Seattle, Washington. I really wanted it but there was not time on my logbook. I told dispatch and he said to go pick it up in Bridgeton, Missouri and take the load to the Kansas City terminal and they would relay it.
I went the short distance to Bridgeton and got the trailer assigned to me. It's paperwork showed the load weight was 3,564 lbs. I couldn't believe it. The perfect load and I had to relay it!!! I thought about taking it anyway but if I got caught the load could be really late and the lateness, fine and notes on my record all would be extremely bad.
Frustrated, I called dispatch and got dispatched to Kansas City terminal where some other lucky driver would take it. I went on west on I-70 and got to the terminal at 7 PM CST where I dropped my trailer and checked in with dispatch. They took my paperwork and they didn't have it more than a couple minutes. There were several drivers at the terminal so I went on the TRB and then went to my tractor to write, watch TV and sleep...
Wake up came some time after 1 AM EST after a real good sleep. I went into the terminal and talked with the dispatcher until about 2 AM EST; did a check call with the dispatch before I left. I went out, hooked up to the trailer, weighed(total weight 57, 470), did vehicle inspection while fueling(145 gallons) and left headed west on I-94 around 2:30 AM EST.
I pulled into the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for breakfast at 6:30 EST and was on the road again(I-80 west) by 8 AM EST. Just a desire to get it there. I don't seem to get good loads out of this area(St. Louis) so I just wanted to get it delivered and then be disappointed.
Took I-80 west to I-55 south. On I-55 south, I stopped at the Funks Grove rest area for a short break. I like writing "Funks Grove" on my logbook. Continued down I-55 to I-270 west. Crossed over into Missouri and got to Hazelwood shortly(12:30 PM CST). found the plant and checked in with the guard. I then checked in with receiving and was told to drop my trailer and get an empty one. I did.
Now I was empty in the St. Louis area. I had a little running time but my 70 hour rule didn't have much time in it. I didn't have much time to run a really good load so guest what dispatch gave me....a load to Seattle, Washington. I really wanted it but there was not time on my logbook. I told dispatch and he said to go pick it up in Bridgeton, Missouri and take the load to the Kansas City terminal and they would relay it.
I went the short distance to Bridgeton and got the trailer assigned to me. It's paperwork showed the load weight was 3,564 lbs. I couldn't believe it. The perfect load and I had to relay it!!! I thought about taking it anyway but if I got caught the load could be really late and the lateness, fine and notes on my record all would be extremely bad.
Frustrated, I called dispatch and got dispatched to Kansas City terminal where some other lucky driver would take it. I went on west on I-70 and got to the terminal at 7 PM CST where I dropped my trailer and checked in with dispatch. They took my paperwork and they didn't have it more than a couple minutes. There were several drivers at the terminal so I went on the TRB and then went to my tractor to write, watch TV and sleep...
September 6, 2010
September 6, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Greenville, South Carolina)
Started day backed up to the loading door at the tire company. I was sleeping when my day started and the night crew started loading my trailer. I guess the evening(2nd shift) shift didn't want to start loading my trailer. I just slept until someone knocked on my tractor's side at 4 AM EST. I sealed the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and called Joplin, Missouri dispatch. I was told to get going and take the load to the Taylor(Detroit, Michigan) terminal. Taylor needed tractors to move freight and I was told if I get it there soon, I could just drop my trailer in the terminal yard and take another load.
I left Greenville, South Carolina at 4:30 AM EST and headed up I-85 to I-26 northwest. Climbed into the mountains and got to Ashland(North Carolina) where I took I-40 west. I had little problem climbing into the mountains as, for some reason, I felt I had an empty trailer; the load weight of tires was 24,547 lbs. Followed I-40 west to I-640 on the east side of Knoxville, Tennessee where I took it to the north and west to I-75 northbound.
This stretch of I-75 is one of my favorite strips of road to travel on. Going north, the road seems to me like a roller coaster with a long downhill, mild grade into Kentucky. Once again I enjoyed my ride into the land of the Blue Grass.
Following I-75 north, I stopped at our fuel stop in Corbin, Kentucky at 8:30 AM CST hoping to have breakfast. I changed my mind when I got into the restaurant; things looked OK, just changed my mind. I got my logbook caught up after I got some munchies and I headed up I-75, soon passing by London(Kentucky) and Lexington.
When I got to the joining of I-75 and I-71, I heard on the CB radio that the police were watching the stretch of I-75/71 that is prohibited to northbound trucks(steep grade to the Ohio River Bridge). I took I-275 east to I-471 north and then I-71 south to I-75 north again.
Followed I-75 through Toledo, Ohio and into Michigan. Got to Taylor just after 4 PM EST, a little over my ten hour rule. I just wanted to get here!!
Checked with Taylor(Detroit) terminal dispatch and was told to drop my trailer and take one going to Hazelwood(north St. Louis), Missouri. I told dispatch I needed a break and he said that this load didn't have to be there until Monday; no problem. He also said it was a drop and hook onto and empty trailer. I was tired so I went to my tractor, let it run for the Air Conditioning and went to sleep for the rest of the day.
Started day backed up to the loading door at the tire company. I was sleeping when my day started and the night crew started loading my trailer. I guess the evening(2nd shift) shift didn't want to start loading my trailer. I just slept until someone knocked on my tractor's side at 4 AM EST. I sealed the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and called Joplin, Missouri dispatch. I was told to get going and take the load to the Taylor(Detroit, Michigan) terminal. Taylor needed tractors to move freight and I was told if I get it there soon, I could just drop my trailer in the terminal yard and take another load.
I left Greenville, South Carolina at 4:30 AM EST and headed up I-85 to I-26 northwest. Climbed into the mountains and got to Ashland(North Carolina) where I took I-40 west. I had little problem climbing into the mountains as, for some reason, I felt I had an empty trailer; the load weight of tires was 24,547 lbs. Followed I-40 west to I-640 on the east side of Knoxville, Tennessee where I took it to the north and west to I-75 northbound.
This stretch of I-75 is one of my favorite strips of road to travel on. Going north, the road seems to me like a roller coaster with a long downhill, mild grade into Kentucky. Once again I enjoyed my ride into the land of the Blue Grass.
Following I-75 north, I stopped at our fuel stop in Corbin, Kentucky at 8:30 AM CST hoping to have breakfast. I changed my mind when I got into the restaurant; things looked OK, just changed my mind. I got my logbook caught up after I got some munchies and I headed up I-75, soon passing by London(Kentucky) and Lexington.
When I got to the joining of I-75 and I-71, I heard on the CB radio that the police were watching the stretch of I-75/71 that is prohibited to northbound trucks(steep grade to the Ohio River Bridge). I took I-275 east to I-471 north and then I-71 south to I-75 north again.
Followed I-75 through Toledo, Ohio and into Michigan. Got to Taylor just after 4 PM EST, a little over my ten hour rule. I just wanted to get here!!
Checked with Taylor(Detroit) terminal dispatch and was told to drop my trailer and take one going to Hazelwood(north St. Louis), Missouri. I told dispatch I needed a break and he said that this load didn't have to be there until Monday; no problem. He also said it was a drop and hook onto and empty trailer. I was tired so I went to my tractor, let it run for the Air Conditioning and went to sleep for the rest of the day.
September 5, 2010
September 5, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Homerville, Georgia)
The day of exploration...I woke up at 7:30 AM EST and called dispatch. I figured that a call in this early would bring a response of,"Call back in an hour". Nope! I had a load to pick up at 10 PM EST in Greenville, South Carolina. All day to get there! Dispatch told me not to show up more than an hour early and so that made my day "longer".
I studied the map and looked at the possibilities. I took Hwy 84 to Waycross, Georgia where I caught Hwy 1 north. Followed Hwy 1 all the way to Augusta-a city I just never liked-where I crossed the river into South Carolina on Hwy 25 north. Boy! did I see all the cotton and tobacco fields today. (Here it is cotton and tobacco and in Iowa and Illinois it's corn and soy beans). The drive was really pleasant and I stopped for a short "munchie" break at a dumpy truckstop in Augusta.
I was at our truckstop in Greer, South Carolina by 3 PM EST...I had something to eat and filled my tanks(64 gallons). I had the directions to the tire plant and I was there at 9:30 PM EST. They had me back to the dock and there I sat, waiting to be loaded until midnight.
The day of exploration...I woke up at 7:30 AM EST and called dispatch. I figured that a call in this early would bring a response of,"Call back in an hour". Nope! I had a load to pick up at 10 PM EST in Greenville, South Carolina. All day to get there! Dispatch told me not to show up more than an hour early and so that made my day "longer".
I studied the map and looked at the possibilities. I took Hwy 84 to Waycross, Georgia where I caught Hwy 1 north. Followed Hwy 1 all the way to Augusta-a city I just never liked-where I crossed the river into South Carolina on Hwy 25 north. Boy! did I see all the cotton and tobacco fields today. (Here it is cotton and tobacco and in Iowa and Illinois it's corn and soy beans). The drive was really pleasant and I stopped for a short "munchie" break at a dumpy truckstop in Augusta.
I was at our truckstop in Greer, South Carolina by 3 PM EST...I had something to eat and filled my tanks(64 gallons). I had the directions to the tire plant and I was there at 9:30 PM EST. They had me back to the dock and there I sat, waiting to be loaded until midnight.
September 4, 2010
September 4, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Monteagle, Tennessee)
I was up and getting around by 3 AM CST. The moon seemed as full as it was last night which made the travel through this beautiful green scenery that much more enjoyable.
I left Monteagle (Rocky Top) around 3:15 AM CST and headed southeast on I-24; my first challenge was the steep grade that takes me off of the mountain top. This company I drove for didn't go in for engine brakes(Jake Brakes) so these downhill grades were most the time slow and tedious. Got down the mountain fine and past all the fireworks stands before going into Georgia. I-24 going into Georgia for about 7 miles and then back into Tennessee and into Chattanooga. I just kept moving right through Chattanooga to I-75 which I took south into Georgia. Followed I-75 down through the "carpet and rug" area of northern Georgia to the north end of Atlanta. Took the I-285 loop to the west and south of Atlanta until I got to I-75 again; their I continued south. Took the bypass for Macon(never saw any city) and stopped at our fuel stop in Cordele, Georgia. I NEEDED A BREAK BAD!! It was now 9:45 AM EST and I had bunch. They put a lunch buffet out at 10 AM EST so I enjoyed it. After eating, I fueled(44 gallons) as I had no idea where I would have my next fuel stop and this area is a little foreign to me.
I Continued down I-75 until I came to Tifton, Georgia. There I took Hwy 82 to the southeast for about 40 miles to Pearson, Georgia. Out of Pearson I went south on Hwy441 right into Homerville.
After entering Homerville, I came to a "T" intersection and had to decide which way to turn. Not knowing, I got in the left turning lane. Over the CB radio came a voice asking me if I was looking for the Dollar Store Warehouse. It was the town Policeman. I told him yes and he told me that I needed to turn right. He then said to make my left turn and about a mile there was a huge parking lot I could turn around in. I made my left turn and he followed me. He pulled off a couple blocks before I got to the huge parking lot. He then got his radar gun out and pointed it my way. When I was turning my rig around when I heard, "Hey Myrtle, You need to slow that car down. You know you shouldn't be driving that fast into town". Then Myrtle came back and said she was sorry and that she would drive slower next time. It reminded me of Andy Griffith and Mayberry. It was really neat!!!
I found the warehouse and checked in at 1:15 PM EST. I was surprised as they said they could unload me but it would be at the next warehouse. I got over there and backed up to the dock and the unloaders got right on it. This was strange as warehouses for store chains are usually really strict about dock times. OH WELL????
I was unloaded by 3 PM EST as the paper towels I was carrying were on cardboard sheets and they had a fork truck that could pick them up easily. I thought about calling in but I had called in and told dispatch I was here. Their store warehouse here had a place I could stay for the night and I had a phone so I was set. I really wanted to walk around the downtown and I did. I got back to my truck around 8 PM after walking around and eating a small amount-cheeseburger, onion rings and a real good malt- at the downtown cafe. Couldn't get good TV reception so I just listened to my radio, wrote and when to sleep...
I was up and getting around by 3 AM CST. The moon seemed as full as it was last night which made the travel through this beautiful green scenery that much more enjoyable.
I left Monteagle (Rocky Top) around 3:15 AM CST and headed southeast on I-24; my first challenge was the steep grade that takes me off of the mountain top. This company I drove for didn't go in for engine brakes(Jake Brakes) so these downhill grades were most the time slow and tedious. Got down the mountain fine and past all the fireworks stands before going into Georgia. I-24 going into Georgia for about 7 miles and then back into Tennessee and into Chattanooga. I just kept moving right through Chattanooga to I-75 which I took south into Georgia. Followed I-75 down through the "carpet and rug" area of northern Georgia to the north end of Atlanta. Took the I-285 loop to the west and south of Atlanta until I got to I-75 again; their I continued south. Took the bypass for Macon(never saw any city) and stopped at our fuel stop in Cordele, Georgia. I NEEDED A BREAK BAD!! It was now 9:45 AM EST and I had bunch. They put a lunch buffet out at 10 AM EST so I enjoyed it. After eating, I fueled(44 gallons) as I had no idea where I would have my next fuel stop and this area is a little foreign to me.
I Continued down I-75 until I came to Tifton, Georgia. There I took Hwy 82 to the southeast for about 40 miles to Pearson, Georgia. Out of Pearson I went south on Hwy441 right into Homerville.
After entering Homerville, I came to a "T" intersection and had to decide which way to turn. Not knowing, I got in the left turning lane. Over the CB radio came a voice asking me if I was looking for the Dollar Store Warehouse. It was the town Policeman. I told him yes and he told me that I needed to turn right. He then said to make my left turn and about a mile there was a huge parking lot I could turn around in. I made my left turn and he followed me. He pulled off a couple blocks before I got to the huge parking lot. He then got his radar gun out and pointed it my way. When I was turning my rig around when I heard, "Hey Myrtle, You need to slow that car down. You know you shouldn't be driving that fast into town". Then Myrtle came back and said she was sorry and that she would drive slower next time. It reminded me of Andy Griffith and Mayberry. It was really neat!!!
I found the warehouse and checked in at 1:15 PM EST. I was surprised as they said they could unload me but it would be at the next warehouse. I got over there and backed up to the dock and the unloaders got right on it. This was strange as warehouses for store chains are usually really strict about dock times. OH WELL????
I was unloaded by 3 PM EST as the paper towels I was carrying were on cardboard sheets and they had a fork truck that could pick them up easily. I thought about calling in but I had called in and told dispatch I was here. Their store warehouse here had a place I could stay for the night and I had a phone so I was set. I really wanted to walk around the downtown and I did. I got back to my truck around 8 PM after walking around and eating a small amount-cheeseburger, onion rings and a real good malt- at the downtown cafe. Couldn't get good TV reception so I just listened to my radio, wrote and when to sleep...
September 3, 2010
September 3, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Mendota, Illinois)
Set my alarm clock to 1 AM CST and was woken up. I had just kind of taken it easy the past weekend and now I I need to put the hammer down and get moving. Still OK with time but I need to move...
I chose to travel at night as I had an easy day yesterday and really wasn't tired. Also, the highways are usually nice and quiet to travel on Sunday night-Monday morning. Also this night the noon is looking like it is full, or close to it. Just a plain beautiful night to travel...
Headed down I-39 after I did a vehicle inspection and got my logbook caught up. Time was just before 1:30 AM CST when I got started. The huge moon in front of me and almost no traffic. I took I-39 and hooked in for a couple miles on I-55 south around bloomington, Illinois. Caught I-74 east and followed it to I-57 south. On I-57 south, I stopped at our fueling stop in Effingham(Illinois) for breakfast. I saw alot of corn growing by moon light tonight. Since it was only 5:15 AM CST when I got there, I decided to lay down for a little nap. After laying in my bed for a half hour and not sleeping, I decided to go into the restaurant. There were two other company drivers in the restaurant so I sat down with them. The buffet breakfast was being put out so I waited 'til it was all out. Ate and then it was back to my truck. I sat there a few minutes and thought about how to go: either down I-57 or down Hwy 45. Hwy 45 represented fewer miles but I figured not enough miles to compensate for the free non stop miles of the interstate and the higher speed I can go. I took I-57 down to I-24 east. Crossed into Kentucky at Paducah and stopped for some gummy worms and chocolate milk. That held me until our fuel stop in Monteagle(Rocky Top), Tennessee(I-24) which I got to at 3:15 PM CST. I fueled(116 gallons), had a small dinner and played some video games in their game room. Went to my truck, listened to my radio and went to sleep.
Set my alarm clock to 1 AM CST and was woken up. I had just kind of taken it easy the past weekend and now I I need to put the hammer down and get moving. Still OK with time but I need to move...
I chose to travel at night as I had an easy day yesterday and really wasn't tired. Also, the highways are usually nice and quiet to travel on Sunday night-Monday morning. Also this night the noon is looking like it is full, or close to it. Just a plain beautiful night to travel...
Headed down I-39 after I did a vehicle inspection and got my logbook caught up. Time was just before 1:30 AM CST when I got started. The huge moon in front of me and almost no traffic. I took I-39 and hooked in for a couple miles on I-55 south around bloomington, Illinois. Caught I-74 east and followed it to I-57 south. On I-57 south, I stopped at our fueling stop in Effingham(Illinois) for breakfast. I saw alot of corn growing by moon light tonight. Since it was only 5:15 AM CST when I got there, I decided to lay down for a little nap. After laying in my bed for a half hour and not sleeping, I decided to go into the restaurant. There were two other company drivers in the restaurant so I sat down with them. The buffet breakfast was being put out so I waited 'til it was all out. Ate and then it was back to my truck. I sat there a few minutes and thought about how to go: either down I-57 or down Hwy 45. Hwy 45 represented fewer miles but I figured not enough miles to compensate for the free non stop miles of the interstate and the higher speed I can go. I took I-57 down to I-24 east. Crossed into Kentucky at Paducah and stopped for some gummy worms and chocolate milk. That held me until our fuel stop in Monteagle(Rocky Top), Tennessee(I-24) which I got to at 3:15 PM CST. I fueled(116 gallons), had a small dinner and played some video games in their game room. Went to my truck, listened to my radio and went to sleep.
September 2, 2010
September 2, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Madison, Wisconsin)
Plenty of time to get to Homerville, Georgia as I don't need to be there until Wednesday. I have a couple options: I can rush to get there with hopes of getting the load off early or I can just take my time and enjoy the "All Over". I am too late for the "rush" option as I took it easy yesterday. Why did I choose to take to easy? My experience tells me that the "Dollar Store" warehouse won't make a spot for me to unload until my appointment time. I can just take it easy and let my logbook gain some time.
I decided to go down to the truckstop in Beloit, Wisconsin and make my decision as to where I go from there. By 10:30 AM CST I was sitting at the truckstop. I decided to walk over to the Wal-Mart store a block away and get some supplies, which I did. I ended up with munchies for my trips and for breakfast...Sausage and chocolate milk.
Heading toward Rocky Top, Tennessee but not sure I can do it in ten hours. I took I-39 south and got down to the "Just a Truckstop" in Mendota, Illinois and took another stop break. This truckstop(in 1990) was pretty big and sitting in the middle of a cornfield...I went to their movie room...a mistake. I watched four movies: Moonraker, Dirty Hairy, Mash(the movie) and the Pink Panther. After the movies and eating munchies, I went to the truck-after dark-and decided to head out tomorrow AM for Rocky Top, Tennessee...
Plenty of time to get to Homerville, Georgia as I don't need to be there until Wednesday. I have a couple options: I can rush to get there with hopes of getting the load off early or I can just take my time and enjoy the "All Over". I am too late for the "rush" option as I took it easy yesterday. Why did I choose to take to easy? My experience tells me that the "Dollar Store" warehouse won't make a spot for me to unload until my appointment time. I can just take it easy and let my logbook gain some time.
I decided to go down to the truckstop in Beloit, Wisconsin and make my decision as to where I go from there. By 10:30 AM CST I was sitting at the truckstop. I decided to walk over to the Wal-Mart store a block away and get some supplies, which I did. I ended up with munchies for my trips and for breakfast...Sausage and chocolate milk.
Heading toward Rocky Top, Tennessee but not sure I can do it in ten hours. I took I-39 south and got down to the "Just a Truckstop" in Mendota, Illinois and took another stop break. This truckstop(in 1990) was pretty big and sitting in the middle of a cornfield...I went to their movie room...a mistake. I watched four movies: Moonraker, Dirty Hairy, Mash(the movie) and the Pink Panther. After the movies and eating munchies, I went to the truck-after dark-and decided to head out tomorrow AM for Rocky Top, Tennessee...
September 1, 2010
September 1, 1990, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Portage, Wisconsin)
I slept in this morning as I have no reason to rush this load. I decided to have lunch in Madison(Wisconsin) so I took off for Madison at 10 AM CST. I was sitting at the Heritage House Restaurant in the back of the parking lot at 10:45 AM CST waiting to go in at 11 AM CST. I ate lunch and was really full. Since I wasn't in a hurry, I went to the motel at the intersection of Hwys 12/18 and I-90 and got a room for the night. I spent most the night on my computer and watching cable TV....
Side note: I had my second son with me and he really wanted to do what I told him to. I had to make a pickup in Jersey City, New Jersey and I had picked up here before. I knew they didn't like children running around the docks and I told my son to stay in the tractor. He did that and did not complain. After we left, I found that he needed to "go" real bad. I found a place to let him relieve himself..If you have someone with you, make sure their needs are taken care of.
I slept in this morning as I have no reason to rush this load. I decided to have lunch in Madison(Wisconsin) so I took off for Madison at 10 AM CST. I was sitting at the Heritage House Restaurant in the back of the parking lot at 10:45 AM CST waiting to go in at 11 AM CST. I ate lunch and was really full. Since I wasn't in a hurry, I went to the motel at the intersection of Hwys 12/18 and I-90 and got a room for the night. I spent most the night on my computer and watching cable TV....
Side note: I had my second son with me and he really wanted to do what I told him to. I had to make a pickup in Jersey City, New Jersey and I had picked up here before. I knew they didn't like children running around the docks and I told my son to stay in the tractor. He did that and did not complain. After we left, I found that he needed to "go" real bad. I found a place to let him relieve himself..If you have someone with you, make sure their needs are taken care of.
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