FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Peoria, Arizona)
3:30 AM MST came and I was up and ready to go. I headed up the mountainous I-17 and was in Flagstaff(Arizona) around 6:15 AM MST. It was a hard drive through the mountains but the moon was full and beautiful.
I was at the Flagstaff tire store when the employees started showing up. Before they did show up, I had gone across the street to the store and got some munchies to eat. I finished off the trailer at this store and was empty about 9 AM MST. Called dispatch and was told to go back to Phoenix. I took my time and got back to north Phoenix at around 12:30 PM MST. I called in and was told to check back in every hour. I was stopped at a place I didn't mind off of I-17 & Bell Road so I decided to just stay there. I checked in the rest of the day but there was nothing. I just typed and watched my TV.
About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
January 31, 2011
January 30, 2011
January 30, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Phoenix, Arizona)
Had a busy day today. I had to deliver to 4 tire stores in Phoenix, 1 in Glendale and 2 in Peoria. It was a pretty rough day and after the last drop in Peoria, the last store had a Chinese restaurant by it. I asked the tire store manager if it was any good and he said it was really good. I tried it and it was good. The Peoria store manager said I could park in his parking area for the night if I wanted and so I did.
Had a busy day today. I had to deliver to 4 tire stores in Phoenix, 1 in Glendale and 2 in Peoria. It was a pretty rough day and after the last drop in Peoria, the last store had a Chinese restaurant by it. I asked the tire store manager if it was any good and he said it was really good. I tried it and it was good. The Peoria store manager said I could park in his parking area for the night if I wanted and so I did.
January 29, 2011
January 29, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Eloy, Arizona)
Slow day as I drove to the "Just a Truckstop" in Casa Grande, New Mexico and thought about staying here for the night. Decided to drive to Phoenix today and so I did. Checked into a Regal Inn around 1 PM MST and took it easy the rest of the day...
Slow day as I drove to the "Just a Truckstop" in Casa Grande, New Mexico and thought about staying here for the night. Decided to drive to Phoenix today and so I did. Checked into a Regal Inn around 1 PM MST and took it easy the rest of the day...
January 28, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-El Paso, Texas)
Got up at 8 AM MST and went into the terminal. I went in and got cleaned up and then sat around and talked with the other drivers for awhile. Another driver wanted to go shopping and out to eat at the El Paso "Just a Truckstop" and I said I would go with him. We visited Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and "Just a Truckstop". We then went back to the terminal and I then fueled(102 gallons) and got ready to leave El Paso.
I left the terminal for Phoenix on I-10 at 4 PM MST. Into New Mexico and a good flat road drive west on I-10 after Las Cruces, New Mexico. Into Arizona past Tucson and onto Eloy where I stopped for the night at 9:45 PM MST. Went into the terminal to see if any good movies were playing in the movie room. Didn't find anything I was interested in so I went to my truck and went to sleep...
Got up at 8 AM MST and went into the terminal. I went in and got cleaned up and then sat around and talked with the other drivers for awhile. Another driver wanted to go shopping and out to eat at the El Paso "Just a Truckstop" and I said I would go with him. We visited Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and "Just a Truckstop". We then went back to the terminal and I then fueled(102 gallons) and got ready to leave El Paso.
I left the terminal for Phoenix on I-10 at 4 PM MST. Into New Mexico and a good flat road drive west on I-10 after Las Cruces, New Mexico. Into Arizona past Tucson and onto Eloy where I stopped for the night at 9:45 PM MST. Went into the terminal to see if any good movies were playing in the movie room. Didn't find anything I was interested in so I went to my truck and went to sleep...
January 28, 2011
January 27, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Hobbs, New Mexico)
Woke up after a good sleep. Time was around 7 AM MST and so I got up and got my logbook legal. I did a vehicle inspection and then headed west on Hwy 180. Decided I would go to church in Carlsbad, New Mexico if I could find it.
Parked in the dirt lot next to the Carlsbad Wal-Mart and called the church. Told who I was talking to that I had a semi truck and they said to bring it to the church and park in the parking lot. I did. I met Nina and her daughter at church and they invited me to dinner with them and I said sure. After church several of the boys wanted to see my tractor so I showed them.
I left the truck sit at the church and went with Nina and her daughter to their home. Nice place...Had a very nice afternoon with them and then Nina took me back to my truck about 7:30 PM MST. I would see Nina several times in the future.
Left Carlsbad at 7:30 PM MST and headed for El Paso(Texas) west on Hwy 180. Passed Whites City--city closest to the Carlsbad Caverns--and then past the area of "Matilda the witch"(see February 10, 1990, 2010). We then were in the Guadalupe Mountains after entering Texas. From the Guadalupe Mountains, I took the long down grade to the desert floor and then on to El Paso. I pulled into the terminal at 11 PM MST, parked my truck and went to sleep...
Woke up after a good sleep. Time was around 7 AM MST and so I got up and got my logbook legal. I did a vehicle inspection and then headed west on Hwy 180. Decided I would go to church in Carlsbad, New Mexico if I could find it.
Parked in the dirt lot next to the Carlsbad Wal-Mart and called the church. Told who I was talking to that I had a semi truck and they said to bring it to the church and park in the parking lot. I did. I met Nina and her daughter at church and they invited me to dinner with them and I said sure. After church several of the boys wanted to see my tractor so I showed them.
I left the truck sit at the church and went with Nina and her daughter to their home. Nice place...Had a very nice afternoon with them and then Nina took me back to my truck about 7:30 PM MST. I would see Nina several times in the future.
Left Carlsbad at 7:30 PM MST and headed for El Paso(Texas) west on Hwy 180. Passed Whites City--city closest to the Carlsbad Caverns--and then past the area of "Matilda the witch"(see February 10, 1990, 2010). We then were in the Guadalupe Mountains after entering Texas. From the Guadalupe Mountains, I took the long down grade to the desert floor and then on to El Paso. I pulled into the terminal at 11 PM MST, parked my truck and went to sleep...
January 27, 2011
January 26, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Lancaster, Texas)
Woke up when the terminal building opened. I grabbed my computer and took it into the truckers' lounge. I was typing and talking when my number came up at 10 AM CST for a load. I checked in with dispatch and found they had given me a load of tires going to Phoenix and ending in Flagstaff. I took the load and went back and finished the conversation I was having. I had plenty of time as I didn't start deliveries until Wednesday. I fueled(83 gallons) and got my log book updated.
I jumped on I-20 westbound at 11:30 AM CST and kept my speed up, sometimes going over their 60 mile/hour speed limit for trucks. As I traveled, I decided to go through Hobbs and Carlsbad, New Mexico; so after passing Sweetwater(Texas) I took Hwy 84 northwest to Snyder(Texas) and Hwy 180. In Snyder, I stopped at Dairy Queen and got me a huge Cherry/Banana Malt. I continued west on Hwy 180 and passed through Seminole, the town with the smallest Wal-Mart I feel I have ever seen.
Crossed into New Mexico and their Port of Entry was closed. They had plenty of parking space. I was feeling tired so I parked for the night at 6:15 PM MST. I had time so I walked around for about an hour. After I got back to the truck I thought about moving on but I was here and so I listened to the radio and typed on my computer...
Woke up when the terminal building opened. I grabbed my computer and took it into the truckers' lounge. I was typing and talking when my number came up at 10 AM CST for a load. I checked in with dispatch and found they had given me a load of tires going to Phoenix and ending in Flagstaff. I took the load and went back and finished the conversation I was having. I had plenty of time as I didn't start deliveries until Wednesday. I fueled(83 gallons) and got my log book updated.
I jumped on I-20 westbound at 11:30 AM CST and kept my speed up, sometimes going over their 60 mile/hour speed limit for trucks. As I traveled, I decided to go through Hobbs and Carlsbad, New Mexico; so after passing Sweetwater(Texas) I took Hwy 84 northwest to Snyder(Texas) and Hwy 180. In Snyder, I stopped at Dairy Queen and got me a huge Cherry/Banana Malt. I continued west on Hwy 180 and passed through Seminole, the town with the smallest Wal-Mart I feel I have ever seen.
Crossed into New Mexico and their Port of Entry was closed. They had plenty of parking space. I was feeling tired so I parked for the night at 6:15 PM MST. I had time so I walked around for about an hour. After I got back to the truck I thought about moving on but I was here and so I listened to the radio and typed on my computer...
January 26, 2011
January 25, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Anne, Texas)
I had a delivery appointment for delivery in northern part of Dallas for 1 PM CST. I woke at the truckstop at around 7 AM CST and went into the restaurant to eat. I was finally headed down Hwy 75 at 8:30 AM CST and found the receiver at 9:30 AM CST. I checked into the receiving department and was told to back up to dock 4. I backed up and laid back down in my sleeper. I was unloaded and away from the dock by noon CST.
Called the Lancaster(Dallas area) terminal and was told to go to the terminal. I did and dropped my trailer in the terminal yard. I sat inside the terminal building until it closed and watched their TV and talked with other drivers. After the terminal closed, I bobtailed and got a bunch of chicken wings and ate them while I laid in my bed and watched TV. Fall asleep after a couple hours...
I had a delivery appointment for delivery in northern part of Dallas for 1 PM CST. I woke at the truckstop at around 7 AM CST and went into the restaurant to eat. I was finally headed down Hwy 75 at 8:30 AM CST and found the receiver at 9:30 AM CST. I checked into the receiving department and was told to back up to dock 4. I backed up and laid back down in my sleeper. I was unloaded and away from the dock by noon CST.
Called the Lancaster(Dallas area) terminal and was told to go to the terminal. I did and dropped my trailer in the terminal yard. I sat inside the terminal building until it closed and watched their TV and talked with other drivers. After the terminal closed, I bobtailed and got a bunch of chicken wings and ate them while I laid in my bed and watched TV. Fall asleep after a couple hours...
January 24, 2011
January 24, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Kansas City, Missouri)
What a day for a "nightmare"!!!! I was sleeping at the Kansas City terminal(in my tractor) and woke up before 5 AM CST. I got up and went into dispatch and found I was close to leaving Kansas City. I tried to type on my computer but thinking just was one thing I couldn't do. Talked with dispatch for a short time and decided to take a nap. I was woken up at 8:30 AM CST and told I had a load. I checked in with dispatch and had a load to Dallas, Texas. I decided to go through our Joplin headquarters, thus down Hwy 71.
I followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. I got to Joplin finally at 12:30 PM CST. I checked with Joplin dispatch and got new fuel cards. I took my permit book to the permit department so that they could update the book. The permit department was too busy so I decided to do the book later. Dispatch asked me to take Bozo(handle of one of our drivers) to Muskogee for his "time Off"; Muskogee was his home. Left Joplin at around 3 PM CST.
Took I-44 southwest to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and Hwy 69. Took Hwy 69 so to Muskogee. Dropped Bozo off and headed south on Hwy 69 again. Around 8 PM CST I got close to Durant (Oklahoma) the the roads were under heavy repairs. My load was light and well packed so I dodged the potholes with my truck. This dodging was the wrong thing to do as some gal called me in on channel 9(emergency channel) of the CB radio and talked with an Oklahoma Highway patrolman. Before crossing the Red River into Texas, a highway patrolman pulled me over. He pulled in behind me. I met him between his car and my cab. He just stopped me to make sure I was "OK". He let me go after talking for a couple minuted. He didn't even ask for my license. I got back into my cab and went into Texas.
I traveled through Denison, Texas(before the highway bypass was put in) and after the last city stoplight, a Texas highway patrolman pulled me over. He pulled in front of me and I met him half way to his car. He asked for my license and invited me to sit in his car. I told him that Oklahoma HP had stopped me and he said the gal had called me in in Texas also. He called in on his car radio and reported that I was OK and not drunk. I was concerned and thinking that she might call my company. I voiced my concern and the officer then gave me a paper with his name, rank and phone number. He said that if my company had any questions they could call him and he would verify I was "OK". I kept that info in my journal.
After I got back in my tractor I was concerned that I would have further problems. I decided to stop at the truckstop in Anna, Texas for the night which I did...
What a day for a "nightmare"!!!! I was sleeping at the Kansas City terminal(in my tractor) and woke up before 5 AM CST. I got up and went into dispatch and found I was close to leaving Kansas City. I tried to type on my computer but thinking just was one thing I couldn't do. Talked with dispatch for a short time and decided to take a nap. I was woken up at 8:30 AM CST and told I had a load. I checked in with dispatch and had a load to Dallas, Texas. I decided to go through our Joplin headquarters, thus down Hwy 71.
I followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. I got to Joplin finally at 12:30 PM CST. I checked with Joplin dispatch and got new fuel cards. I took my permit book to the permit department so that they could update the book. The permit department was too busy so I decided to do the book later. Dispatch asked me to take Bozo(handle of one of our drivers) to Muskogee for his "time Off"; Muskogee was his home. Left Joplin at around 3 PM CST.
Took I-44 southwest to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and Hwy 69. Took Hwy 69 so to Muskogee. Dropped Bozo off and headed south on Hwy 69 again. Around 8 PM CST I got close to Durant (Oklahoma) the the roads were under heavy repairs. My load was light and well packed so I dodged the potholes with my truck. This dodging was the wrong thing to do as some gal called me in on channel 9(emergency channel) of the CB radio and talked with an Oklahoma Highway patrolman. Before crossing the Red River into Texas, a highway patrolman pulled me over. He pulled in behind me. I met him between his car and my cab. He just stopped me to make sure I was "OK". He let me go after talking for a couple minuted. He didn't even ask for my license. I got back into my cab and went into Texas.
I traveled through Denison, Texas(before the highway bypass was put in) and after the last city stoplight, a Texas highway patrolman pulled me over. He pulled in front of me and I met him half way to his car. He asked for my license and invited me to sit in his car. I told him that Oklahoma HP had stopped me and he said the gal had called me in in Texas also. He called in on his car radio and reported that I was OK and not drunk. I was concerned and thinking that she might call my company. I voiced my concern and the officer then gave me a paper with his name, rank and phone number. He said that if my company had any questions they could call him and he would verify I was "OK". I kept that info in my journal.
After I got back in my tractor I was concerned that I would have further problems. I decided to stop at the truckstop in Anna, Texas for the night which I did...
January 23, 2011
January 23, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling)
Stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana a little after 2 AM EST and decided to bed down for the night. Sleep went well and I was up and ready to go by 9 AM EST. Went into the restaurant and had breakfast before leaving at 10:30 AM EST.
Followed I-80 west to I-55 and then went south. Nothing much on the CB radio and that was disappointing as that was all I had to do while driving through this boring area. Pulled into the Funk's Grove rest area-in Illinois-for a break at 12:30 PM and I was there about a half hour just looking and walking around. I-55 southbound to Springfield(Illinois) where I took Hwy 36(now I-72) west-yep, west through really "exciting"(yawn) territory-to the end of the Hwy(building I-72) to Hwy 100. Took Hwy 100 south only a few miles to Hwy 106 west. Followed Hwy 106 over the Illinois River drawbridge(only two draw bridges I know of...) and then into Pittsfield(Illinois) where I got on Hwy 54 south.
I got to the bridge over the Mississippi River. This bridge was-and still is-very skinny and tight to go over. Anyway, I got over the bridge and continued to follow Hwy 54 through the speed trap in Curryville(Missouri) and onto Kingdom City, Missouri, where I took a break at 5:15 PM CST.
At about 6 PM CST I was headed toward Kansas City. I got to the Kansas City terminal at 8:30 PM CST where I dropped my trailer and checked in with dispatch. Spent the night at the terminal...
Stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana a little after 2 AM EST and decided to bed down for the night. Sleep went well and I was up and ready to go by 9 AM EST. Went into the restaurant and had breakfast before leaving at 10:30 AM EST.
Followed I-80 west to I-55 and then went south. Nothing much on the CB radio and that was disappointing as that was all I had to do while driving through this boring area. Pulled into the Funk's Grove rest area-in Illinois-for a break at 12:30 PM and I was there about a half hour just looking and walking around. I-55 southbound to Springfield(Illinois) where I took Hwy 36(now I-72) west-yep, west through really "exciting"(yawn) territory-to the end of the Hwy(building I-72) to Hwy 100. Took Hwy 100 south only a few miles to Hwy 106 west. Followed Hwy 106 over the Illinois River drawbridge(only two draw bridges I know of...) and then into Pittsfield(Illinois) where I got on Hwy 54 south.
I got to the bridge over the Mississippi River. This bridge was-and still is-very skinny and tight to go over. Anyway, I got over the bridge and continued to follow Hwy 54 through the speed trap in Curryville(Missouri) and onto Kingdom City, Missouri, where I took a break at 5:15 PM CST.
At about 6 PM CST I was headed toward Kansas City. I got to the Kansas City terminal at 8:30 PM CST where I dropped my trailer and checked in with dispatch. Spent the night at the terminal...
January 22, 2011
January 22, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Iowa City, Iowa)
Woke up at 8:15 AM CST and walked around the truckstop terminal a short time. I was heading east on I-80 by 9 AM CST. I traveled around the Quad-Cities into Illinois and into Indiana an hour and a half. I stopped at Lake Station for lunch at 2:30 PM CST. I had a fast lunch and was headed east on I-94 by 3:30 PM CST.
I got to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal just before 7:30 PM EST. I dropped my trailer in the terminal yard and checked with dispatch. Dispatch gave me another load immediately. I was to go to Utica, Michigan, pick up a loaded trailer and deliver it to the Kansas City(Claycomo), Missouri Ford plant.
I fueled(128 gallons) and headed for Utica. This plant I went to seemed like the only one I have been to that is more than a couple miles off the interstate or major highway. I went down miles of stoplights and bumper to bumper traffic before getting to the plant. I dropped my trailer and was told to pick up another. The storage area for the trailers is(was???) on an old oval race track with the ends inclined. I had to drive over the inclined section to get to my loaded trailer. I left the Utica plant at 10 PM EST with the snow starting to fall. Driving west on I-94 as my day ended...
Woke up at 8:15 AM CST and walked around the truckstop terminal a short time. I was heading east on I-80 by 9 AM CST. I traveled around the Quad-Cities into Illinois and into Indiana an hour and a half. I stopped at Lake Station for lunch at 2:30 PM CST. I had a fast lunch and was headed east on I-94 by 3:30 PM CST.
I got to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal just before 7:30 PM EST. I dropped my trailer in the terminal yard and checked with dispatch. Dispatch gave me another load immediately. I was to go to Utica, Michigan, pick up a loaded trailer and deliver it to the Kansas City(Claycomo), Missouri Ford plant.
I fueled(128 gallons) and headed for Utica. This plant I went to seemed like the only one I have been to that is more than a couple miles off the interstate or major highway. I went down miles of stoplights and bumper to bumper traffic before getting to the plant. I dropped my trailer and was told to pick up another. The storage area for the trailers is(was???) on an old oval race track with the ends inclined. I had to drive over the inclined section to get to my loaded trailer. I left the Utica plant at 10 PM EST with the snow starting to fall. Driving west on I-94 as my day ended...
January 21, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Was up and checking with dispatch at 5:30 AM CST. I was told to take my trailer to Lenexa, Kansas and drop it at the receiver's. No trailer to pick up so I just bobtail back to the Kansas City terminal.
I was back in the terminal at 9 AM CST and on the TRB. Sat around the terminal and finally got a load at 4:30 PM CST. The load???? Take an empty trailer to Ottumwa, Iowa and switch it for a loaded one going to the Taylor(Detroit) Michigan terminal.
I got the empty trailer hooked up and was on my way to Ottumwa by 5 PM CST. I was in the rush hour traffic a very short time while on I-35 northbound. Scale house was closed but I didn't have anything to worry about. Into Iowa and to Hwy 34 at Osceola(Iowa). Went east on Hwy 34 to Ottumwa, finding the shipper's trailers on the east side of town.
Dropped my empty trailer and backed up under the loaded one getting ready to hook to the king pin(the trailer "pin" that the tractor hooks to). With the front of the trailer sitting securely on the fifth wheel(The place on the tractor where the trailer rides) I got out to roll the dollies(the stands that hold the trailer front up) and found them locked frozen.
Dollies are composed of several gears in a gear box. The trailer I was picking up had a gear box that had gotten water in it and the temperature when I got the trailer was at 5 degrees....frozen solid. I had to hit the gear box with a hammer and spray WD 40 into the box, hoping to break up the ice and melt it a little. It took some doing but I finally got the dollies working.
Trucker Helpful Hint: When dealing with frozen parts on a trailer, use FLAME "as a last resort" if at all. I just fear the chance that a "fire" might get away from you and...There are ice melting sprays you can store-if legal with the federal DOT-in your side boxes for these problems...
Got all hooked up and called dispatch; I was told to take it to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal where I am to drop it. Left Ottumwa at 9:30 PM CST on Hwy 34 east. At Fairfield(Iowa) I took Hwy 1 north. As I was getting close to Washington(Iowa), I had a pickup truck pass me driving fast and erratically. I called a law enforcement person on CB channel 9(the old emergency CB number) and by the time I passed Washington the law had the pickup stopped. I got back on the CB radio channel 9 and called the police about the pickup truck. The officer I talked with told me that the OLD fellow they stopped was drunk AND that he had stolen the pickup....
I continued to the Hawkeye truckstop in Iowa City(Iowa) getting there at 11:45 PM CST. went to sleep for the night...
Was up and checking with dispatch at 5:30 AM CST. I was told to take my trailer to Lenexa, Kansas and drop it at the receiver's. No trailer to pick up so I just bobtail back to the Kansas City terminal.
I was back in the terminal at 9 AM CST and on the TRB. Sat around the terminal and finally got a load at 4:30 PM CST. The load???? Take an empty trailer to Ottumwa, Iowa and switch it for a loaded one going to the Taylor(Detroit) Michigan terminal.
I got the empty trailer hooked up and was on my way to Ottumwa by 5 PM CST. I was in the rush hour traffic a very short time while on I-35 northbound. Scale house was closed but I didn't have anything to worry about. Into Iowa and to Hwy 34 at Osceola(Iowa). Went east on Hwy 34 to Ottumwa, finding the shipper's trailers on the east side of town.
Dropped my empty trailer and backed up under the loaded one getting ready to hook to the king pin(the trailer "pin" that the tractor hooks to). With the front of the trailer sitting securely on the fifth wheel(The place on the tractor where the trailer rides) I got out to roll the dollies(the stands that hold the trailer front up) and found them locked frozen.
Dollies are composed of several gears in a gear box. The trailer I was picking up had a gear box that had gotten water in it and the temperature when I got the trailer was at 5 degrees....frozen solid. I had to hit the gear box with a hammer and spray WD 40 into the box, hoping to break up the ice and melt it a little. It took some doing but I finally got the dollies working.
Trucker Helpful Hint: When dealing with frozen parts on a trailer, use FLAME "as a last resort" if at all. I just fear the chance that a "fire" might get away from you and...There are ice melting sprays you can store-if legal with the federal DOT-in your side boxes for these problems...
Got all hooked up and called dispatch; I was told to take it to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal where I am to drop it. Left Ottumwa at 9:30 PM CST on Hwy 34 east. At Fairfield(Iowa) I took Hwy 1 north. As I was getting close to Washington(Iowa), I had a pickup truck pass me driving fast and erratically. I called a law enforcement person on CB channel 9(the old emergency CB number) and by the time I passed Washington the law had the pickup stopped. I got back on the CB radio channel 9 and called the police about the pickup truck. The officer I talked with told me that the OLD fellow they stopped was drunk AND that he had stolen the pickup....
I continued to the Hawkeye truckstop in Iowa City(Iowa) getting there at 11:45 PM CST. went to sleep for the night...
January 20, 2011
January 20, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I stayed at the terminal today under the load I was to deliver tomorrow in Lenexa, Kansas. Just talked with other dricers, watched TV and typed on my computer....
I stayed at the terminal today under the load I was to deliver tomorrow in Lenexa, Kansas. Just talked with other dricers, watched TV and typed on my computer....
January 19, 2011
January 19, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
I was sleeping at a truckstop on the east side of Eau Claire when my alarm clock went off at 2 AM. I got up and did a vehicle inspection, my paper and let for St. Paul, Minnesota at 2:30 AM CST. I crossed into Minnesota on I-94 to find the state weigh station open. One of the officers in the station came out and asked to look at my log book. He reviewed it as I sat on the scales and then gave it back to me telling me to have a safe drive.
I took I-494 around the southeast corner of the St Paul Area. Took I-94 south into Iowa and stopped at Urbandale(Iowa) at 8:30 MA CST for breakfast. I was there about three hours as I was in no hurry. Heading for the Kansas City terminal at 11:30 AM CST. Non-eventful ride to the terminal in Kansas City. Got to the Kansas City terminal at 3 PM CST and fueled(168 gallons) and parked my whole unit in the yard. I sat in the trucker lounge and watched the TV until under dark when I went out to bed...
I was sleeping at a truckstop on the east side of Eau Claire when my alarm clock went off at 2 AM. I got up and did a vehicle inspection, my paper and let for St. Paul, Minnesota at 2:30 AM CST. I crossed into Minnesota on I-94 to find the state weigh station open. One of the officers in the station came out and asked to look at my log book. He reviewed it as I sat on the scales and then gave it back to me telling me to have a safe drive.
I took I-494 around the southeast corner of the St Paul Area. Took I-94 south into Iowa and stopped at Urbandale(Iowa) at 8:30 MA CST for breakfast. I was there about three hours as I was in no hurry. Heading for the Kansas City terminal at 11:30 AM CST. Non-eventful ride to the terminal in Kansas City. Got to the Kansas City terminal at 3 PM CST and fueled(168 gallons) and parked my whole unit in the yard. I sat in the trucker lounge and watched the TV until under dark when I went out to bed...
January 18, 2011
January 18, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I slept until My alarm went off at 3:45 AM CST. I needed to get moving as I was told that the warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota will unload me if I get the trailer there by 2 PM CST.
I fueled(96 gallons), did paperwork and vehicle inspection and was gone up I-35 at 4:15 AM CST.
I kept my speed up and did not have things slow me down; the state scales were closed all the way to Minnesota and traffic minimal. Ate munchies as I drove and took only one short break at a pickle park just north Of Ames, Iowa of of I-35. Time now 8:15 AM CST and I have to keep moving. doing well on time and crossed into Minnesota to find the Minnesota scales open weighing trucks. I got through with no problems...
I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W and I continued north on I-35W. Got to I-494 and went west on it to Eden Prairie(Minnesota). The warehouse I was looking for was just north of I-494 and I pulled into the parking lot at 11:30 AM CST and was backed to the dock for unloading by noon. It didn't take long to unload me and I was calling dispatch by 1:15 PM CST.
I was dispatched to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to pick up a loaded trailer of auto tires due in Lenexa, Kansas Monday morning. I left east on I-494 and followed it around to I-94 which I took into Wisconsin. 3:45 PM CST found me pulling into a tire warehouse parking lot. Got the paperwork I needed and hooked up to the trailer. Paperwork and vehicle inspection done, I decided to go back to St. Paul and then back down to Kansas. I got on I-94 west bound but was real tired. I pulled into the westside of Eau Claire truckstop for my break....went to sleep...
I slept until My alarm went off at 3:45 AM CST. I needed to get moving as I was told that the warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota will unload me if I get the trailer there by 2 PM CST.
I fueled(96 gallons), did paperwork and vehicle inspection and was gone up I-35 at 4:15 AM CST.
I kept my speed up and did not have things slow me down; the state scales were closed all the way to Minnesota and traffic minimal. Ate munchies as I drove and took only one short break at a pickle park just north Of Ames, Iowa of of I-35. Time now 8:15 AM CST and I have to keep moving. doing well on time and crossed into Minnesota to find the Minnesota scales open weighing trucks. I got through with no problems...
I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W and I continued north on I-35W. Got to I-494 and went west on it to Eden Prairie(Minnesota). The warehouse I was looking for was just north of I-494 and I pulled into the parking lot at 11:30 AM CST and was backed to the dock for unloading by noon. It didn't take long to unload me and I was calling dispatch by 1:15 PM CST.
I was dispatched to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to pick up a loaded trailer of auto tires due in Lenexa, Kansas Monday morning. I left east on I-494 and followed it around to I-94 which I took into Wisconsin. 3:45 PM CST found me pulling into a tire warehouse parking lot. Got the paperwork I needed and hooked up to the trailer. Paperwork and vehicle inspection done, I decided to go back to St. Paul and then back down to Kansas. I got on I-94 west bound but was real tired. I pulled into the westside of Eau Claire truckstop for my break....went to sleep...
January 17, 2011
January 17, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday- traveling)
As my day started, I found myself traveling up I-35 toward my night's goal of our Lancaster, Texas terminal. The driving was pretty much quiet with what appeared no moon light to see the surroundings. I had given up on trying to stay up with radio reports on our attach on Iraq as the fade in and out of radio stations was too great.
I pulled into the terminal around 4 AM CST and fueled(116 gallons). I then parked my rig and went to sleep in the bunk until 8 AM. I called my Joplin dispatch about this load and the fact that it didn't have an appointment time. My dispatcher told me to call back in about 15 minutes and see what they came up with. I did call back and was told that if I could get it up to the receiver by 2 PM CST tomorrow, they would unload me for sure. I said OK.
I wasn't feeling tired so I left for Kansas City a little after 8:30 AM CST going up I-35E. Kept to the program as I was doing real well. Into Oklahoma I went and was thinking of stopping in Oklahoma City for lunch; decided to keep going north on I-35. Finally needed to take a break around Braman(Oklahoma) and did for a short time. Into Kansas I continued, staying on I-35 all the way to Kansas City, Missouri. I did stop at a really nice restaurant in Lebo, Kansas for a break and lunch. Pulled into the Kansas City terminal at 7 PM CST. I checked with dispatch there to see if I could drop the load if someone else needed the miles. No one wanted it so I kept it and went out and went to sleep...
As my day started, I found myself traveling up I-35 toward my night's goal of our Lancaster, Texas terminal. The driving was pretty much quiet with what appeared no moon light to see the surroundings. I had given up on trying to stay up with radio reports on our attach on Iraq as the fade in and out of radio stations was too great.
I pulled into the terminal around 4 AM CST and fueled(116 gallons). I then parked my rig and went to sleep in the bunk until 8 AM. I called my Joplin dispatch about this load and the fact that it didn't have an appointment time. My dispatcher told me to call back in about 15 minutes and see what they came up with. I did call back and was told that if I could get it up to the receiver by 2 PM CST tomorrow, they would unload me for sure. I said OK.
I wasn't feeling tired so I left for Kansas City a little after 8:30 AM CST going up I-35E. Kept to the program as I was doing real well. Into Oklahoma I went and was thinking of stopping in Oklahoma City for lunch; decided to keep going north on I-35. Finally needed to take a break around Braman(Oklahoma) and did for a short time. Into Kansas I continued, staying on I-35 all the way to Kansas City, Missouri. I did stop at a really nice restaurant in Lebo, Kansas for a break and lunch. Pulled into the Kansas City terminal at 7 PM CST. I checked with dispatch there to see if I could drop the load if someone else needed the miles. No one wanted it so I kept it and went out and went to sleep...
January 16, 2011
January 16, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Brownsville, Texas)
I was up at 7 AM CST waiting for the warehouse shipping department to open. When it did, I checked with then and they said the trailer hadn't come over the border from Mexico yet. They had no idea when it would come across, only that it was scheduled to. The fellow I talked with said that he would send someone out to get me once it got in. I parked my tractor in the waiting area and opened up both my side tractor sleeper doors for air. It was a nice warm day but not too hot. I had plenty of munchies for the days food so I just worked on projects and watched my TV. Didn't run the engine while I waited.
It was 4:30 PM CST before I got the trailer. The weight on the paperwork said that I had 44, 000 lbs of "made in Mexico" hand drills. When I got hooked up, I had to go to a rock quarry next to the warehouse to get weighed. I finally started heading north at 5:30 PM CST. As I left Brownsville, I was listening to the local radio and heard that our attack on Iraq was started. The radio reception was poor as I traveled north so I couldn't really follow the "war" news. I traveled up Hwy 77 to I-37 and took it to San Antonio(Texas). Got to "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio at 10:15 PM CST and stopped for something to eat. I was heading north on I-35 as my day ended...
I was up at 7 AM CST waiting for the warehouse shipping department to open. When it did, I checked with then and they said the trailer hadn't come over the border from Mexico yet. They had no idea when it would come across, only that it was scheduled to. The fellow I talked with said that he would send someone out to get me once it got in. I parked my tractor in the waiting area and opened up both my side tractor sleeper doors for air. It was a nice warm day but not too hot. I had plenty of munchies for the days food so I just worked on projects and watched my TV. Didn't run the engine while I waited.
It was 4:30 PM CST before I got the trailer. The weight on the paperwork said that I had 44, 000 lbs of "made in Mexico" hand drills. When I got hooked up, I had to go to a rock quarry next to the warehouse to get weighed. I finally started heading north at 5:30 PM CST. As I left Brownsville, I was listening to the local radio and heard that our attack on Iraq was started. The radio reception was poor as I traveled north so I couldn't really follow the "war" news. I traveled up Hwy 77 to I-37 and took it to San Antonio(Texas). Got to "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio at 10:15 PM CST and stopped for something to eat. I was heading north on I-35 as my day ended...
January 15, 2011
January 15, 1990, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I sat around the terminal most the day typing and taking with other drivers after I went out and had an early breakfast. At 10 AM CST I was #1 on the TRB and didn't get anything to do until 3 PM CST.
At a few minutes before 3 PM CST I got called to the dispatch window and told I was going to Brownsville to pick up a load to Minnesota. Decided to fuel here in Laredo even though I don't like the fuel stop. I took 64 gallons and then went back to the terminal and got my trailer. I left the terminal about 5 PM CST ant headed down Hwy 83. The new territory I was seeing was great. The problem was that darkness set in by the time I traveled past Zapata(Texas) but I still enjoyed the new territory.
I had one problem that wasn't very big. I stopped to make a phone call around Rio Grande City(Texas) and the phone service really "sucked" back them(maybe now too???). I could not use my phone credit card which I had no problem using any other place in the US or Canada I wanted to. I even tried calling dispatch-an 800 number-and couldn't. Gave up and went onto Brownsville.
Found the shipper in Brownsville with little problem a little after 9 PM CST. I looked for the trailer I was to pick up and could not find it. I called dispatch in Joplin, Missouri and was told to wait until tomorrow and then check with shipping office. I parked for for the night and went to sleep...
I sat around the terminal most the day typing and taking with other drivers after I went out and had an early breakfast. At 10 AM CST I was #1 on the TRB and didn't get anything to do until 3 PM CST.
At a few minutes before 3 PM CST I got called to the dispatch window and told I was going to Brownsville to pick up a load to Minnesota. Decided to fuel here in Laredo even though I don't like the fuel stop. I took 64 gallons and then went back to the terminal and got my trailer. I left the terminal about 5 PM CST ant headed down Hwy 83. The new territory I was seeing was great. The problem was that darkness set in by the time I traveled past Zapata(Texas) but I still enjoyed the new territory.
I had one problem that wasn't very big. I stopped to make a phone call around Rio Grande City(Texas) and the phone service really "sucked" back them(maybe now too???). I could not use my phone credit card which I had no problem using any other place in the US or Canada I wanted to. I even tried calling dispatch-an 800 number-and couldn't. Gave up and went onto Brownsville.
Found the shipper in Brownsville with little problem a little after 9 PM CST. I looked for the trailer I was to pick up and could not find it. I called dispatch in Joplin, Missouri and was told to wait until tomorrow and then check with shipping office. I parked for for the night and went to sleep...
January 14, 2011
January 14, 1990, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
Morning came at the Morten home. Steven and Reida had gone to work and Pam was getting ready to take me around to the hobby stores. I was hoping she would look as good as she did July 10, 1990; she looked really good but not totally stunning like she did.
The first hobby store we came to, there was a familiar tractor in front of it. Pam and I talked with the two other drivers for a short time and then went on our way. Pam took me to the terminal and we went into talk with dispatch. I won't get out until tomorrow at the earliest. While we were at the terminal, we saw Gemini and I talked with her. I invited Gemini to dinner and she said yes. I told her that I would meet her here, at the terminal, at 4 PM CST.
Pam took me back to her home and I got my tractor. I went back to the terminal and picked up Gemini. We ate to the Chinese restaurant in the Wal-Mart parking lot. She was very concerned about an accident on ice she had had. Afterward I took her to her motel room and I went to the terminal where I spent the night in my tractor...
Morning came at the Morten home. Steven and Reida had gone to work and Pam was getting ready to take me around to the hobby stores. I was hoping she would look as good as she did July 10, 1990; she looked really good but not totally stunning like she did.
The first hobby store we came to, there was a familiar tractor in front of it. Pam and I talked with the two other drivers for a short time and then went on our way. Pam took me to the terminal and we went into talk with dispatch. I won't get out until tomorrow at the earliest. While we were at the terminal, we saw Gemini and I talked with her. I invited Gemini to dinner and she said yes. I told her that I would meet her here, at the terminal, at 4 PM CST.
Pam took me back to her home and I got my tractor. I went back to the terminal and picked up Gemini. We ate to the Chinese restaurant in the Wal-Mart parking lot. She was very concerned about an accident on ice she had had. Afterward I took her to her motel room and I went to the terminal where I spent the night in my tractor...
January 13, 2011
January 13, 1990, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Laredo, Texas)
I spend the night at the Morten's place and I attended Sunday services with them. After church services, I spent the rest of the day with their family. Reida(wife) and Pam(Daughter) cooked a huge dinner and 14 people enjoyed it.
Cathy was on of the fourteen people at the meal. After eating I went with Cathy to feed her animals at her ranch and then came back to the Mortens. After the night wore on, I was talking with Pam and telling her about the model airplane I wanted to get for my son. She said that tomorrow she would take me around to the hobby stores to see what they have.....
I spend the night at the Morten's place and I attended Sunday services with them. After church services, I spent the rest of the day with their family. Reida(wife) and Pam(Daughter) cooked a huge dinner and 14 people enjoyed it.
Cathy was on of the fourteen people at the meal. After eating I went with Cathy to feed her animals at her ranch and then came back to the Mortens. After the night wore on, I was talking with Pam and telling her about the model airplane I wanted to get for my son. She said that tomorrow she would take me around to the hobby stores to see what they have.....
January 12, 2011
January 12, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling)
Arrived at Laredo, Texas just after 1 AM CST. I dropped my trailer in the terminal yard and went to bed.
I woke about 10 AM CST and checked with dispatch there in Laredo. I turned my paperwork for the load in and went on the TRB; Monday or Tuesday before I get out of here. I called the Mortens and they said to come on over and they had a room for me for the night. I said I would bring over pizzas-NO mushrooms-for dinner and they said fine. I bought over $30.00 worth of pizzas and took them to the Mortens, where I spend the night with their family.
Arrived at Laredo, Texas just after 1 AM CST. I dropped my trailer in the terminal yard and went to bed.
I woke about 10 AM CST and checked with dispatch there in Laredo. I turned my paperwork for the load in and went on the TRB; Monday or Tuesday before I get out of here. I called the Mortens and they said to come on over and they had a room for me for the night. I said I would bring over pizzas-NO mushrooms-for dinner and they said fine. I bought over $30.00 worth of pizzas and took them to the Mortens, where I spend the night with their family.
January 11, 2011
January 11, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Lancaster, Texas)
Spent this morning at the terminal talking , watching lounge TV and eating pizza. Afternoon came and I still had a while to wait. I went out and fueled(96 gallons) my tractor. I cleaned it up a little but ended up in the terminal waiting again.
Shortly before 4 PM CST I was called to the dispatch window where I was given a load to Laredo(Texas). I was southbound on I-35E by 4:30 PM CST. I did most this trip after dark and it was cloudy so I couldn't see any moon light.
Stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio(Texas) for dinner and a break. I was back on I-35 south by 10:30 PM CST. The day ended with me about an hour from Laredo...
Spent this morning at the terminal talking , watching lounge TV and eating pizza. Afternoon came and I still had a while to wait. I went out and fueled(96 gallons) my tractor. I cleaned it up a little but ended up in the terminal waiting again.
Shortly before 4 PM CST I was called to the dispatch window where I was given a load to Laredo(Texas). I was southbound on I-35E by 4:30 PM CST. I did most this trip after dark and it was cloudy so I couldn't see any moon light.
Stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in San Antonio(Texas) for dinner and a break. I was back on I-35 south by 10:30 PM CST. The day ended with me about an hour from Laredo...
January 10, 2011
January 10, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Joplin, Missouri)
As my day started, I was pulling out of our home terminal in Joplin. I headed southwest on I-44 into Oklahoma and got on Hwy 69 going south at Big Cabin(Oklahoma). Kept moving south and Hwy 75 joined Hwy 69. Stopped at Caddo(Oklahoma) for a very short break and then it was south bound again. Into texas I went and into north Dallas on Hwy 75.
Found Irving on the northwest side of Dallas. When I got off I-35E, Someone came over the CB radio and asked if I was looking for the warehouse that I was. I said yes and they told me how to get there. The fellow talking to me was a lumper looking for work. I said he cold unload my load and we agreed on a price of $35 and I would buy him lunch...My appointment was for 1 PM CST and at 3:15 PM CST I was out of there.
I had to go to Carrollton(Texas) and pick up a trailer of loaded tires and take then to Lancaster terminal. I did and dropped the trailed in the terminal yard. Spent night waiting for a load...
As my day started, I was pulling out of our home terminal in Joplin. I headed southwest on I-44 into Oklahoma and got on Hwy 69 going south at Big Cabin(Oklahoma). Kept moving south and Hwy 75 joined Hwy 69. Stopped at Caddo(Oklahoma) for a very short break and then it was south bound again. Into texas I went and into north Dallas on Hwy 75.
Found Irving on the northwest side of Dallas. When I got off I-35E, Someone came over the CB radio and asked if I was looking for the warehouse that I was. I said yes and they told me how to get there. The fellow talking to me was a lumper looking for work. I said he cold unload my load and we agreed on a price of $35 and I would buy him lunch...My appointment was for 1 PM CST and at 3:15 PM CST I was out of there.
I had to go to Carrollton(Texas) and pick up a trailer of loaded tires and take then to Lancaster terminal. I did and dropped the trailed in the terminal yard. Spent night waiting for a load...
January 9, 2011
January 9, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I had stayed up pretty late last night but still got up about 6:30 AM CST. My number on the TRB was getting closer to going out but I had time to go and eat with a couple other drivers. Got back from breakfast and my TRB number had not got much lower so I went out to my tractor to take a nap. I was not asleep long when Casey, the dispatcher) was knocking on my tractor.
I went into the dispatch window and was given a choice of loads I could have; I took a potato chip load to Irving, Texas. The problem was that I had to wait for the load which I finally got at 6:30 PM CST. I hooked up and found that the company had put the loaded trailer in a water hole the the ice had formed around the tire. I rocked the trailer forward and backwards a few times and got it out of the ice. I decided to take Hwy 71 to Joplin(Missouri) and go through our main terminal. It was a good thing that I did as the maintenance crew found a flat tire which they fixed...
I stayed in Joplin until Midnight.
I had stayed up pretty late last night but still got up about 6:30 AM CST. My number on the TRB was getting closer to going out but I had time to go and eat with a couple other drivers. Got back from breakfast and my TRB number had not got much lower so I went out to my tractor to take a nap. I was not asleep long when Casey, the dispatcher) was knocking on my tractor.
I went into the dispatch window and was given a choice of loads I could have; I took a potato chip load to Irving, Texas. The problem was that I had to wait for the load which I finally got at 6:30 PM CST. I hooked up and found that the company had put the loaded trailer in a water hole the the ice had formed around the tire. I rocked the trailer forward and backwards a few times and got it out of the ice. I decided to take Hwy 71 to Joplin(Missouri) and go through our main terminal. It was a good thing that I did as the maintenance crew found a flat tire which they fixed...
I stayed in Joplin until Midnight.
January 8. 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS: (Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Woke up and still found myself without a load. I talked again with dispatch and was told that it would be tomorrow before I got out of here. There was a note on my computer screen that my tractor needed some "new" tractor work done on it. I called the maintenance shop and got the OK to have the Kenworth dealership in Kansas City, Missouri do the work. I stayed on the TRB and went to the dealership and had the work done. I then went back to the terminal and spent the day typing on my computer and talking with the other drivers.
Woke up and still found myself without a load. I talked again with dispatch and was told that it would be tomorrow before I got out of here. There was a note on my computer screen that my tractor needed some "new" tractor work done on it. I called the maintenance shop and got the OK to have the Kenworth dealership in Kansas City, Missouri do the work. I stayed on the TRB and went to the dealership and had the work done. I then went back to the terminal and spent the day typing on my computer and talking with the other drivers.
January 7, 2011
January 7, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-West Memphis, Arkansas)
I woke up at 1 AM CST and decided to get moving. I pulled out of the truckstop at 1:15 AM CST and headed straight up I-55 toward St.Louis. Moon light out my driver's window was not all that great as there was only a half moon out.
Pulled into a pickle park right after Bloomsdale, Missouri for a short bathroom and leg stretch break around 4:45AM CST and was back on the road by 5 AM CST. I took I-270 west and north when I got to it south of St. Louis. I then took Hwys 40/61 west to I-70. I hit the St.Louis area during their rush hour so I would just have to live with it. Luckily for the rush hour period, I was going in the opposite direction. I shot-within speed limits-to the Kansas City office and was there by 11 AM. I checked with dispatch and they said to just drop the loaded trailer in the yard and hand in it's paperwork. I did and then fueled(84 gallons). I went on the TRB and just hung around the terminal all day and ate pizza, watch terminal TV and talked with other drivers...
I woke up at 1 AM CST and decided to get moving. I pulled out of the truckstop at 1:15 AM CST and headed straight up I-55 toward St.Louis. Moon light out my driver's window was not all that great as there was only a half moon out.
Pulled into a pickle park right after Bloomsdale, Missouri for a short bathroom and leg stretch break around 4:45AM CST and was back on the road by 5 AM CST. I took I-270 west and north when I got to it south of St. Louis. I then took Hwys 40/61 west to I-70. I hit the St.Louis area during their rush hour so I would just have to live with it. Luckily for the rush hour period, I was going in the opposite direction. I shot-within speed limits-to the Kansas City office and was there by 11 AM. I checked with dispatch and they said to just drop the loaded trailer in the yard and hand in it's paperwork. I did and then fueled(84 gallons). I went on the TRB and just hung around the terminal all day and ate pizza, watch terminal TV and talked with other drivers...
January 6, 2011
January 6, 1991, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lancaster, Texas)
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and then hooked up to my trailer. Did my paperwork and vehicle inspection while I fueled(89 gallons). I was heading up I-35E at 5 AM CST into downtown Dallas. I took I-30 east and followed it through some of the more boring parts of the country(I never was much of a Texas fan.). I got to Arkansas and continued northeast to Little Rock, Arkansas where I took I-40 east to Memphis. The whole trip to Memphis, I only stopped for a short time southwest of Little Rock. I got to the Memphis terminal at 12:45 PM CST.
I checked with the terminal dispatch and they said I could drop the trailer in the yard and they would deliver it if I wanted to take a load to Claycomo, Missouri due Tuesday. I said yes and was ready to leave Memphis by 2 PM CST. I had fueled(71 gallons) and left up I-55 a long distance to West Memphis, Arkansas. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" and had the barfet. I was full from eating when I was done and I was tired. I just went to my tractor and took my 8 hour+ break...Was sleeping when my day ended.
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and then hooked up to my trailer. Did my paperwork and vehicle inspection while I fueled(89 gallons). I was heading up I-35E at 5 AM CST into downtown Dallas. I took I-30 east and followed it through some of the more boring parts of the country(I never was much of a Texas fan.). I got to Arkansas and continued northeast to Little Rock, Arkansas where I took I-40 east to Memphis. The whole trip to Memphis, I only stopped for a short time southwest of Little Rock. I got to the Memphis terminal at 12:45 PM CST.
I checked with the terminal dispatch and they said I could drop the trailer in the yard and they would deliver it if I wanted to take a load to Claycomo, Missouri due Tuesday. I said yes and was ready to leave Memphis by 2 PM CST. I had fueled(71 gallons) and left up I-55 a long distance to West Memphis, Arkansas. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" and had the barfet. I was full from eating when I was done and I was tired. I just went to my tractor and took my 8 hour+ break...Was sleeping when my day ended.
January 5, 2011
January 5, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Boy, what a day!!!! I walked into dispatch to see what was going on...My number was UP. I checked in and was told to deadhead to the Lancaster, Texas terminal. I grabbed an empty trailer, fueled(78 gallons) and left at 8:45 AM CST. I decided to take I-35 down to Lancaster. I took I-35 into Kansas and continued to the toll road. Down into Oklahoma, stopping at Braman at 1 PM CST for a short break. Went on to Oklahoma City for lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" at 3:15 PM CST.
After lunch I was full from the barfet I had. I suffered from "fullness" but had to get to driving at 4:45 PM CST. Pulled into the Lancaster terminal at 8:30 PM CST. I checked in with the terminal dispatch and was given a load to Memphis, Tennessee. I was too tired and out of hours to leave tonight. I went out to my tractor and went to sleep...
Boy, what a day!!!! I walked into dispatch to see what was going on...My number was UP. I checked in and was told to deadhead to the Lancaster, Texas terminal. I grabbed an empty trailer, fueled(78 gallons) and left at 8:45 AM CST. I decided to take I-35 down to Lancaster. I took I-35 into Kansas and continued to the toll road. Down into Oklahoma, stopping at Braman at 1 PM CST for a short break. Went on to Oklahoma City for lunch at the "Just a Truckstop" at 3:15 PM CST.
After lunch I was full from the barfet I had. I suffered from "fullness" but had to get to driving at 4:45 PM CST. Pulled into the Lancaster terminal at 8:30 PM CST. I checked in with the terminal dispatch and was given a load to Memphis, Tennessee. I was too tired and out of hours to leave tonight. I went out to my tractor and went to sleep...
January 4, 2011
January 4, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-St. Joesph, Missouri)
I woke at 3 AM CST and rolled around the bed for awhile; could not go back to sleep. I decided to just drive to our Kansas City terminal where I would just log an eight hour break in St. Joesph, which I did. I was back at our Kansas City terminal by 5 AM CST. I talked with dispatch and was told I could just drop the load here as it was not due in Franklin, Tennessee until Tuesday. I dropped it and went on the TRB.
I sat around the rest of the day and talked with other drivers and watched the trucker lounge TV. Went out to my tractor and to sleep around 9 PM CST.
I woke at 3 AM CST and rolled around the bed for awhile; could not go back to sleep. I decided to just drive to our Kansas City terminal where I would just log an eight hour break in St. Joesph, which I did. I was back at our Kansas City terminal by 5 AM CST. I talked with dispatch and was told I could just drop the load here as it was not due in Franklin, Tennessee until Tuesday. I dropped it and went on the TRB.
I sat around the rest of the day and talked with other drivers and watched the trucker lounge TV. Went out to my tractor and to sleep around 9 PM CST.
January 3, 2011
January 3, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Cheyenne, Wyoming)
Morning came to Cheyenne and I called dispatch hoping to get out soon. Dispatch told me to go to Lexington, Nebraska and pick up a load to Franklin, Tennessee. I left the truckstop at 8 :15 AM MST after buying three turkey legs. As I drove east on I-80 to Nebraska, I chowed down on the turkey legs. I ate the legs slowly and they lasted awhile. The western part of Nebraska is really beautiful with the long green grasses and small rounding hills when snow's not on it.
I thought about stopping at Big Springs, Nebraska for fuel but figured I could wait until I got to the terminal in Kansas City, Missouri. Normally it wouldn't have been a problem but I had been running my tractor continually to keep me warm and not let my fuel tanks get too cold. So, I decided to stop and get the "small" amount I would need to fill up. I got 62 gallons and then was off for Lexington.
I got to Lexington and checked in with shipping at 2:15 PM CST . They had me back up to the dock and then loaded we with around 26,000 lbs of product for Franklin, Tennessee. At 3:30 PM CST I was headed toward Kansas City east on I-80. I pushed and kept my speed up and got to Lincoln(Nebraska) where I took Hwy 2 to Nebraska City(Nebraska). Into Iowa and south on I-29 to St. Joseph, Missouri. By now I was really tired and out of driving time so I pulled into the truckstop along I-29. I visited McDonalds and got something to eat. went to bed...
Morning came to Cheyenne and I called dispatch hoping to get out soon. Dispatch told me to go to Lexington, Nebraska and pick up a load to Franklin, Tennessee. I left the truckstop at 8 :15 AM MST after buying three turkey legs. As I drove east on I-80 to Nebraska, I chowed down on the turkey legs. I ate the legs slowly and they lasted awhile. The western part of Nebraska is really beautiful with the long green grasses and small rounding hills when snow's not on it.
I thought about stopping at Big Springs, Nebraska for fuel but figured I could wait until I got to the terminal in Kansas City, Missouri. Normally it wouldn't have been a problem but I had been running my tractor continually to keep me warm and not let my fuel tanks get too cold. So, I decided to stop and get the "small" amount I would need to fill up. I got 62 gallons and then was off for Lexington.
I got to Lexington and checked in with shipping at 2:15 PM CST . They had me back up to the dock and then loaded we with around 26,000 lbs of product for Franklin, Tennessee. At 3:30 PM CST I was headed toward Kansas City east on I-80. I pushed and kept my speed up and got to Lincoln(Nebraska) where I took Hwy 2 to Nebraska City(Nebraska). Into Iowa and south on I-29 to St. Joseph, Missouri. By now I was really tired and out of driving time so I pulled into the truckstop along I-29. I visited McDonalds and got something to eat. went to bed...
January 2, 2011
January 2, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Aurora, Colorado)
Half the load of tires I had were going here in Aurora and the last of them were going to Cheyenne, Wyoming for this afternoon.
I was obviously at the tire store when it opened and the manager gave me a couple guys to help me unload. We got the Colorado tires off the truck by 9:15 AM MST and I called dispatch to inform them that I was going to Wyoming. I left for Cheyenne around 9:30 AM MST by going up I-225 to I-40 and then west to I-270. I-270 took me to I-25 which I took to Cheyenne.
I was at the Cheyenne, Wyoming tire store at noon MST and it was much colder and more snow on the ground. We had the trailer unloaded of tire by 2:30 PM MST and I called dispatch; nothing for me tonight. I parked at the big truckstop at the junction or I-25 & I-70 and went to their restaurant. Didn't find the restaurant to my pleasing so I got two turkey legs and went back to my tractor. Ate the legs, cold pizza, and watched My TV. Went to sleep.
Half the load of tires I had were going here in Aurora and the last of them were going to Cheyenne, Wyoming for this afternoon.
I was obviously at the tire store when it opened and the manager gave me a couple guys to help me unload. We got the Colorado tires off the truck by 9:15 AM MST and I called dispatch to inform them that I was going to Wyoming. I left for Cheyenne around 9:30 AM MST by going up I-225 to I-40 and then west to I-270. I-270 took me to I-25 which I took to Cheyenne.
I was at the Cheyenne, Wyoming tire store at noon MST and it was much colder and more snow on the ground. We had the trailer unloaded of tire by 2:30 PM MST and I called dispatch; nothing for me tonight. I parked at the big truckstop at the junction or I-25 & I-70 and went to their restaurant. Didn't find the restaurant to my pleasing so I got two turkey legs and went back to my tractor. Ate the legs, cold pizza, and watched My TV. Went to sleep.
January 1, 2011
January 1, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Russell, Kansas)
Checked out of the Russell motel and the Pizza Hut next door was closed for the holiday. I did have pizza left from last night so I had some cold pizza but not all of it.
I left for Aurora, Colorado a little after 11:30 AM CST. Traveled east into Colorado and onto Limon(Colorado) where I fueled(96 gallons) and ate one big meal. I left for Aurora at 4:30 PM MST getting to the tire store at 6:15 PM MST. I just parked my rig in the parking lot of the store and waited for tomorrow. Watched my TV and went to sleep...
Checked out of the Russell motel and the Pizza Hut next door was closed for the holiday. I did have pizza left from last night so I had some cold pizza but not all of it.
I left for Aurora, Colorado a little after 11:30 AM CST. Traveled east into Colorado and onto Limon(Colorado) where I fueled(96 gallons) and ate one big meal. I left for Aurora at 4:30 PM MST getting to the tire store at 6:15 PM MST. I just parked my rig in the parking lot of the store and waited for tomorrow. Watched my TV and went to sleep...
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