FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Phenix City, Alabama)
I had gone to slept late and sleeping was pleasant so I was woken up by my trailer being moved around while being loaded. I was loaded with 15,000 lbs of auto parts and the loading was done by 7:30 AM EST. I had called dispatch, updated my logbook and done a vehicle inspection by 8:00 AM EST.
I left Phenix City a little before 8 AM and headed up I-185 north to I-85. I got to the Atlanta, Georgia area and took I-285 up the west to I-75 north. Into Tennessee I went past Chattanooga and up to Knoxville where I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" for lunch. After eating I continued up I-75 north of Knoxville. Before going into Kentucky, I love these roads. I feel like I am on a roller coaster no matter what my truck weight is...
I continued up into Kentucky and got to our fuel stop in Walton(Kentucky) at 6:30 PM EST. I fueled(152 gallons) here before laying down for some sleep...
About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
February 28, 2011
February 27, 2011
February 27, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Pleasant View, Tennessee)
Decent day after a good breakfast. I was up before 6 AM CST wanting to go. Sometimes that "GO BUG" just gets to ya...I left Pleasant View and was going through Nashville(Tennessee) shortly. After downtown Nashville, I stopped at the "BIG BALL" truckstop at exit 62 for the breakfast buffet and left going southeast on I-24 at 8 AM CST.
I went through Tennessee and after ascending Monteagle( famous "Rocky Top") I decided to get fuel(102 gallons) at our fuel stop, which I did. I then went down the steep grade going toward Chattanooga. Before getting to Chattanooga(Tennessee)--to get around the mountains apparently--I-24 goes into Georgia a few miles and then back into Tennessee. Getting to Chattanooga, I grabbed I-75 south into Georgia following it Atlanta.
I thought about the rules for trucks--Can't go inside the I-285 loop--and decided to ignore it. I decided to take a chance. Inside the loop, I followed I-75 through the downtown area to I-20. Got on I-20 eastbound and stopped at a convienent store before passing I-285 on the est side. I didn't have directions for the receiver of this engine mold so I stopped to call them up. I was not due there until tomorrow but they said to bring it today if I could.
Headed out I-20 to the east to Hwy 441 and went south. I love traveling through the back roads of the south, especially South Carolina and Georgia. I enjoyed it this time also.
The receiver was off of Hwy 441 so was easy to find. Had to go past a guard shack and sign in. The guard told me where to go and pointed the direction. I got to the receiver and checked in. I was told to just open my and wait. It was a few minutes and three guys--one on a forklift--came out to the truck. We opened the doors and found the the engine mold had partially come out of it's floor mounting; no damage found to the mold. The two "walking" guys got in the trailer and took out the blocks and nails used to support the mold while the fork lift gut took the mold somewhere. After I was empty, I called dispatch to let them know I was empty. Time was now 4 PM EST. Dispatch told me to go to Phenix City, Alabama to pick up a load to Lorain, Ohio.
I did updated my logbook and it looked like I had time to get to Phenix City; I did. I went west on Hwy 49 to Macon where I took Hwy 80 straight to Phenix City. The drive was partially after dark but I still enjoyed it. I found the shipper before 7:30 and will have to wait until tomorrow to get loaded; they have a second shift working and shipping was only done on day shift. They told me to open my trailer doors and back up to the dock I was to be loaded at. I did and went to slept while watching my TV. I was never impressed with Phenix City--don't really know why...
Decent day after a good breakfast. I was up before 6 AM CST wanting to go. Sometimes that "GO BUG" just gets to ya...I left Pleasant View and was going through Nashville(Tennessee) shortly. After downtown Nashville, I stopped at the "BIG BALL" truckstop at exit 62 for the breakfast buffet and left going southeast on I-24 at 8 AM CST.
I went through Tennessee and after ascending Monteagle( famous "Rocky Top") I decided to get fuel(102 gallons) at our fuel stop, which I did. I then went down the steep grade going toward Chattanooga. Before getting to Chattanooga(Tennessee)--to get around the mountains apparently--I-24 goes into Georgia a few miles and then back into Tennessee. Getting to Chattanooga, I grabbed I-75 south into Georgia following it Atlanta.
I thought about the rules for trucks--Can't go inside the I-285 loop--and decided to ignore it. I decided to take a chance. Inside the loop, I followed I-75 through the downtown area to I-20. Got on I-20 eastbound and stopped at a convienent store before passing I-285 on the est side. I didn't have directions for the receiver of this engine mold so I stopped to call them up. I was not due there until tomorrow but they said to bring it today if I could.
Headed out I-20 to the east to Hwy 441 and went south. I love traveling through the back roads of the south, especially South Carolina and Georgia. I enjoyed it this time also.
The receiver was off of Hwy 441 so was easy to find. Had to go past a guard shack and sign in. The guard told me where to go and pointed the direction. I got to the receiver and checked in. I was told to just open my and wait. It was a few minutes and three guys--one on a forklift--came out to the truck. We opened the doors and found the the engine mold had partially come out of it's floor mounting; no damage found to the mold. The two "walking" guys got in the trailer and took out the blocks and nails used to support the mold while the fork lift gut took the mold somewhere. After I was empty, I called dispatch to let them know I was empty. Time was now 4 PM EST. Dispatch told me to go to Phenix City, Alabama to pick up a load to Lorain, Ohio.
I did updated my logbook and it looked like I had time to get to Phenix City; I did. I went west on Hwy 49 to Macon where I took Hwy 80 straight to Phenix City. The drive was partially after dark but I still enjoyed it. I found the shipper before 7:30 and will have to wait until tomorrow to get loaded; they have a second shift working and shipping was only done on day shift. They told me to open my trailer doors and back up to the dock I was to be loaded at. I did and went to slept while watching my TV. I was never impressed with Phenix City--don't really know why...
February 26, 2011
February 26, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was up and going at 7 AM CST. I checked in with dispatch and checked to see if anyone needed my load. No one needed it so I headed out...down I-435 to eastbound I-70.
I decided to check my mail at the Post Office in Fulton, Missouri so at Kingdom City(Missouri) I went south a few miles. I pulled up to the post office and noticed a policeman pulling in behind me. I could think of anything I had done wrong so I ignored him for a moment. He got my attention by calling my name. It was my friend who was a Sargent on the Fulton police force. He seen the truck and thought it might by me. He had many times expressed a desire to drive a truck but his wife wouldn't hear of it. We talked and I got my mail and then headed back up to Kingdom City.
Stayed on I-70 until over the Mississippi River. Took I-64 east to I-57 south. I -24 off of I-57 I took toward Nashville Tennessee. I shut down for the night just before Nashville in Pleasant View, Tennessee...
I was up and going at 7 AM CST. I checked in with dispatch and checked to see if anyone needed my load. No one needed it so I headed out...down I-435 to eastbound I-70.
I decided to check my mail at the Post Office in Fulton, Missouri so at Kingdom City(Missouri) I went south a few miles. I pulled up to the post office and noticed a policeman pulling in behind me. I could think of anything I had done wrong so I ignored him for a moment. He got my attention by calling my name. It was my friend who was a Sargent on the Fulton police force. He seen the truck and thought it might by me. He had many times expressed a desire to drive a truck but his wife wouldn't hear of it. We talked and I got my mail and then headed back up to Kingdom City.
Stayed on I-70 until over the Mississippi River. Took I-64 east to I-57 south. I -24 off of I-57 I took toward Nashville Tennessee. I shut down for the night just before Nashville in Pleasant View, Tennessee...
February 25, 2011
February 25, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Colorado Springs, Colorado)
I had talked with a security person at the pickup point and was told shipping would open at 8 QM MST. Well, I then set my alarm to wake me at 7:30 AM MST. I woke at 7 AM MST and was sitting in my drivers seat when I noticed a fellow walking toward me. The guy was from the shipping department. He told me to pull up next to the shipping building and the item that was being shipped would be brought out to my trailer. I opened my trailer doors and about 9 AM MST a fork truck came out with a piece of equipment on it. They placed the "thing" in the trailer and asked where I wanted in nailed to the floor. I asked how much it weighed and was told 2550 lbs. I then thought a second and thought it would be better if it were over my trailer wheels---reduce sliding. I then asked what it was. I was told that it was a mold for a new jet engine. Cool!!! The total weight of the load was 2550 lbs and that is like nothing for this truck. Anyway, two guys positioned the unit over my trailer wheels(tandems) and nailed the "thing" down to the floor. I was gone by 10 AM MST. After signing the paperwork, updating my logbook and getting dispatched and sat and looked at my map for a little while.
I decided to follow Hwy 94 due east out of Colorado Springs. I could go to Limon and get fuel but then I have the Colorado and Kansas scales to go over. The two lane country road speed limits are good in these two states so I chose to go Hwy 94 to Hwy 40 to Oakley, Kansas meeting up I-70 eastbound...I traveled through the "back roads" to Oakley and enjoyed it greatly even though it was flat and treeless. I stopped at the rest area on I-70 eastbound about 25 miles east of Oakley for a short break. Headed on east around 3:45 PM CST and stopped again at the Hays exit at 4:45 PM CST for dinner at the buffet I like. After eating, I went to Wal-Mart that was across the street and picked up a few things. I was on my way again at 6:30 PM CST headed toward Kansas City.
I stopped at our fuel stop in Salina, Kansas as I wanted to take on a few gallons of fuel. Since I had been running real light, I probably had enough to make it to our Kansas City terminal but I didn't want to take a chance. At the fuel stop, I only put on 25 gallons to guarantee I get to the terminal. I was back on the road at 8 PM CST.
I was pulling into our KC terminal at 11 PM where I just parked, checked in with dispatch and went to bed...
I had talked with a security person at the pickup point and was told shipping would open at 8 QM MST. Well, I then set my alarm to wake me at 7:30 AM MST. I woke at 7 AM MST and was sitting in my drivers seat when I noticed a fellow walking toward me. The guy was from the shipping department. He told me to pull up next to the shipping building and the item that was being shipped would be brought out to my trailer. I opened my trailer doors and about 9 AM MST a fork truck came out with a piece of equipment on it. They placed the "thing" in the trailer and asked where I wanted in nailed to the floor. I asked how much it weighed and was told 2550 lbs. I then thought a second and thought it would be better if it were over my trailer wheels---reduce sliding. I then asked what it was. I was told that it was a mold for a new jet engine. Cool!!! The total weight of the load was 2550 lbs and that is like nothing for this truck. Anyway, two guys positioned the unit over my trailer wheels(tandems) and nailed the "thing" down to the floor. I was gone by 10 AM MST. After signing the paperwork, updating my logbook and getting dispatched and sat and looked at my map for a little while.
I decided to follow Hwy 94 due east out of Colorado Springs. I could go to Limon and get fuel but then I have the Colorado and Kansas scales to go over. The two lane country road speed limits are good in these two states so I chose to go Hwy 94 to Hwy 40 to Oakley, Kansas meeting up I-70 eastbound...I traveled through the "back roads" to Oakley and enjoyed it greatly even though it was flat and treeless. I stopped at the rest area on I-70 eastbound about 25 miles east of Oakley for a short break. Headed on east around 3:45 PM CST and stopped again at the Hays exit at 4:45 PM CST for dinner at the buffet I like. After eating, I went to Wal-Mart that was across the street and picked up a few things. I was on my way again at 6:30 PM CST headed toward Kansas City.
I stopped at our fuel stop in Salina, Kansas as I wanted to take on a few gallons of fuel. Since I had been running real light, I probably had enough to make it to our Kansas City terminal but I didn't want to take a chance. At the fuel stop, I only put on 25 gallons to guarantee I get to the terminal. I was back on the road at 8 PM CST.
I was pulling into our KC terminal at 11 PM where I just parked, checked in with dispatch and went to bed...
February 24, 2011
February 24, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Bountiful, Utah)
Woke up in my truck next to K-Mart. It was was 6 AM MST and I made a check call, got my paperwork updated and did a fast vehicle inspection. I visited the convienent store(got three hot dogs and a quart of chocolate milk) before taking off at 6:45 AM MST.
Headed south on I-15 to Salt Lake City and I-80. Took I-80 east up the steep grade past Park City onto Hwy 40. Took Hwy 40 south past Heber City unto one the the nicest drives in the country, Driving through the mountains after Heber City are like I am on top of the world. anyways, I leave the "top of the world" feeling and head for, and pass, Roosevelt and then Vernal, Utah. I then leave Utah and enter Colorado.
Shortly after entering Colorado, I get to Dinosaur, Colorado where I stopped for a break at 10:45 AM MST. (Touring notes) I was there in Dinosaur about a half hour as I enjoyed looking at all the Dinosaur " stuff. After I got started, I took Hwy 64 southeast past Rangely(Colorado) and on Meeker(Colorado) where I just stopped for a very short break. Took Hwy 13 south to Rifle, Colorado where I picked up I-70. The weather where cold but nice so I didn't have to worry about snow or ice on anything. The snow was just pretty as I traveled past it.
Up and down the mountains but it was OK as I had no weight in the trailer to worry about. Down the steep grades into the Denver area. Before Denver, I grabbed I-470 around the southwest corner to I-25. Took I-25 to Colorado Springs, Colorado where I found the shipper I was looking for not too far from the interstate.
I parked my truck at 7 PM MST at the shipped in an area that looked safe. I updated my logbook and found I drove 11 hours, going over my 10 hour limit. OH Well!!! Did some typing and watched my TV....went to sleep...
Woke up in my truck next to K-Mart. It was was 6 AM MST and I made a check call, got my paperwork updated and did a fast vehicle inspection. I visited the convienent store(got three hot dogs and a quart of chocolate milk) before taking off at 6:45 AM MST.
Headed south on I-15 to Salt Lake City and I-80. Took I-80 east up the steep grade past Park City onto Hwy 40. Took Hwy 40 south past Heber City unto one the the nicest drives in the country, Driving through the mountains after Heber City are like I am on top of the world. anyways, I leave the "top of the world" feeling and head for, and pass, Roosevelt and then Vernal, Utah. I then leave Utah and enter Colorado.
Shortly after entering Colorado, I get to Dinosaur, Colorado where I stopped for a break at 10:45 AM MST. (Touring notes) I was there in Dinosaur about a half hour as I enjoyed looking at all the Dinosaur " stuff. After I got started, I took Hwy 64 southeast past Rangely(Colorado) and on Meeker(Colorado) where I just stopped for a very short break. Took Hwy 13 south to Rifle, Colorado where I picked up I-70. The weather where cold but nice so I didn't have to worry about snow or ice on anything. The snow was just pretty as I traveled past it.
Up and down the mountains but it was OK as I had no weight in the trailer to worry about. Down the steep grades into the Denver area. Before Denver, I grabbed I-470 around the southwest corner to I-25. Took I-25 to Colorado Springs, Colorado where I found the shipper I was looking for not too far from the interstate.
I parked my truck at 7 PM MST at the shipped in an area that looked safe. I updated my logbook and found I drove 11 hours, going over my 10 hour limit. OH Well!!! Did some typing and watched my TV....went to sleep...
February 23, 2011
February 23, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(SATURDAY-Ogden, Utah)
I slept in my truck until 7 AM MST and then went into the restaurant and had breakfast. At 8:30 AM MST I called my Sister in Bountiful(Utah) and told her that I was going down to Bountiful. I asked if she could pick me up and she said, "Of course." I told her I would be there--next to the K-Mart store--in an hour and I was. I fueled(118 gallons) before leaving Ogden. After getting to Bountiful my Sister picked me up and I spent the day with them and my Mom(living in Woods Cross, Utah).
At 8:30 PM MST, my Brother-in-law had me back to my truck. After he left, I went into the convienent store and got some ice cream to eat while I watched my TV; went to sleep...
I slept in my truck until 7 AM MST and then went into the restaurant and had breakfast. At 8:30 AM MST I called my Sister in Bountiful(Utah) and told her that I was going down to Bountiful. I asked if she could pick me up and she said, "Of course." I told her I would be there--next to the K-Mart store--in an hour and I was. I fueled(118 gallons) before leaving Ogden. After getting to Bountiful my Sister picked me up and I spent the day with them and my Mom(living in Woods Cross, Utah).
At 8:30 PM MST, my Brother-in-law had me back to my truck. After he left, I went into the convienent store and got some ice cream to eat while I watched my TV; went to sleep...
February 22, 2011
February 22, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Boise, Idaho)
Slept well last night and got up at 7 AM MST to call dispatch. Dispatch deadheaded me to Burley, Idaho and told me to call in when I get there.
I didn't eat in Boise, just ate munchies for breakfast. Got logbook legal, did vehicle inspection and headed down I-84 toward Burley. I stopped at our fuel stop in Jerome and got something to eat. I also called dispatch and was told there was no loads for me yet. Continued to Burley and got there around 11:45 AM MST. This little town had a little truckstop with a dirt truck parking lot. I wasn't looking forward to staying here very long. I called into dispatch and got the old "call back in an hour". I sure wasn't wanting to be stuck here over the weekend, let along one night. It was the call-in at 3 PM MST which I got my next assignment; be in Colorado Springs, Colorado Monday morning for a load to Georgia.
I immediately left Burley and headed for Ogden, Utah down I-84 where I stopped at 6 PM MST for the night at our fuel stop. Got me a couple turkey legs to eat, typed and watched my TV and finally fall asleep...
Slept well last night and got up at 7 AM MST to call dispatch. Dispatch deadheaded me to Burley, Idaho and told me to call in when I get there.
I didn't eat in Boise, just ate munchies for breakfast. Got logbook legal, did vehicle inspection and headed down I-84 toward Burley. I stopped at our fuel stop in Jerome and got something to eat. I also called dispatch and was told there was no loads for me yet. Continued to Burley and got there around 11:45 AM MST. This little town had a little truckstop with a dirt truck parking lot. I wasn't looking forward to staying here very long. I called into dispatch and got the old "call back in an hour". I sure wasn't wanting to be stuck here over the weekend, let along one night. It was the call-in at 3 PM MST which I got my next assignment; be in Colorado Springs, Colorado Monday morning for a load to Georgia.
I immediately left Burley and headed for Ogden, Utah down I-84 where I stopped at 6 PM MST for the night at our fuel stop. Got me a couple turkey legs to eat, typed and watched my TV and finally fall asleep...
February 21, 2011
February 21, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Blaine, Washington)
I was up and at the motel getting Laura(see yesterday) at 9 AM PST. I was on my third day in this area and the joke(seemed true from conversation and experience) was to let dispatch know you were with your wife or girl friend if you wanted to guarantee getting a load out of an area. So I dialed the dispatcher and let Laura talk to him, of course asking his to leave me here for awhile. Well, by 10:30 AM PST I had my orders to move. I was deadheaded to Boise, Idaho.
Laura and I had finished eating so I did my paperwork and vehicle inspection. I thought about fueling at Yorkey's truckstop but I decided to use the Ellensburg truckstop as the fuel stop and a break. Laura and I said good bye before 11:00 AM PST and she followed me to th I-405/I-5 northern intersection. I took I-405 south to I-90 and went east. I was going over Snoqualmie Pass--east of Seattle (Washington)--between snowfalls. The roads were clear for me and I didn't have to use the tire chains I had.
I got to Ellensburg(Washington) for fuel(74 gallons) at 2:30 PM PST. I didn't want anymore than fuel here so I was headed southeast on I-82 by 3 PM PST. By 5:15 PM PST, I crossed the Columbia River into Oregon and met up with I-84 which I took east. I went passed Pendleton(Oregon) and up "the Cabbage"(steep mountain grade well known to truckers) into the mountains. I had to weigh at Farewell Bend, Oregon state weigh scales but that wasn't a problem.
Into Idaho and by 11 PM MST I was parked at the truckstop that I stayed at for the night in Boise...
I was up and at the motel getting Laura(see yesterday) at 9 AM PST. I was on my third day in this area and the joke(seemed true from conversation and experience) was to let dispatch know you were with your wife or girl friend if you wanted to guarantee getting a load out of an area. So I dialed the dispatcher and let Laura talk to him, of course asking his to leave me here for awhile. Well, by 10:30 AM PST I had my orders to move. I was deadheaded to Boise, Idaho.
Laura and I had finished eating so I did my paperwork and vehicle inspection. I thought about fueling at Yorkey's truckstop but I decided to use the Ellensburg truckstop as the fuel stop and a break. Laura and I said good bye before 11:00 AM PST and she followed me to th I-405/I-5 northern intersection. I took I-405 south to I-90 and went east. I was going over Snoqualmie Pass--east of Seattle (Washington)--between snowfalls. The roads were clear for me and I didn't have to use the tire chains I had.
I got to Ellensburg(Washington) for fuel(74 gallons) at 2:30 PM PST. I didn't want anymore than fuel here so I was headed southeast on I-82 by 3 PM PST. By 5:15 PM PST, I crossed the Columbia River into Oregon and met up with I-84 which I took east. I went passed Pendleton(Oregon) and up "the Cabbage"(steep mountain grade well known to truckers) into the mountains. I had to weigh at Farewell Bend, Oregon state weigh scales but that wasn't a problem.
Into Idaho and by 11 PM MST I was parked at the truckstop that I stayed at for the night in Boise...
February 20, 2011
February 20, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Blaine, Washington)
Woke up about 8 AM PST and checked in with dispatch...no luck and they told me to just "Hang Tight"...in other words...wait it out...frustration...
I called my girl friend-Laura-in the Portland, Oregon area and she said that she would come up and visit with me while I was up here. I said fine and got her a motel room on the trucking company. I let Laura have the room and I slept in my truck. She came up and was here before 2 PM PST. We went down to Seattle where we visited a magic shop and went and ate on the Space needle. We were at a window seat and sat through a full rotation of the rotating restaurant. We then went into Canada and rode around returning to the USA about 2 AM PST. Dropped her off at the motel and I went back to the truck and to sleep...
Woke up about 8 AM PST and checked in with dispatch...no luck and they told me to just "Hang Tight"...in other words...wait it out...frustration...
I called my girl friend-Laura-in the Portland, Oregon area and she said that she would come up and visit with me while I was up here. I said fine and got her a motel room on the trucking company. I let Laura have the room and I slept in my truck. She came up and was here before 2 PM PST. We went down to Seattle where we visited a magic shop and went and ate on the Space needle. We were at a window seat and sat through a full rotation of the rotating restaurant. We then went into Canada and rode around returning to the USA about 2 AM PST. Dropped her off at the motel and I went back to the truck and to sleep...
February 19, 2011
February 19, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Burnaby, British Columbia)
I woke up before the company gates were opened and was waiting for the gate openers. The gates were open and I hooked back up to the trailer. I then backed up the truck for unloading. I got unloaded and called dispatch. Dispatch told me to just go back to Yorkey's truckstop and get on the TRB for the area.
I traveled down to the border and had to get out of my truck and check in with U.S. customs, even when I was empty. I went into customs, which wasn't busy, and asked the customs fellow what I needed to do. He asked what I was carrying and I told him nothing. He then said to pay him $5 and I would be on my way. I reiterated that I had nothing on and why should I pay $5... Then I said that for $5 I should at least get to talk with the female customs officer next to him. She wasn't doing anything so "my" officer moved all my paperwork over to her window and I smiled at her. She then said, " $5 please.". I gave her the money and she gave me the token that got me out of the customs yard. I left....
I went back to Yorkey's truckstop and turned in the Canadian license plate I was using. I called in and got on the TRB; found I was like 27th truck waiting for a load. I was told I would be there for a couple days. I went in and watched movies for hours and then went out to my truck to sleep...
I woke up before the company gates were opened and was waiting for the gate openers. The gates were open and I hooked back up to the trailer. I then backed up the truck for unloading. I got unloaded and called dispatch. Dispatch told me to just go back to Yorkey's truckstop and get on the TRB for the area.
I traveled down to the border and had to get out of my truck and check in with U.S. customs, even when I was empty. I went into customs, which wasn't busy, and asked the customs fellow what I needed to do. He asked what I was carrying and I told him nothing. He then said to pay him $5 and I would be on my way. I reiterated that I had nothing on and why should I pay $5... Then I said that for $5 I should at least get to talk with the female customs officer next to him. She wasn't doing anything so "my" officer moved all my paperwork over to her window and I smiled at her. She then said, " $5 please.". I gave her the money and she gave me the token that got me out of the customs yard. I left....
I went back to Yorkey's truckstop and turned in the Canadian license plate I was using. I called in and got on the TRB; found I was like 27th truck waiting for a load. I was told I would be there for a couple days. I went in and watched movies for hours and then went out to my truck to sleep...
February 18, 2011
February 18, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Pendleton, Oregon) PRESIDENTS' DAY HOLIDAY
Was up and heading west on I-84 at 5:30 AM PST. A short time after starting my drive, I came to I-82 that I took north, over the Columbia River and into Washington.
Came to the Port of Entry/scales and they were closed for the holiday. I noted the closure in my logbook and then continued up and northwest on I-82. At Ellensburg, Washington I picked up I-90 and also stopped at our fuel stop for fuel(156 gallons) just before 9 AM PST. I got something to eat but wasn't at all impressed with the restaurant....who said I had to be. I sat in the trucker section of the restaur ant and talked with the drivers. The drivers who had just come from Seattle said the roads were clear but had dangerous spots. It had snowed a few days earlier but pretty good now. I had picked up chains for my tires when I stopped at our Kansas City yard and was ready if I needed them.
I took off for Blaine, Washington at 10:30 AM PST and hit the mountains. I went over SNOQUALMIE Pass with no problems and descended into Seattle area. When I got to I-405 I went north to the intersection with I-5. I-5, I continued north to the first Blaine, Washington exit. I had directions to the truckstop I was to check in at. This truckstop had our Canadian license plate and any permits I would need. I had a little trouble finding Yorkeys-the truckstop I was looking for-but finally found it. I checked in, got one of the license plates and a permit for Canada. It was raining and I was standing in it while I put the license plate on.
I went on to the border and missed the entrance for commercial vehicles. I had to turn around and go to the correct Canadian entrance point. Got over the border and hit the British Columbia "Port of Entry". I weighed in OK but I was billed $107.00 to use the BC roads. Paid and was on my way to Burnaby up Hwys 99 and 91. At 7 PM PST I found the receiver in Burnaby and they were getting ready to close the gates for the night. I talked with them and they let me drop my trailer inside the gates so I could bobtail around at night.. I ate at a place called "Uncle Willy's" and drove around looking at things. Went back to the receivers and went to sleep...
Was up and heading west on I-84 at 5:30 AM PST. A short time after starting my drive, I came to I-82 that I took north, over the Columbia River and into Washington.
Came to the Port of Entry/scales and they were closed for the holiday. I noted the closure in my logbook and then continued up and northwest on I-82. At Ellensburg, Washington I picked up I-90 and also stopped at our fuel stop for fuel(156 gallons) just before 9 AM PST. I got something to eat but wasn't at all impressed with the restaurant....who said I had to be. I sat in the trucker section of the restaur ant and talked with the drivers. The drivers who had just come from Seattle said the roads were clear but had dangerous spots. It had snowed a few days earlier but pretty good now. I had picked up chains for my tires when I stopped at our Kansas City yard and was ready if I needed them.
I took off for Blaine, Washington at 10:30 AM PST and hit the mountains. I went over SNOQUALMIE Pass with no problems and descended into Seattle area. When I got to I-405 I went north to the intersection with I-5. I-5, I continued north to the first Blaine, Washington exit. I had directions to the truckstop I was to check in at. This truckstop had our Canadian license plate and any permits I would need. I had a little trouble finding Yorkeys-the truckstop I was looking for-but finally found it. I checked in, got one of the license plates and a permit for Canada. It was raining and I was standing in it while I put the license plate on.
I went on to the border and missed the entrance for commercial vehicles. I had to turn around and go to the correct Canadian entrance point. Got over the border and hit the British Columbia "Port of Entry". I weighed in OK but I was billed $107.00 to use the BC roads. Paid and was on my way to Burnaby up Hwys 99 and 91. At 7 PM PST I found the receiver in Burnaby and they were getting ready to close the gates for the night. I talked with them and they let me drop my trailer inside the gates so I could bobtail around at night.. I ate at a place called "Uncle Willy's" and drove around looking at things. Went back to the receivers and went to sleep...
February 17, 2011
February 17, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Bountiful, Utah)
Spent the morning with my Sister's family. Left at noon MST up I-15 and past the point where I-84 joins I-15. Switched to I-84 and followed it to the northwest into Idaho. Had to stop at the Idaho "Port of Entry" and show them my permit book; no problem. Went on to Jerome, Idaho--following the Snake River Valley--and stopped at our fuel stop and fueled(81 gallons). I was back on I-84 northwest by 4 PM MST. Went past Boise(Idaho) and continued into Oregon. Had to stop at the Oregon "Port of Entry" at Farewell Bend(Oregon). The stop was quick as there was no other drivers in the port at the time. This port is in a very beautiful part of the mountainous country; I love it during the daylight hours
At 8:30 PM PST I pulled into the Pendleton, Oregon area Truckstop I stayed at for the night.
Touring Notes: Coming out of the Mountains northwest bound on I-84, one travels down what truckers call the "Cabbage". This downgrade, or upgrade, can be viewed by checking "Cabbage downgrade" on Google, Yahoo or other search engines.
Spent the morning with my Sister's family. Left at noon MST up I-15 and past the point where I-84 joins I-15. Switched to I-84 and followed it to the northwest into Idaho. Had to stop at the Idaho "Port of Entry" and show them my permit book; no problem. Went on to Jerome, Idaho--following the Snake River Valley--and stopped at our fuel stop and fueled(81 gallons). I was back on I-84 northwest by 4 PM MST. Went past Boise(Idaho) and continued into Oregon. Had to stop at the Oregon "Port of Entry" at Farewell Bend(Oregon). The stop was quick as there was no other drivers in the port at the time. This port is in a very beautiful part of the mountainous country; I love it during the daylight hours
At 8:30 PM PST I pulled into the Pendleton, Oregon area Truckstop I stayed at for the night.
Touring Notes: Coming out of the Mountains northwest bound on I-84, one travels down what truckers call the "Cabbage". This downgrade, or upgrade, can be viewed by checking "Cabbage downgrade" on Google, Yahoo or other search engines.
February 16, 2011
February 16, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Traveling west in Nebraska)
As my day started, I passed Kearney(Nebraska) on westbound I-80. The night driving was uneventful but enjoyable as the radio picked up far away stations that I enjoyed and the moon-all night-was still full and bright.
Pulled into our fuel stop in Big Springs, Nebraska and decided not to fuel. I think I will wait until our fuel stop in Rawlins, Wyoming. I was feeling tired so at 2 AM MST I laid in my bunk and went to sleep. I was awake and feeling not at all tired at 7AM MST and so I got up and went into the truckstop. I bought me a couple diet soda pops(soft drinks in Canada) along with some munchies. After logbook update and a vehicle inspection, I took off west on I-80 at 7:45 AM CST. Shortly after starting my days run, I passed the I-76 "to Denver" cut off. I then ran past, before Wyoming, some of the most beautiful--I think--grassland in the country here on I-80.
Entered Wyoming and had to stop at their "Port Of Entry"; no problem as it is just standard operating procedure. Continued west through Cheyenne and up to the high altitudes of Laramie. After Laramie, there where flat lands and them the road was traveling through the mountain valleys.
Got to Rawlins(Wyoming) for fuel(128 gallons) and lunch at 12:45 PM MST. I decided to get my hair cut at the truckstop and was that an experience. The hair cutting gal must have been upset at something as she was rather violent with "twisting" my head around to cut my hair. I finished with Rawlins and was gone west again by 3 PM MST. Followed I-80 into Utah-their "Port of Entry" was closed-and went down the steep grade from Park City(Utah) into Salt Lake City. Got to I-15 and went north to Centerville(Utah) where the manager of the McDonalds Restaurant would let me park my truck for a couple days at a time. I parked the truck at 7:45 PM MST and called my Sister who lived in Bountiful(Utah). She came and got me and I spent the night with her family....
As my day started, I passed Kearney(Nebraska) on westbound I-80. The night driving was uneventful but enjoyable as the radio picked up far away stations that I enjoyed and the moon-all night-was still full and bright.
Pulled into our fuel stop in Big Springs, Nebraska and decided not to fuel. I think I will wait until our fuel stop in Rawlins, Wyoming. I was feeling tired so at 2 AM MST I laid in my bunk and went to sleep. I was awake and feeling not at all tired at 7AM MST and so I got up and went into the truckstop. I bought me a couple diet soda pops(soft drinks in Canada) along with some munchies. After logbook update and a vehicle inspection, I took off west on I-80 at 7:45 AM CST. Shortly after starting my days run, I passed the I-76 "to Denver" cut off. I then ran past, before Wyoming, some of the most beautiful--I think--grassland in the country here on I-80.
Entered Wyoming and had to stop at their "Port Of Entry"; no problem as it is just standard operating procedure. Continued west through Cheyenne and up to the high altitudes of Laramie. After Laramie, there where flat lands and them the road was traveling through the mountain valleys.
Got to Rawlins(Wyoming) for fuel(128 gallons) and lunch at 12:45 PM MST. I decided to get my hair cut at the truckstop and was that an experience. The hair cutting gal must have been upset at something as she was rather violent with "twisting" my head around to cut my hair. I finished with Rawlins and was gone west again by 3 PM MST. Followed I-80 into Utah-their "Port of Entry" was closed-and went down the steep grade from Park City(Utah) into Salt Lake City. Got to I-15 and went north to Centerville(Utah) where the manager of the McDonalds Restaurant would let me park my truck for a couple days at a time. I parked the truck at 7:45 PM MST and called my Sister who lived in Bountiful(Utah). She came and got me and I spent the night with her family....
February 15, 2011
February 15, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Norwood, Missouri)
Started my day off by taking a break at the Norwood exit convienent store off Hwy 60. Got something to snack on and updated my log book. Headed west on Hwy 60 just before 12:30 AM
CST. Followed Hwy 60 west to Hwy 65 north.
a short distance I got to I-44 and took it west. A short distance after that I grabbed Hwy 13 and went north again.
Just before Humansville(Missouri) I had to stop for a traffic incident(accident???) at 2:30 AM CST . I was frustrated as this would be a long wait. The moon was beautifully full and it was a positive for a boring night, I was third vehicle from where the highway was shut down. Both directions were closed as a tow truck was trying to pull a turned over large dump truck out of the south bound ditch. One tow truck proved to not be able to do the job so a second was called. I finally got rolling north again at 5:30 AM CST. Continued north to Clinton(Missouri) where I took Hwy 7 to the northwest. At Hwy 71 I went to I-435 and then north up the east side of the Kansas City Area to our terminal.
Stopped at the Kansas City terminal at 8:15 AM CST and fueled(143 gallons). I checked in with dispatch. I saw that our truck washing bay had "NO WAITING" so I got my tractor and trailer washed.
Time was 10 AM CST and I was tired. I laid down and slept until 5 PM CST when I got up and ate some munchies before going into the terminal.
I called my Mother and told her that I was going north of Seattle, Washington. She got upset as she wanted me to go through Portland, Oregon and see her friend-and mine-Laura. I tried to explain that I just can't go out traveling around and put on alot of extra miles. She got mad and hung up on me.
I took off up I-435 around 6 PM CST and followed it north and west to I-29 north. Followed I-29 north through the mountainous area down to the Missouri River flood plain into Iowa. Only 10 miles of Iowa and then Hwy 2 into Nebraska. Followed Hwy 7 west to Lincoln stopping in the Bennett(Iowa), along Hwy 2, for a a break at 9:15 PM CST.
As my days ended, I was about 2 1/2 hours from my next planned stop...Big Springs, Nebraska...
Started my day off by taking a break at the Norwood exit convienent store off Hwy 60. Got something to snack on and updated my log book. Headed west on Hwy 60 just before 12:30 AM
CST. Followed Hwy 60 west to Hwy 65 north.
a short distance I got to I-44 and took it west. A short distance after that I grabbed Hwy 13 and went north again.
Just before Humansville(Missouri) I had to stop for a traffic incident(accident???) at 2:30 AM CST . I was frustrated as this would be a long wait. The moon was beautifully full and it was a positive for a boring night, I was third vehicle from where the highway was shut down. Both directions were closed as a tow truck was trying to pull a turned over large dump truck out of the south bound ditch. One tow truck proved to not be able to do the job so a second was called. I finally got rolling north again at 5:30 AM CST. Continued north to Clinton(Missouri) where I took Hwy 7 to the northwest. At Hwy 71 I went to I-435 and then north up the east side of the Kansas City Area to our terminal.
Stopped at the Kansas City terminal at 8:15 AM CST and fueled(143 gallons). I checked in with dispatch. I saw that our truck washing bay had "NO WAITING" so I got my tractor and trailer washed.
Time was 10 AM CST and I was tired. I laid down and slept until 5 PM CST when I got up and ate some munchies before going into the terminal.
I called my Mother and told her that I was going north of Seattle, Washington. She got upset as she wanted me to go through Portland, Oregon and see her friend-and mine-Laura. I tried to explain that I just can't go out traveling around and put on alot of extra miles. She got mad and hung up on me.
I took off up I-435 around 6 PM CST and followed it north and west to I-29 north. Followed I-29 north through the mountainous area down to the Missouri River flood plain into Iowa. Only 10 miles of Iowa and then Hwy 2 into Nebraska. Followed Hwy 7 west to Lincoln stopping in the Bennett(Iowa), along Hwy 2, for a a break at 9:15 PM CST.
As my days ended, I was about 2 1/2 hours from my next planned stop...Big Springs, Nebraska...
February 14, 2011
February 14, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Little Rock, Arkansas)
I was awake about 5:30 AM CST and RC(female driver I ran with yesterday) hadn't made her appearance yet. She was up and going at 6:30 AM CST when the receiving person came out and ask us to back up to the docks for unloading. RC and I parked next to each other and it seemed like we were being unloaded at the same time. We were told that it would take about 1 1/2 hours to unload us so we walked down the block and had some breakfast. We returned about 15 minutes before our trailers were empty.
We were emptied about the same time and so I suggested that we flip a coin to see who would go on the TRB first for this area. I flip and she called heads....It was heads. She called in first and got a load to Regina, Saskatchewan. Boy!!!! Was I down hearted. I feared I would get something going back to Laredo----Boring!!!!!
It was my 3:30 PM CST check call when I found that I was going to British Columbia. I had to go to Paragould, Arkansas and pick up a load of mufflers from the Monroe Plant. I shot up Hwy 67 to Walnut Ridge(Arkansas) where I took Hwy 412 east. By 7 PM CST I had found the Monroe Plant and checked in with the shipping department. They were waiting for me and made a comment about me being late....I told them that I had been sitting in Little Rock most the day empty waiting for this load....
I was loaded and on my way by 8:45 PM CST. I just took Hwy 412 back to Walnut Ridge and picked up Hwy 63. Went through Hardy(Arkansas)--nice place to visit-- before heading north into Missouri. Stayed on Hwy 63 until it met up with and separated from Hwy 60. As my day ended, I was pulling off Hwy 60 at the Norwood exit to take a break...
I was awake about 5:30 AM CST and RC(female driver I ran with yesterday) hadn't made her appearance yet. She was up and going at 6:30 AM CST when the receiving person came out and ask us to back up to the docks for unloading. RC and I parked next to each other and it seemed like we were being unloaded at the same time. We were told that it would take about 1 1/2 hours to unload us so we walked down the block and had some breakfast. We returned about 15 minutes before our trailers were empty.
We were emptied about the same time and so I suggested that we flip a coin to see who would go on the TRB first for this area. I flip and she called heads....It was heads. She called in first and got a load to Regina, Saskatchewan. Boy!!!! Was I down hearted. I feared I would get something going back to Laredo----Boring!!!!!
It was my 3:30 PM CST check call when I found that I was going to British Columbia. I had to go to Paragould, Arkansas and pick up a load of mufflers from the Monroe Plant. I shot up Hwy 67 to Walnut Ridge(Arkansas) where I took Hwy 412 east. By 7 PM CST I had found the Monroe Plant and checked in with the shipping department. They were waiting for me and made a comment about me being late....I told them that I had been sitting in Little Rock most the day empty waiting for this load....
I was loaded and on my way by 8:45 PM CST. I just took Hwy 412 back to Walnut Ridge and picked up Hwy 63. Went through Hardy(Arkansas)--nice place to visit-- before heading north into Missouri. Stayed on Hwy 63 until it met up with and separated from Hwy 60. As my day ended, I was pulling off Hwy 60 at the Norwood exit to take a break...
February 13, 2011
February 13, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling toward Lancaster, Texas)
As my day started I was passing West, Texas while heading north on I-35. When I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W I took I-35E toward Dallas. I got to our terminal around 1:30AM CST and Parked and went right to sleep.
I was in the Lancaster terminal by 9 AM CST, washing my laundry, typing and talking. While I was engaged in typing and talking, a female driver came in and seated herself at our table. In talking to her, I found out that she had the same load as me and was going to the same location.
We agreed to run with each other. Her handle was "R.C."
I fueled(133 gallons) and then RC and I left for Little Rock, Arkansas. We went straight up I-35 to I-30 which we took east. As we traveled through this eastern part of Texas, we talked back and forth on CB radio, channel 24. RC requested that we stop in Texarkana, Arkansas for eating and that was fine with me. The restaurant was a nice place with few parking spaces for semis.
We left Texarkana and stopped at a rest area for a short time. While in the rest area, I found a fellow that claimed to be needing money for gas. I figured out how much to would need and then gave him $39.00. I also gave him my address so he could mail back what he borrowed(note: he never returned it).
RC and I pulled into the Little Rock receiver at 7 PM CST. The receiver was open and we checked in. We were told to bed down for the night and we would be unloaded in the morning. We parked and then took a walk as the neighborhood was pleasant. We stopped at a convienent store and I got me a bag of hot chips and a large soda(soft drink in Canada). We returned to our tractors and were to bed...
As my day started I was passing West, Texas while heading north on I-35. When I-35 divided into I-35E and I-35W I took I-35E toward Dallas. I got to our terminal around 1:30AM CST and Parked and went right to sleep.
I was in the Lancaster terminal by 9 AM CST, washing my laundry, typing and talking. While I was engaged in typing and talking, a female driver came in and seated herself at our table. In talking to her, I found out that she had the same load as me and was going to the same location.
We agreed to run with each other. Her handle was "R.C."
I fueled(133 gallons) and then RC and I left for Little Rock, Arkansas. We went straight up I-35 to I-30 which we took east. As we traveled through this eastern part of Texas, we talked back and forth on CB radio, channel 24. RC requested that we stop in Texarkana, Arkansas for eating and that was fine with me. The restaurant was a nice place with few parking spaces for semis.
We left Texarkana and stopped at a rest area for a short time. While in the rest area, I found a fellow that claimed to be needing money for gas. I figured out how much to would need and then gave him $39.00. I also gave him my address so he could mail back what he borrowed(note: he never returned it).
RC and I pulled into the Little Rock receiver at 7 PM CST. The receiver was open and we checked in. We were told to bed down for the night and we would be unloaded in the morning. We parked and then took a walk as the neighborhood was pleasant. We stopped at a convienent store and I got me a bag of hot chips and a large soda(soft drink in Canada). We returned to our tractors and were to bed...
February 12, 2011
February 12, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
Slept at the Morten's last night as they had a room for me and where just great company to be with. After of the Mortens left the house for work, school or whatever I got the computer portable desk(finish main structure yesterday) and started putting the outer covering of fake leather on it. I worked until about 1:30 PM CST when I finished the outer covering. I started on the green "velvet" inside covering and worked on it until Pam, followed by Reida, came home. The inner covering will take some time to finish.
I talked with Pam and Reida Morten for awhile and then went to the terminal. The terminal had the Morten's phone number in case they had a load for me. I got to the terminal and found that at 4:30 PM CST I was still number 5 on the TRB. I went to my tractor and took a nap until the yard man came and got me for dispatch.
I went into dispatch and found they had a load in the yard for me going to North Little Rock, Arkansas. By 6:15 PM CST I was pulling out of the yard and onto I-35 North. I just turned on a radio station from San Antonio(Texas) and traveled north and kept my speed up. I never stopped to eat or walk around. As my day ended, I was passing West, Texas...
Slept at the Morten's last night as they had a room for me and where just great company to be with. After of the Mortens left the house for work, school or whatever I got the computer portable desk(finish main structure yesterday) and started putting the outer covering of fake leather on it. I worked until about 1:30 PM CST when I finished the outer covering. I started on the green "velvet" inside covering and worked on it until Pam, followed by Reida, came home. The inner covering will take some time to finish.
I talked with Pam and Reida Morten for awhile and then went to the terminal. The terminal had the Morten's phone number in case they had a load for me. I got to the terminal and found that at 4:30 PM CST I was still number 5 on the TRB. I went to my tractor and took a nap until the yard man came and got me for dispatch.
I went into dispatch and found they had a load in the yard for me going to North Little Rock, Arkansas. By 6:15 PM CST I was pulling out of the yard and onto I-35 North. I just turned on a radio station from San Antonio(Texas) and traveled north and kept my speed up. I never stopped to eat or walk around. As my day ended, I was passing West, Texas...
February 11, 2011
February 11, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
Got up after sleeping at the terminal and delivered my load I had brought in Saturday. I had to go down Mines Road which I hadn't been on before. I delivered and then bobtailed back to the terminal.
At the terminal, with my load delivered, I was able to go on the TRB. My number was 79 and it looks like tomorrow before I will get out. I went to McCoys, Wal-Mart and Radio Shack and got the stuff I needed to build my portable computer table.
I took the stuff to the Mortens where my friends(from February 10, 1991) Chase and Jeff where to help me build it. We worked on it for the rest of the day and got it built. It included legs and wiring so I could set it up anywhere. The lining for the outside will be done tomorrow; the inside lining when I can.
Spent the night at the Mortens...
Got up after sleeping at the terminal and delivered my load I had brought in Saturday. I had to go down Mines Road which I hadn't been on before. I delivered and then bobtailed back to the terminal.
At the terminal, with my load delivered, I was able to go on the TRB. My number was 79 and it looks like tomorrow before I will get out. I went to McCoys, Wal-Mart and Radio Shack and got the stuff I needed to build my portable computer table.
I took the stuff to the Mortens where my friends(from February 10, 1991) Chase and Jeff where to help me build it. We worked on it for the rest of the day and got it built. It included legs and wiring so I could set it up anywhere. The lining for the outside will be done tomorrow; the inside lining when I can.
Spent the night at the Mortens...
February 10, 2011
February 10, 1991, 2009
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Laredo, Texas)
Spent the night with the Mortens. Woke up and went to church with the Mortens. I called the dispatcher here in Laredo and found that I would be here for a couple days. I spent the day with the Mortens and went the the terminal for the night as I need to deliver the load tomorrow I brought in Saturday.
I talked with Chase (church friend who was a border patrolman) about a project I had. He was good at wood work and was making tables and benches for the border check station on I-35 north. Chase and Jeff(another border patrolman from church) both said to meet them at the Morten's place tomorrow and they would help me.
Spent the night with the Mortens. Woke up and went to church with the Mortens. I called the dispatcher here in Laredo and found that I would be here for a couple days. I spent the day with the Mortens and went the the terminal for the night as I need to deliver the load tomorrow I brought in Saturday.
I talked with Chase (church friend who was a border patrolman) about a project I had. He was good at wood work and was making tables and benches for the border check station on I-35 north. Chase and Jeff(another border patrolman from church) both said to meet them at the Morten's place tomorrow and they would help me.
February 9, 2011
Februay 9, 1991, 2010
NEXT 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Winfield, Texas)
Day day that moved pretty fast...Got up at day break and headed west on I-30 for the Lancaster terminal(in Dallas, grabbed I-35E south) where I fueled(119 gallons). Wasn't there long when I headed for Laredo down I-35E to I-35 south. Didn't stop and just kept going...got to Laredo at 5:30 PM CST and had to drop my load in the terminal yard. Checked with dispatch, turned in my paperwork and got on the TRB.
I called the Mortens and Pam answered their phone. I said I was coming over and she said to hurry as she ready needed my computer. I hurried and got over there and spent the evening and night with them. Pam made copies of several of her computer discs before going to bed.
Day day that moved pretty fast...Got up at day break and headed west on I-30 for the Lancaster terminal(in Dallas, grabbed I-35E south) where I fueled(119 gallons). Wasn't there long when I headed for Laredo down I-35E to I-35 south. Didn't stop and just kept going...got to Laredo at 5:30 PM CST and had to drop my load in the terminal yard. Checked with dispatch, turned in my paperwork and got on the TRB.
I called the Mortens and Pam answered their phone. I said I was coming over and she said to hurry as she ready needed my computer. I hurried and got over there and spent the evening and night with them. Pam made copies of several of her computer discs before going to bed.
February 8, 2011
Februay 8, 1991, 2010
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Memphis, Tennessee)
My day staed with me sitting in my tractor at the Memhis terminal watching my TV and typing.
About 2:30 AM CST I give it up and went to bed while leaving the TV on.
I was back in the terminal at 8:30 AM CST. At 9:45 AM CST dispatch called me to the dispatch window and offered me one of three loads. I took the load that I had to go get in Martin, Tennessee and take to Laredo, Texas. After I fueled(74 gallons) I left and took I-240 around the southeast corner of the Memphis area to I-40 east. Getting to Jackson, Tennessee I grabbed Hwy 45E and took it to Martin where I found the shipper(I had been there before) at 1:30 PM CST. They were waiting for me so I backed to the dock and they loaded we with 24,785 lbs. of auto parts going to Mexico.
By 2:30 PM CST I was done so I called dispatch and got the word to go. I decided to take Hwy 22 to Union City where I got on Hwy 51 south. At Dyersburg, Tennessee I took I-155 to Missouri catching I-55 south into Arkansas. I did this as I did not want all the "stop & go" traveling this Hwy 51 or Hwy 45E offered me...
I went down I-55 and stopped in West Memphis at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner at 5:15 PM CST. I ate pretty fast and was back on the road heading west on I-40 at 6:30 PM CST. I just kept moving on and getting to Little Rock, Arkansas I took I-300 toward Texas. Into texas I went and shut down for the night in Winfield Texas at 11:45 PM CST...
My day staed with me sitting in my tractor at the Memhis terminal watching my TV and typing.
About 2:30 AM CST I give it up and went to bed while leaving the TV on.
I was back in the terminal at 8:30 AM CST. At 9:45 AM CST dispatch called me to the dispatch window and offered me one of three loads. I took the load that I had to go get in Martin, Tennessee and take to Laredo, Texas. After I fueled(74 gallons) I left and took I-240 around the southeast corner of the Memphis area to I-40 east. Getting to Jackson, Tennessee I grabbed Hwy 45E and took it to Martin where I found the shipper(I had been there before) at 1:30 PM CST. They were waiting for me so I backed to the dock and they loaded we with 24,785 lbs. of auto parts going to Mexico.
By 2:30 PM CST I was done so I called dispatch and got the word to go. I decided to take Hwy 22 to Union City where I got on Hwy 51 south. At Dyersburg, Tennessee I took I-155 to Missouri catching I-55 south into Arkansas. I did this as I did not want all the "stop & go" traveling this Hwy 51 or Hwy 45E offered me...
I went down I-55 and stopped in West Memphis at the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner at 5:15 PM CST. I ate pretty fast and was back on the road heading west on I-40 at 6:30 PM CST. I just kept moving on and getting to Little Rock, Arkansas I took I-300 toward Texas. Into texas I went and shut down for the night in Winfield Texas at 11:45 PM CST...
February 7, 2011
Febraury 7, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Winfield, Texas)
The three of us(Lucifer, Tom Cat and I) got up and ready to leave. We were gone be 7 AM CST heading northeast on I-30 without breakfast. I ate some of my munchies. We three continued to chit chat on channel 24 on the CB radio. up past Little Rock, Arkansas onto I-40 eastbound. On the east side of Arkansas, we picked up I-55 which took us to our Memphis terminal. We dropped our trailers in the yard and checked in with dispatch. It was 1 PM CST.
Tom Cat and I went to eat and then went back to the terminal. I laid down for a nap and ended up sleeping until 9 PM CST. Went into the terminal until 10:30 PM CST when it was obvious I was not getting out tonight. Went out to my tractor, watched my TV and typed.....My day ended...
The three of us(Lucifer, Tom Cat and I) got up and ready to leave. We were gone be 7 AM CST heading northeast on I-30 without breakfast. I ate some of my munchies. We three continued to chit chat on channel 24 on the CB radio. up past Little Rock, Arkansas onto I-40 eastbound. On the east side of Arkansas, we picked up I-55 which took us to our Memphis terminal. We dropped our trailers in the yard and checked in with dispatch. It was 1 PM CST.
Tom Cat and I went to eat and then went back to the terminal. I laid down for a nap and ended up sleeping until 9 PM CST. Went into the terminal until 10:30 PM CST when it was obvious I was not getting out tonight. Went out to my tractor, watched my TV and typed.....My day ended...
February 6, 2011
Febraury 6, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Laredo, Texas)
I was up and in the Laredo terminal at 7 AM CST. I saw myself as #3 on the TRB and so I just sat down and watch the TV and talked with the other drivers waiting. At 8:30 AM CST I was called to the dispatch window and given the order to go to Memphis empty(deadhead). They game me an empty trailer and I hooked up to it. I found two other drivers deadheading also to Memphis, Tennessee; they were(their handles) "Lucifer" and "Tom Cat".
We three decided to run together and that is what we did. We were gone by 9:30 AM CST and shot straight up to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal getting there at 4:30 PM CST. We all filled with fuel; me taking on 165 gallons. We were only at the terminal 30 minutes and were off up I-35E to I-30 east. We all agreed to stop for the night at the Winfield, Texas truckstop. We did stop there at 7 PM CST. We went into the restaurant and enjoyed the time before going to bed around 9 PM CST...
I was up and in the Laredo terminal at 7 AM CST. I saw myself as #3 on the TRB and so I just sat down and watch the TV and talked with the other drivers waiting. At 8:30 AM CST I was called to the dispatch window and given the order to go to Memphis empty(deadhead). They game me an empty trailer and I hooked up to it. I found two other drivers deadheading also to Memphis, Tennessee; they were(their handles) "Lucifer" and "Tom Cat".
We three decided to run together and that is what we did. We were gone by 9:30 AM CST and shot straight up to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal getting there at 4:30 PM CST. We all filled with fuel; me taking on 165 gallons. We were only at the terminal 30 minutes and were off up I-35E to I-30 east. We all agreed to stop for the night at the Winfield, Texas truckstop. We did stop there at 7 PM CST. We went into the restaurant and enjoyed the time before going to bed around 9 PM CST...
February 5, 2011
February 5, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I was talking with Pam as my day ended. She had college work to do and got done with it around 2:30 AM CST. I left the Mortens at 3 AM CST and headed back to the terminal to sleep.
I awoke without an alarm clock at 12:30 pm CST. I got up and drove to the store where I bought several food articles I needed to restock on. I went other to Radio Shack because I needed to check on something I was buying Ron, my second son.
I went back to the terminal where I stayed around the terminal waiting for a load. I was called to the dispatch's window after 9 PM CST for a Houston, Texas load. I said I would take it and them dispatch took it away because it had two day's to deliver the load a whole 315 miles.
Since the load was taken back, that was nothing else and so I went out to my truck to sleep...
I was talking with Pam as my day ended. She had college work to do and got done with it around 2:30 AM CST. I left the Mortens at 3 AM CST and headed back to the terminal to sleep.
I awoke without an alarm clock at 12:30 pm CST. I got up and drove to the store where I bought several food articles I needed to restock on. I went other to Radio Shack because I needed to check on something I was buying Ron, my second son.
I went back to the terminal where I stayed around the terminal waiting for a load. I was called to the dispatch's window after 9 PM CST for a Houston, Texas load. I said I would take it and them dispatch took it away because it had two day's to deliver the load a whole 315 miles.
Since the load was taken back, that was nothing else and so I went out to my truck to sleep...
February 4, 2011
February 4, 1990, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
I took my trailer to the broker so they could take it into Mexico. The place I took the trailer was really bad. I couldn't believe some of those places. I took it into a huge back yard lined with other trailers. As I drove the trailer into the yard, several men came out of a building(garage???) that looked like they were ready to strip the trailer of everything. I bobtailed back to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. I told dispatch of disgusting nature of the delivery point and they just laughed at me. I got on the TRB but It looks like tomorrow or the next day before I will get out of here.
I went to the Wal-Mart shopping center and met Pam at Radio Shack. I took her to lunch at my then favorite Chinese restaurant. After eating, we went to her folk's place(and her home too) and I spent the evening with the Mortens. Pam stayed up until 2:30 AM working on school work....
At Mortens talking with Alice as my day ended.
I took my trailer to the broker so they could take it into Mexico. The place I took the trailer was really bad. I couldn't believe some of those places. I took it into a huge back yard lined with other trailers. As I drove the trailer into the yard, several men came out of a building(garage???) that looked like they were ready to strip the trailer of everything. I bobtailed back to the terminal and checked in with dispatch. I told dispatch of disgusting nature of the delivery point and they just laughed at me. I got on the TRB but It looks like tomorrow or the next day before I will get out of here.
I went to the Wal-Mart shopping center and met Pam at Radio Shack. I took her to lunch at my then favorite Chinese restaurant. After eating, we went to her folk's place(and her home too) and I spent the evening with the Mortens. Pam stayed up until 2:30 AM working on school work....
At Mortens talking with Alice as my day ended.
February 3, 2011
February 3, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-traveling to Laredo, Texas)
I over drove my 10 hour rule and drove to Laredo before shutting down. From Sanderson, Texas, I took Hwy 90 to Eagle Pass. I picked up Hwy 287 and took it to Carrizo Springs, Texas where I hooked into Hwy 83. Hwy 83 was taken to I-35 south into Laredo. Got to Laredo at 2:45 AM CST. I will have to deliver this load Monday so I dropped the trailer in the company yard for Sunday activities.
Spent the day with the Mortens after church and returned to the terminal to sleep for the night....
I over drove my 10 hour rule and drove to Laredo before shutting down. From Sanderson, Texas, I took Hwy 90 to Eagle Pass. I picked up Hwy 287 and took it to Carrizo Springs, Texas where I hooked into Hwy 83. Hwy 83 was taken to I-35 south into Laredo. Got to Laredo at 2:45 AM CST. I will have to deliver this load Monday so I dropped the trailer in the company yard for Sunday activities.
Spent the day with the Mortens after church and returned to the terminal to sleep for the night....
February 2, 2011
Febraury 2, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling to El Paso, Texas)
Got to our terminal at 12:30 AM MST and was very tired. Parked my unit and went to bed. I was up at 8:15 AM MST and inside the building at 8:30 AM MST washing my laundry and talking to the drivers in the drivers' lounge. When the terminal closed at noon, I went to my truck, filled my tanks(84 gallons) and did my paperwork. A drivers I knew walked up and started talking with me. It turned out the this driver had a Laredo, Texas load he wanted to trade. We traded my Atlanta load for his Laredo one.
I got hooked up, did a vehicle inspection and was headed east on I-10 at 2 PM MST. Kind of enjoyed the desert flat land I was traveling over. I did have a hill here and there before getting to Fort Stockton(Texas) at 7 PM CST. I stopped at the truckstop and walked across the street to McDonald's and had dinner. Didn't find dinner at all exciting!!! It was 8:15 PM CST when I got moving again. This time I was heading down Hwy 285 to Sanderson, Texas. At the small town of Sanderson I caught Hwy 90 east.
Pretty flat out of Sanderson along the Mexican border. Traveling to Laredo as my day ended...
Got to our terminal at 12:30 AM MST and was very tired. Parked my unit and went to bed. I was up at 8:15 AM MST and inside the building at 8:30 AM MST washing my laundry and talking to the drivers in the drivers' lounge. When the terminal closed at noon, I went to my truck, filled my tanks(84 gallons) and did my paperwork. A drivers I knew walked up and started talking with me. It turned out the this driver had a Laredo, Texas load he wanted to trade. We traded my Atlanta load for his Laredo one.
I got hooked up, did a vehicle inspection and was headed east on I-10 at 2 PM MST. Kind of enjoyed the desert flat land I was traveling over. I did have a hill here and there before getting to Fort Stockton(Texas) at 7 PM CST. I stopped at the truckstop and walked across the street to McDonald's and had dinner. Didn't find dinner at all exciting!!! It was 8:15 PM CST when I got moving again. This time I was heading down Hwy 285 to Sanderson, Texas. At the small town of Sanderson I caught Hwy 90 east.
Pretty flat out of Sanderson along the Mexican border. Traveling to Laredo as my day ended...
February 1, 2011
February 1, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Phoenix, Arizona)
I was up and checking in at 7 AM MST. WHAT???? "Call back in an hour....". Well, I called back at 8 AM MST and got a load from Nogales(Arizona) to Atlanta, Georgia. The problem was that the trailer wasn't scheduled to come across the Mexican/US border until 3 PM MST.
It was about 8:15 AM MST when I left my Phoenix parking spot. I got to the "Just A Truckstop" in Casa Grande(Arizona) at 9:30 AM MST. First thing I did was fill my tanks(132 gallon) and then went in the building. I checked out the movie room and found that the movie "McCabe & Mrs. Miller"was starting so I watched it. After the movie I ate the buffet lunch and talked with the other drivers that were eating with me.
About 1:30 PM MST I left southeast on I-10 and traveled to Tucson(Arizona) where I caught I-19 south bound. I-19 is the only stretch of road in the US that is marked off in kilometers and not in miles. 3:30 PM MST found me in our drop yard in Nogales. My trailer was there and I checked the paperweight to find the weight at 45, 960 lbs. I hooked up and called dispatch. I told them able the weight and they dispatched me to Tucson to get it weighed--no truck weight scales in Nogales. I left Nogales up I-19 at 4:30 PM MST. I got to the Tucson Truckstop and weighed my unit at 5:45 PM MST. It took me a couple weighings and tandem adjustments to get legal. It was 7 PM MST before I got moving toward my desired first stop EL Paso, Texas.
Headed east and hit alot of mountains before getting to the flat land driving of New Mexico. Kept moving as fast/legal as I could and ended up passing Las Cruses, New Mexico as my day ended...
I was up and checking in at 7 AM MST. WHAT???? "Call back in an hour....". Well, I called back at 8 AM MST and got a load from Nogales(Arizona) to Atlanta, Georgia. The problem was that the trailer wasn't scheduled to come across the Mexican/US border until 3 PM MST.
It was about 8:15 AM MST when I left my Phoenix parking spot. I got to the "Just A Truckstop" in Casa Grande(Arizona) at 9:30 AM MST. First thing I did was fill my tanks(132 gallon) and then went in the building. I checked out the movie room and found that the movie "McCabe & Mrs. Miller"was starting so I watched it. After the movie I ate the buffet lunch and talked with the other drivers that were eating with me.
About 1:30 PM MST I left southeast on I-10 and traveled to Tucson(Arizona) where I caught I-19 south bound. I-19 is the only stretch of road in the US that is marked off in kilometers and not in miles. 3:30 PM MST found me in our drop yard in Nogales. My trailer was there and I checked the paperweight to find the weight at 45, 960 lbs. I hooked up and called dispatch. I told them able the weight and they dispatched me to Tucson to get it weighed--no truck weight scales in Nogales. I left Nogales up I-19 at 4:30 PM MST. I got to the Tucson Truckstop and weighed my unit at 5:45 PM MST. It took me a couple weighings and tandem adjustments to get legal. It was 7 PM MST before I got moving toward my desired first stop EL Paso, Texas.
Headed east and hit alot of mountains before getting to the flat land driving of New Mexico. Kept moving as fast/legal as I could and ended up passing Las Cruses, New Mexico as my day ended...
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