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.
March 31, 2011
March 31, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Amarillo, Texas ) Left the "Just a Truckstop" going east on I-40/Hwy 287 for a short distance before following Hwy 287 toward Dallas/Fort Worth. The first part of the trip, after leaving I-40, is less than exciting until one gets to Childress(Texas). After Childress, the scenery gets a little more exciting...but not much. I stopped at Vernon(Texas) for a short break and then it was onward. I followed Hwy 287 through Ft.Worth to I-20 and then east to Arlington. I found the warehouse I was to deliver to and parked next to it for the night as there was plenty of parking. I wasn't there long when a Southwest Freightways truck pulled in next to me. The truck was handled by a husband/wife team which I talked and ate with. We went across the street to a Waffle House and ate. The team was from the back hills(as they called it) of Northeast Alabama. They were an interesting couple. I noticed that the waitress couldn't get our orders straight and seemed quite nervous. After eating, went back to my truck and watched my TV until I went to sleep...
March 30, 2011
March 30, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Cuba, New Mexico) I was up close to 7 AM MST and saw alot of traffic moving to the northwest on Hwy 550. Turns out there was a bad accident south of town that had caused that Highway to be closed. It had just got cleaned up a few minutes before I got up. I took off south on Hwy 550 about 7:30 AM MST and drove to I-25 which I took to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I got to I-40 and took it east through Albuquerque. I found the upper desert, , after climbing the eastern mountains out of Albuquerque, windy, roads icy and the ground snow covered. I got to Moriarty, New Mexico and decided to pull into the Rip Griffins Truckstop and take a break. I had lunch and talked with the other drivers and then watched a Star Trek movie before leaving for Amarillo, Texas. I got to Amarillo at 4:30 PM CST and stopped at our fuel stop("Just a Truckstop") and fueled(154 gallons). I decided to stay here for the night so I went into the truckers' movie room and watched movies. I then went to the restaurant around 8:30 PM CST and had the buffet only to eat alot of dessert stuff. Talked with the other drivers that were eating and then went out to bed...
March 29, 2011
March 29, 1991,2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Bountiful, Utah) I spent the night with my Sister's family and when morning came, My Sister took me back to my truck--parked next to K-mart--so I could get moving. I didn't move too fast as I decided to have lunch at the buffet in Provo. I had plenty of time to get there. I got my logbook and vehicle inspection done and headed for Provo and breakfast(brunch) at around 9 AM MST. Taking my time through Salt Lake City, I went through the Salt Lake Valley. I then traveled over the mountain into the Utah Valley(seeing the Utah Highway Patrol "turkey shoot"--see "Highway Patrol-Utah" below-- as I did) and got to Provo. I parked in the buffet restaurant parking lot and waited for the restaurant to open. IT OPENED and I was the third one into eat. I ate and took my time as I don't have to be in Arlington, Texas until Monday. After eating, I left Provo south on I-15 at 12:30 PM MST. Shortly after leaving Provo, I took Hwy 6 east up over the mountains over Soldier Summit down past Helper, Utah--a town history I enjoy reading--into an upper desert valley leading to Green River(Utah). I stopped in Green River at the convienent store with alot of truck parking at 3:15 PM MST. I bought 6 hot dogs(3/$1) and saved them. I then headed east on I-70/Hwy 191 until Hwy 191 went south past Moab(Utah), continuing to Monticello, Utah. At Monticello I took Hwy 666 eastward into Colorado. I was fascinated for some reason with seeing the mountain Monticello sits against grow smaller as in got closer to Colorado. Anyway, I took Hwy 666 on down to Cortez and then into New Mexico and it's slow, continual decline into the community of Shiprock(New Mexico). At the junction of Hwy 666 and Hwy 64 I had to stop at the State weight scale but had no problem. I switched to Hwy 64 and went east to Broomfield(New Mexico) where I stopped at a convienent store and bought some munchies. I was there a short time and then I headed south on Hwy 550 and stopped in Cuba, New Mexico for the night at 10 PM MST.
March 28, 2011
March 28, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Bountiful, Utah) Nothing exciting today as I spent the day with my Sister's Family. My load of boxed potatoes doesn't deliver until Monday in Arlington, Texas. My Sister let me barrow her car for the day as she had to work. I took my Mother to lunch and took my nephew Jason with me to pick my Sister up after her day of work was over. She introduced me to her co-worker Collen(no fireworks...) and then we went to my Sister's place. Spent night in a house bed with my truck secure sitting next to K-Mart... A Trucker's Tale:(Utah Highway Patrol "turkey shoot") I call it a "turkey shoot"...I noticed on many of my trips to Salt Lake City that when going from the Utah Valley(Provo-Orem side) into the Salt Lake Valley(Salt Lake City Side) the highway patrol line up on the ridge. About 4 to 6 patrol cars seem to be invoved with lining up and taking turns radaring cars and trucks as they speed between valleys. They get in a line on the ridges comedian and after ticketing a vehicle they return to the line and wait their turn to radar their next victum... The interesting thing is that I talked with my Sister who lives in the Salt Lake Valley and she said that the "turkey shoot" is still happening in 2011, 20 years later!!! Can't the people learn???
March 27, 2011
March 27, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Lewisville, Idaho) I was up at 6:30 AM MST as I was told my load time was 7 AM MST. Welllllll, they didn't start loading me until 8 AM MST with boxed potatoes from the top to bottom, front to brack and side to side. Weight of the load wasn't bad at 32,000 lbs and even from front to back of the trailer. I was done by 11 AM MST. This load was not due into Arlington, Texas until Monday and since it was going to a store warehouse, there was no early drop. I decided to go back down to Bountiful(Utah) and send a day or two with my Sister's family. I left Lewisville(Idaho) around 11:15 AM MST and stopped at the "trading post" at Fort Hall(Idaho) for awhile to look around an hour later. I saw a "cow pie" belt bucket that I decided to get next time I came through(wish I got this time now as I never found it again). I stopped at our fuel stop(62 gallons) in Ogden again to top off my tanks as I won't fill again until Santa Rosa(New Mexico) or Amarillo(Texas). I went on down to Bountiful(Utah) and parked my truck next to the K-Mart store and called my Sister. Spent evening with my Sister's family and worked on my portable computer desk(February 11, 1991) and came close to finishing it...
March 26, 2011
March 26, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Ogden, Utah) Most of all day I called dispatch every hour for a load. At my 2 PM MST check call I got a load to pick up tomorrow in Lewisville, Idaho at 7 AM MST. My company hooked me up by phone to my pickup for tomorrow so that I could get directions. I got directions and I asked if they had an area for me to sleep if I got there tonight. They said there was night parking if I get there early. I decided to have the dinner buffet at the truckstop and then head for Idaho. After eating I bought a couple more turkey legs to eat tomorrow. I left for Idaho at 4 PM MST heading up I-15. I went into Idaho and stopped at the state weight scales as they wanted to see my permit book. I had no problem and kept going north. Over the lava beds of southern Idaho, past Fort Hall(great place to visit) visitor's center and onto my pickup for tomorrow. They had a security officer and he told me where to park for the night. Time was 7:45 PM MST when I parked my truck. My TV got only one channel so I watched it while I went to sleep...
March 25, 2011
March 25, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Provo, Utah)
By 7 AM MST I was at the Orem tire store and delivering after a couple got the store to work. I continued my day delivering to Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake and Bountiful stores. I had enough time so I asked the manager at Bountiful store to call the Roy store--my last drop--and tell him I was coming. I was told that he would and I left for Roy(Utah).
I got to the Roy tire store and checked in. The Manager at the Bountiful store never got ahold of the Roy store Manager. The Roy Manager said I could unload but not for awhile as our unloading area had an RV getting all it's tires changed. It took awhile but we got the tires unloaded by 6 PM MST. I called dispatch in Joplin, Missouri and got on the TRB for this area...I was no. 2..?
I drove to our fuel stop in Ogden(Utah), fueled(121 gallons) and spent the night. Ate munchies for dinner after buying two turkey legs and munching on them while watching my TV...
By 7 AM MST I was at the Orem tire store and delivering after a couple got the store to work. I continued my day delivering to Sandy, Van Winkle, Kearns, Salt Lake and Bountiful stores. I had enough time so I asked the manager at Bountiful store to call the Roy store--my last drop--and tell him I was coming. I was told that he would and I left for Roy(Utah).
I got to the Roy tire store and checked in. The Manager at the Bountiful store never got ahold of the Roy store Manager. The Roy Manager said I could unload but not for awhile as our unloading area had an RV getting all it's tires changed. It took awhile but we got the tires unloaded by 6 PM MST. I called dispatch in Joplin, Missouri and got on the TRB for this area...I was no. 2..?
I drove to our fuel stop in Ogden(Utah), fueled(121 gallons) and spent the night. Ate munchies for dinner after buying two turkey legs and munching on them while watching my TV...
March 24, 2011
March 24, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Provo, Utah)
I spent the whole day in the motel room and ate one meal across the street at the baffet. Typed and watched the motel TV after I walked to the convienence store and got some ice cream...
I have done this route several times but this time I don't have a "Provo" stop and have the Orem stop at a different address. I asked about the Orem store and was told it was across the street from the Mall. Will find it tomorrow...
I spent the whole day in the motel room and ate one meal across the street at the baffet. Typed and watched the motel TV after I walked to the convienence store and got some ice cream...
I have done this route several times but this time I don't have a "Provo" stop and have the Orem stop at a different address. I asked about the Orem store and was told it was across the street from the Mall. Will find it tomorrow...
March 23, 2011
March 23, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Cuba, New Mexico)
As our--Traveling Man(who I was running with)--day started, we were going into a Cuba convienence store for a break and some munchies. I got a bunch of orion rings and a quart of chocolate milk and consumed them while we talked standing by the trucks. The night was night though not too warm.
We started back up Hwy 550 at 12:30 and enjoyed talking--on the CB radio(channel 16) and driving through Navajo Country. We got to Bloomfield where we took Hwy 64 west to Shiprock. At Shiprock, we took Hwy 666 north into Colorado and had to stop and check in at the Colorado scales at Cortez, Colorado. It was now 4:30 AM MST and if it hadn't been so early we would have stopped at the truckstop behind the state scale and got some buffalo burgers-only place I knew that made them. We continued into Utah on Hwy 666, getting on Hwy 191 at Monticello(Utah). We past through Moab, Utah at 5:30 AM MST and got to Green River an hour later.
We stopped at Green River, Utah for our 8 hour break at the truckstop/convienent store that sells hot dogs--3/$1--and good tasting chocolate milk.
Took break, agreeing to meet at 2:30 PM MST. Problem...We were both up and ready to leave at 1:30 PM MST. Before we left, I went in and bought 6 hotdogs and a chocolate milk to consume. We were headed up Hwy 6 to Provo at 1:45 PM MST going past Helper(Utah) and over Soldier Summit. We started down the highway and all the way down, I only downshifted one time before getting to the bottom.
We got to Provo and the motel parking at 4:30 PM MST and I parked my unit and checked in at the motel. We--traveling man & I--went across the street to the baffet and had dinner. After dinner, he kept heading to Seattle--his destination--and I went to the motel room and Watched TV until I went to sleep...
As our--Traveling Man(who I was running with)--day started, we were going into a Cuba convienence store for a break and some munchies. I got a bunch of orion rings and a quart of chocolate milk and consumed them while we talked standing by the trucks. The night was night though not too warm.
We started back up Hwy 550 at 12:30 and enjoyed talking--on the CB radio(channel 16) and driving through Navajo Country. We got to Bloomfield where we took Hwy 64 west to Shiprock. At Shiprock, we took Hwy 666 north into Colorado and had to stop and check in at the Colorado scales at Cortez, Colorado. It was now 4:30 AM MST and if it hadn't been so early we would have stopped at the truckstop behind the state scale and got some buffalo burgers-only place I knew that made them. We continued into Utah on Hwy 666, getting on Hwy 191 at Monticello(Utah). We past through Moab, Utah at 5:30 AM MST and got to Green River an hour later.
We stopped at Green River, Utah for our 8 hour break at the truckstop/convienent store that sells hot dogs--3/$1--and good tasting chocolate milk.
Took break, agreeing to meet at 2:30 PM MST. Problem...We were both up and ready to leave at 1:30 PM MST. Before we left, I went in and bought 6 hotdogs and a chocolate milk to consume. We were headed up Hwy 6 to Provo at 1:45 PM MST going past Helper(Utah) and over Soldier Summit. We started down the highway and all the way down, I only downshifted one time before getting to the bottom.
We got to Provo and the motel parking at 4:30 PM MST and I parked my unit and checked in at the motel. We--traveling man & I--went across the street to the baffet and had dinner. After dinner, he kept heading to Seattle--his destination--and I went to the motel room and Watched TV until I went to sleep...
March 22, 2011
March 22, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Lancaster, Texas)
I got up at 1 AM CST for some reason. I wasn't tired and so I decided I would "hit" the road. While I was checking out my truck before leaving, a driver came over to me and we started up a little conversation. Turns out that he was getting ready to leave for Seattle with tires; I with tires to Salt Lake City area.
The driver I was talking to had the handle "Traveling Man" and I talked him into going with me to Provo, Utah where I start unloading. Traveling Man was ready to go as I was and so we left. He had never been this way before so he followed me.
We left at 1:30 AM CST on I-20 going west. The moon was half full, the sky was cloudless and full of stars. Traveling Man and I turned to CB radio channel 16 and talked on it. We followed I-20 to Hwy 287 southeast of Fort Worth(Texas). Followed hwy 287 up through Fort Worth and on toward Wichita Falls(Texas). Fort Worth looked really good as we traveled through it. We traveled through Wichita Falls and stopped at Vernon(Texas) at a truckstop/convience store for a short 30 minute break.
Left Vernon at 5:30 AM CST for Amarillo, Texas and got to the Amarillo "Just a Truckstop"--our fuel stop--at 8:15 AM CST. We stopped for breakfast only as I told Traveling Man that we need to get our fuel later in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. We have breakfast and just took it easy and left west on I-40 at just before 10 AM CST.
We grossed into New Mexico and continued to Santa Rosa, where we stopped for fuel(85 gallons)at 11:45 AM MST and our 8 hour break. We were bought tired so the eight hour break was easy to take. We agreed to meet after the break at 8 PM MST.
We did our vehicle inspections and logbooks and left west on I-40 at 8:30 PM MST. We drove through Albuquerque, New Mexico and got on I-25 north. We were on I-25 very long before we took Hwy 550 northwest into Navajo Country. As midnight hit,and the end of the day, we pulled into Cuba(New Mexico) where we stopped at a convienent store--parking on the street--for a short break.
I got up at 1 AM CST for some reason. I wasn't tired and so I decided I would "hit" the road. While I was checking out my truck before leaving, a driver came over to me and we started up a little conversation. Turns out that he was getting ready to leave for Seattle with tires; I with tires to Salt Lake City area.
The driver I was talking to had the handle "Traveling Man" and I talked him into going with me to Provo, Utah where I start unloading. Traveling Man was ready to go as I was and so we left. He had never been this way before so he followed me.
We left at 1:30 AM CST on I-20 going west. The moon was half full, the sky was cloudless and full of stars. Traveling Man and I turned to CB radio channel 16 and talked on it. We followed I-20 to Hwy 287 southeast of Fort Worth(Texas). Followed hwy 287 up through Fort Worth and on toward Wichita Falls(Texas). Fort Worth looked really good as we traveled through it. We traveled through Wichita Falls and stopped at Vernon(Texas) at a truckstop/convience store for a short 30 minute break.
Left Vernon at 5:30 AM CST for Amarillo, Texas and got to the Amarillo "Just a Truckstop"--our fuel stop--at 8:15 AM CST. We stopped for breakfast only as I told Traveling Man that we need to get our fuel later in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. We have breakfast and just took it easy and left west on I-40 at just before 10 AM CST.
We grossed into New Mexico and continued to Santa Rosa, where we stopped for fuel(85 gallons)at 11:45 AM MST and our 8 hour break. We were bought tired so the eight hour break was easy to take. We agreed to meet after the break at 8 PM MST.
We did our vehicle inspections and logbooks and left west on I-40 at 8:30 PM MST. We drove through Albuquerque, New Mexico and got on I-25 north. We were on I-25 very long before we took Hwy 550 northwest into Navajo Country. As midnight hit,and the end of the day, we pulled into Cuba(New Mexico) where we stopped at a convienent store--parking on the street--for a short break.
March 21, 2011
March 21, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Joplin, Missouri)
Woke up from "napping" at 2 AM CST and went into the terminal trucker's lounge. I took in my portable computer desk(Feb 11, 1991) and worked on the inside of it--laying in the green velvet lining. Few drivers came in so I wasn't bothered much.
At 5 AM CST dispatch called me to the dispatch window and gave me a relay to Arlington, Texas. It was going to the GM assembly plant. The load came in before 10 AM CST and I got hooked up to it. I wanted to get my tractor and trailer washed so I went and waited in line at the company truck wash. The tractor in front of me got their air lines wrapped up in washer rollers: didn't get my unit washed.
I was heading out at 11:30 AM CST southwest on I-44. The auto parts I was carrying were light so there was no weight problem. Crossed into Oklahoma and took the toll road to Big Cabin(Oklahoma) and Hwy 69. Went south on Hwy 69 past the buffalo yards and on past Pryor, Muskogee and Eufaula stopping in McAlester for a couple Burger Kinger Whoppers. Got my whoppers and kept on truckin'.
Took it easy through the speed trap in Stringtown and on past Durant, over the Red River into Texas.
My journal says that I considered taking FM 121(Farm & Market road 121) out of Van Alstyne(Texas)...I have no idea why as it doesn't seem to shorten the miles or time to Arlington. There may have been an accident or something slowing up the traffic on Hwy 75.
Got to the plant in Arlington at 7 PM CST and dropped the trailer and picked up an empty. I called the terminal in Lancaster and was told to go to the yard. I ask if they had a Utah tire load and was told yes. The dispatcher said he would put the paperwork in the nose of the trailer and that I just needed to be dispatched on the load.
I got to the terminal and hooked up to my trailer of tires. Got fueled (62 gallons) and figured I would take off tomorrow. Went to bed...
Woke up from "napping" at 2 AM CST and went into the terminal trucker's lounge. I took in my portable computer desk(Feb 11, 1991) and worked on the inside of it--laying in the green velvet lining. Few drivers came in so I wasn't bothered much.
At 5 AM CST dispatch called me to the dispatch window and gave me a relay to Arlington, Texas. It was going to the GM assembly plant. The load came in before 10 AM CST and I got hooked up to it. I wanted to get my tractor and trailer washed so I went and waited in line at the company truck wash. The tractor in front of me got their air lines wrapped up in washer rollers: didn't get my unit washed.
I was heading out at 11:30 AM CST southwest on I-44. The auto parts I was carrying were light so there was no weight problem. Crossed into Oklahoma and took the toll road to Big Cabin(Oklahoma) and Hwy 69. Went south on Hwy 69 past the buffalo yards and on past Pryor, Muskogee and Eufaula stopping in McAlester for a couple Burger Kinger Whoppers. Got my whoppers and kept on truckin'.
Took it easy through the speed trap in Stringtown and on past Durant, over the Red River into Texas.
My journal says that I considered taking FM 121(Farm & Market road 121) out of Van Alstyne(Texas)...I have no idea why as it doesn't seem to shorten the miles or time to Arlington. There may have been an accident or something slowing up the traffic on Hwy 75.
Got to the plant in Arlington at 7 PM CST and dropped the trailer and picked up an empty. I called the terminal in Lancaster and was told to go to the yard. I ask if they had a Utah tire load and was told yes. The dispatcher said he would put the paperwork in the nose of the trailer and that I just needed to be dispatched on the load.
I got to the terminal and hooked up to my trailer of tires. Got fueled (62 gallons) and figured I would take off tomorrow. Went to bed...
March 20, 2011
March 20, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Monrovia, Indiana)
I got up at 5:45 AM EST and did my logbook and vehiche inspection. I was gone by 6 AM EST. Rounding west on I-70 with about an hour before entering Illinois. I kept going past Effingham, where I like to stop once in awhile.
I got to the state scale at Troy, Illinois and they pulled me around back for an inspection of my vehiche, paperwork and logbook. My company keeps our vehicles up real well and I didn't have any problem with any part of the inspection. The inspector put a green inspection sticker on my window and that should keep me from being pulled in for another three month no matter what state I am in. I left the scale with my new sticker and headed over the Mississippi River into St. Louis where I took I-44 southwest.
The scale house by Sullivan, Missouri was closed so I pulled in for a short "stretch" break...I was only their about 8 minutes and had to log it as 15 minutes. I continued on to Marshfield(Missouri) where I stopped for lunch at 1 PM CST at one of my favorite Bar-B-Que restaurants. I left for Joplin(Missouri) at 2:15 PM CST and pulled into our Joplin yard at 4 PM CST.
I checked in with dispatch and was told to drop the trailer in the yard as it wasn't due into Stillwater, Oklahoma until Saturday. I dropped it and got on the TRB figuring it would be tomorrow before I got out of the yard.
I was tired so after fueling(94 gallons) I laid down at 5:30 PM CST and went to sleep with my TV on...
I got up at 5:45 AM EST and did my logbook and vehiche inspection. I was gone by 6 AM EST. Rounding west on I-70 with about an hour before entering Illinois. I kept going past Effingham, where I like to stop once in awhile.
I got to the state scale at Troy, Illinois and they pulled me around back for an inspection of my vehiche, paperwork and logbook. My company keeps our vehicles up real well and I didn't have any problem with any part of the inspection. The inspector put a green inspection sticker on my window and that should keep me from being pulled in for another three month no matter what state I am in. I left the scale with my new sticker and headed over the Mississippi River into St. Louis where I took I-44 southwest.
The scale house by Sullivan, Missouri was closed so I pulled in for a short "stretch" break...I was only their about 8 minutes and had to log it as 15 minutes. I continued on to Marshfield(Missouri) where I stopped for lunch at 1 PM CST at one of my favorite Bar-B-Que restaurants. I left for Joplin(Missouri) at 2:15 PM CST and pulled into our Joplin yard at 4 PM CST.
I checked in with dispatch and was told to drop the trailer in the yard as it wasn't due into Stillwater, Oklahoma until Saturday. I dropped it and got on the TRB figuring it would be tomorrow before I got out of the yard.
I was tired so after fueling(94 gallons) I laid down at 5:30 PM CST and went to sleep with my TV on...
March 19, 2011
March 19, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Hamburg, New York)
My appointment for pickup wasn't until 10 AM EST so I felt no rush went I left the truckstop at 8:30 AM EST. I went north on Hwy 5 past the Ford assembly plant that I had delivered to and got on I-190 north--This area I enenyed with It's bridges and boats. Get up past Buffalo and took I-290 east.
I found the GM Engine Plant I was to load at. I checked in and had to wait until 10:30 to get backed to the loading dock. Loading was fast and I was out of there by 11 AM EST. I had a load of 454 Cubic Inch engines going to the boat making company, Mercury Marine, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
I left and followed I-290 east to I-90 south into Pennsylvania where I stopped at the truckstop in Northeast(Pennsylvania). I like the chef salads at this restaurant as well as the scenery of the lake. I had about 1 hour there and then it was back on I-90, Passed Erie and it's view of Lake Erie.
Into Ohio to I-271 and took it south to I-71. I-71 to Columbus downtown where I picked up I-70 west. As I left Ohio, I stopped at our fuel stop in New Paris(Ohio) for fuel(96 gallons). I continue west on I-70 through Indianapolis and onto our fuel stop in Monrovia, Indiana where I stopped for the night at 9:30 PM EST...
My appointment for pickup wasn't until 10 AM EST so I felt no rush went I left the truckstop at 8:30 AM EST. I went north on Hwy 5 past the Ford assembly plant that I had delivered to and got on I-190 north--This area I enenyed with It's bridges and boats. Get up past Buffalo and took I-290 east.
I found the GM Engine Plant I was to load at. I checked in and had to wait until 10:30 to get backed to the loading dock. Loading was fast and I was out of there by 11 AM EST. I had a load of 454 Cubic Inch engines going to the boat making company, Mercury Marine, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
I left and followed I-290 east to I-90 south into Pennsylvania where I stopped at the truckstop in Northeast(Pennsylvania). I like the chef salads at this restaurant as well as the scenery of the lake. I had about 1 hour there and then it was back on I-90, Passed Erie and it's view of Lake Erie.
Into Ohio to I-271 and took it south to I-71. I-71 to Columbus downtown where I picked up I-70 west. As I left Ohio, I stopped at our fuel stop in New Paris(Ohio) for fuel(96 gallons). I continue west on I-70 through Indianapolis and onto our fuel stop in Monrovia, Indiana where I stopped for the night at 9:30 PM EST...
March 18, 2011
March 18, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Hamburg, New York)
I spent the night at the Exit 57 Truckstop Motel--off of I-90--and by 7:30 AM EST I was at the Ford Assembly plant with the load of special parts from France. I was instructed to take the trailer to the back of the plant for unloading. I got back there and checked in. I had to back up to the dock and I watched the trailer unloaded. The unloader told me a little about the plant and them I left for the plant's front gate. I used the guard shack to call dispatch and let them know I am delivered.
I was given a load to pick up tomorrow at 10 AM EST in Tonawanda, New York(just north of Buffalo). I had a choice of whether to go to our truckstop in Buffalo or go back to the Exit 57 Truckstop. I chose the latter.
I got back to the Exit 57 truckstop and found a parking spot that was not in the dirt. That non-dirt parking space was were I stayed for the night. I did go in and watched bowling as the restaurant was(and may still be) in the bowling alley... Pretty much a boring day in New York...
I spent the night at the Exit 57 Truckstop Motel--off of I-90--and by 7:30 AM EST I was at the Ford Assembly plant with the load of special parts from France. I was instructed to take the trailer to the back of the plant for unloading. I got back there and checked in. I had to back up to the dock and I watched the trailer unloaded. The unloader told me a little about the plant and them I left for the plant's front gate. I used the guard shack to call dispatch and let them know I am delivered.
I was given a load to pick up tomorrow at 10 AM EST in Tonawanda, New York(just north of Buffalo). I had a choice of whether to go to our truckstop in Buffalo or go back to the Exit 57 Truckstop. I chose the latter.
I got back to the Exit 57 truckstop and found a parking spot that was not in the dirt. That non-dirt parking space was were I stayed for the night. I did go in and watched bowling as the restaurant was(and may still be) in the bowling alley... Pretty much a boring day in New York...
March 17, 2011
March 17, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Chemung, New York)
I was up and ready to leave the pickle park at 5:15 AM EST and it was so beautiful out. Left west on Hwy 17 and then took I-390 the the north. I stopped at our fuel stop in Dansville, New York and fueled(79 gallon) and asked directions for the best way to the Buffalo area. The directions I got were to go north on I-390 to Hwy 36 north to Hwy 20 Alt. west. I followed these directions with a warning from the drivers to not worry about the low underpass signs of 12ft 6in(our trucks can get under them). I found the assembly plant along Hwy 5 and it didn't have receiving open today.
I went back to the Exit 57 truckstop off of I-90 to spend the night and was not impressed with the dustiness of the parking lot. I was talking to a couple drivers--not from my company--and I said I was going to get a room for the night. One driver asked if we could share one as they are cheaper that way. I said yes and we checked in. He paid me half the room and I turned in the recept for my 20 dollar reimbursement.
I took my computer in and did some typing and the other driver was somewhat impressed. He asked me if I knew how to write OK. I said I was pretty good and had a decent background. He then asked if I could help him with his application he was doing for another company. I said yes. He handed me an application filled out so poorly that I was surprised he got through the 2nd grade. It was BAD... I rewrote it for him and he filled it out on a blank application he had. The part that surprised me was the work history section. He had three pages of work history with different trucking companies. Under one of the sections where he had to write about himself, his last sentence was, "When I work for a company, I am 100 % loyal"...this after he's working for the company he was with at the time while looking for another job....
I fall asleep watching TV...
I was up and ready to leave the pickle park at 5:15 AM EST and it was so beautiful out. Left west on Hwy 17 and then took I-390 the the north. I stopped at our fuel stop in Dansville, New York and fueled(79 gallon) and asked directions for the best way to the Buffalo area. The directions I got were to go north on I-390 to Hwy 36 north to Hwy 20 Alt. west. I followed these directions with a warning from the drivers to not worry about the low underpass signs of 12ft 6in(our trucks can get under them). I found the assembly plant along Hwy 5 and it didn't have receiving open today.
I went back to the Exit 57 truckstop off of I-90 to spend the night and was not impressed with the dustiness of the parking lot. I was talking to a couple drivers--not from my company--and I said I was going to get a room for the night. One driver asked if we could share one as they are cheaper that way. I said yes and we checked in. He paid me half the room and I turned in the recept for my 20 dollar reimbursement.
I took my computer in and did some typing and the other driver was somewhat impressed. He asked me if I knew how to write OK. I said I was pretty good and had a decent background. He then asked if I could help him with his application he was doing for another company. I said yes. He handed me an application filled out so poorly that I was surprised he got through the 2nd grade. It was BAD... I rewrote it for him and he filled it out on a blank application he had. The part that surprised me was the work history section. He had three pages of work history with different trucking companies. Under one of the sections where he had to write about himself, his last sentence was, "When I work for a company, I am 100 % loyal"...this after he's working for the company he was with at the time while looking for another job....
I fall asleep watching TV...
March 16, 2011
March 16, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Harrisburg, Pennsylanvia)
After fueling my truck at midnight, I went into the truckstop restaurant and had me a chicken dinner. I left for New York at 2 AM and took my sweet time; I was in no hurry. I crossed the George Washington Bridge at daybreak and followed I-95 east to I-678. went south on I-678, over the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and onto J F K airport. The directions I had to "Air France" were really bad. I asked directions sereval times before finding it just before I was to be there at 9 AM EST. I had a fellow--named Jamie--I was to meet there and when I checked in, he hadn't got there yet. The fellow showed up at 9:15 AM EST.
Jamie told me that he was here only to see that I got loaded correctly and timely. He had an order of special auto parts from France going to Ford south of Buffalo in Lackawanna. He then told me to back to the dock where he had got the OK from the dock foreman. The dock foreman--a short, stubby, cigar smoking & small beanie wearing man--was the real reason I FEEL Jamie was here. As Jamie was talking to me, he pointed to the foreman as the foreman was talking to another driver. Jamie said to watch the foreman talk to the driver. Shortly the two stepped behind some cargo and reappearred in a couple minutes. The foreman then told some dock workers to get the driver's trailer unloaded "now". Jamie then smiled at me and said that the driver "had" to give the foreman $20 or $30 to get unloaded in a reasonable time. Jamie again smiled and said that I wouldn't believe how many pieces of clothes his kids wear that were paid for from Jamie's organization over the years. I don't know what arrangement Jamie had with the foreman to get me loaded, but he had me loaded by 10:15 AM EST with the 5,860 lbs load. All paperwork signed and I said bye and thanks to Jamie and I was gone after talking to dispatch at 10:45 AM EST.
Getting out of JFK airport was earlier for me than getting in. Even though I didn't like being here, I did feel more comfortable leaving the area. I did not like the area but I could imagine that their were many people living there that wouldn't want to live any where else...
I left the airport on I-678 going north(the only way to go) and then west on I-95 over the GW into into New Jersey. It was Saturday morning and I was in no hurry so after the GW I took I-80 west and got off at Hwy 17--going to take that through New York--after Hackensack. "Toured" through alot of city before getting back into New York. Found the cities I went through interesting but wasn't impressed with them. When I got to New York, I stayed on Hwy 17 instead of getting on I-87 northbound. Followed Hwy 17 to Binghamton, New York where we had a fuel stop which I stopped at. I thought about fueling but decided to wait. I did buy some munchies though I did not need anything. I drove on to the rest area after Chemung, New York and stopped for the night. It wasn't dark yet but I was tired and the scenery was beautiful. I walked around for awhile and then went to bed. There was no TV reception for me here...
After fueling my truck at midnight, I went into the truckstop restaurant and had me a chicken dinner. I left for New York at 2 AM and took my sweet time; I was in no hurry. I crossed the George Washington Bridge at daybreak and followed I-95 east to I-678. went south on I-678, over the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and onto J F K airport. The directions I had to "Air France" were really bad. I asked directions sereval times before finding it just before I was to be there at 9 AM EST. I had a fellow--named Jamie--I was to meet there and when I checked in, he hadn't got there yet. The fellow showed up at 9:15 AM EST.
Jamie told me that he was here only to see that I got loaded correctly and timely. He had an order of special auto parts from France going to Ford south of Buffalo in Lackawanna. He then told me to back to the dock where he had got the OK from the dock foreman. The dock foreman--a short, stubby, cigar smoking & small beanie wearing man--was the real reason I FEEL Jamie was here. As Jamie was talking to me, he pointed to the foreman as the foreman was talking to another driver. Jamie said to watch the foreman talk to the driver. Shortly the two stepped behind some cargo and reappearred in a couple minutes. The foreman then told some dock workers to get the driver's trailer unloaded "now". Jamie then smiled at me and said that the driver "had" to give the foreman $20 or $30 to get unloaded in a reasonable time. Jamie again smiled and said that I wouldn't believe how many pieces of clothes his kids wear that were paid for from Jamie's organization over the years. I don't know what arrangement Jamie had with the foreman to get me loaded, but he had me loaded by 10:15 AM EST with the 5,860 lbs load. All paperwork signed and I said bye and thanks to Jamie and I was gone after talking to dispatch at 10:45 AM EST.
Getting out of JFK airport was earlier for me than getting in. Even though I didn't like being here, I did feel more comfortable leaving the area. I did not like the area but I could imagine that their were many people living there that wouldn't want to live any where else...
I left the airport on I-678 going north(the only way to go) and then west on I-95 over the GW into into New Jersey. It was Saturday morning and I was in no hurry so after the GW I took I-80 west and got off at Hwy 17--going to take that through New York--after Hackensack. "Toured" through alot of city before getting back into New York. Found the cities I went through interesting but wasn't impressed with them. When I got to New York, I stayed on Hwy 17 instead of getting on I-87 northbound. Followed Hwy 17 to Binghamton, New York where we had a fuel stop which I stopped at. I thought about fueling but decided to wait. I did buy some munchies though I did not need anything. I drove on to the rest area after Chemung, New York and stopped for the night. It wasn't dark yet but I was tired and the scenery was beautiful. I walked around for awhile and then went to bed. There was no TV reception for me here...
March 15, 2011
March 15, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Martinsburg, West Virginia)
Inspector and I were both up at 5 AM EST like we were told. Receiving looked like they just had started their day also. We checked in and they signed our paperwork. We dropped our trailers in their yard and picked up each an empty trailer. We called dispatch and were told to call back in an hour. Inspector got on the TRB first so I was number 2 for this area.
We went to our fuel stop in Martinsburg and called dispatch while we were having breakfast. Inspector had a load and left for his run after breakfast. I decided to wash my laundry and just take it easy until I got a load.
Funny thing is that I felt really bad and thoughts of going to New York City filled my head before I called dispatch. I called and I was given a load to pick up at "Air France" at JFK airport in Queens. Pickup was set for tomorrow at 9 AM EST. I became depressed real fast and called my Sister in Salt Lake City; she helped me get over it.
I thought about how I was going to go into the airport. The plan I had, and followed was to nap until 10 Pm EST and then take off. I took off up I-81 and got to our Harrisburg(Pennsylvania) fuel stop at 11:45 PM EST. I fueled(56 gallons) as my day ended...
Inspector and I were both up at 5 AM EST like we were told. Receiving looked like they just had started their day also. We checked in and they signed our paperwork. We dropped our trailers in their yard and picked up each an empty trailer. We called dispatch and were told to call back in an hour. Inspector got on the TRB first so I was number 2 for this area.
We went to our fuel stop in Martinsburg and called dispatch while we were having breakfast. Inspector had a load and left for his run after breakfast. I decided to wash my laundry and just take it easy until I got a load.
Funny thing is that I felt really bad and thoughts of going to New York City filled my head before I called dispatch. I called and I was given a load to pick up at "Air France" at JFK airport in Queens. Pickup was set for tomorrow at 9 AM EST. I became depressed real fast and called my Sister in Salt Lake City; she helped me get over it.
I thought about how I was going to go into the airport. The plan I had, and followed was to nap until 10 Pm EST and then take off. I took off up I-81 and got to our Harrisburg(Pennsylvania) fuel stop at 11:45 PM EST. I fueled(56 gallons) as my day ended...
March 14, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Ashville, Alabama)
Inspector--driver I am running with--and I were gone from Ashville at 6 AM CST as we didn't hang around the truckstop at all. We followed I-59 into the northwest tip of Georgia and I-59 ended at I-24 which we took east to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We weren't on I-24 before it ended at I-75 which we took north up through alot of green Tennessee.
We thought about stopping at our Knoxville fuel stop but decided to stop at our Fort Chiswell, Virginia one instead. At Knoxville, we switched to I-40 east and stayed on that a short time until I-81 started, which we took. Beautiful drive up I-81, especially with the patches of fog to the Fort Chiswell stop. We did make a short stop at the rest area near Bulls Gap(Tennessee). We got to the Fort Chiswell fuel stop at 1:45 PM EST and we filled our tanks(127 gallons)and had lunch. I was pretty hungry so I had the buffet. We were at the truckstop until 3 PM EST and then headed northeast on I-81 right up through virginia Shenandoah Valley.
We were running out of driving time as we neared Winchester, Virginia but since we were so close we kept going. We found the Ford assembly plant in Martinsburg at 7:30 PM EST and checked in with the guard, who said to check in with receiving in the morning after 5 AM.
We parked our trucks and went to our beds for the night...
Inspector--driver I am running with--and I were gone from Ashville at 6 AM CST as we didn't hang around the truckstop at all. We followed I-59 into the northwest tip of Georgia and I-59 ended at I-24 which we took east to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We weren't on I-24 before it ended at I-75 which we took north up through alot of green Tennessee.
We thought about stopping at our Knoxville fuel stop but decided to stop at our Fort Chiswell, Virginia one instead. At Knoxville, we switched to I-40 east and stayed on that a short time until I-81 started, which we took. Beautiful drive up I-81, especially with the patches of fog to the Fort Chiswell stop. We did make a short stop at the rest area near Bulls Gap(Tennessee). We got to the Fort Chiswell fuel stop at 1:45 PM EST and we filled our tanks(127 gallons)and had lunch. I was pretty hungry so I had the buffet. We were at the truckstop until 3 PM EST and then headed northeast on I-81 right up through virginia Shenandoah Valley.
We were running out of driving time as we neared Winchester, Virginia but since we were so close we kept going. We found the Ford assembly plant in Martinsburg at 7:30 PM EST and checked in with the guard, who said to check in with receiving in the morning after 5 AM.
We parked our trucks and went to our beds for the night...
March 13, 2011
March 13, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Beaumount, Texas)
Inspector--the driver I started running with yesterday--and I were up and started heading east on I-10 at 8:15 AM CST and going into Louisiana. We stopped at the Louisiana scales but had no problem as we each had a load of less than 28,000 lbs.
We went through Lake Charles--didn't take the bypass--and then over the miles and miles and miles and miles of "bridge" interstate over the swamps before getting to Baton Rouge(Louisiana). At Baton Rouge we took I-12 east and stopped at the Just a Truckstop" in Hammond(Louisiana) for lunch and fuel(174 gallons) at 12:15 PM CST. We left east on I-12 just before 2 PM CST. Got to the joining of I-12, I-10 & I-59 and took I-59 into Mississippi.
Up past Hattiesburg and Laural up to Meriden and then northeast into Alabama. Up through Birmingham and up to the northeast on I-59 where we stopped for the night at Ashville, Alabama at 8:15 PM CST. The truckstop was not very good so we just went to sleep...
Inspector--the driver I started running with yesterday--and I were up and started heading east on I-10 at 8:15 AM CST and going into Louisiana. We stopped at the Louisiana scales but had no problem as we each had a load of less than 28,000 lbs.
We went through Lake Charles--didn't take the bypass--and then over the miles and miles and miles and miles of "bridge" interstate over the swamps before getting to Baton Rouge(Louisiana). At Baton Rouge we took I-12 east and stopped at the Just a Truckstop" in Hammond(Louisiana) for lunch and fuel(174 gallons) at 12:15 PM CST. We left east on I-12 just before 2 PM CST. Got to the joining of I-12, I-10 & I-59 and took I-59 into Mississippi.
Up past Hattiesburg and Laural up to Meriden and then northeast into Alabama. Up through Birmingham and up to the northeast on I-59 where we stopped for the night at Ashville, Alabama at 8:15 PM CST. The truckstop was not very good so we just went to sleep...
March 12, 2011
March 12,1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Laredo, Texas)
I woke up by Ed(sharing room with) opening the motel door at 10 AM CST and letting in the sunlight; boy, it was bright. Ed soon left for the termianl but I stayed around the room until 1 PM CST working on my portable computer table(February 11, 1991).
I was at the terminal by 1:30 PM CST and I found I 'd be out of here in a little while.
Dispatch finally called me to the dispatch window and gave me a load of auto parts to Martinsburg, West Virginia. I was hooked up and ready to go by 3:30 PM CST. I did find a good dent in the trailer's back door. I reported the dent when I called dispatch to get the word to go. As I was getting ready, I noticed another driver(handle: the Inspector) getting ready to go somewhere and that somewhere was where I was going to in West Virginia. We decided to run together.
We pulled out of Laredo on Hwy 59 at 4 PM CST. Inspector and I ran together and talked on the CB radio and channel 16. We stopped in Freer(Texas-home of the Rattlesnake festival) for a short break to buy ice cream bars. We got to Beeville and Inspector wanted to use the "must longer" bypass around the north side; I talked him into going straight through the towm. I never had trouble with the straight through.
We traveled to I-10 in the downtown Houston area and went east on it. We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Beaumount, Texas at 11:30 PM CST and settled in for the night...
I woke up by Ed(sharing room with) opening the motel door at 10 AM CST and letting in the sunlight; boy, it was bright. Ed soon left for the termianl but I stayed around the room until 1 PM CST working on my portable computer table(February 11, 1991).
I was at the terminal by 1:30 PM CST and I found I 'd be out of here in a little while.
Dispatch finally called me to the dispatch window and gave me a load of auto parts to Martinsburg, West Virginia. I was hooked up and ready to go by 3:30 PM CST. I did find a good dent in the trailer's back door. I reported the dent when I called dispatch to get the word to go. As I was getting ready, I noticed another driver(handle: the Inspector) getting ready to go somewhere and that somewhere was where I was going to in West Virginia. We decided to run together.
We pulled out of Laredo on Hwy 59 at 4 PM CST. Inspector and I ran together and talked on the CB radio and channel 16. We stopped in Freer(Texas-home of the Rattlesnake festival) for a short break to buy ice cream bars. We got to Beeville and Inspector wanted to use the "must longer" bypass around the north side; I talked him into going straight through the towm. I never had trouble with the straight through.
We traveled to I-10 in the downtown Houston area and went east on it. We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Beaumount, Texas at 11:30 PM CST and settled in for the night...
March 11, 2011
March 11, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Laredo, Texas)
I was staying with the Mortens as my day started. I waiting for Steven and Reida to leave for work, said good bye to Pam and then I went back to the termianl. I saw and talked with Ed, a driver I have seen a couple times before. We, Ed and I, got a motel room about 11 AM CST for the day and night. We got settled in it as I wasn't going anywhere until tomorrow at the earliest.
I called Arlena, whom I set a date up with yesterday. I told her where I was and she came and got me for bowling and dinner. After dinner she came back to the motel room and looked at my computer and portable desk. After talking with ED and I she went home to her kids. I just watched TV and went to sleep...
I was staying with the Mortens as my day started. I waiting for Steven and Reida to leave for work, said good bye to Pam and then I went back to the termianl. I saw and talked with Ed, a driver I have seen a couple times before. We, Ed and I, got a motel room about 11 AM CST for the day and night. We got settled in it as I wasn't going anywhere until tomorrow at the earliest.
I called Arlena, whom I set a date up with yesterday. I told her where I was and she came and got me for bowling and dinner. After dinner she came back to the motel room and looked at my computer and portable desk. After talking with ED and I she went home to her kids. I just watched TV and went to sleep...
March 10, 2011
March 10, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Laredo, Texas)
Simple day's activities. Went to church and then went over to my friends,the Mortens, and spent the day.
I knew Arlena from church and this Sunday she and her three children came into the chapel and sat down with me. After the church meeting I talked with her and ask if I could write to her and the kids and she said yes. I also asked if she would like to go bowling tomorrow with me and she said yes...
Since I did not have a trailer to deliver, I stayed with the Mortens for the night.
Simple day's activities. Went to church and then went over to my friends,the Mortens, and spent the day.
I knew Arlena from church and this Sunday she and her three children came into the chapel and sat down with me. After the church meeting I talked with her and ask if I could write to her and the kids and she said yes. I also asked if she would like to go bowling tomorrow with me and she said yes...
Since I did not have a trailer to deliver, I stayed with the Mortens for the night.
March 9, 2011
March 9, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
I was up at 4 AM CST and got my logbook caught up. I was out of the truckstop, heading down I-35 by 4:15 AM CST.
I travelled down into Texas and took I-35E when I-35 split above Dallas/Ft Worth. I went through Dallas to Lancaster where I stopped at our terminal at 8:15 AM CST. I fueled(66 gallons) and went into the terminal to talk with the dispatchers. I was on my way to Laredo by 10 AM CST after a fine time in the terminal.
This route was so familiar to me that I just wanted to get to Laredo. I stopped at a pickle park just past Salado(Texas) for a short break and then I continued straight to Laredo, getting to the Laredo terminal at 5:15 PM CST. I checked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork in. I did and went on the TRB and it was obvious that it would be Monday or Tuesday before I would get out of Laredo.
I just parked my tractor, turned on my TV and went to sleep after eating some munchies...
I was up at 4 AM CST and got my logbook caught up. I was out of the truckstop, heading down I-35 by 4:15 AM CST.
I travelled down into Texas and took I-35E when I-35 split above Dallas/Ft Worth. I went through Dallas to Lancaster where I stopped at our terminal at 8:15 AM CST. I fueled(66 gallons) and went into the terminal to talk with the dispatchers. I was on my way to Laredo by 10 AM CST after a fine time in the terminal.
This route was so familiar to me that I just wanted to get to Laredo. I stopped at a pickle park just past Salado(Texas) for a short break and then I continued straight to Laredo, getting to the Laredo terminal at 5:15 PM CST. I checked with dispatch and was told to drop my trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork in. I did and went on the TRB and it was obvious that it would be Monday or Tuesday before I would get out of Laredo.
I just parked my tractor, turned on my TV and went to sleep after eating some munchies...
March 8, 2011
March 8, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Monrovia, Indiana)
I was up and going west on I-70 by 3 AM EST. I entered Illinios--oh, how exciting--and drove right through it into St. Louis, Missouri. Got on I-44 and headed southwest. Stopped at the rest area past St Clair, Missouri for a short break and then back on I-44 going toward Joplin. I got to Joplin at 11:AM CST, dropped my trailer and had the shop get started on fixing the little problems while I napped in my bunk. Before rehooking to my trailer, I fueled with 123 gallons. Rehooked and did the standard vehicle inspection.
I decided to go through Oklahoma City on I-44 and stop at the "Just a Truckstop" for the night after having dinner there. I left Joplin at 3 PM CST and arrived at the truckstop at 6:45 PM CST. I went into the restaurant and had the barfet before I went back to truck to watch my TV and go to sleep...
I was up and going west on I-70 by 3 AM EST. I entered Illinios--oh, how exciting--and drove right through it into St. Louis, Missouri. Got on I-44 and headed southwest. Stopped at the rest area past St Clair, Missouri for a short break and then back on I-44 going toward Joplin. I got to Joplin at 11:AM CST, dropped my trailer and had the shop get started on fixing the little problems while I napped in my bunk. Before rehooking to my trailer, I fueled with 123 gallons. Rehooked and did the standard vehicle inspection.
I decided to go through Oklahoma City on I-44 and stop at the "Just a Truckstop" for the night after having dinner there. I left Joplin at 3 PM CST and arrived at the truckstop at 6:45 PM CST. I went into the restaurant and had the barfet before I went back to truck to watch my TV and go to sleep...
March 7, 2011
March 7, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Taylor, Michigan)
Slept in the terminal sleeping room last night and woke up this AM to the call for Gemini to go to the dispatch window to get a load... Problem??? I was on the TRB before her thus I should have got a load before her. I checked with dispatch and they said they had looked for me but had failed to check the sleeping room. Gemini had been given a good load and I had the right to take it from her. She asked to keep it and I really didn't care. She left and 30 minutes later I got a load of empty racks to Laredo, Texas.
I got hooked up and fueled(84 gallons) and then after my logbook was caught up I left down I-75 at 9:45 AM EST. It was a nice light load of 5,390 lbs(nothing for a semi truck) of empty racks going to Mexico for more auto parts.
I had minor repairs that needed to be done on the tractor so I decided to go through Joplin, Missouri--our headquarters--where I could get them done. The Michigan scales were open and I just went through them. Went into Ohio and when I got to I-475 I followed it around the west side of Toledo down to Hwy 24.
Followed Hwy 24 to the southwest to Antwerp(Ohio) where the first stoplight I came to in the town was(may still be) the MOST WORTHLESS stoplight in the country that I have seen. The trip continued into Indiana where I got to one of my favorite stops, that being in New Haven(Indiana). I got to the convienence store at 12:45 PM EST and stayed there until 1 PM EST, when I left. Traveled through Ft.Wayne(I-469 not built yet) to I-69 which I took south. Getting to I-465, I went south to I-70. Traveled through Indianapolis and then toward Illinois. I got to our truckstop in Monrovia(Indiana)at 4:30 AM EST and decided to stay the night. Ate and went to my truck where I watched TV and went to sleep...
Slept in the terminal sleeping room last night and woke up this AM to the call for Gemini to go to the dispatch window to get a load... Problem??? I was on the TRB before her thus I should have got a load before her. I checked with dispatch and they said they had looked for me but had failed to check the sleeping room. Gemini had been given a good load and I had the right to take it from her. She asked to keep it and I really didn't care. She left and 30 minutes later I got a load of empty racks to Laredo, Texas.
I got hooked up and fueled(84 gallons) and then after my logbook was caught up I left down I-75 at 9:45 AM EST. It was a nice light load of 5,390 lbs(nothing for a semi truck) of empty racks going to Mexico for more auto parts.
I had minor repairs that needed to be done on the tractor so I decided to go through Joplin, Missouri--our headquarters--where I could get them done. The Michigan scales were open and I just went through them. Went into Ohio and when I got to I-475 I followed it around the west side of Toledo down to Hwy 24.
Followed Hwy 24 to the southwest to Antwerp(Ohio) where the first stoplight I came to in the town was(may still be) the MOST WORTHLESS stoplight in the country that I have seen. The trip continued into Indiana where I got to one of my favorite stops, that being in New Haven(Indiana). I got to the convienence store at 12:45 PM EST and stayed there until 1 PM EST, when I left. Traveled through Ft.Wayne(I-469 not built yet) to I-69 which I took south. Getting to I-465, I went south to I-70. Traveled through Indianapolis and then toward Illinois. I got to our truckstop in Monrovia(Indiana)at 4:30 AM EST and decided to stay the night. Ate and went to my truck where I watched TV and went to sleep...
March 6, 2011
February 6, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Rexdale, Ontario)
I woke at 5:30 AM EST to find I was 1 of 5 trucks needing to be unloading; 3 from my company. By 9 AM EST our three company trucks were unloaded and we were all on the TRB. I was number two in the area on the TRB and a female driver, (handle: Quick Silver) from our company was number three. The number 1 fellow got the load out of Canada and I and Quick Silver got deadheaded to the Taylor(Detriot) Terminal.
Quick Silver and I took off for the Taylor terminal at 9:15 AM EST and it was one wild time. She was running front door and probraby averaged under 110 kilometers/hour(Canada uses kilometers instead of miles) with the speed limit 100 k/hr. She was what I would have called a little recklessly unconcerned about anything. Snow was on the ground and when we sped past an intersection, I noted the black and white OPP(Ontario's Highway patrol) car sitting watching the traffic. She didn't even slow down and came back to me with, "What highway patrol car?" It had been in plain site and I was surprised it didn't go after her.....We didn't have any loads so we got over the with little problem but bridge traffic. We pulled into the Taylor terminal just a little before 2 PM EST. It seemed like a fast trip running with Qtuick Silver. As care free as she is, I wonder how long she will be a truck driver; she doesn't worry about laws...
Right after I got on the Taylor TRB, Gemini came in and got on the TRB. We talked for a little while and then went to the close Swedish buffet to eat. After eating we went shopping at a close large department store, where I bought alot of munchies for my truck's "food" storage.
We went back to the terminal and watched terminal TV before I went to sleep in the terminal sleeping room...
I woke at 5:30 AM EST to find I was 1 of 5 trucks needing to be unloading; 3 from my company. By 9 AM EST our three company trucks were unloaded and we were all on the TRB. I was number two in the area on the TRB and a female driver, (handle: Quick Silver) from our company was number three. The number 1 fellow got the load out of Canada and I and Quick Silver got deadheaded to the Taylor(Detriot) Terminal.
Quick Silver and I took off for the Taylor terminal at 9:15 AM EST and it was one wild time. She was running front door and probraby averaged under 110 kilometers/hour(Canada uses kilometers instead of miles) with the speed limit 100 k/hr. She was what I would have called a little recklessly unconcerned about anything. Snow was on the ground and when we sped past an intersection, I noted the black and white OPP(Ontario's Highway patrol) car sitting watching the traffic. She didn't even slow down and came back to me with, "What highway patrol car?" It had been in plain site and I was surprised it didn't go after her.....We didn't have any loads so we got over the with little problem but bridge traffic. We pulled into the Taylor terminal just a little before 2 PM EST. It seemed like a fast trip running with Qtuick Silver. As care free as she is, I wonder how long she will be a truck driver; she doesn't worry about laws...
Right after I got on the Taylor TRB, Gemini came in and got on the TRB. We talked for a little while and then went to the close Swedish buffet to eat. After eating we went shopping at a close large department store, where I bought alot of munchies for my truck's "food" storage.
We went back to the terminal and watched terminal TV before I went to sleep in the terminal sleeping room...
March 5, 2011
March 5, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Shepherdsville, Kentucky)
I was up and moving at 6 AM EST. Up I-65 I went and decided to take to outter loop around the southeast side of Louisville(Kentucky). Took the loop(I-265) east and to I-71; went northeast where I-71 joins I-75. Got to I-275--the loop around Cincinnati--and by law, had to take it; took it to to east. Followed it all the way around--counterclockwise--to I-75 again where I went north. I stopped at the Monroe, Ohio truckstop for a half hour break as they have an ice cream bar I really enjoyed. Back on the interstate heading north after the stop. Went past "Needmore Road" in Dayton and onward past Toledo.
Got to out Taylor(Detroit) Michigan Terminal at 1:15 PM EST and checfked in with dispatch. Got my paperwork for going over into Canada and then fueled(121 gallons). I was told that my load clears customs at the Sarnia(Canada)/ Port Huron(US) border crossing. I got back on I-75 and took it into downtown Detroit to where I-75 meets I-94. Then I took I-94 north to Port Heron where I crossed into Canada over the southern tip of Lake Huron. Customs took what seemed longer to clear but I had little trouble. I traveled the Queen's Highway(now the King's) 402 to London(Ontario) where I picked up the Queen's Highway(now the King's) 401 and headed for Rexdale--just beyond Toronto. I got to the warehouse at 9:30 PM EST and, since the place was closed, I just parked and went to sleep...
I was up and moving at 6 AM EST. Up I-65 I went and decided to take to outter loop around the southeast side of Louisville(Kentucky). Took the loop(I-265) east and to I-71; went northeast where I-71 joins I-75. Got to I-275--the loop around Cincinnati--and by law, had to take it; took it to to east. Followed it all the way around--counterclockwise--to I-75 again where I went north. I stopped at the Monroe, Ohio truckstop for a half hour break as they have an ice cream bar I really enjoyed. Back on the interstate heading north after the stop. Went past "Needmore Road" in Dayton and onward past Toledo.
Got to out Taylor(Detroit) Michigan Terminal at 1:15 PM EST and checfked in with dispatch. Got my paperwork for going over into Canada and then fueled(121 gallons). I was told that my load clears customs at the Sarnia(Canada)/ Port Huron(US) border crossing. I got back on I-75 and took it into downtown Detroit to where I-75 meets I-94. Then I took I-94 north to Port Heron where I crossed into Canada over the southern tip of Lake Huron. Customs took what seemed longer to clear but I had little trouble. I traveled the Queen's Highway(now the King's) 402 to London(Ontario) where I picked up the Queen's Highway(now the King's) 401 and headed for Rexdale--just beyond Toronto. I got to the warehouse at 9:30 PM EST and, since the place was closed, I just parked and went to sleep...
March 4, 2011
March 4, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-traveling to Huntsville, Alabama)
At midnight, as my day started, I was closing in on I-565 while on I-65 south. Got to I-565 and took it east toward Huntsville. I found the receiver at 12:30 AM CST as they were off of I-565 west of the downtown area of Huntsville.
I bunked down for some sleep and was sleeping well when there came a knock on my tractor side door about 6:30 AM CST. I had my alarm set for 7:00 AM CST but I guess not to get up early enough. The fellow from receiving was wanting to get to the unloading of my trailer. I backed up to their dock and they had me unloaded by 9 AM CST. I called dispatch about my next assignment and was told to deadhead to our Memphis(Tennessee) terminal.
A little before 9:30 AM CST I was heading west on I-565. Once I got to I-65 I continued west on Alternate Hwy 72. Just south of Florence(Alabama), Hwy 72 Alternate and Hwy 72 join up and Hwy 72 continues west. I continued on Hwy 72 into Mississippi and into the southeast corner of the Memphis area--In Tennessee. It was an uneventful drive.
I checked in with Memphis dispatch and they gave me a load going to Rexdale, Ontario...more auto parts. I hooked up to the trailer that was in the terminal yard. I updated my logbook, did a vehicle inspection and fueled(58 gallons) before leaving at 2:15 PM CST. I followed I-240 east to I -40 and then east on it. I kept my speed up and passed through Nashville caughting I-65 north. I got into Kentucky and continued to Shepherdsville(Kentucky) where I shut down for the night at 9:30 PM EST...
At midnight, as my day started, I was closing in on I-565 while on I-65 south. Got to I-565 and took it east toward Huntsville. I found the receiver at 12:30 AM CST as they were off of I-565 west of the downtown area of Huntsville.
I bunked down for some sleep and was sleeping well when there came a knock on my tractor side door about 6:30 AM CST. I had my alarm set for 7:00 AM CST but I guess not to get up early enough. The fellow from receiving was wanting to get to the unloading of my trailer. I backed up to their dock and they had me unloaded by 9 AM CST. I called dispatch about my next assignment and was told to deadhead to our Memphis(Tennessee) terminal.
A little before 9:30 AM CST I was heading west on I-565. Once I got to I-65 I continued west on Alternate Hwy 72. Just south of Florence(Alabama), Hwy 72 Alternate and Hwy 72 join up and Hwy 72 continues west. I continued on Hwy 72 into Mississippi and into the southeast corner of the Memphis area--In Tennessee. It was an uneventful drive.
I checked in with Memphis dispatch and they gave me a load going to Rexdale, Ontario...more auto parts. I hooked up to the trailer that was in the terminal yard. I updated my logbook, did a vehicle inspection and fueled(58 gallons) before leaving at 2:15 PM CST. I followed I-240 east to I -40 and then east on it. I kept my speed up and passed through Nashville caughting I-65 north. I got into Kentucky and continued to Shepherdsville(Kentucky) where I shut down for the night at 9:30 PM EST...
March 3, 2011
March 3, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Springboro, Ohio)
Midnight came and I was watching TV and typing on my computer. Since I an not scheduled until 2 PM EST I stayed up until about 2 am EST. Slept and got up at 9:30 AM EST. Got up and sat in my driver's seat while I updated my logbook and wondered why no one was at my pickup location. While I was wondering(around 10 AM EST) the guys working here started showing up for work. I waited a few minutes and then checked in. I was told I could back up to the docks but that it would be after 2 PM EST before they would start loading me.
It was almost 4 PM before they started loading. I was a little frustrated but I kind of expected it. They loaded me with 33,540 lbs of auto parts going to Huntsville, Alabama. I was loaded at 4:45 PM EST. Called dispatch and was heading out of Springboro, Ohio by 5 PM EST. Got on I-75 south and headed toward Kentucky, past Cincinnati and over the Ohio River. When I crossed the Ohio River, I was on I-75 and I-71(They run together). I took I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky where I went to the downtown area and cauth I-65 south. Went past the the exit for Muhammad Ali Blvd and continued south into Tennessee.
Stopped at our fuel stop in Nashville for fuel(128 gallons) and some munchies from their store. I was at the truckstop just sly of one hour and was back to driving south on I-65.
My day ended after I passed the Hwy 72 exit off of I-65...
Midnight came and I was watching TV and typing on my computer. Since I an not scheduled until 2 PM EST I stayed up until about 2 am EST. Slept and got up at 9:30 AM EST. Got up and sat in my driver's seat while I updated my logbook and wondered why no one was at my pickup location. While I was wondering(around 10 AM EST) the guys working here started showing up for work. I waited a few minutes and then checked in. I was told I could back up to the docks but that it would be after 2 PM EST before they would start loading me.
It was almost 4 PM before they started loading. I was a little frustrated but I kind of expected it. They loaded me with 33,540 lbs of auto parts going to Huntsville, Alabama. I was loaded at 4:45 PM EST. Called dispatch and was heading out of Springboro, Ohio by 5 PM EST. Got on I-75 south and headed toward Kentucky, past Cincinnati and over the Ohio River. When I crossed the Ohio River, I was on I-75 and I-71(They run together). I took I-71 to Louisville, Kentucky where I went to the downtown area and cauth I-65 south. Went past the the exit for Muhammad Ali Blvd and continued south into Tennessee.
Stopped at our fuel stop in Nashville for fuel(128 gallons) and some munchies from their store. I was at the truckstop just sly of one hour and was back to driving south on I-65.
My day ended after I passed the Hwy 72 exit off of I-65...
March 2, 2011
March 2, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Lorain, Ohio)
I had shared a room with another company driver(Handle: Short Ribs)for the night. He was gone by 7:30 AM EST and I stayed sleeping. I was up and headed south by 11 AM EST. I took Hwy 58 south to I-71 southwest. I stayed on it to Columbus, Ohio where I catch I-70 west. I then took I-675 down the east side of the Dayton area. Got on I-75 south a short distance to Hwy 73 which I took east to Springboro. I had directions and found the place easily by 3 PM
EST. I sat in front of the shipper--they were closed--and thought about what to do. I saw a small truck parking area on Hwy 73 with a convienent store behind the shipper. I drove to it--the parking area--and parked. I walked into the convienent store and there were three gals--one working--talking so I started talking to them. It was after dark before I went back to the truck where I watched my TV, typed and went to sleep after midnight,,,
I had shared a room with another company driver(Handle: Short Ribs)for the night. He was gone by 7:30 AM EST and I stayed sleeping. I was up and headed south by 11 AM EST. I took Hwy 58 south to I-71 southwest. I stayed on it to Columbus, Ohio where I catch I-70 west. I then took I-675 down the east side of the Dayton area. Got on I-75 south a short distance to Hwy 73 which I took east to Springboro. I had directions and found the place easily by 3 PM
EST. I sat in front of the shipper--they were closed--and thought about what to do. I saw a small truck parking area on Hwy 73 with a convienent store behind the shipper. I drove to it--the parking area--and parked. I walked into the convienent store and there were three gals--one working--talking so I started talking to them. It was after dark before I went back to the truck where I watched my TV, typed and went to sleep after midnight,,,
March 1, 2011
March 1, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Walton, Kentucky)
Sleeping was great but I got up at 2:30 AM EST so that I could get to the receiver and hopefully be able to drop my trailer--which is what happened.
I left Walton at 3:00 AM EST going up I-75 toward the bridge other the Ohio River that trucks have to go down a steep grade to get to. Because of this grade, trucks WERE denied the right to go north bound on it. Trucks has to take I-275; I took it east. I stayed on the bypass east and then north to I-71 where I went northeast.
The time was getting close to 6 AM EST when I pulled into our fuel stop off of I-71 at Berkshire(Ohio). I just though about stopping before the sun came up and see what they have for munchies. I was in no hurry as load is due tomorrow. I bought only a quart of chocolate milk and I was then on my way northeast.
When I got to Ashland, Ohio, I got off the interstate and took Hwy 58 straight up to Lorain. I found the Ford assembly plant at 9:30 AM EST and was told to just drop the trailer and pick up an empty one. I also found another driver(Handle: Short Ribs) . The trailers we picked up first had problems; Mine with all lights missing on the right side and his, a huge wip in the side. We both found different trailers and left the plant. We stop at the "Big Boy Restaurant" and called dispatch. We both got runs; his for tomorrow and mine picks up Sunday PM.
Short Ribs and I got a motel room in Lorain(company pays for up to $40 for 2 drivers). I drug my computer table(built Feb. 11, 1991) into the room and worked on puting the green felt on the inside. I guess Short Ribs watched TV until he went to sleep and I was working on the computer desk until after midnight...
Sleeping was great but I got up at 2:30 AM EST so that I could get to the receiver and hopefully be able to drop my trailer--which is what happened.
I left Walton at 3:00 AM EST going up I-75 toward the bridge other the Ohio River that trucks have to go down a steep grade to get to. Because of this grade, trucks WERE denied the right to go north bound on it. Trucks has to take I-275; I took it east. I stayed on the bypass east and then north to I-71 where I went northeast.
The time was getting close to 6 AM EST when I pulled into our fuel stop off of I-71 at Berkshire(Ohio). I just though about stopping before the sun came up and see what they have for munchies. I was in no hurry as load is due tomorrow. I bought only a quart of chocolate milk and I was then on my way northeast.
When I got to Ashland, Ohio, I got off the interstate and took Hwy 58 straight up to Lorain. I found the Ford assembly plant at 9:30 AM EST and was told to just drop the trailer and pick up an empty one. I also found another driver(Handle: Short Ribs) . The trailers we picked up first had problems; Mine with all lights missing on the right side and his, a huge wip in the side. We both found different trailers and left the plant. We stop at the "Big Boy Restaurant" and called dispatch. We both got runs; his for tomorrow and mine picks up Sunday PM.
Short Ribs and I got a motel room in Lorain(company pays for up to $40 for 2 drivers). I drug my computer table(built Feb. 11, 1991) into the room and worked on puting the green felt on the inside. I guess Short Ribs watched TV until he went to sleep and I was working on the computer desk until after midnight...
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