FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Provo, Utah)
Day of rest. I registered for another day at the motel and just took it easy today. Watched TV and typed on my computer. The most exciting thing to happen today was me walking to the store and buying a half gallon of ice cream to snack on while night falls and TV is being watched...
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.
June 30, 2011
June 29, 2011
June 29, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Bloomfield, New Mexico)
I woke up feeling "stuffy" and warm around 5 AM MST and so I started my engine and turned on the air conditioner; I went back to sleep.
After 8:30 AM MST I got up after laying awhile in my bunk. The day was clear, sunny and going to get warmer. I got ready and headed west on Hwy 64 to Shiprock(New Mexico) and Hwy 666. Went north to Cortez, Colorado where I had to stop at the Colorado Port of Entry.
Then it was back to traveling north on Hwy 666 into Utah where I stopped in Monticello for a short 30 minute break. I took Hwy 191 north and stopped at Green River for my normal "Green River, Utah" lunch; 9 hot dogs at 3 dogs/dollar. I left Green River at 3:15 PM MST and headed for Provo(Utah) on Hwy 6. After going through Price, Helper and over Soldier Summit, I drove down into the Utah Valley and stopped at the motel I usually stay at in Provo. I registered at the motel and just watched TV until I went to sleep...
I woke up feeling "stuffy" and warm around 5 AM MST and so I started my engine and turned on the air conditioner; I went back to sleep.
After 8:30 AM MST I got up after laying awhile in my bunk. The day was clear, sunny and going to get warmer. I got ready and headed west on Hwy 64 to Shiprock(New Mexico) and Hwy 666. Went north to Cortez, Colorado where I had to stop at the Colorado Port of Entry.
Then it was back to traveling north on Hwy 666 into Utah where I stopped in Monticello for a short 30 minute break. I took Hwy 191 north and stopped at Green River for my normal "Green River, Utah" lunch; 9 hot dogs at 3 dogs/dollar. I left Green River at 3:15 PM MST and headed for Provo(Utah) on Hwy 6. After going through Price, Helper and over Soldier Summit, I drove down into the Utah Valley and stopped at the motel I usually stay at in Provo. I registered at the motel and just watched TV until I went to sleep...
June 28, 2011
June 28, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling Texas)
A half hour after my day started, while traveling Hwy 287 northwest, I reached Childress(Texas) which was my goal for this time. I pulled into the truckstopon the west end of town and called it a night.
I was up and on my way by 9 AM CST. I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo(Texas) at 11:15 AM CST for lunch and a short break. Because I am not due in Utah until Monday, I decided to take a little longer here and don't leave until 2 PM CST...
When I left the "city" area of Amarillo, I past the miles of cattle yards and their smell. Onto New Mexico and a change from mediocre ranchland to a desert terrain.
I pulled into our fuel stop in Santa Rosa(New Mexico) and fulled up--88 gallons--so I could get to Salt Lake City area. I left the fuel stop at 4:15 PM MST and headed toward Albuquerque.
I passed through Albuquerque and got on I-25 north a short distance to Hwy 550. Took Hwy 550 northwest through the Navajo Reservation. Traveled through San Ysidro(one of my favorite stop places) and Cuba. I stopped at the Blanco Trading Post at 8:45 PM MST for break and to watch the finishing of the sun going down. The trading post in 1991 wasn't really exciting but the area was enjoyable to walk around for awhile.
I went on to Bloomfield(New Mexico) and stopped for the night at the convenience store at Hwy 550 & Hwy 64. Time was now 9:30 PM MST and I went right to sleep...
A half hour after my day started, while traveling Hwy 287 northwest, I reached Childress(Texas) which was my goal for this time. I pulled into the truckstopon the west end of town and called it a night.
I was up and on my way by 9 AM CST. I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Amarillo(Texas) at 11:15 AM CST for lunch and a short break. Because I am not due in Utah until Monday, I decided to take a little longer here and don't leave until 2 PM CST...
When I left the "city" area of Amarillo, I past the miles of cattle yards and their smell. Onto New Mexico and a change from mediocre ranchland to a desert terrain.
I pulled into our fuel stop in Santa Rosa(New Mexico) and fulled up--88 gallons--so I could get to Salt Lake City area. I left the fuel stop at 4:15 PM MST and headed toward Albuquerque.
I passed through Albuquerque and got on I-25 north a short distance to Hwy 550. Took Hwy 550 northwest through the Navajo Reservation. Traveled through San Ysidro(one of my favorite stop places) and Cuba. I stopped at the Blanco Trading Post at 8:45 PM MST for break and to watch the finishing of the sun going down. The trading post in 1991 wasn't really exciting but the area was enjoyable to walk around for awhile.
I went on to Bloomfield(New Mexico) and stopped for the night at the convenience store at Hwy 550 & Hwy 64. Time was now 9:30 PM MST and I went right to sleep...
June 27, 2011
June 27, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Haystack and I had just entered the city limits of Tulsa when our new day had started. Luckily he had been to this warehouse before--actually twice--and he took me right to it. We were backed up to the docks--the warehouse was closed and our doors not open--and bedding down for some sleep at 12:30 AM CST.
Haystack informed me that this place gets an early start, and they did. Someone woke us both up at 5 AM CST and had us open our doors. We both were unloaded by 6:30 AM CST and called dispatch. Haystack talked first and had a load to St. Paul, Minnesota; I had a load to Dallas, Texas.
I found Quaker Oats where I was to pick up the trailer. A problem... the yard guy had put the wheels in a washed out ditch and I couldn't get the trailer out. The yard guy came by and had the solution(from experience no doubt); use a couple 4x4 boards. I got out.
I had my load but I was still tired. I decided to sleep until noon. Noon came and I was on my way. I normally would have gone down Hwy 75 to Dallas, but I decided today I would take I-44(Oklahoma Turnpike) to Oklahoma City and then take I-35 south to Dallas.
Stopped in Oklahoma City for lunch--or an early dinner--and then it was off to Dallas. I found the location I was to drop my trailer off at a little after 6 PM CST. I dropped my loaded trailer and picked up an empty one. Called dispatch and they said to come to the terminal. I asked if they had a load of tires to Utah and they said they did. The dispatcher assigned the load to me and said he would put the paperwork with the trailer, which he did.
I went to the terminal at Lancaster(Dallas) and got my loaded trailer. I got dispatched, fueled(124 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and updated my logbook. I pulled out of the terminal at 8 PM CST going west on I-20. Took Hwy 287 through Ft. Worth. The moon was big and bright tonight and it made driving good.
As my day ended, I was about a half hour before Childress, Texas, where I had planned to stop for the night...
Haystack and I had just entered the city limits of Tulsa when our new day had started. Luckily he had been to this warehouse before--actually twice--and he took me right to it. We were backed up to the docks--the warehouse was closed and our doors not open--and bedding down for some sleep at 12:30 AM CST.
Haystack informed me that this place gets an early start, and they did. Someone woke us both up at 5 AM CST and had us open our doors. We both were unloaded by 6:30 AM CST and called dispatch. Haystack talked first and had a load to St. Paul, Minnesota; I had a load to Dallas, Texas.
I found Quaker Oats where I was to pick up the trailer. A problem... the yard guy had put the wheels in a washed out ditch and I couldn't get the trailer out. The yard guy came by and had the solution(from experience no doubt); use a couple 4x4 boards. I got out.
I had my load but I was still tired. I decided to sleep until noon. Noon came and I was on my way. I normally would have gone down Hwy 75 to Dallas, but I decided today I would take I-44(Oklahoma Turnpike) to Oklahoma City and then take I-35 south to Dallas.
Stopped in Oklahoma City for lunch--or an early dinner--and then it was off to Dallas. I found the location I was to drop my trailer off at a little after 6 PM CST. I dropped my loaded trailer and picked up an empty one. Called dispatch and they said to come to the terminal. I asked if they had a load of tires to Utah and they said they did. The dispatcher assigned the load to me and said he would put the paperwork with the trailer, which he did.
I went to the terminal at Lancaster(Dallas) and got my loaded trailer. I got dispatched, fueled(124 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and updated my logbook. I pulled out of the terminal at 8 PM CST going west on I-20. Took Hwy 287 through Ft. Worth. The moon was big and bright tonight and it made driving good.
As my day ended, I was about a half hour before Childress, Texas, where I had planned to stop for the night...
June 26, 2011
June 26, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Memphis, Tennessee)
Really exciting---not really...Sat at the terminal waiting for a load out until 10:50 AM CST. I was given a load from a Sears warehouse to pick up at 3:30 PM CST. The load was going to another Sears warehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Another driver--his handle was "Haystack"--I had been talking with while waiting for a load got the same load as I did. We decided to run together and what was nice was that he had been to the Sears warehouse in Memphis and Tulsa before. We decided to stop at "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis, Arkansas after getting our loads and having dinner.
We were at the warehouse at 3 PM CST and he got to back to the dock before me. I soon followed him and backed in next to him. Surprise...I was finished being loaded before Haystack.
I waited a short time and he was gone. We got dispatched and went back to I-240 and went west. We took I-55 west and north into Arkansas where we stopped for dinner. After dinner, we left west on I-40 at 5:30 PM CST.
We kept up are speed and talked on the CB radio on channel 33 as we traveled west through Arkansas. Into Olkahoma we went where we got on the Muskogee Turnpike going northwest. It was a BEAUTIFUL night to travel as the moon was full .
As the day was ending, we were pulling into the city limits of Tulsa...
Really exciting---not really...Sat at the terminal waiting for a load out until 10:50 AM CST. I was given a load from a Sears warehouse to pick up at 3:30 PM CST. The load was going to another Sears warehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Another driver--his handle was "Haystack"--I had been talking with while waiting for a load got the same load as I did. We decided to run together and what was nice was that he had been to the Sears warehouse in Memphis and Tulsa before. We decided to stop at "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis, Arkansas after getting our loads and having dinner.
We were at the warehouse at 3 PM CST and he got to back to the dock before me. I soon followed him and backed in next to him. Surprise...I was finished being loaded before Haystack.
I waited a short time and he was gone. We got dispatched and went back to I-240 and went west. We took I-55 west and north into Arkansas where we stopped for dinner. After dinner, we left west on I-40 at 5:30 PM CST.
We kept up are speed and talked on the CB radio on channel 33 as we traveled west through Arkansas. Into Olkahoma we went where we got on the Muskogee Turnpike going northwest. It was a BEAUTIFUL night to travel as the moon was full .
As the day was ending, we were pulling into the city limits of Tulsa...
June 25, 2011
June 25, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesdays-traveling to Athens, Alabama)
I couldn't deliver this load until 2 PM this afternoon so, being tired, I stopped for a sleep break at a small truckstop in Tuscumbia, Alabama at 2:45 AM CST.
I slept well and woke at 10:10 AM CST. I couldn't deliver for a little while so I walked over to a small college next to the truckstop and went into their library. I took notes on "snails".
At 12:15 PM CST I continue to Athens, Alabama by staying on Hwy 72 and traveling through Florence(Alabama). I was at the receiver's place by 1:30 PM CST and it was right on Hwy 72. I checked in and they immediately unloaded me; I was out of there by 2 PM CST. I called dispatch and they told me to go back--I was there already--to the receiver and pick up a load to the GM plant in Oklahoma City. I would have to relay the load at our Memphis terminal...
I got the loaded trailer and headed west on Hwy 72, following it through Mississippi and into Tennessee. At 6:30 PM CST, I pulled into our Memphis terminal and swapped trailers. I went on the TRB and was told I would be here until tomorrow. I just watched their TV and talked with other drivers until I went out to bed...
I couldn't deliver this load until 2 PM this afternoon so, being tired, I stopped for a sleep break at a small truckstop in Tuscumbia, Alabama at 2:45 AM CST.
I slept well and woke at 10:10 AM CST. I couldn't deliver for a little while so I walked over to a small college next to the truckstop and went into their library. I took notes on "snails".
At 12:15 PM CST I continue to Athens, Alabama by staying on Hwy 72 and traveling through Florence(Alabama). I was at the receiver's place by 1:30 PM CST and it was right on Hwy 72. I checked in and they immediately unloaded me; I was out of there by 2 PM CST. I called dispatch and they told me to go back--I was there already--to the receiver and pick up a load to the GM plant in Oklahoma City. I would have to relay the load at our Memphis terminal...
I got the loaded trailer and headed west on Hwy 72, following it through Mississippi and into Tennessee. At 6:30 PM CST, I pulled into our Memphis terminal and swapped trailers. I went on the TRB and was told I would be here until tomorrow. I just watched their TV and talked with other drivers until I went out to bed...
June 24, 2011
June 24, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Interesting day...Woke up pretty early and checked with dispatch every hour until they gave me a load of empty racks going to Athens, Alabama at 1 PM CST. The thing that bothered me is that this trailer was in the drop yard I stayed in all night; I could have taken the trailer earlier. Anyway, I worked on on computer through the morning while I had my TV playing.
I hooked to the trailer, did the standard vehicle inspection and updated my log book. I then pulled out on I-40 heading east at 1:30 PM CST. The trip was OK and I played quite abit with the radio today. After a short time with not finding a radio station I was interested in, I played my cassette tapes and listened to the CB radio. As I got close to the Arkansas border, another truck from my company caught up with me and called me on the CB radio. The driver's handle was "Double Trouble." He had his wife with him and I met them both in person at a pickle park just past Clarksville, Arkansas.
I couldn't believe my eyes as Double Trouble's wife was only 18 years old; she looked much older. Oh well!!!
We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis, Arkansas at 9 PM CST for something to eat. I wasn't too hungry--munched while I drove--so I just had dessert. We were back on the road by 10:15 PM CST and were at the Memphis terminal at shortly after 10:30 PM. I fueled(111 gallons) and left Double Trouble and his wife as they stayed at the terminal for the night.
Side note: While at the Memphis terminal for the shoet few minutes, I got to talk a short time with Don(May 10, 1991) who I gave my load with miles as he hadn't any miles. He said his miles were real good now and I asked if he would want to trade me--I told him my miles were bad now--and he said, "No..."
As my day ended, I was somewhere on Hwy 72 heading east in north Mississippi...
Interesting day...Woke up pretty early and checked with dispatch every hour until they gave me a load of empty racks going to Athens, Alabama at 1 PM CST. The thing that bothered me is that this trailer was in the drop yard I stayed in all night; I could have taken the trailer earlier. Anyway, I worked on on computer through the morning while I had my TV playing.
I hooked to the trailer, did the standard vehicle inspection and updated my log book. I then pulled out on I-40 heading east at 1:30 PM CST. The trip was OK and I played quite abit with the radio today. After a short time with not finding a radio station I was interested in, I played my cassette tapes and listened to the CB radio. As I got close to the Arkansas border, another truck from my company caught up with me and called me on the CB radio. The driver's handle was "Double Trouble." He had his wife with him and I met them both in person at a pickle park just past Clarksville, Arkansas.
I couldn't believe my eyes as Double Trouble's wife was only 18 years old; she looked much older. Oh well!!!
We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in West Memphis, Arkansas at 9 PM CST for something to eat. I wasn't too hungry--munched while I drove--so I just had dessert. We were back on the road by 10:15 PM CST and were at the Memphis terminal at shortly after 10:30 PM. I fueled(111 gallons) and left Double Trouble and his wife as they stayed at the terminal for the night.
Side note: While at the Memphis terminal for the shoet few minutes, I got to talk a short time with Don(May 10, 1991) who I gave my load with miles as he hadn't any miles. He said his miles were real good now and I asked if he would want to trade me--I told him my miles were bad now--and he said, "No..."
As my day ended, I was somewhere on Hwy 72 heading east in north Mississippi...
June 23, 2011
June 23, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Sat around today as no loads were being moved today. Another driver, named "ED", and I went to Wal-Mart before a heavy rain came to the area. We watched the down pour of the rain before we did our shopping. Went back to the terminal and stayed there the rest of the afternoon and night...
Sat around today as no loads were being moved today. Another driver, named "ED", and I went to Wal-Mart before a heavy rain came to the area. We watched the down pour of the rain before we did our shopping. Went back to the terminal and stayed there the rest of the afternoon and night...
June 22, 2011
June 22, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Pocahontas, Illinois)
I was up and ready to go at 5:45 AM CST and waiting for my relay at my tractor at 6 AM CST. My relay came in at 6:30 AM CST and I was gone with it before 7 AM CST.
Don't know why there was a rush on this load but I was to get it to the GM Assembly plant as fast as possible.
Took I-70 to St. Louis and then took I-44 to the southwest. Kept my speed up and stopped at one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. Lunch was fast and then back to the road. I pulled into the Joplin Terminal yard at 1:30 PM CST for fuel(138 gallon) and a short break. I was headed for Oklahoma City by 2:30 PM CST.
I delivered to the GM plant at 6 PM CST where I just dropped and loaded one and picked up an empty. I went to our Oklahoma City terminal and called dispatch. I went on the TRB and went to sleep while watching my TV...it was a busy day...
I was up and ready to go at 5:45 AM CST and waiting for my relay at my tractor at 6 AM CST. My relay came in at 6:30 AM CST and I was gone with it before 7 AM CST.
Don't know why there was a rush on this load but I was to get it to the GM Assembly plant as fast as possible.
Took I-70 to St. Louis and then took I-44 to the southwest. Kept my speed up and stopped at one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. Lunch was fast and then back to the road. I pulled into the Joplin Terminal yard at 1:30 PM CST for fuel(138 gallon) and a short break. I was headed for Oklahoma City by 2:30 PM CST.
I delivered to the GM plant at 6 PM CST where I just dropped and loaded one and picked up an empty. I went to our Oklahoma City terminal and called dispatch. I went on the TRB and went to sleep while watching my TV...it was a busy day...
June 21, 2011
June 21, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling to Pocahontas, Illinois)
A less than 10 minute break as my day "started" an it was off to I-70 where I took I-70 west. Through Indianapolis and onto Illinois. I did stop in Monrovia, Indiana at our fuel stop for an hour break.
I continued into Illinois , past Effingham, to Pocahantas. I pulled into our Pocahontas drop yard at 6 AM CST and found the driver that I was to relay with. I swapped trailers with "6 pack"(the driver's handle) but didn't hook to the trailer he gave me as I found I was waiting for a relay myself.
I got a motel room at 9 AM CST and slept until 6 PM CST and called dispatch. I had a relay to get tomorrow morning going to Oklahoma City. I had the room for the night and so I brought in my computer, typed and watched TV until I fell back to sleep at 11:30 PM CST...
A less than 10 minute break as my day "started" an it was off to I-70 where I took I-70 west. Through Indianapolis and onto Illinois. I did stop in Monrovia, Indiana at our fuel stop for an hour break.
I continued into Illinois , past Effingham, to Pocahantas. I pulled into our Pocahontas drop yard at 6 AM CST and found the driver that I was to relay with. I swapped trailers with "6 pack"(the driver's handle) but didn't hook to the trailer he gave me as I found I was waiting for a relay myself.
I got a motel room at 9 AM CST and slept until 6 PM CST and called dispatch. I had a relay to get tomorrow morning going to Oklahoma City. I had the room for the night and so I brought in my computer, typed and watched TV until I fell back to sleep at 11:30 PM CST...
June 20, 2011
June 20, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Taylor, Michigan)
I was awake at 5:30 AM EST hoping to get a load out of here real early; no luck as loads were moving slowly. I fueled(122 gallons). At 11 AM EST, I took two other drivers to the Swedish barfet. Ate and talked, returning to the terminal at 1 PM EST.
Finally got a load to pick up at 8 PM EST in Center Line, Michigan and relay it in Pocahontas, Illinois. Center Line is a small suburb north of Detroit; after a nap I was at the shipper--up I-75 to I-94 to I-696 & then west--at 6:30 PM EST. I was loaded with 31,245 lbs of auto parts and dispatched to leave by 8:45 PM EST.
I took I-696 back to I-94 and went south through Detroit to I-75. Into Ohio and through Toledo, Ohio. I am wanting to keep my speed up and so I decided to shoot down to I-70 and go west. As my day ended, I was stopping at a rest area by Piqua, Ohio for a short break...
I was awake at 5:30 AM EST hoping to get a load out of here real early; no luck as loads were moving slowly. I fueled(122 gallons). At 11 AM EST, I took two other drivers to the Swedish barfet. Ate and talked, returning to the terminal at 1 PM EST.
Finally got a load to pick up at 8 PM EST in Center Line, Michigan and relay it in Pocahontas, Illinois. Center Line is a small suburb north of Detroit; after a nap I was at the shipper--up I-75 to I-94 to I-696 & then west--at 6:30 PM EST. I was loaded with 31,245 lbs of auto parts and dispatched to leave by 8:45 PM EST.
I took I-696 back to I-94 and went south through Detroit to I-75. Into Ohio and through Toledo, Ohio. I am wanting to keep my speed up and so I decided to shoot down to I-70 and go west. As my day ended, I was stopping at a rest area by Piqua, Ohio for a short break...
June 19, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Taylor, Michigan)
I got to the Taylor(Detroit) terminal just before the day started and I was tired. I dropped my trailer and went into talk with dispatch. I dropped off my paperwork, talked with a couple of the drivers in the truckers' lounge and then went to my tractor and to sleep.
I slept well through the night with the tractor's engine running so the air conditioning would work. I had gone on the TRB before going to sleep and found this morning and I would be here all day. I went to the Swedish barfet and enjoyed myself. I returned to the terminal and watch a driver play with his remote control race car(he carried it with him).
I spent the night in the drivers' lounge with several other drivers watching the TV. Went to my tractor about 10 PM EST...
I got to the Taylor(Detroit) terminal just before the day started and I was tired. I dropped my trailer and went into talk with dispatch. I dropped off my paperwork, talked with a couple of the drivers in the truckers' lounge and then went to my tractor and to sleep.
I slept well through the night with the tractor's engine running so the air conditioning would work. I had gone on the TRB before going to sleep and found this morning and I would be here all day. I went to the Swedish barfet and enjoyed myself. I returned to the terminal and watch a driver play with his remote control race car(he carried it with him).
I spent the night in the drivers' lounge with several other drivers watching the TV. Went to my tractor about 10 PM EST...
June 18, 2011
June 18, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Day of time violations: I walked into the terminal building at 7:30 AM CST to find me number 1 on the TRB. Checked with dispatch and found I had a load; it was an "if I wanted it" load. It was a trailer of empty racks going to Detroit, Michigan. I was told it was due Thursday so I could deliver it to the Taylor(Detroit) yard if I got it up there by tomorrow.
I took the load, hooked up, fueled(110 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and updated my log book. I headed north on I-435 to I-35 and headed back toward the Des Moines area. I was feeling good and stayed with the program. Getting to I-80, I swung around Des Moines, Iowa and headed east--on I-80. Talking on the CB radio, listening to my radio and just zippin' down the interstate seemed to keep me busy. I went over the Quad-cities into Illinois. Been keeping my speed up; did about 62 in Illinois(speed limit for trucks---55).
After pushing the day pretty had, I got to Lake Station, Indiana at around 5:15 PM CST. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" where I had dinner. I was thinking of shutting down for the night but I was still feeling great.
I left the Lake Station truckstop at 7 PM CST and headed east on I-94. Followed I-94 into Michigan(one of my more pleasant areas to travel through) and across the state. I got to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal just as the time was changing to midnight EST...
I was aware that I ran over my logbook hours by 3...
Day of time violations: I walked into the terminal building at 7:30 AM CST to find me number 1 on the TRB. Checked with dispatch and found I had a load; it was an "if I wanted it" load. It was a trailer of empty racks going to Detroit, Michigan. I was told it was due Thursday so I could deliver it to the Taylor(Detroit) yard if I got it up there by tomorrow.
I took the load, hooked up, fueled(110 gallons), did a vehicle inspection and updated my log book. I headed north on I-435 to I-35 and headed back toward the Des Moines area. I was feeling good and stayed with the program. Getting to I-80, I swung around Des Moines, Iowa and headed east--on I-80. Talking on the CB radio, listening to my radio and just zippin' down the interstate seemed to keep me busy. I went over the Quad-cities into Illinois. Been keeping my speed up; did about 62 in Illinois(speed limit for trucks---55).
After pushing the day pretty had, I got to Lake Station, Indiana at around 5:15 PM CST. I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" where I had dinner. I was thinking of shutting down for the night but I was still feeling great.
I left the Lake Station truckstop at 7 PM CST and headed east on I-94. Followed I-94 into Michigan(one of my more pleasant areas to travel through) and across the state. I got to our Taylor(Detroit) terminal just as the time was changing to midnight EST...
I was aware that I ran over my logbook hours by 3...
June 17, 2011
June 17, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-St. Paul, Minnesota)
Woke and called dispatch at 7:30 AM CST. I got the order to deadhead to the Kansas City terminal.
I studied my map as I really didn't want to go north to go south. I found that I could go--and I did--east on Ford Parkway to Hwy 51(Snelling Avenue). I could follow Hwy 51 south to Hwy 5 and then go a short distance to I-35E. After I "found" this shortcut, I started telling other drivers about it only to find that many of them already used it.
Anyway, I left the Ford assembly plant's drop yard shortly before 8 AM CST. I-35E met up with I-35W and became I-35. Heading south toward Kansas City--Missouri or Kansas--I once again was traveling through the heart of America's farmland. Into Iowa and on to Urbandale, Iowa where I stopped for lunch. I wasn't in any hurry so I took my time before starting south again. The trip south of the Des Moines, Iowa area is less exciting to me; probably because I do it so often. Into Missouri, getting to the Kansas City terminal at 4:30 PM CST.
Dropped my trailer in the terminal dropyard and then checked in with local dispatch. I got on the TRB and was told that it would be tomorrow before I get out. I spent the evening in the trucker lounge talking with truckers and watching the terminal TV. Went out to my tractor a little after 10 PM CST and went to bed.
Woke and called dispatch at 7:30 AM CST. I got the order to deadhead to the Kansas City terminal.
I studied my map as I really didn't want to go north to go south. I found that I could go--and I did--east on Ford Parkway to Hwy 51(Snelling Avenue). I could follow Hwy 51 south to Hwy 5 and then go a short distance to I-35E. After I "found" this shortcut, I started telling other drivers about it only to find that many of them already used it.
Anyway, I left the Ford assembly plant's drop yard shortly before 8 AM CST. I-35E met up with I-35W and became I-35. Heading south toward Kansas City--Missouri or Kansas--I once again was traveling through the heart of America's farmland. Into Iowa and on to Urbandale, Iowa where I stopped for lunch. I wasn't in any hurry so I took my time before starting south again. The trip south of the Des Moines, Iowa area is less exciting to me; probably because I do it so often. Into Missouri, getting to the Kansas City terminal at 4:30 PM CST.
Dropped my trailer in the terminal dropyard and then checked in with local dispatch. I got on the TRB and was told that it would be tomorrow before I get out. I spent the evening in the trucker lounge talking with truckers and watching the terminal TV. Went out to my tractor a little after 10 PM CST and went to bed.
June 16, 2011
June 16, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-St. Paul, Minnesota)
woke up this morning early with no alarm clock. I found three more tractors sitting by me obviously waiting also; they came in during the night.
I called dispatch and I was number one on the TRB for the area. The number one standing didn't mean anything as there were no loads out of the area. I just hung around the drop yard where I had slept and slept here again tonight. I did talk off and on with the other drivers in the yard but nothing of an important nature.
woke up this morning early with no alarm clock. I found three more tractors sitting by me obviously waiting also; they came in during the night.
I called dispatch and I was number one on the TRB for the area. The number one standing didn't mean anything as there were no loads out of the area. I just hung around the drop yard where I had slept and slept here again tonight. I did talk off and on with the other drivers in the yard but nothing of an important nature.
June 15, 2011
June 15, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling to St. Paul, Minnesota)
My day started as I passed Grand Island, Nebraska heading east. It was a rather boring night and when I got to Iowa, I stopped at our Council Bluffs(Iowa)fuel stop at 3 AM CST. I was out of driving time and decided to shut down for my 8 hour break. I just parked my truck and climbed back into the bunk and went to sleep.
A little after 10 AM CST I woke and walked around the truckstop. The restaurant looked OK but I wasn't feeling like anything to eat...I left the fuel stop at 11:15 AM CST heading east, climbing out of the Missouri River Valley. Nice green farmland all around me to Des Moines(Iowa). Stopped at our fuel stop in Urbandale, Iowa to have lunch, fuel(112 gallons) and then it was north on I-35 through more farmland.
Into Minnesota I went and past the closed Minnesota scales. When I-35 split into I-35 E & W, I took I-35E to I-94 and then west to Snelling Avenue. South on Snelling Avenue to Ford Parkway and then west. Got off Ford Parkway before going over there Mississippi River where I checked in with the Ford assembly plants receiving. They took my paperwork and told me to drop the trailer in their drop yard next to thr Mississippi; that I did. The time was 6:45 PM CST
and I decided in their drop yard as we were permitted to and they had a phone.
I just watched my TV, ate munchies and went to sleep...
]
My day started as I passed Grand Island, Nebraska heading east. It was a rather boring night and when I got to Iowa, I stopped at our Council Bluffs(Iowa)fuel stop at 3 AM CST. I was out of driving time and decided to shut down for my 8 hour break. I just parked my truck and climbed back into the bunk and went to sleep.
A little after 10 AM CST I woke and walked around the truckstop. The restaurant looked OK but I wasn't feeling like anything to eat...I left the fuel stop at 11:15 AM CST heading east, climbing out of the Missouri River Valley. Nice green farmland all around me to Des Moines(Iowa). Stopped at our fuel stop in Urbandale, Iowa to have lunch, fuel(112 gallons) and then it was north on I-35 through more farmland.
Into Minnesota I went and past the closed Minnesota scales. When I-35 split into I-35 E & W, I took I-35E to I-94 and then west to Snelling Avenue. South on Snelling Avenue to Ford Parkway and then west. Got off Ford Parkway before going over there Mississippi River where I checked in with the Ford assembly plants receiving. They took my paperwork and told me to drop the trailer in their drop yard next to thr Mississippi; that I did. The time was 6:45 PM CST
and I decided in their drop yard as we were permitted to and they had a phone.
I just watched my TV, ate munchies and went to sleep...
]
June 14, 2011
June 14, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling toward Joplin, Missouri)
Day starts as I am am speeding(not really...) through Tulsa, Oklahoma northwest on I-44.
Nothing really exciting except that I was singing with my cassette tapes playing, thinking I am not sounding too bad. I was obviously dreaming. Sometimes the nights are full of interesting and beautiful things and sights, but not tonight.
1:45 AM CST found me pulling into our Joplin, Missouri terminal. I dropped my trailer in the trailer area and took my paperwork to dispatch. Dispatch asked me if I could handle a "rush" load to Kansas City and drop it at the terminal. I was tired as my 8 hour break yesterday in Oklahoma City was one of watching movies and drinking soda pop("soft drink" in Canada). I was feeling OK so I said I would take it.
I hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection, up dated my logbook and was leaving the terminal at 2:30 AM CST. I took I-44 east to Hwy 71 and then headed north. This stretch is normally boring to me but tonight it was really boring. I kept my speed up and as the sun was trying to make it's appearence, I pulled into our Kansas City terminal--5:30 AM CST.
Since I was already told it was a "drop at the terminal", I dropped my trailer before checking in with dispatch. Took my paperwork in and dispatch said they had a load in Lexington, Nebraska that needed to get picked up. It would be a deadhead and a drop & hook at the shipper's plant. It was to be delivered to the St. Paul auto assembly plant Monday morning. I told dispatch that I needed a sleep break and questioned why so many loads were "rush". I took the load and hooked up to the trailer before I went to sleep. I slept pretty well and woke at 3:30 PM CST. I checked in with dispatch before fueling(129 gallons) and leaving the terminal at 4:15 PM CST.
Followed I-435 north then west to I-29 north. I really enjoyed this trip north after passing St, Joseph, Missouri. (everyone has a different opinion and this is an example...I met a fellow that just hated the I-29 Missouri drive while I loved it) Went up into Iowa and then took Hwy 2 into Nebreska. Followed Hwy 2 to Lincoln, Nebraska where I took I-80 west. I stopped in York(Nebraska) at KFCs and got a bucket of chicken to munch while I drove. Onto the shipper's place in Lexinston, getting there at 10:45 PM CST.
I found the loaded trailer and did my drop & hook. Did the vehicle inspection and updated my logbook. Called dispatch and got the word to go. I wasn't tired and had another 4 hours to run so I took off east on I-80, starting at 11:15 PM EST....
My long day ended as I was closing in on--I was close to but had a little ways to go--Grand Island, Nebraska...
Day starts as I am am speeding(not really...) through Tulsa, Oklahoma northwest on I-44.
Nothing really exciting except that I was singing with my cassette tapes playing, thinking I am not sounding too bad. I was obviously dreaming. Sometimes the nights are full of interesting and beautiful things and sights, but not tonight.
1:45 AM CST found me pulling into our Joplin, Missouri terminal. I dropped my trailer in the trailer area and took my paperwork to dispatch. Dispatch asked me if I could handle a "rush" load to Kansas City and drop it at the terminal. I was tired as my 8 hour break yesterday in Oklahoma City was one of watching movies and drinking soda pop("soft drink" in Canada). I was feeling OK so I said I would take it.
I hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection, up dated my logbook and was leaving the terminal at 2:30 AM CST. I took I-44 east to Hwy 71 and then headed north. This stretch is normally boring to me but tonight it was really boring. I kept my speed up and as the sun was trying to make it's appearence, I pulled into our Kansas City terminal--5:30 AM CST.
Since I was already told it was a "drop at the terminal", I dropped my trailer before checking in with dispatch. Took my paperwork in and dispatch said they had a load in Lexington, Nebraska that needed to get picked up. It would be a deadhead and a drop & hook at the shipper's plant. It was to be delivered to the St. Paul auto assembly plant Monday morning. I told dispatch that I needed a sleep break and questioned why so many loads were "rush". I took the load and hooked up to the trailer before I went to sleep. I slept pretty well and woke at 3:30 PM CST. I checked in with dispatch before fueling(129 gallons) and leaving the terminal at 4:15 PM CST.
Followed I-435 north then west to I-29 north. I really enjoyed this trip north after passing St, Joseph, Missouri. (everyone has a different opinion and this is an example...I met a fellow that just hated the I-29 Missouri drive while I loved it) Went up into Iowa and then took Hwy 2 into Nebreska. Followed Hwy 2 to Lincoln, Nebraska where I took I-80 west. I stopped in York(Nebraska) at KFCs and got a bucket of chicken to munch while I drove. Onto the shipper's place in Lexinston, getting there at 10:45 PM CST.
I found the loaded trailer and did my drop & hook. Did the vehicle inspection and updated my logbook. Called dispatch and got the word to go. I wasn't tired and had another 4 hours to run so I took off east on I-80, starting at 11:15 PM EST....
My long day ended as I was closing in on--I was close to but had a little ways to go--Grand Island, Nebraska...
June 13, 2011
June 13, 1991,2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Santa Rosa, New Mexico)
My load was a load that was to be dropped in the Joplin terminal yard tomorrow so with me really to go at 6 AM MST, I left for Oklahoma City. The desert lands of New Mexico turned into mediocre cattle grasslands as I entered Texas. I flew turn Amarillo, Texas--once again passing the Big Texan restaurant that I wanted to eat at(never did)--and onto Oklahoma. In pulled into the "Just a Truxkstop" in Oklahoma City at 1:30 for lunch and a movie...A Movie???? I watched movies and drank soda pop(that's soft drink in Canada) until 9:30 PM CST when I decided to head for Joplin, Missouri. I headed northeast on I-44 and found myself passing Tulsa, Oklahoma as my day ended.
My load was a load that was to be dropped in the Joplin terminal yard tomorrow so with me really to go at 6 AM MST, I left for Oklahoma City. The desert lands of New Mexico turned into mediocre cattle grasslands as I entered Texas. I flew turn Amarillo, Texas--once again passing the Big Texan restaurant that I wanted to eat at(never did)--and onto Oklahoma. In pulled into the "Just a Truxkstop" in Oklahoma City at 1:30 for lunch and a movie...A Movie???? I watched movies and drank soda pop(that's soft drink in Canada) until 9:30 PM CST when I decided to head for Joplin, Missouri. I headed northeast on I-44 and found myself passing Tulsa, Oklahoma as my day ended.
June 12, 2011
June 12, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Glendale, Arizona)
I was awake in my motel room at 8 AM Joplin, Missouri time and calling in. I was told to pick my load up in Tucson, Arizona; it was going to Worth, Illinois. Dispatch told me that this load was to be dropped in the Joplin terminal yard so I said OK.
I got to Tucson and picked up the load of 38,000 lbs and weighted it at the Triple T truckstop before leaving town. Weights on all 18 wheels were within legal limits so I was on my way east on I-10. Got throught the Arizona mountainous area and onto the flat New Mexico southwest desert. As I got close to Las Cruses(New Mexico) I took Hwy 70 through Las Cruses ond over some mighty steep mountains. I didn't have a Jake brake so the decent into the White Sands area of New Mexico was a very slow process, but successful. The trip from Las Cruses to Alamogordo, New Mexico was very pleasant and enjoyable.
At Alamogordo, I got on Hwy 54 north and followed it to our fuel stop in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. I just love the towns through this area. At our fuel stop, I fueled(176 gallons) and decided to take my long break as it was now 9:30 PM MST...
I was awake in my motel room at 8 AM Joplin, Missouri time and calling in. I was told to pick my load up in Tucson, Arizona; it was going to Worth, Illinois. Dispatch told me that this load was to be dropped in the Joplin terminal yard so I said OK.
I got to Tucson and picked up the load of 38,000 lbs and weighted it at the Triple T truckstop before leaving town. Weights on all 18 wheels were within legal limits so I was on my way east on I-10. Got throught the Arizona mountainous area and onto the flat New Mexico southwest desert. As I got close to Las Cruses(New Mexico) I took Hwy 70 through Las Cruses ond over some mighty steep mountains. I didn't have a Jake brake so the decent into the White Sands area of New Mexico was a very slow process, but successful. The trip from Las Cruses to Alamogordo, New Mexico was very pleasant and enjoyable.
At Alamogordo, I got on Hwy 54 north and followed it to our fuel stop in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. I just love the towns through this area. At our fuel stop, I fueled(176 gallons) and decided to take my long break as it was now 9:30 PM MST...
June 11, 2011
June 11, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Glendale, Arizona)
Short day for information as I got no load out of the area. I called dispach every hour until noon when I decided to keep my room for another night night, I walked about three blocks to a supermarket and bought more munchies to eat. Watched TV and typed on my computer...not to much of an exciting day...nice air conditioning though...
TRUCK TEACHING YEARS: I was out on the road with two of my student drivers. The student that was driving was driving past his home area. The problem happened when he started talking about his favorite bar and the things that went on in there. I didn't care about his talking but right after we passed the bar, we had a non-stop right turn to make. I told him to make the turn and he started to make it. Well, he was so excited about that bar that he failed to take into account that the trailer would take the turn much sharper that the tractor. I was shouting to move the tractor over and I had my finger pointing to move over, but he didn't. He scraped the trailer tire rims on the well previously damaged guard rail. I called my truck school boss and told him that I should call the sheriff to verify we didn't do all the damage to the guard rail. I called the sheriff's office and in a little under 2 hours a highway patrolman showed up. It was about 95 degrees outside and that made waiting that much worse. The patrolman looked at the damage and agreed that what we did was extremely minor and just talked with the student driver. I just know that if we would not have called the law in that someone would have seen us hit the rail and blamed the whole damage on us...
Short day for information as I got no load out of the area. I called dispach every hour until noon when I decided to keep my room for another night night, I walked about three blocks to a supermarket and bought more munchies to eat. Watched TV and typed on my computer...not to much of an exciting day...nice air conditioning though...
TRUCK TEACHING YEARS: I was out on the road with two of my student drivers. The student that was driving was driving past his home area. The problem happened when he started talking about his favorite bar and the things that went on in there. I didn't care about his talking but right after we passed the bar, we had a non-stop right turn to make. I told him to make the turn and he started to make it. Well, he was so excited about that bar that he failed to take into account that the trailer would take the turn much sharper that the tractor. I was shouting to move the tractor over and I had my finger pointing to move over, but he didn't. He scraped the trailer tire rims on the well previously damaged guard rail. I called my truck school boss and told him that I should call the sheriff to verify we didn't do all the damage to the guard rail. I called the sheriff's office and in a little under 2 hours a highway patrolman showed up. It was about 95 degrees outside and that made waiting that much worse. The patrolman looked at the damage and agreed that what we did was extremely minor and just talked with the student driver. I just know that if we would not have called the law in that someone would have seen us hit the rail and blamed the whole damage on us...
June 10, 2011
June 10, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Casa Grande, Arizona)
I was at my first of three drops with this load at 7:30 AM (non daylight savings). I was at my first tire store on Bell Blvd and it was warm. By the time I got the last tires off, I was taking "heat" breaks. Thank goodness I was done by 1 PM. I called my dispatcher when I was done and he told me that I would be here to at least tomorow.
I got a motel room for the night in Glendale and ate munchies while I watched TV...A hot but short day...
I was at my first of three drops with this load at 7:30 AM (non daylight savings). I was at my first tire store on Bell Blvd and it was warm. By the time I got the last tires off, I was taking "heat" breaks. Thank goodness I was done by 1 PM. I called my dispatcher when I was done and he told me that I would be here to at least tomorow.
I got a motel room for the night in Glendale and ate munchies while I watched TV...A hot but short day...
June 9, 2011
June 9, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-traveling toward El Paso, Texas)
Kept my speed up and arrived at our El Paso, Texas terminal at 3 AM MST. Night travel through this part of Texas was less than exciting; just "desert and no exceptional moon out.
I was tired so I took my long--8 Hr-- break here after I fueled(101 gallons). I woke up at 9 AM MST and drove to "Just a Truckstop" for brunch buffet. After eating and talking with some other drivers I left for the Phoenix, Arizona area at 11 AM MST. Drove west on I-10 into New Mexico, through Las Cruses, and throught the beautiful New Mexico southwest desert. Crossed into Arizonia and the mountainous areas. Past Tucson(Arizona) to the "Just a Truckstop" in Casa Grande(Arizona). I stayed the night at "Just a Truckstop" where I snacked and watched movies in the movie room until about 10 PM Arizonz time(non daylight savings). Went to bed and slept well...
Kept my speed up and arrived at our El Paso, Texas terminal at 3 AM MST. Night travel through this part of Texas was less than exciting; just "desert and no exceptional moon out.
I was tired so I took my long--8 Hr-- break here after I fueled(101 gallons). I woke up at 9 AM MST and drove to "Just a Truckstop" for brunch buffet. After eating and talking with some other drivers I left for the Phoenix, Arizona area at 11 AM MST. Drove west on I-10 into New Mexico, through Las Cruses, and throught the beautiful New Mexico southwest desert. Crossed into Arizonia and the mountainous areas. Past Tucson(Arizona) to the "Just a Truckstop" in Casa Grande(Arizona). I stayed the night at "Just a Truckstop" where I snacked and watched movies in the movie room until about 10 PM Arizonz time(non daylight savings). Went to bed and slept well...
June 8, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling to Ft. Worth)
Midnight started my day south of San Antonio(Texas) heading north on I-35. Broke out of San Antonio and kept going through Austin on the upper level of the bi-level interstate through town. Stopped at a small truckstop in Salado, Texas for about 20 minutes--short break--where I got some munchies to eat while driving.
I decided to take I-35E to the southern part of Dallas where I got on I-20 westbound. Between Ft. Worth and Dallas, I took Hwy 360 north to the Mattel Toy warehouse and got there at 7 AM CST.
I told the Mattel guard that I had a drop & hook and he said he knew it. I did the drop & hook and had me an empty trailer. I called the local dispatch--Lancaster(Dallas)--and they told me to take the empty trailer to the Lancaster terminal and them check in with them. I did and I found that I had a load of tires waiting for me.
I hooked up the tire load, filled my tanks(92 gallons), did a vehicle inspection, updated my logbook and drove I-20 west to Weatherford(Texas) where I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" at 10:15 AM CST. I was really tired so I went to sleep, waking up at 6 PM CST. I went into the truckstop for a few minutes and then I left for El Paso at 6:30 PM CST on I-20.
After Big Spring(Texas), I stopped at a rest area for a short break. As my day ended, I had just passed Odessa, Texas...
Midnight started my day south of San Antonio(Texas) heading north on I-35. Broke out of San Antonio and kept going through Austin on the upper level of the bi-level interstate through town. Stopped at a small truckstop in Salado, Texas for about 20 minutes--short break--where I got some munchies to eat while driving.
I decided to take I-35E to the southern part of Dallas where I got on I-20 westbound. Between Ft. Worth and Dallas, I took Hwy 360 north to the Mattel Toy warehouse and got there at 7 AM CST.
I told the Mattel guard that I had a drop & hook and he said he knew it. I did the drop & hook and had me an empty trailer. I called the local dispatch--Lancaster(Dallas)--and they told me to take the empty trailer to the Lancaster terminal and them check in with them. I did and I found that I had a load of tires waiting for me.
I hooked up the tire load, filled my tanks(92 gallons), did a vehicle inspection, updated my logbook and drove I-20 west to Weatherford(Texas) where I stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" at 10:15 AM CST. I was really tired so I went to sleep, waking up at 6 PM CST. I went into the truckstop for a few minutes and then I left for El Paso at 6:30 PM CST on I-20.
After Big Spring(Texas), I stopped at a rest area for a short break. As my day ended, I had just passed Odessa, Texas...
June 7, 2011
June 7, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Laredo, Texas)
I woke up from sleeping in my truck at almost 10 AM EST. Checked with dispatch and found that I was close to getting a load out; the problem was that nothing was moving. Thinking I would get out soon, I hung around the terminal. About 4:30 PM CST I told dispatch I would be in my truck when my number came up. I went to my truck and took a good nap for not being really tired. It was 9 PM CST when I woke up and thought that I was overlooked to get out. I rapidly went into the terminal and looked at the TRB; I was number 2. By 10 PM CST I had a load of toys to Ft Worth, Texas that had to be up there in the morning; glad I had got a good nap. This load was a drop & hook load as I guess they don't unload toys on Saturday. I was hooked up and out of there by 10:30 PM CST. Right after I passed the town of Pearsall, Texas my day ended...
I woke up from sleeping in my truck at almost 10 AM EST. Checked with dispatch and found that I was close to getting a load out; the problem was that nothing was moving. Thinking I would get out soon, I hung around the terminal. About 4:30 PM CST I told dispatch I would be in my truck when my number came up. I went to my truck and took a good nap for not being really tired. It was 9 PM CST when I woke up and thought that I was overlooked to get out. I rapidly went into the terminal and looked at the TRB; I was number 2. By 10 PM CST I had a load of toys to Ft Worth, Texas that had to be up there in the morning; glad I had got a good nap. This load was a drop & hook load as I guess they don't unload toys on Saturday. I was hooked up and out of there by 10:30 PM CST. Right after I passed the town of Pearsall, Texas my day ended...
June 6, 2011
June 6, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Lancaster, Texas)
I had my alarm set for 2 AM CST and it worked like it was suposed to. I got up and did a vehicle inspection and logbook update and left for Laredo(Texas) at 2:30 AM CST. I drove straight down I-35E to I-35 and kept going south.
Got to San Antonio and decided to stop at the "Just aTruckstop" for fuel(41 gallons) as I don't like our fueling stop in Laredo. Since I was there at the truckstop, I went in and had a fast(don't know why I noted "fast" as there was no big hurry) breakfast. Back down throught the "lonely" parts(about 140 miles) of Texas to Laredo, getting to the terminal at 10:15 AM CST.
Local dispatch said that I had to deliver the load so off I went. Got to drop the load at another fun, but hard to back into place(these places are--or were--numerous in Laredo). I tore off a tractor mudflap trying to back in. I dropped the trailer and bobtailed back to the terminal where I fixed my madflap.
Decided to stay in my truck tonight at the terminal as my number on the TRB was high but showed signs of getting out tonight or tomorrow morning. Drove to my favorite Chinese restaurant in Laredo and ate. Went back to the terminal and pretty much watched terminal TV with the other drivers while we talked to them....As my day ended, I was climbing into my tractor to get my sleep...
I had my alarm set for 2 AM CST and it worked like it was suposed to. I got up and did a vehicle inspection and logbook update and left for Laredo(Texas) at 2:30 AM CST. I drove straight down I-35E to I-35 and kept going south.
Got to San Antonio and decided to stop at the "Just aTruckstop" for fuel(41 gallons) as I don't like our fueling stop in Laredo. Since I was there at the truckstop, I went in and had a fast(don't know why I noted "fast" as there was no big hurry) breakfast. Back down throught the "lonely" parts(about 140 miles) of Texas to Laredo, getting to the terminal at 10:15 AM CST.
Local dispatch said that I had to deliver the load so off I went. Got to drop the load at another fun, but hard to back into place(these places are--or were--numerous in Laredo). I tore off a tractor mudflap trying to back in. I dropped the trailer and bobtailed back to the terminal where I fixed my madflap.
Decided to stay in my truck tonight at the terminal as my number on the TRB was high but showed signs of getting out tonight or tomorrow morning. Drove to my favorite Chinese restaurant in Laredo and ate. Went back to the terminal and pretty much watched terminal TV with the other drivers while we talked to them....As my day ended, I was climbing into my tractor to get my sleep...
June 5, 2011
June 5, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling toward Joplin, Missouri)
Started my day traveling southwest on I-44. Midnight CST to 1 AM CST, as I traveled to Joplin, Missouri , a half moon, in a clear sky, led my way. Got to our Joplin terminal and checked in with dispatch. Dispatch was glad to see me as they had a Laredo, Texas load due tomorrow and my load to Oklahoma City was due Friday. Dispatch reassigned me the Laredo load. I was presently a little over my 8 hour "sleep/break" rule so after hooking up, a vehicle inspection, log book update and fueling(68 gallons), I laid down to sleep.
I woke at 9:45 AM CST and checked in with dispatch before leaving. I just told dispatch that I was leaving the yard in a couple minutes and I was gone by 10:15 AM CST. Headed down I-44 into Oklahoma and took Hwy 69 south at Big Cabin(Oklahoma). I passed the miles of advertizing for the Buffalo farms and then through the Indian areas and Muskogee(Oklahoma). Stopped at the small truckstop in Stringtown(former speed trap), Oklahoma for a short break. Kept heading south and took Hwy 75 after it separated from I-69 and continued over the Red River into Texas. Stayed with the program through Dallas to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal. Got to the terminal at 5:30 PM CST. I was surprised that Dallas traffic didn't have much of an effect on my speed today.
I checked in with local dispatch and talked with the other drivers in the Drivers' Lounge for awhile. Went to my truck, fueled(60 gallons). Laid down in my bunk and went to sleep...
Started my day traveling southwest on I-44. Midnight CST to 1 AM CST, as I traveled to Joplin, Missouri , a half moon, in a clear sky, led my way. Got to our Joplin terminal and checked in with dispatch. Dispatch was glad to see me as they had a Laredo, Texas load due tomorrow and my load to Oklahoma City was due Friday. Dispatch reassigned me the Laredo load. I was presently a little over my 8 hour "sleep/break" rule so after hooking up, a vehicle inspection, log book update and fueling(68 gallons), I laid down to sleep.
I woke at 9:45 AM CST and checked in with dispatch before leaving. I just told dispatch that I was leaving the yard in a couple minutes and I was gone by 10:15 AM CST. Headed down I-44 into Oklahoma and took Hwy 69 south at Big Cabin(Oklahoma). I passed the miles of advertizing for the Buffalo farms and then through the Indian areas and Muskogee(Oklahoma). Stopped at the small truckstop in Stringtown(former speed trap), Oklahoma for a short break. Kept heading south and took Hwy 75 after it separated from I-69 and continued over the Red River into Texas. Stayed with the program through Dallas to the Lancaster(Texas) terminal. Got to the terminal at 5:30 PM CST. I was surprised that Dallas traffic didn't have much of an effect on my speed today.
I checked in with local dispatch and talked with the other drivers in the Drivers' Lounge for awhile. Went to my truck, fueled(60 gallons). Laid down in my bunk and went to sleep...
June 4, 2011
June 4, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Oak Creek, Wisconsin)
The parts plant was only a couple miles from where I spent the night and since I didn't pick up until afternoon I stayed up latewatching my TV and slept in pretty late. I was at the plant at noon CST and loaded by 1:15 PM CST. By 1:30 PM CST I was heading down I-94 toward Chicago. Traffic was flowing pretty good and I decided to stay on I-94 instead of taking I-294(a toll road with several stops to pay tolls. I figured that tha time would equal taking the toll road as I didn't have to slow and pay tolls. I continued down I-94 to I-55 which I took south toward St. Louis. I continued to our fuel stop in Mc Lean, Ill where I fueled(137 gallons) and then got back on the road just before 6 PM CST. Ifollowed I-55 south over the Mississippi River at St Louis and got on I-44 southwest. Just about 10 PM EST, I pulled into the rest area just after St, Clair, Missouri. I thought of staying there for the night but , since I was feeling great, I decided to keep heading to Joplin, Missouri. As my day ended, I was getting real close to Springfield, Missouri...
The parts plant was only a couple miles from where I spent the night and since I didn't pick up until afternoon I stayed up latewatching my TV and slept in pretty late. I was at the plant at noon CST and loaded by 1:15 PM CST. By 1:30 PM CST I was heading down I-94 toward Chicago. Traffic was flowing pretty good and I decided to stay on I-94 instead of taking I-294(a toll road with several stops to pay tolls. I figured that tha time would equal taking the toll road as I didn't have to slow and pay tolls. I continued down I-94 to I-55 which I took south toward St. Louis. I continued to our fuel stop in Mc Lean, Ill where I fueled(137 gallons) and then got back on the road just before 6 PM CST. Ifollowed I-55 south over the Mississippi River at St Louis and got on I-44 southwest. Just about 10 PM EST, I pulled into the rest area just after St, Clair, Missouri. I thought of staying there for the night but , since I was feeling great, I decided to keep heading to Joplin, Missouri. As my day ended, I was getting real close to Springfield, Missouri...
June 3, 2011
June 3, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-East Troy, Wisconsin)
I had great directions to the first drop of my two drop load. As I got close to the small warehouse I noticed the woods increasing. Sure enough, by the time I got to the small warehouse driveway, I could see only a small portion of the warehouse. The driveway was small also but straight(I could back out with no problem if I had too). I drove up the driveway and found a building with two load/unloading docks and the turnaround to back to those docks was tight but doable.
I was docked at 8 AM CST and five guys started unloading me. It didn't take long and I was gone by 9 AM CST heading for my dropoff in Green Bay. Traveled up I-43 through Milwaukee and then along the Lake Michigan shore line for awhile before heading inland to Green Bay. First time up here and it was a great trip!
I got off I-43 before the huge bridge and found the delivery point at noon CST. I was backed to the dock and unloaded by 1:30 PM CST. What was kind of pretty was that the skies were clear and the air was filled with cottonwood--that's what I was told that floating stuff was.
After unloading, I went to a small truckstop I had past earlier. I went inside and when I was paying for what I wanted to buy I talked with the female clerk. I mentioned the Green Bay Packers Football team and she lost her trend of thought. She started telling me about the football team and after a couple minutes she came back to reality.
I called Dispatch and received my next assignment; a load from Oak Creek, Wisconsin to Oklahoma City that picks up tomorrow afternoon. I took off south on I-43 back down toward Milwaukee. Boy, I enjoyed the trip south through Milwaukee to Oak Creek where I spent the night at the "Big Ball" truckstop. The truckstop was not any big deal!!!. I ate in the restaurant, talked to other drivers and then went to my truck. Just watched my TV before going to sleep...
I had great directions to the first drop of my two drop load. As I got close to the small warehouse I noticed the woods increasing. Sure enough, by the time I got to the small warehouse driveway, I could see only a small portion of the warehouse. The driveway was small also but straight(I could back out with no problem if I had too). I drove up the driveway and found a building with two load/unloading docks and the turnaround to back to those docks was tight but doable.
I was docked at 8 AM CST and five guys started unloading me. It didn't take long and I was gone by 9 AM CST heading for my dropoff in Green Bay. Traveled up I-43 through Milwaukee and then along the Lake Michigan shore line for awhile before heading inland to Green Bay. First time up here and it was a great trip!
I got off I-43 before the huge bridge and found the delivery point at noon CST. I was backed to the dock and unloaded by 1:30 PM CST. What was kind of pretty was that the skies were clear and the air was filled with cottonwood--that's what I was told that floating stuff was.
After unloading, I went to a small truckstop I had past earlier. I went inside and when I was paying for what I wanted to buy I talked with the female clerk. I mentioned the Green Bay Packers Football team and she lost her trend of thought. She started telling me about the football team and after a couple minutes she came back to reality.
I called Dispatch and received my next assignment; a load from Oak Creek, Wisconsin to Oklahoma City that picks up tomorrow afternoon. I took off south on I-43 back down toward Milwaukee. Boy, I enjoyed the trip south through Milwaukee to Oak Creek where I spent the night at the "Big Ball" truckstop. The truckstop was not any big deal!!!. I ate in the restaurant, talked to other drivers and then went to my truck. Just watched my TV before going to sleep...
June 2, 2011
May 2, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lake Station, Indiana)
I slept until 9 AM EST and wasn't hungry--barfet last night--when I got moving around. I decided to go ahead and head for tomorrow's first drop. I was out of there by 10 AM EST on I-94, following it right up through Chicago. I just took my time crossing into Wisconsin. As soon as I crossed in Wisconsin, I started seeing all the stare signs. I got to Hwy 20 and took it to East Troy, Wisconsin where I found a small truckstop to stop at. The time was around noon CST when pulled into the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. I asked for directions for where I was going tomorrow and got some very detailed ones....
I slept until 9 AM EST and wasn't hungry--barfet last night--when I got moving around. I decided to go ahead and head for tomorrow's first drop. I was out of there by 10 AM EST on I-94, following it right up through Chicago. I just took my time crossing into Wisconsin. As soon as I crossed in Wisconsin, I started seeing all the stare signs. I got to Hwy 20 and took it to East Troy, Wisconsin where I found a small truckstop to stop at. The time was around noon CST when pulled into the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. I asked for directions for where I was going tomorrow and got some very detailed ones....
June 1, 2011
June 1, 1991, 2011
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Sarnia, Ontario)
Woke up without the alarm clock as I have two days to do a one day job. I was hooked to my trailer and had all my paperwork so I headed for the border. I cross over the very high Blue River Bridge into the US, stopping at the US customs. I had to visit the broker for the company and it took me about 45 minutes to get the paperwork completed. Headed down I-94 to our Taylor(Detoit) Michigan terminal to fuel(84 gallons) and then it was off west on I-94. Followed I-94 into Indiana and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for dinner barfet, movies and to sleep for the night. Didn't get to my truck until 11:30 PM EST...
Woke up without the alarm clock as I have two days to do a one day job. I was hooked to my trailer and had all my paperwork so I headed for the border. I cross over the very high Blue River Bridge into the US, stopping at the US customs. I had to visit the broker for the company and it took me about 45 minutes to get the paperwork completed. Headed down I-94 to our Taylor(Detoit) Michigan terminal to fuel(84 gallons) and then it was off west on I-94. Followed I-94 into Indiana and stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for dinner barfet, movies and to sleep for the night. Didn't get to my truck until 11:30 PM EST...
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