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.
December 31, 2012
November 30, 2012
October 31, 2012
October 1, 2012
September 24, 2012
August 31, 2012
August 24, 2012
July 30, 2012
July 15, 2012
June 30, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 21, 2012
June 20, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Laredo,Texas)
Sent the day at the Morten's home. At 5 PM CST I found that my number on the TRB was 10 so I headed for the terminal.
On the way to the terminal, I stopped at Radio Shack and bought a short antenna for my new CB radio I bought.
The Walkie Talkie I bought had a mic hook up and a plug for an extension speaker; both I used. I started working at installing it for use in my truck as dusk was setting in.. I took down the old CB radio and another driver bought it; it was a "specially made" CB radio. I mounted the walkie talkie behind the drivers' door and against the ceiling, draping the mic core across the very top of my window. I mounted the extension speaker behind my head on the wall and I was set!!! I tested it by driving away from the terminal and talking with the driver who had bought my old CB radio. I got about a 3 mile range on it; I was happy!!! I took off my exterior antennas and saved them to turn into the maintenance shop in Joplin(Missouri) as they--the antennas--belonged to the company.
I found that I wouldn't get out of Laredo until tomorrow so I went to bed at 11:30 PM CST...
On the way to the terminal, I stopped at Radio Shack and bought a short antenna for my new CB radio I bought.
The Walkie Talkie I bought had a mic hook up and a plug for an extension speaker; both I used. I started working at installing it for use in my truck as dusk was setting in.. I took down the old CB radio and another driver bought it; it was a "specially made" CB radio. I mounted the walkie talkie behind the drivers' door and against the ceiling, draping the mic core across the very top of my window. I mounted the extension speaker behind my head on the wall and I was set!!! I tested it by driving away from the terminal and talking with the driver who had bought my old CB radio. I got about a 3 mile range on it; I was happy!!! I took off my exterior antennas and saved them to turn into the maintenance shop in Joplin(Missouri) as they--the antennas--belonged to the company.
I found that I wouldn't get out of Laredo until tomorrow so I went to bed at 11:30 PM CST...
June 19, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 27, 2012
May 26, 2012
May 20, 2012
May 15, 2012
May 14, 2012
May 9, 2012
May 7, 2012
May 6, 2012
May 6, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Strongsville, Ohio)
I was ready to leave as my day started. I had a full 8 hours here in Strongsville so I counted it as my legal long break.
I was ready to leave as my day started. I had a full 8 hours here in Strongsville so I counted it as my legal long break.
May 5.1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Woodstock, Ontario)
Spent the night at the Highway(401) rest area near Woodstock; I am still waiting for a load. Early morning my load came in...deadhead to Strongsville Ohio to pick up car seats for Kansas City assembly plant.
I began the journey at 9 AM EST. It was a short drive to High 403 where I went east bound to the QEW(Highway) and took it to the Peace Bridge. Over the Peace Bridge, I entered the Buffalo(New York) area and got on I-90 going to Cleveland, Ohio.
As soon as I got into Pennslyvania I stopped at the truckstop at the Northeast(Pennsylvania) exit. I stopped there as they had chef salads that I really enjoyed; I had two of them this trip. I also enjoyed the overview of Lake Erie from their truck parking lot.
I got into Ohio and stayed on I-90 until I got to I-71.in Cleveland. I followed my instructions to the pickup point in the Cleveland suburbs of Strongsville. I pulled into their parking lot at 4 PM EST just as another from my company was pulling out. I checked in with shipping and was informed that they were not ready with my shipment yet. They still had product to make and package. They backed me up to the dock and told me it would be awhile before they would have me ready. I ask if I could sleep and they would wake me;they said yes. I sleep and felt the truck being loaded shortly after 11:30 PM EST. I was ready to leave at midnight EST...
Spent the night at the Highway(401) rest area near Woodstock; I am still waiting for a load. Early morning my load came in...deadhead to Strongsville Ohio to pick up car seats for Kansas City assembly plant.
I began the journey at 9 AM EST. It was a short drive to High 403 where I went east bound to the QEW(Highway) and took it to the Peace Bridge. Over the Peace Bridge, I entered the Buffalo(New York) area and got on I-90 going to Cleveland, Ohio.
As soon as I got into Pennslyvania I stopped at the truckstop at the Northeast(Pennsylvania) exit. I stopped there as they had chef salads that I really enjoyed; I had two of them this trip. I also enjoyed the overview of Lake Erie from their truck parking lot.
I got into Ohio and stayed on I-90 until I got to I-71.in Cleveland. I followed my instructions to the pickup point in the Cleveland suburbs of Strongsville. I pulled into their parking lot at 4 PM EST just as another from my company was pulling out. I checked in with shipping and was informed that they were not ready with my shipment yet. They still had product to make and package. They backed me up to the dock and told me it would be awhile before they would have me ready. I ask if I could sleep and they would wake me;they said yes. I sleep and felt the truck being loaded shortly after 11:30 PM EST. I was ready to leave at midnight EST...
May 1, 2012
April 30, 2012
April 25, 2012
April 25, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Dendridge, Tennessee)
Will get caught up and until I do, pick a topic below and enjoy the stories....
Will get caught up and until I do, pick a topic below and enjoy the stories....
April 23, 2012
April 22, 2012
April 18,1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling past Meeker, Colorado)
With the snow starting to fall, and me with an empty trailer, I had to be extra cautious as I turned and traveled down Hwy 13 toward Rifle, Colorado. The snow quit falling as I reached Rifle but started up again as I started east on I-70 toward Denver. As I traveled, the snow fall increased and I decided to stop at a small truckstop at the exit for Eagle, Colorado; the time was 2:30 AM MST. It was a beautiful sight , with the lights reflecting off the fallen snow; I sat in my seat for awhile and enjoyed it....
It was noon(MST) before I left Eagle and continued toward Denver. The snow had stopped and--more to com--
With the snow starting to fall, and me with an empty trailer, I had to be extra cautious as I turned and traveled down Hwy 13 toward Rifle, Colorado. The snow quit falling as I reached Rifle but started up again as I started east on I-70 toward Denver. As I traveled, the snow fall increased and I decided to stop at a small truckstop at the exit for Eagle, Colorado; the time was 2:30 AM MST. It was a beautiful sight , with the lights reflecting off the fallen snow; I sat in my seat for awhile and enjoyed it....
It was noon(MST) before I left Eagle and continued toward Denver. The snow had stopped and--more to com--
April 17, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday--Good Friday--Roy, Utah)
Spent the night with the family of the Discount Tire Store manager of Roy. When we got back to the store, the assistant manager said his wife OKed me going to Easter dinner with them if I will still be in town. I said I would.
The manager asked if I could take him to the Post Office in my tractor. I had to call my safety department and get the OK. I got it and took him for his first ride in a semi truck.
Since it was Good Friday, the tire store closed down for 3 hours and we--the tire store employees and me-went to eat and the Layton Mall before reopening.
Late in the afternoon, I called dispatch and found that I had been deadheaded to Denver, Colorado. I went to Ogden(Utah) where I fueled(124 gallons) and left after researching my route. I decided to go past Park City(Utah) instead of using I-84. Out of Salt Lake, I climbed Parley's "hill" toward Parley's Summit. I took Hwy 40--off of I-80--south through Heber City and on into Colorado. Shortly after entering Colorado, I went south on Hwy 64 at Dinosaur(Colorado).and followed it to Meeker. The drive this evening--after the sun went down--was really dark as any moonlight was blocked by the clouds. As my day ended, I arrived at Meeker and snow started falling...
Spent the night with the family of the Discount Tire Store manager of Roy. When we got back to the store, the assistant manager said his wife OKed me going to Easter dinner with them if I will still be in town. I said I would.
The manager asked if I could take him to the Post Office in my tractor. I had to call my safety department and get the OK. I got it and took him for his first ride in a semi truck.
Since it was Good Friday, the tire store closed down for 3 hours and we--the tire store employees and me-went to eat and the Layton Mall before reopening.
Late in the afternoon, I called dispatch and found that I had been deadheaded to Denver, Colorado. I went to Ogden(Utah) where I fueled(124 gallons) and left after researching my route. I decided to go past Park City(Utah) instead of using I-84. Out of Salt Lake, I climbed Parley's "hill" toward Parley's Summit. I took Hwy 40--off of I-80--south through Heber City and on into Colorado. Shortly after entering Colorado, I went south on Hwy 64 at Dinosaur(Colorado).and followed it to Meeker. The drive this evening--after the sun went down--was really dark as any moonlight was blocked by the clouds. As my day ended, I arrived at Meeker and snow started falling...
April 16, 2012
April 16, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Roy, Utah)
I awoke this morning to clicking on the tire store side of my tractor; the store guys that got there early were throwing old tire air stems at my tractor to wake me up. I went to breakfast with them across the street at McDonalds.
No loads out of Utah today so another day and night in Roy at the Discount Tire Store.
I did drop my trailer where I was parked and traveled to the Layton Mall to do some shopping.
The store manager asked if I would like to spend the night with his family and I said I would. When the store closed, I went home with the manger and stayed with his family for the night.....
I awoke this morning to clicking on the tire store side of my tractor; the store guys that got there early were throwing old tire air stems at my tractor to wake me up. I went to breakfast with them across the street at McDonalds.
No loads out of Utah today so another day and night in Roy at the Discount Tire Store.
I did drop my trailer where I was parked and traveled to the Layton Mall to do some shopping.
The store manager asked if I would like to spend the night with his family and I said I would. When the store closed, I went home with the manger and stayed with his family for the night.....
April 15, 2012
April 15, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Roy, Utah)
Still in Roy as the manager of the Discount tire store said that I could stay in my truck and park at the north side of the store.
Got my haircut down the road and had them wash it also. After a good conversation with the lady haircutter, the charge was only $3.50!!!!
I worked on my ventriloquist puppet's so that it was stronger.
No loads today so I stayed again in my truck watching my TV and typing....
Still in Roy as the manager of the Discount tire store said that I could stay in my truck and park at the north side of the store.
Got my haircut down the road and had them wash it also. After a good conversation with the lady haircutter, the charge was only $3.50!!!!
I worked on my ventriloquist puppet's so that it was stronger.
No loads today so I stayed again in my truck watching my TV and typing....
April 13, 2012
April 9, 2012
April 9, 1992, 2012
note: For those that flew with me on the morning flight from Salt Lake City to Pheonix, I just made my connection flight as they were readying to close the door. .
April 4, 2012
April 3, 2012
April 1, 2012
March 31, 2012
March 30, 2012
March 27, 2012
March 25, 2012
March 25, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-El Paso, Texas)
Third day in El Paso started and I found that I had been assigned a load that hadn't been confirmed. That load was concelled as the one was yesterday.
I finally got a load to Oklahoma City; the problem was I was to go pick it up. I fueled and then headed for the pickup. I got there in the early afternoon and they didn't want to load me; they cancelled my load.
I called the terminal and they gave me a load to Washington, Pennsylvania. I Had to pick it up and I did. I have to unload this load Monday.
I left El Paso just before 6 PM MST and headed east on Hwy 62. Traveled through the desert area into the mountains and into New Mexico. Got to Carlsbad, New Mexico around 10 PM MST and decided to just go to sleep. Parked in the dirt lot next to the Wal-Mart store and called it a day....
Third day in El Paso started and I found that I had been assigned a load that hadn't been confirmed. That load was concelled as the one was yesterday.
I finally got a load to Oklahoma City; the problem was I was to go pick it up. I fueled and then headed for the pickup. I got there in the early afternoon and they didn't want to load me; they cancelled my load.
I called the terminal and they gave me a load to Washington, Pennsylvania. I Had to pick it up and I did. I have to unload this load Monday.
I left El Paso just before 6 PM MST and headed east on Hwy 62. Traveled through the desert area into the mountains and into New Mexico. Got to Carlsbad, New Mexico around 10 PM MST and decided to just go to sleep. Parked in the dirt lot next to the Wal-Mart store and called it a day....
March 24, 2012
March 24, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-El Paso, Texas)
Was waiting for a load almost all the daytime hours and then--around 5:15 PM MST--the terminal manager comes out and informs me I have a load to Ohio. He tells me to get my things together and then come into the terminal and get my paperwork for the load.
Before I got ready to go into the terminal, the manager came out again and told me that my load had been cancelled....another night here...
I went to the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner and had the barfet. After dinner I watched a movie in their movie room and then went back to the terminal, watched my TV, typed and went to sleep....
Was waiting for a load almost all the daytime hours and then--around 5:15 PM MST--the terminal manager comes out and informs me I have a load to Ohio. He tells me to get my things together and then come into the terminal and get my paperwork for the load.
Before I got ready to go into the terminal, the manager came out again and told me that my load had been cancelled....another night here...
I went to the "Just a Truckstop" for dinner and had the barfet. After dinner I watched a movie in their movie room and then went back to the terminal, watched my TV, typed and went to sleep....
March 23, 2012
March 23, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-El Paso, Texas)
Really boring day...no loads for me today as my number on the TRB was too high. I went to "Just a Truckstop" in El Paso for the lunch barfet. After lunch, went bark to the terminal and cleaned up my bunk area and sideboxes. Thought about working on Stanley's--my childsize puppet--car seat but didn't have the "stuff" I needed....
Day ended and slept--with my TV on---in my clean bunk...
Really boring day...no loads for me today as my number on the TRB was too high. I went to "Just a Truckstop" in El Paso for the lunch barfet. After lunch, went bark to the terminal and cleaned up my bunk area and sideboxes. Thought about working on Stanley's--my childsize puppet--car seat but didn't have the "stuff" I needed....
Day ended and slept--with my TV on---in my clean bunk...
March 21, 2012
March 19, 2012
March 18, 2012
March 17, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 14, 2012
March 13, 2012
March 12, 2012
March 11, 2012
March 10, 2012
March 9, 2012
March 8, 2012
March 7, 2012
March 6, 2012
March 5, 2012
March 4, 2012
March 3, 2012
February 29, 2012
February 28, 2012
February 27, 2012
February 26, 2012
February 23, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling south in Texas)
Heading toward San Antonio, Texas as my day started. Thought about stopping in San Antonio for fuel but my desire to get to Laredo was greater.
Heading toward San Antonio, Texas as my day started. Thought about stopping in San Antonio for fuel but my desire to get to Laredo was greater.
February 23, 2012
February 22, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Joplin, Missouri)
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and did my necessary paperwork, inspections, fueling(119 gallon) and daily checks with dispatch. I was leaving Joplin at 5 AM CST and headed for Oklahoma on I-44.
Got to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and went south on Hwy 69. I went all the way to the Atoka(Oklahom) Wal-Mart Store where I stopped for a break and shopping. Headed south over the Red River--now Hwy 75--into Texas and stayed south bound to Anna, Texas where I stopped for a couple hour nap.
Rested, I left the truckstop and headed south, through Dallas to Lancaster stopping at our terminal and again taking a nap. I was up by 7:30 PM CST fueling(58 gallons) and doing my paperwork.
I left the terminal at 8 PM CST and headed south toward Laredo on I-35. as my day ended at midnoight, I found myself about a half hour north of San Antonio(Texas)...
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and did my necessary paperwork, inspections, fueling(119 gallon) and daily checks with dispatch. I was leaving Joplin at 5 AM CST and headed for Oklahoma on I-44.
Got to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and went south on Hwy 69. I went all the way to the Atoka(Oklahom) Wal-Mart Store where I stopped for a break and shopping. Headed south over the Red River--now Hwy 75--into Texas and stayed south bound to Anna, Texas where I stopped for a couple hour nap.
Rested, I left the truckstop and headed south, through Dallas to Lancaster stopping at our terminal and again taking a nap. I was up by 7:30 PM CST fueling(58 gallons) and doing my paperwork.
I left the terminal at 8 PM CST and headed south toward Laredo on I-35. as my day ended at midnoight, I found myself about a half hour north of San Antonio(Texas)...
February 21, 2012
February 21, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Williamsburg, Iowa)
I woke up right after midnight--the start of my new day--and didn't feel tired at all. Thought about trying to go back to sleep but decided to keep moving. Followed I-80 west to Des Moines and I-35, which I took south.
Followed I -35 to claycomo, Missouri, getting there at 5:30 AM CST. I dropped my trailer and got an empty one. Our Kansas City terminal was far from this plant so I didn't call dispatch, just went to the terminal.
I didn't have a new load waiting for me so I went out to my tractor and went to bed. At 1 PM CST the terminal manager came out and woke me up; I had a load to Laredo, Texas.
I left the yard at 2PM CST and followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. Got to I-44 and went southwest a short distance to Joplin, Missouri where I stopped at our terminal at 2:15 PM CST. I was tired so I stayed there for the night...
I woke up right after midnight--the start of my new day--and didn't feel tired at all. Thought about trying to go back to sleep but decided to keep moving. Followed I-80 west to Des Moines and I-35, which I took south.
Followed I -35 to claycomo, Missouri, getting there at 5:30 AM CST. I dropped my trailer and got an empty one. Our Kansas City terminal was far from this plant so I didn't call dispatch, just went to the terminal.
I didn't have a new load waiting for me so I went out to my tractor and went to bed. At 1 PM CST the terminal manager came out and woke me up; I had a load to Laredo, Texas.
I left the yard at 2PM CST and followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. Got to I-44 and went southwest a short distance to Joplin, Missouri where I stopped at our terminal at 2:15 PM CST. I was tired so I stayed there for the night...
February 20, 2012
February 20, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Flint, Michigan)
Woke up and called dispatch for a load; got the typical, "call back in an hour". George--see yesterday--didn't seem awake, and since I was on the TRB before him, I didn't try to wake him up. Icalled back in 45 minutes and had a load to pickup in Bay City(Michigany by 10:30). George was still apparently sleeping when I left for Bay City at 8 AM EST; I left a note taped to his window....note: I never saw George again...
Found the shipper shortly after 9 AM EST and checked in. I was loaded with 34,670 lbs of auto parts by 10:15 AM EST and headed toward Kansas City, Missouri.
Down I-75 to I-69--at Flint(Michigan)-- and then south to I-94 west. I stopped at Benton Harbor for fuel(192 gallon) as I was getting low. Continued to Illinois where I continued west on I-80. Stopped for the night and for dinner at the restaurant I like south of the interstate highway...
Had dinner--the one pound steak dinner--and then watched a movie and then went to bed...
Woke up and called dispatch for a load; got the typical, "call back in an hour". George--see yesterday--didn't seem awake, and since I was on the TRB before him, I didn't try to wake him up. Icalled back in 45 minutes and had a load to pickup in Bay City(Michigany by 10:30). George was still apparently sleeping when I left for Bay City at 8 AM EST; I left a note taped to his window....note: I never saw George again...
Found the shipper shortly after 9 AM EST and checked in. I was loaded with 34,670 lbs of auto parts by 10:15 AM EST and headed toward Kansas City, Missouri.
Down I-75 to I-69--at Flint(Michigan)-- and then south to I-94 west. I stopped at Benton Harbor for fuel(192 gallon) as I was getting low. Continued to Illinois where I continued west on I-80. Stopped for the night and for dinner at the restaurant I like south of the interstate highway...
Had dinner--the one pound steak dinner--and then watched a movie and then went to bed...
February 19, 2012
February 19, 1992, 2012,
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling in Indiana)
The start of of new day showed me heading north on I-69 south of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kept my speed up and "zoomed" past Fort Wayne and into Michigan. As I got close to Lansing, the I-69 stetch wasn't finished but was "good" driving. Stayed on I-69 to Flint, getting to the receiver shortly after 4 AM EST. I had on a load of empty racks and had to "drop & hook".
Got another trailer--empty--and the guard told me of a place to park and wait...It was a restaurant with truck parking. I parked and got my paperwork all caught up before going in and calling dispatch. Before I went into the restaurant, another truck from my company pulled in next to me. We went into the restaurant and made out check calls and had breakfast. George--the other driver--and I had no loads all day. we walked around and talked with nothing discussed of any importance.
Went to sleep with hopes for a load tomorrow....
The start of of new day showed me heading north on I-69 south of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kept my speed up and "zoomed" past Fort Wayne and into Michigan. As I got close to Lansing, the I-69 stetch wasn't finished but was "good" driving. Stayed on I-69 to Flint, getting to the receiver shortly after 4 AM EST. I had on a load of empty racks and had to "drop & hook".
Got another trailer--empty--and the guard told me of a place to park and wait...It was a restaurant with truck parking. I parked and got my paperwork all caught up before going in and calling dispatch. Before I went into the restaurant, another truck from my company pulled in next to me. We went into the restaurant and made out check calls and had breakfast. George--the other driver--and I had no loads all day. we walked around and talked with nothing discussed of any importance.
Went to sleep with hopes for a load tomorrow....
February 18, 2012
February 18, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Priceville, Alabama)
My appointment wasn't until 1 PM CST so I slept in and then cleaned up my "room" a little. Had me some ice cream and then headed for Athens, Alabama.
Got to the shipper at 11:45 AM CST and checked in with their shipping department. They had me back up to their dock and had me loaded by 1:30 PM CST. After calling dispatch I did my vehicle inspection and got all my paperwork catch up. I was heading for Flint, Michigan up I-65 by 2:00 PM CST.
After passing Nashville, Tennessee on still on I-65, I had to go over the Tennessee scales before leaving the state. A few minutes later I entered Kentucky and had to go over their scales. I had no problems with the scales and continued north. I stopped at Shepherdsville, Kentucky for some White Castle hamburgers and soda(soft drink in Canada). I took the food and drink with me and HIT the road.
I left Shepherdsville just a little abefore 8 PM EST and munched on my hamberburgers as I went. I took I-65 into Indiana and the lower--southeast--loop around Indianapolis to I-69. North on I-69, I met the end of my day while getting about 30 miles from Fort Wayne Indiana...
My appointment wasn't until 1 PM CST so I slept in and then cleaned up my "room" a little. Had me some ice cream and then headed for Athens, Alabama.
Got to the shipper at 11:45 AM CST and checked in with their shipping department. They had me back up to their dock and had me loaded by 1:30 PM CST. After calling dispatch I did my vehicle inspection and got all my paperwork catch up. I was heading for Flint, Michigan up I-65 by 2:00 PM CST.
After passing Nashville, Tennessee on still on I-65, I had to go over the Tennessee scales before leaving the state. A few minutes later I entered Kentucky and had to go over their scales. I had no problems with the scales and continued north. I stopped at Shepherdsville, Kentucky for some White Castle hamburgers and soda(soft drink in Canada). I took the food and drink with me and HIT the road.
I left Shepherdsville just a little abefore 8 PM EST and munched on my hamberburgers as I went. I took I-65 into Indiana and the lower--southeast--loop around Indianapolis to I-69. North on I-69, I met the end of my day while getting about 30 miles from Fort Wayne Indiana...
February 17, 2012
February 17, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Resaca, Georgia)
I was up and headed south on I-75 toward Atlanta where my final goal was Hapeville--inside the I-285 loop.
The law around Atlanta was for semis to stay on or outside the I-285 loop. I wanted to see inside the loop so I used the excess of delivering in Hapeville--inside the south side of the loop--to be inside it.
I truly enjoyed the drive inside the loop, even if darkness ruled the skies at that time. I found the plant that I had to deliver to and found that it was a "drop & hook". I turned my paperwork in and got my copies signed; called dispatch and was told to "call back in an hour".
I was just a few miles from our fuel stop south of the I-285 loop. I went to it and called back to dispatch four times before getting my next assignment to go to Athens, Alabama. I fueled while there and put on 132 gallons.
I was always wanting to get to the assigned area soon as possible so I was headed toward Buringham, Alabama by 3 PM EST. I took I-65 north when I got to Birmingham and stopped for the night at our fuelstop in Priceville, Alabama.
I always found this truckstops kitcken--open to shopper's sight--interesting and I would never eat from it!!! I usually eat ice cream & bagged potato chips from this place...
Camped out in my truck tonight and watched my TV until I went to sleep....
I was up and headed south on I-75 toward Atlanta where my final goal was Hapeville--inside the I-285 loop.
The law around Atlanta was for semis to stay on or outside the I-285 loop. I wanted to see inside the loop so I used the excess of delivering in Hapeville--inside the south side of the loop--to be inside it.
I truly enjoyed the drive inside the loop, even if darkness ruled the skies at that time. I found the plant that I had to deliver to and found that it was a "drop & hook". I turned my paperwork in and got my copies signed; called dispatch and was told to "call back in an hour".
I was just a few miles from our fuel stop south of the I-285 loop. I went to it and called back to dispatch four times before getting my next assignment to go to Athens, Alabama. I fueled while there and put on 132 gallons.
I was always wanting to get to the assigned area soon as possible so I was headed toward Buringham, Alabama by 3 PM EST. I took I-65 north when I got to Birmingham and stopped for the night at our fuelstop in Priceville, Alabama.
I always found this truckstops kitcken--open to shopper's sight--interesting and I would never eat from it!!! I usually eat ice cream & bagged potato chips from this place...
Camped out in my truck tonight and watched my TV until I went to sleep....
February 16, 2012
February 16, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Paducah, Kentucky)
I left Paducah a little before 10 AM CST headed southeast on I-24 toward Nashville, Tennessee. Traveled past Nashville and climbed over the mountains past Monteagle(Tennessee) and down to Chattanooga(Tennessee). In Chattanooga I took I-75 into Georgia and stopped at our fuel stop at Resaca, Georgia. The time was 4:30 PM EST and I didn't have to be in south Atlanta until tomorrow. I had dinner in the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. Laid down and watched my TV.
I left Paducah a little before 10 AM CST headed southeast on I-24 toward Nashville, Tennessee. Traveled past Nashville and climbed over the mountains past Monteagle(Tennessee) and down to Chattanooga(Tennessee). In Chattanooga I took I-75 into Georgia and stopped at our fuel stop at Resaca, Georgia. The time was 4:30 PM EST and I didn't have to be in south Atlanta until tomorrow. I had dinner in the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. Laid down and watched my TV.
February 15, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Left the terminal right after midnight to start my drive to Atlanta, Georgia. Traveled east on I-70 until I got to Kingdom City, Missouri where I stopped at "Just a Truckstop". I was feeling tired and this load didn't have to be in Atlanta until Monday. Bedded down and slept until 12:30 PM CST.
Since I wasn't far from Fulton(Missouri)--my home town--I decided to see if I had any mail in my Post Office Box. Yeap, I had mail but nothing of any interest.
I was back at the truck stop by 2 PM CST having a buffet lunch.
It was shortly after 3 PM CST that I left for Atlanta east on I-70. Went throught St. Louis into Illinois and caught I-64 east. At Mt Vernon, I took I-57 south to I-24. I entered Kentucky over the Ohio River and stopped at our fuel stop in Paducah(Kentucky) at Exit 3. Decided to bed down for the night and start the final leg of my journey tomorrow...
Left the terminal right after midnight to start my drive to Atlanta, Georgia. Traveled east on I-70 until I got to Kingdom City, Missouri where I stopped at "Just a Truckstop". I was feeling tired and this load didn't have to be in Atlanta until Monday. Bedded down and slept until 12:30 PM CST.
Since I wasn't far from Fulton(Missouri)--my home town--I decided to see if I had any mail in my Post Office Box. Yeap, I had mail but nothing of any interest.
I was back at the truck stop by 2 PM CST having a buffet lunch.
It was shortly after 3 PM CST that I left for Atlanta east on I-70. Went throught St. Louis into Illinois and caught I-64 east. At Mt Vernon, I took I-57 south to I-24. I entered Kentucky over the Ohio River and stopped at our fuel stop in Paducah(Kentucky) at Exit 3. Decided to bed down for the night and start the final leg of my journey tomorrow...
February 14, 2012
February 14, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling in Ohio)
Traveling west in Ohio(I-70) heading toward Indiana; the 3/4 full moon guiding me as it shown brightly. I kept my spped up and didn't feel tired the whole night. With one short break in Illinois, I kept going--time violation-- and pulled into our Kansas City, Missouri Terminal just before 9:30 AM CST. Dispatch told me to just drop the load in the yard since it wasn't due at the Ford assembly plant until Monday. I did and laid down for a nap.
I woke up after dark and checked in with dispatch. They had a load for me...to Altanta, Georgia. Got my trailer and fueled(111 gallons). Got all my paperwork caught up and decided to wait and leave shortly after midnight... After I was ready to go, I just watched TV as there were no other drivers in the terminal truckers' lounge...
Traveling west in Ohio(I-70) heading toward Indiana; the 3/4 full moon guiding me as it shown brightly. I kept my spped up and didn't feel tired the whole night. With one short break in Illinois, I kept going--time violation-- and pulled into our Kansas City, Missouri Terminal just before 9:30 AM CST. Dispatch told me to just drop the load in the yard since it wasn't due at the Ford assembly plant until Monday. I did and laid down for a nap.
I woke up after dark and checked in with dispatch. They had a load for me...to Altanta, Georgia. Got my trailer and fueled(111 gallons). Got all my paperwork caught up and decided to wait and leave shortly after midnight... After I was ready to go, I just watched TV as there were no other drivers in the terminal truckers' lounge...
February 13, 2012
February 13, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Cleveland, Ohio)
I woke at the Cleveland Union Truckstop and went in and had breakfast(eggs, potatoes and sausage). I called dispatch and was given a load from Johnson Controls in Strongsville(Ohio). The load was going to the Ford Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Missouri; the problem is that the load has a pickup time of 6 PM EST.
I got over to Johnson Contrals as soon as I could but it didn't help with me getting my load. I got to walk around a little of the plant and found it interesting. Talked to shipping and they said it would be close to my pickup time before I could get my load. I helped move trailers around for awhile and then laid down for a rest and turned out to b a nap. I checked in with shipping again and was told they were waiting for a couple pieces. They finally got me out of there a 8 PM EST.
I headed down I-71 and stopped at our fuelstop in Berkshire(Ohio). I fueled(109 gallons) and got me a couple turkey legs to eat along the way. I continued on down to I-70 and went west told Indianapolis. My day ended with me passing I-75 on my way to Indiana...
I woke at the Cleveland Union Truckstop and went in and had breakfast(eggs, potatoes and sausage). I called dispatch and was given a load from Johnson Controls in Strongsville(Ohio). The load was going to the Ford Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Missouri; the problem is that the load has a pickup time of 6 PM EST.
I got over to Johnson Contrals as soon as I could but it didn't help with me getting my load. I got to walk around a little of the plant and found it interesting. Talked to shipping and they said it would be close to my pickup time before I could get my load. I helped move trailers around for awhile and then laid down for a rest and turned out to b a nap. I checked in with shipping again and was told they were waiting for a couple pieces. They finally got me out of there a 8 PM EST.
I headed down I-71 and stopped at our fuelstop in Berkshire(Ohio). I fueled(109 gallons) and got me a couple turkey legs to eat along the way. I continued on down to I-70 and went west told Indianapolis. My day ended with me passing I-75 on my way to Indiana...
February 12, 2012
February 12, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Willoughby, Ohio)
I delivered my load and was empty by 8:15 PM EST. Called dispatch and was told that I should get out of the Cleveland today sometime.
I wasn't far from the Union Truckstop and so I went there to wait. I kept waiting all day and ended up sleeping there the night...
I delivered my load and was empty by 8:15 PM EST. Called dispatch and was told that I should get out of the Cleveland today sometime.
I wasn't far from the Union Truckstop and so I went there to wait. I kept waiting all day and ended up sleeping there the night...
February 11, 2012
February 11, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-McLean, Iliinois)
The day starts and I am doing my laundry at the Dixie Truckstop. Couldn't sleep so what the heck, I decided to do something other than just lay there.
I got done with my laundry shortly after 1:30 AM CST and laid down to try and sleep agian. I guess I dozed a little but I was up and awake again at 3:30 AM CST.
I headed for Cleveland(Ohio) on the back roads as the interstates seems less direst. I traveled up I-55 to Hwy 24 where I headed east across county. I went into Indiana and continued east to Hwy 24 to Huntington(Indiana). I got on Hwy 224 east into Ohio and kept going to I-71 at our fuelstop in Sevelle, Ohio.
Followed I-71 northeast to I-271 and then to I-90 where I found the receiver of this load in Willoughby....The place was closed so I found a parking space and settled in for the night...
The day starts and I am doing my laundry at the Dixie Truckstop. Couldn't sleep so what the heck, I decided to do something other than just lay there.
I got done with my laundry shortly after 1:30 AM CST and laid down to try and sleep agian. I guess I dozed a little but I was up and awake again at 3:30 AM CST.
I headed for Cleveland(Ohio) on the back roads as the interstates seems less direst. I traveled up I-55 to Hwy 24 where I headed east across county. I went into Indiana and continued east to Hwy 24 to Huntington(Indiana). I got on Hwy 224 east into Ohio and kept going to I-71 at our fuelstop in Sevelle, Ohio.
Followed I-71 northeast to I-271 and then to I-90 where I found the receiver of this load in Willoughby....The place was closed so I found a parking space and settled in for the night...
February 10, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Maryville, Kansas)
I was up early today and headed for Blue Rapids for my pick up. I wasn't really impressed with this chemical company, but who said I had to be. They had my load ready for me in 50 pound bags; 41,000 pounds of them. After I was loaded, they let me weigh on there scale but I wasn't convinced that there weighing was correct.
I left Blue Rapids and went back to Hwy 36 in Maryville. Went west into Missouri and got a certified weight. I turned out OK... Continued east through Missouri on Hwy 36, crossing into Illinois at Hannibal, Missouri.
Continued east on Hwy 36(I-72 not a formal interstate yet) to Springfield(Illinois) and then north on I-55. Stopped at the Dixie Truckstop at McLean, Illinois. I fueled(142 gallons) and had dinner. Tried to sleep but couldn't. As my day was ending at midnight, I found myself doing my laundry at the truckstop....
I was up early today and headed for Blue Rapids for my pick up. I wasn't really impressed with this chemical company, but who said I had to be. They had my load ready for me in 50 pound bags; 41,000 pounds of them. After I was loaded, they let me weigh on there scale but I wasn't convinced that there weighing was correct.
I left Blue Rapids and went back to Hwy 36 in Maryville. Went west into Missouri and got a certified weight. I turned out OK... Continued east through Missouri on Hwy 36, crossing into Illinois at Hannibal, Missouri.
Continued east on Hwy 36(I-72 not a formal interstate yet) to Springfield(Illinois) and then north on I-55. Stopped at the Dixie Truckstop at McLean, Illinois. I fueled(142 gallons) and had dinner. Tried to sleep but couldn't. As my day was ending at midnight, I found myself doing my laundry at the truckstop....
February 9, 2012
February 9, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Maryville, Kansas)
Stayed in motel room today typing, writing and watching TV.....
Stayed in motel room today typing, writing and watching TV.....
February 8, 2012
February 8, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Norton, Kansas)
Simple day; traveled east on Hwy 36 and ended up in Maryville, Kansas after going down to Blue Rapids and finding the pickup location. Nothing in Blue Rapids so went back to Maryville and got a motel room through Monday morning...
Simple day; traveled east on Hwy 36 and ended up in Maryville, Kansas after going down to Blue Rapids and finding the pickup location. Nothing in Blue Rapids so went back to Maryville and got a motel room through Monday morning...
February 7, 2012
February 7, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Bennett, Colorado)
I was up and left the Bennett truckstop by 6:30 AM MST. The traffic was there but minimal. The directions I had were "right on" and finding the GNB battery warehouse was no problem. I was totally unloaded and calling into dispatch by 9 AM MST.
Dispatch had a load for me at my first call....deadhead to Blue Rapids, Kansas to pick up a load of chemicals Monday to the Cleveland area. I decided to leave immediately. I left westbound on I-70 and stopped at our fuelstop in Bennett, Colorado for fuel(108 gallons). Shortly after leaving Bennett, I came to Byers(Colorado) and decided to take Hwy 36 east. I got on Hwy 36 and decided to pull over on the highway and look at my map. I did and looked at the towns coming up. I wanted to get some packing materials for mailing the T-shirts I had bought for some of the kids I knew. Note: The towns I passed before I got to Kansas didn't even have the populations to support a small store.
As I was sitting there, a driver driving a PST truck went by and shouted out on the CB radio asking if I was OK. I said I was ans we ran with each other into Kansas. We had a great time chit-chating back and forth. We got into Kansas and the PST driver needed to go south. I said "bye" and he said "Bye JIM". I ALWAYS CALLED MYSELF "PT" AND NEVER USED "JIM". As he was going out of CB radio range, I asked how he knew my first name was "Jim". His last words were, after a little chuckle, "I tell you later" and then he was gone...
Got to Norton, Kansas and called it a day. Found a convenient store with truck parking and parked for the night....
I was up and left the Bennett truckstop by 6:30 AM MST. The traffic was there but minimal. The directions I had were "right on" and finding the GNB battery warehouse was no problem. I was totally unloaded and calling into dispatch by 9 AM MST.
Dispatch had a load for me at my first call....deadhead to Blue Rapids, Kansas to pick up a load of chemicals Monday to the Cleveland area. I decided to leave immediately. I left westbound on I-70 and stopped at our fuelstop in Bennett, Colorado for fuel(108 gallons). Shortly after leaving Bennett, I came to Byers(Colorado) and decided to take Hwy 36 east. I got on Hwy 36 and decided to pull over on the highway and look at my map. I did and looked at the towns coming up. I wanted to get some packing materials for mailing the T-shirts I had bought for some of the kids I knew. Note: The towns I passed before I got to Kansas didn't even have the populations to support a small store.
As I was sitting there, a driver driving a PST truck went by and shouted out on the CB radio asking if I was OK. I said I was ans we ran with each other into Kansas. We had a great time chit-chating back and forth. We got into Kansas and the PST driver needed to go south. I said "bye" and he said "Bye JIM". I ALWAYS CALLED MYSELF "PT" AND NEVER USED "JIM". As he was going out of CB radio range, I asked how he knew my first name was "Jim". His last words were, after a little chuckle, "I tell you later" and then he was gone...
Got to Norton, Kansas and called it a day. Found a convenient store with truck parking and parked for the night....
February 6, 2012
February 6, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was in the drivers' lounge waiting for a load by 8:30 AM CST. It was at 9 AM CST that I was called to the dispatch window with 5 other drivers. I was the fifth of the 6 drivers to get A choice of loads. I took the load to Denver, Colorado. I talked with a couple of the drivers who chose before me. They thought the load I picked was a load of tires; it was a load of auto batteries. I had to go to Lavenworth, Kansas to get the load. The load was waiting for me when I got there. I was on my way to Denver by 11 AM CST.
Traveled out of Lavenworth on Hwy 7 to I-70 west. Went through the toll road potion of Kansas, through Topeka and on west on I-70. I got to Hays, Kansas around 3:30 PM CST and decided to have lunch/dinner at the out the interstate buffet. After dinner I walked over to the Wal-Mart and found really cute t-shirts(pictures of either a parrot or bear cub and the saying "we bad" on it). Got 6 shirts for 6 kids I knew: 2 in Carlsbad, 2 in Laredo and 2 in Fulton)
Left Hays and continued west. I got to Bennett, Colorado and stopped at the truckstop there for the night at 9 PM MST...
I was in the drivers' lounge waiting for a load by 8:30 AM CST. It was at 9 AM CST that I was called to the dispatch window with 5 other drivers. I was the fifth of the 6 drivers to get A choice of loads. I took the load to Denver, Colorado. I talked with a couple of the drivers who chose before me. They thought the load I picked was a load of tires; it was a load of auto batteries. I had to go to Lavenworth, Kansas to get the load. The load was waiting for me when I got there. I was on my way to Denver by 11 AM CST.
Traveled out of Lavenworth on Hwy 7 to I-70 west. Went through the toll road potion of Kansas, through Topeka and on west on I-70. I got to Hays, Kansas around 3:30 PM CST and decided to have lunch/dinner at the out the interstate buffet. After dinner I walked over to the Wal-Mart and found really cute t-shirts(pictures of either a parrot or bear cub and the saying "we bad" on it). Got 6 shirts for 6 kids I knew: 2 in Carlsbad, 2 in Laredo and 2 in Fulton)
Left Hays and continued west. I got to Bennett, Colorado and stopped at the truckstop there for the night at 9 PM MST...
February 5, 2012
February 5, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Joplin, Missouri)
I was woken up at 2 AM CST with the word that my tractor was finished with the repairs. I parked the tractor in the tractor parking area and went back to sleep until 5 AM CST.
Went into the truckers' lounge and waited for somewhere to go. At 9:30 AM CST dispatch gave me a "bad" load. I had to deadhead to Lamar(Missouri), where I found the load NOT ready. When I got it to the address I was directed to, I was told that it was the wrong address and no one knew the right place it needed to go. I called the Kansas City terminal and was told to bring it to our terminal yard and drop it....
I got on the TRB but I won't be going out until tomorrow....
I was woken up at 2 AM CST with the word that my tractor was finished with the repairs. I parked the tractor in the tractor parking area and went back to sleep until 5 AM CST.
Went into the truckers' lounge and waited for somewhere to go. At 9:30 AM CST dispatch gave me a "bad" load. I had to deadhead to Lamar(Missouri), where I found the load NOT ready. When I got it to the address I was directed to, I was told that it was the wrong address and no one knew the right place it needed to go. I called the Kansas City terminal and was told to bring it to our terminal yard and drop it....
I got on the TRB but I won't be going out until tomorrow....
February 4, 2012
February 4, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Monrovia, Indiana)
I woke up at 4 AM EST and walked around for a few minutes. I did my vehicle inspection and paperwork. Was moving west on I-40 and entered Illinois. Stopped at our fuelstop in Effingham(Illinois)at 6 AM CST and had the breakfast bar(had to wait awhile for them to set it up). I was in the restaurant nearly 2 hours: waiting, eating and talking.
Left for Joplin, Missouri and went through St. Louis and ended up on I-44 southwest. Got to Joplin at 3 PM CST and had to go through the vehicle inspection bay.
The mechanics found a number of repairs I needed--including a water pump--and they called dispatch. They asked that I shut down for at least half a day as I told them I had a "hot" load. Dispatch instructed me to drop the loaded trailer and get the tractor fixed.
I watched my TV while I laid in my bunk while the mechanics fixed my tractor. I fall asleep and was snoring away as my day ended....
I woke up at 4 AM EST and walked around for a few minutes. I did my vehicle inspection and paperwork. Was moving west on I-40 and entered Illinois. Stopped at our fuelstop in Effingham(Illinois)at 6 AM CST and had the breakfast bar(had to wait awhile for them to set it up). I was in the restaurant nearly 2 hours: waiting, eating and talking.
Left for Joplin, Missouri and went through St. Louis and ended up on I-44 southwest. Got to Joplin at 3 PM CST and had to go through the vehicle inspection bay.
The mechanics found a number of repairs I needed--including a water pump--and they called dispatch. They asked that I shut down for at least half a day as I told them I had a "hot" load. Dispatch instructed me to drop the loaded trailer and get the tractor fixed.
I watched my TV while I laid in my bunk while the mechanics fixed my tractor. I fall asleep and was snoring away as my day ended....
February 3, 2012
February 3, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-traveling in Michigan)
I got to my destination shortly after 1 AM EST and was allowed to park on the assembly plants property. At 6:30 AM EST I was woken by the security guard and told what dock to back up to. All the parts I was delivering were on racks and easily removed. I was unloaded and done by 7:30 AM EST.
When I called dispatched and reported I was ready for another load, they said to "call back in an hour". There were no truckstops near where I was so I drove 5 miles to the "76" truckstop where I found a Team from my company; there handles were "Pee Wee" and "Driver".
Pee Wee and Driver had been there 3 days because they had made a couple bad mistakes:
1--They decided to drive their tractor to a bar. If the law enforcement people want to, they can follow you to your tractor after you have just one drink and arrest you, after you start your engine, for operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. This could ruin your career...
2--They parked behind the bar--to hide the tractor--and found a dead female in the snow. They chose to leave the scene without notifing the police. Someone saw them and the police chased them down and took DNA samples from them. They were cleared after three days of waiting.
I called dispatch about the fourth time to find I had a load to pick up in Flint, Michigan going to Oklahoma City. Went to Flint after I finished breakfast. Got to the steering gear plant and was loaded shortly after I got there. The load was not that heavy(29,568 lbs) so the ride wasn't bad at all. I headed down(southwest) I-69 to Lansing, an around it. I-69 wasn't hooked up with Lansing yet. Stayed on I-69 into Indiana and through Indianapolis on I-70. Went I-70 westbound to our fuel stop in Monrovia(Indiana) at 7 PM EST. I decided to send the night there and did...
I got to my destination shortly after 1 AM EST and was allowed to park on the assembly plants property. At 6:30 AM EST I was woken by the security guard and told what dock to back up to. All the parts I was delivering were on racks and easily removed. I was unloaded and done by 7:30 AM EST.
When I called dispatched and reported I was ready for another load, they said to "call back in an hour". There were no truckstops near where I was so I drove 5 miles to the "76" truckstop where I found a Team from my company; there handles were "Pee Wee" and "Driver".
Pee Wee and Driver had been there 3 days because they had made a couple bad mistakes:
1--They decided to drive their tractor to a bar. If the law enforcement people want to, they can follow you to your tractor after you have just one drink and arrest you, after you start your engine, for operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. This could ruin your career...
2--They parked behind the bar--to hide the tractor--and found a dead female in the snow. They chose to leave the scene without notifing the police. Someone saw them and the police chased them down and took DNA samples from them. They were cleared after three days of waiting.
I called dispatch about the fourth time to find I had a load to pick up in Flint, Michigan going to Oklahoma City. Went to Flint after I finished breakfast. Got to the steering gear plant and was loaded shortly after I got there. The load was not that heavy(29,568 lbs) so the ride wasn't bad at all. I headed down(southwest) I-69 to Lansing, an around it. I-69 wasn't hooked up with Lansing yet. Stayed on I-69 into Indiana and through Indianapolis on I-70. Went I-70 westbound to our fuel stop in Monrovia(Indiana) at 7 PM EST. I decided to send the night there and did...
February 2, 2012
February 2, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Taylor, Michigan)
Was up early but found that me getting out today was far from reality. Sat around the terminal and did the regular stuff: talk, type and watch TV...
Layed down a 5 PM EST and was gotten up by dispatch at 10 PM EST as they had a load for me. They wanted me to take a load of auto parts to a factory at Saginaw(Michigan). It was only two hours to Saginaw so I hooked up to the trailer, got fuel(121 gallons), and updated my paperwork. I took off up I-75 at 11 PM EST. Traveling and getting close to Flint, Michigan as my day ended...
Was up early but found that me getting out today was far from reality. Sat around the terminal and did the regular stuff: talk, type and watch TV...
Layed down a 5 PM EST and was gotten up by dispatch at 10 PM EST as they had a load for me. They wanted me to take a load of auto parts to a factory at Saginaw(Michigan). It was only two hours to Saginaw so I hooked up to the trailer, got fuel(121 gallons), and updated my paperwork. I took off up I-75 at 11 PM EST. Traveling and getting close to Flint, Michigan as my day ended...
February 1, 2012
February 1, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Lake Station, Indiana)
Woke up from a bunk's full of sleep at 7:15 AM CST and was in the truckstop restaurant having breakfast by 7:30 AM CST. Filled up at the barfet, and was heading for the Taylor(Detroit) terminal by 8:45 AM CST.
Followed I-94 into Michigan and onto the Detroit area. Got the the terminal at 1:30 PM EST. I took my paperwork into dispatch to be prepared for Canada and was told to drop the trailer in the trailer yard. They had no delivery time for my load and since it was just empty racks there was no rush for it.
Spent the day and evening at the terminal talking and typing.....exciting????
Woke up from a bunk's full of sleep at 7:15 AM CST and was in the truckstop restaurant having breakfast by 7:30 AM CST. Filled up at the barfet, and was heading for the Taylor(Detroit) terminal by 8:45 AM CST.
Followed I-94 into Michigan and onto the Detroit area. Got the the terminal at 1:30 PM EST. I took my paperwork into dispatch to be prepared for Canada and was told to drop the trailer in the trailer yard. They had no delivery time for my load and since it was just empty racks there was no rush for it.
Spent the day and evening at the terminal talking and typing.....exciting????
January 31, 2012
January 31, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Woke up after a good night sleep in my tractor bunk to find no loads for me. I sat the whole morning either typing on my computer or talking to the occasional driver that wanted to talk.
At 1 PM CST I got called to the dispatch window and the dispatched offered me one of three loads, all nothing new. I had a choice of picking--as a destination--Canada, Michigan or Wisconsin. Even though Wisconsin seemed to "stick out", I picked Canada. This was a nice light load of empty racks coming from the Ford Assembly plant and going back to a parts manufacturer in Canada.
I left out at 2 PM and headed up I-35 swinging east on I-80 when I got to Des Moines(Iowa). Stopped at the restaurant and truckstop south of the Williamsburg, Iowa exit and thought of having dinner but didn't. Time was now around 7 PM CST and I even thought of watching a couple movies in their movie room but I didn't. I was gone moving east on I-80 after a stop of only about 15 minutes.
I went over and around the Quad-Cities into Illinois and followed I-80 into Indiana. Shortly after entering Indiana, I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" at Lake Station. The day was just ending as I parked for the night...
Woke up after a good night sleep in my tractor bunk to find no loads for me. I sat the whole morning either typing on my computer or talking to the occasional driver that wanted to talk.
At 1 PM CST I got called to the dispatch window and the dispatched offered me one of three loads, all nothing new. I had a choice of picking--as a destination--Canada, Michigan or Wisconsin. Even though Wisconsin seemed to "stick out", I picked Canada. This was a nice light load of empty racks coming from the Ford Assembly plant and going back to a parts manufacturer in Canada.
I left out at 2 PM and headed up I-35 swinging east on I-80 when I got to Des Moines(Iowa). Stopped at the restaurant and truckstop south of the Williamsburg, Iowa exit and thought of having dinner but didn't. Time was now around 7 PM CST and I even thought of watching a couple movies in their movie room but I didn't. I was gone moving east on I-80 after a stop of only about 15 minutes.
I went over and around the Quad-Cities into Illinois and followed I-80 into Indiana. Shortly after entering Indiana, I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" at Lake Station. The day was just ending as I parked for the night...
January 30, 2012
January 30, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Monroe City, Missouri)
We, Shadow(from yesterday's blog) and I, left the truckstop at 5 AM CST and traveled Hwy 36 west to I-35 where we went south. We got to out Kansas City Terminal and got to drop our trailers in the yard.
I was still pretty tired so I went and took a long nap; Shadow took a load and left Kansas City. When my nap was over, there was no load for me to take. Tomorrow is another day....
We, Shadow(from yesterday's blog) and I, left the truckstop at 5 AM CST and traveled Hwy 36 west to I-35 where we went south. We got to out Kansas City Terminal and got to drop our trailers in the yard.
I was still pretty tired so I went and took a long nap; Shadow took a load and left Kansas City. When my nap was over, there was no load for me to take. Tomorrow is another day....
January 29, 2012
January 29, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Westland, Michigan)
Just found the receiver before my new day started and I checked with the guard on duty. He said for me for park in an assigned space and go to bed until about 7 AM EST.
About 6:30 AM EST I got a knock on my cab bunk and it was the guard; he gave me a dock to back up to . It wasn't long after the docking that I felt the forktrucks going in and out of my trailer emptying it. It didn't take long and I was empty. I called dispatch in Taylor(Detroit) as to what to do and they assigned me a load to pick up in Utica, Michigan The load I was going after was a " drop & hook " load going to Kansas City, Missouri. I got the assigned trailer hooked up and vehicle inpection done and then another company--my company--driver drove in. It was a female driver with the handle "Shadow Dancer"(She said to just call her "Shadow"). She was going the same place as me so we decided to run together after I told her how I was doing the route. We got her hooked up by 10:30 AM EST and left south on Mound Road to I-696 to I-75 south. When we got to I-94, we headed west.
We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for fuel(119 gallons) and dinner. After dinner, we were moving west on I-80 only to turn south on I-55. We stopped for a short break at the Funk's Grove rest area. We continued to Hwy 36 at Springfield, Illinois. We took Hwy 36--now I-72--west into Missouri and stopped for the night at the truckstop on Hwy 36 just as Hwy 24 joins it...There we stayed the night...
Just found the receiver before my new day started and I checked with the guard on duty. He said for me for park in an assigned space and go to bed until about 7 AM EST.
About 6:30 AM EST I got a knock on my cab bunk and it was the guard; he gave me a dock to back up to . It wasn't long after the docking that I felt the forktrucks going in and out of my trailer emptying it. It didn't take long and I was empty. I called dispatch in Taylor(Detroit) as to what to do and they assigned me a load to pick up in Utica, Michigan The load I was going after was a " drop & hook " load going to Kansas City, Missouri. I got the assigned trailer hooked up and vehicle inpection done and then another company--my company--driver drove in. It was a female driver with the handle "Shadow Dancer"(She said to just call her "Shadow"). She was going the same place as me so we decided to run together after I told her how I was doing the route. We got her hooked up by 10:30 AM EST and left south on Mound Road to I-696 to I-75 south. When we got to I-94, we headed west.
We stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for fuel(119 gallons) and dinner. After dinner, we were moving west on I-80 only to turn south on I-55. We stopped for a short break at the Funk's Grove rest area. We continued to Hwy 36 at Springfield, Illinois. We took Hwy 36--now I-72--west into Missouri and stopped for the night at the truckstop on Hwy 36 just as Hwy 24 joins it...There we stayed the night...
January 28, 2012
January 28, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Ridway, Illinois)
I was up before the unloaders got here. I knew their times as I have been to this place many times before. They got me unloaded from the parking lot---strange from before but the job got done.
Called dispatch when unloaded and was given a load to pick up in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Checked to map out and decided to take Hwy 13 west to I-57 south. At Hwy 146, I took it west and followed it over the Mississippi River into Cape Girardeau. The directions to my pick up were strange but I found the place. Checked in with the shipping department and was given a dock to back into.
I was loaded and leaving the shipper by noon CST. I left Cape Girardeau the same way I came in, Hwy 146 over the Mississippi River following it to I-57. Took I-57 north to I-70 and stopped at our fuel stop in Effingham, Illinois for fuel(105 gallons). Because this fuel stop had attendants that filled our tanks, I went into the store and bought some munchies for the road. Continued east on I-70 to Indianapolis and took I-69 north to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Went east through Ft. Wayne(I-469 not built yet) to Hwy 24. Took Hwy 24 into Ohio where I went past the most worthless stoplight in the US is, Antwerp(Ohio).
Got to I-475 west of Toledo, Ohio and followed it north. Since I was well beyond my driving time and didn't want to stop, I decided to go into Michigan on Hwy 23 to avoid the Michigan truck scale house on I-75. Followed Hwy to I-94 and them east to I-275. Took I-275 north to Westland where I found the receiver just before midnight EST....
I was up before the unloaders got here. I knew their times as I have been to this place many times before. They got me unloaded from the parking lot---strange from before but the job got done.
Called dispatch when unloaded and was given a load to pick up in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Checked to map out and decided to take Hwy 13 west to I-57 south. At Hwy 146, I took it west and followed it over the Mississippi River into Cape Girardeau. The directions to my pick up were strange but I found the place. Checked in with the shipping department and was given a dock to back into.
I was loaded and leaving the shipper by noon CST. I left Cape Girardeau the same way I came in, Hwy 146 over the Mississippi River following it to I-57. Took I-57 north to I-70 and stopped at our fuel stop in Effingham, Illinois for fuel(105 gallons). Because this fuel stop had attendants that filled our tanks, I went into the store and bought some munchies for the road. Continued east on I-70 to Indianapolis and took I-69 north to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Went east through Ft. Wayne(I-469 not built yet) to Hwy 24. Took Hwy 24 into Ohio where I went past the most worthless stoplight in the US is, Antwerp(Ohio).
Got to I-475 west of Toledo, Ohio and followed it north. Since I was well beyond my driving time and didn't want to stop, I decided to go into Michigan on Hwy 23 to avoid the Michigan truck scale house on I-75. Followed Hwy to I-94 and them east to I-275. Took I-275 north to Westland where I found the receiver just before midnight EST....
January 27, 2012
January 27,1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I woke at 3 AM CST and just couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and went into the terminal truckers' lounge and worked on my computer. Just typed and talked with various drivers until 10:30 AM CST when I got called to the dispatch window. I got a load of empty containers to Ridgway, Illinois(self proclaimed "popcorn capital" of the world).
I took this load and then found out that the load wasn't at the terminal yet, A local driver brought it in and I hookuped to it and was gone--east on I-70--by 1:30 PM CST. I stopped in Kingdom City, Missouri for dinner and then it was onward to Ridway, Illinois. Got on I-64 east in Illinois and followed it to Hwy 45(exit 110). Followed Hwy 45 south to Hwy 1 which I follow south to Ridway.
It was around 9:30 PM CST when I pulled into the popcorn plant yard and no one was there. Just pulled to a good parking space and went to bed....
I woke at 3 AM CST and just couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and went into the terminal truckers' lounge and worked on my computer. Just typed and talked with various drivers until 10:30 AM CST when I got called to the dispatch window. I got a load of empty containers to Ridgway, Illinois(self proclaimed "popcorn capital" of the world).
I took this load and then found out that the load wasn't at the terminal yet, A local driver brought it in and I hookuped to it and was gone--east on I-70--by 1:30 PM CST. I stopped in Kingdom City, Missouri for dinner and then it was onward to Ridway, Illinois. Got on I-64 east in Illinois and followed it to Hwy 45(exit 110). Followed Hwy 45 south to Hwy 1 which I follow south to Ridway.
It was around 9:30 PM CST when I pulled into the popcorn plant yard and no one was there. Just pulled to a good parking space and went to bed....
January 26, 2012
January 26, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Got up at 1 AM CST and worked with my computer. nothing happening around here for me today, so just hung around the terminal....
Got up at 1 AM CST and worked with my computer. nothing happening around here for me today, so just hung around the terminal....
January 25, 2012
January 25, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-McLean, Illinois)
The three of us(see yestersay's blog) were up at 4 AM CST and rolling south on I-55 within a few minutes. When we got to Springfield, Illinois, Nick kept going south but Yankee Turtle and I went west on Hwy 36(now I-72). Wind was our only real problem as it was blowing on our trailers pretty strong.
We followed Hwy 36 across Missouri to I-35 and then went south to our terminal at Kansas City, Missouri. We both got to drop our trailers which we did. Yankee Turtle had time off so he went home but I fueled(123 gallons) and got my tractor washed. I checked in with dispatch and there were no loads for me... Went to sleep in the terminal bunk room....
The three of us(see yestersay's blog) were up at 4 AM CST and rolling south on I-55 within a few minutes. When we got to Springfield, Illinois, Nick kept going south but Yankee Turtle and I went west on Hwy 36(now I-72). Wind was our only real problem as it was blowing on our trailers pretty strong.
We followed Hwy 36 across Missouri to I-35 and then went south to our terminal at Kansas City, Missouri. We both got to drop our trailers which we did. Yankee Turtle had time off so he went home but I fueled(123 gallons) and got my tractor washed. I checked in with dispatch and there were no loads for me... Went to sleep in the terminal bunk room....
January 24, 2012
January 24, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Taylor, Michigan)
At 5 AM EST, while sleeping in my tractor buck, I was woken by the dispatcher. He had a load for me to deliver...in Canada. I hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and then fueled(119 gallons). According to dispatch, I was getting paid for this trip 93 miles...OH boy!!! Had to do the Canadian customs and customs brokers for the pay of 93 miles.
I delivered the Wallaceburg, Ontario load and then given a load to pick up three blocks away.
I had been to this pickup before when I was training. This auto parts factory--the first one I pickup a load in in Canada when I was with my trainer--had a restaurant in it and it was the first place I even saw gravy put on french fries(a Canadian thing???).. Anyways, I picked up the load of auto springs to Kansas City and headed for Taylor, Michigan southeast on Hwy 40 to Hwy 401 west. Got through the border checks, American customs and then went to the Taylor(Detroit) Terminal. I topped off my fuel tanks(31 gallons) and checked in with dispatch. As I was getting ready to leave the terminal, I found two other drivers--their handle & name: Yankee Turtle & Nick--going to Kansas City; we decided to run along with each other.
The three of of headed west on I-94 and stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for dinner. Left the truckstop after eatting and continues west On I-80 to I-55 which we all took south. We stopped at our fuel stop at Mclean, Illinois for the night, or part of it. We all decided to get up at 4 AM CST even though it was 11:45 PM CST when we shut down for the night....I don't remember why we didn't plan on more sleep..
At 5 AM EST, while sleeping in my tractor buck, I was woken by the dispatcher. He had a load for me to deliver...in Canada. I hooked up to the trailer, did a vehicle inspection and then fueled(119 gallons). According to dispatch, I was getting paid for this trip 93 miles...OH boy!!! Had to do the Canadian customs and customs brokers for the pay of 93 miles.
I delivered the Wallaceburg, Ontario load and then given a load to pick up three blocks away.
I had been to this pickup before when I was training. This auto parts factory--the first one I pickup a load in in Canada when I was with my trainer--had a restaurant in it and it was the first place I even saw gravy put on french fries(a Canadian thing???).. Anyways, I picked up the load of auto springs to Kansas City and headed for Taylor, Michigan southeast on Hwy 40 to Hwy 401 west. Got through the border checks, American customs and then went to the Taylor(Detroit) Terminal. I topped off my fuel tanks(31 gallons) and checked in with dispatch. As I was getting ready to leave the terminal, I found two other drivers--their handle & name: Yankee Turtle & Nick--going to Kansas City; we decided to run along with each other.
The three of of headed west on I-94 and stopped at the "Just a Truckstop" in Lake Station, Indiana for dinner. Left the truckstop after eatting and continues west On I-80 to I-55 which we all took south. We stopped at our fuel stop at Mclean, Illinois for the night, or part of it. We all decided to get up at 4 AM CST even though it was 11:45 PM CST when we shut down for the night....I don't remember why we didn't plan on more sleep..
January 23, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Taylor, Michigan)
No loads all day so stayed at the terminal except for one trip to the restaurant down the street....
No loads all day so stayed at the terminal except for one trip to the restaurant down the street....
January 22, 2012
January 22, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Kalamazoo, Michigan)
I woke after a pretty good night of sleep and waited for the employees to get to this Tupperware warehouse. Kalamazoo got me their stuff off my trailer and I was on to Jackson, Michigan where I unloaded their Tupperware. After Jackson, I went to Garden City, Michigan and was unloaded their also.
After I was empty--since I was in the Detriot area--I called the Taylor(Detriot) Michigan terminal dispatch. They just dispatched me to the terminal and that's where I went. Got to the terminal and found no loads...
I woke after a pretty good night of sleep and waited for the employees to get to this Tupperware warehouse. Kalamazoo got me their stuff off my trailer and I was on to Jackson, Michigan where I unloaded their Tupperware. After Jackson, I went to Garden City, Michigan and was unloaded their also.
After I was empty--since I was in the Detriot area--I called the Taylor(Detriot) Michigan terminal dispatch. They just dispatched me to the terminal and that's where I went. Got to the terminal and found no loads...
January 21, 2012
January 21, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Fort Chiswell, Virginia)
6 AM EST found me up and having breakfast, a couple bacon sausage Texas toast sandwiches from the breakfast barfet.
With the truck engine warm--having ran all night--and cab heater on, I pulled out the truck stop at 7:15 AM EST and headed up I-77 into West Virginia and the toll roads to Chareston. At Charleston, I took I-64 west a short distance to Hwy 35 north. Loved the scenery through this part of the country. I crossed the Ohio River in Ohio and the scenery got alot less attractive. Followed Hwy 35 up to Chillicothe(Ohio) where I garbbed Hwy 23 north. I took the western loop around Columbus, Ohio back to the northbound Hwy 23 and to "Just a Truckstop" at the junction of I-280 & I-80 near Toledo, Ohio.
I pulled in the truckstop a little before 3 PM EST and decided to have an early dinner and watch a couple movies. I did a fast meal and decided to keep moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan.
I went up I-280 to I-75 westbound to I-275 west. Got on Hwy 23 north into Michigan. When I got to I-94 I went west to Kalamazoo, getting there--and the first drop location--at 7 PM EST. Found a place to park and wait for tomorrow...
6 AM EST found me up and having breakfast, a couple bacon sausage Texas toast sandwiches from the breakfast barfet.
With the truck engine warm--having ran all night--and cab heater on, I pulled out the truck stop at 7:15 AM EST and headed up I-77 into West Virginia and the toll roads to Chareston. At Charleston, I took I-64 west a short distance to Hwy 35 north. Loved the scenery through this part of the country. I crossed the Ohio River in Ohio and the scenery got alot less attractive. Followed Hwy 35 up to Chillicothe(Ohio) where I garbbed Hwy 23 north. I took the western loop around Columbus, Ohio back to the northbound Hwy 23 and to "Just a Truckstop" at the junction of I-280 & I-80 near Toledo, Ohio.
I pulled in the truckstop a little before 3 PM EST and decided to have an early dinner and watch a couple movies. I did a fast meal and decided to keep moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan.
I went up I-280 to I-75 westbound to I-275 west. Got on Hwy 23 north into Michigan. When I got to I-94 I went west to Kalamazoo, getting there--and the first drop location--at 7 PM EST. Found a place to park and wait for tomorrow...
January 20, 2012
January 20, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Salisbury, North Carolina)
I woke up early--before the sun came up--and got ready for a day I didn't know how it would go. I finished writing a letter I was working on and then called dispatch....Bingo!!!! I had a load assigned.
Had to go to Hemingway, South Carolina for a load of Tupperware going to Michigan(3 drops: Kalamazoo, Jackson and Garden City). I headed down Hwy 52 into South Carolina and then took Hwy 378 east. Got to Hwy 41 and went south to Hemingway where I found the Tupperware warehouse.
They had me loaded and gone by 3 PM EST. I went back up Hwy 41 and then took Hwy 378 to Columbia, South Carolina. I took I-77 north into North Carolina and then into Virginia. I stopped at Fort Chiswell(Virginia) for fuel(134 gallons) and something to eat. I was there too long not to call it a night here....
I woke up early--before the sun came up--and got ready for a day I didn't know how it would go. I finished writing a letter I was working on and then called dispatch....Bingo!!!! I had a load assigned.
Had to go to Hemingway, South Carolina for a load of Tupperware going to Michigan(3 drops: Kalamazoo, Jackson and Garden City). I headed down Hwy 52 into South Carolina and then took Hwy 378 east. Got to Hwy 41 and went south to Hemingway where I found the Tupperware warehouse.
They had me loaded and gone by 3 PM EST. I went back up Hwy 41 and then took Hwy 378 to Columbia, South Carolina. I took I-77 north into North Carolina and then into Virginia. I stopped at Fort Chiswell(Virginia) for fuel(134 gallons) and something to eat. I was there too long not to call it a night here....
January 19, 2012
January 19, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Salisbury, North Carolina)
Had a motel room for the day and left it once to go to church. Spent the day just relaxing hope to get a good load tomorrow...
Had a motel room for the day and left it once to go to church. Spent the day just relaxing hope to get a good load tomorrow...
January 18, 2012
January 18, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Salisbury, North Carolina)
Woke up as the sun was coming up and I went to the "76" truckstop. Found I wasn't getting a load this weekend so I got a motel room through tomorrow night.
Woke up as the sun was coming up and I went to the "76" truckstop. Found I wasn't getting a load this weekend so I got a motel room through tomorrow night.
January 17, 2012
January 17, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Salisbury, North Carolina)
I was woke up at 4:30 AM EST and 5:30 AM EST by security and lumpers. I hired two lumpers for $65 and said there was a $10 bonus IF THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE LOAD! I MEANT "NO" PROBLEMS--THEIR DOING OR NOT. I went to sleep and they unloaded. When tbey got done, they woke me up and wanted their money. I gave them the $65 and they handed me the paperwork with the rejection of one big box of cookies. I had to deal with the rejected box and so when they wanted their bonus I said "NO". I explained that the bonus was only for "NO PROBLEMS". They agreed and asked for the cookies. I gave them some of them and then kept the rest. I did notice that the damage to the box was caused by a pallet jack controlled by the lumpers.
After unloading, I went back to the Food Lion truck parking lot and called dispatch. They had nothing for me and so I ended up spending the night in the lot....
I was woke up at 4:30 AM EST and 5:30 AM EST by security and lumpers. I hired two lumpers for $65 and said there was a $10 bonus IF THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE LOAD! I MEANT "NO" PROBLEMS--THEIR DOING OR NOT. I went to sleep and they unloaded. When tbey got done, they woke me up and wanted their money. I gave them the $65 and they handed me the paperwork with the rejection of one big box of cookies. I had to deal with the rejected box and so when they wanted their bonus I said "NO". I explained that the bonus was only for "NO PROBLEMS". They agreed and asked for the cookies. I gave them some of them and then kept the rest. I did notice that the damage to the box was caused by a pallet jack controlled by the lumpers.
After unloading, I went back to the Food Lion truck parking lot and called dispatch. They had nothing for me and so I ended up spending the night in the lot....
January 16, 2012
January 16, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Morris, Indiana)
Woke up this morning, with my engine running all night again, to find the temperature at -1 degree. I drove through Cincinnati and then down I-75 to Corbin(Kentucky) to eat and fuel(195 gallons). I didn't stay too long and then it was back to driving south on I-75 to the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Took I-275 through Knoxville to I-40 eastbound.
Followed I-40 into North Carolina through some of the most beautiful country on this hemisphere. Drove to Statesville(North Carolina) and then took Hwy 70 to Salisbury(North Carolina). Found the supermarket warehouse I am to delivery too. Their parking lot became my sleeping spot for the night.
Woke up this morning, with my engine running all night again, to find the temperature at -1 degree. I drove through Cincinnati and then down I-75 to Corbin(Kentucky) to eat and fuel(195 gallons). I didn't stay too long and then it was back to driving south on I-75 to the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Took I-275 through Knoxville to I-40 eastbound.
Followed I-40 into North Carolina through some of the most beautiful country on this hemisphere. Drove to Statesville(North Carolina) and then took Hwy 70 to Salisbury(North Carolina). Found the supermarket warehouse I am to delivery too. Their parking lot became my sleeping spot for the night.
January 15, 2012
January 15, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Fort Madison, Iowa)
Was parked behind the Country Kitchen restaurant all night. It was windy and cold with snow off and on. I went into the restaurant with a couple other drivers that were waiting for loads also. We all got deadheaded by 9 AM CST and I was going to Des Plaines, Illinois--outside the Chicago area.
I roads were very slick and the wind was troublesome. I got to Burlington, Iowa were I was going through the city a little too fast for conditions. On the main drag through town, I came upon a stoplight that turned red on me. Knowing that I could not stop without jackknifing my new trailer and seeing no cross traffic, I chose to run the red light, which I did. I immediately slowed down for conditions...
Roads were great as I got to I-80 eastbound and to the cookie factory I was going to in Des Plaines, northwest of Chicago. My cookie load was ready and so I dropped my empty trailer next to my assigned trailer and hooked up to it. Both empty and loaded trailers were found in the same lot side by side.
Note: The cookie factory yard guys would only pull the unsealed trailers in to be loaded. The brand new trailer I had brought in had a seal on it and so it remained in the trailer yard...After a few months I started thinking about it and would ask my dispatcher were the trailer was. For months it was always in Des Plaines. After eight months, I called the safety department and formally reported the lack of trailer activity. They got it unsealed and it was then in use...
Anyway, I got my load of cookies to Salisbury, North Carolina and headed "east" on I-94. Got into Indiana and thought able refueling at Lake Station. The fuel was doing great so I headed down I-65 toward Indianapolis, Indiana. I got on I-74 toward Cincinnati, Ohio and stopped at Morris(Indiana) for a nights rest...
Was parked behind the Country Kitchen restaurant all night. It was windy and cold with snow off and on. I went into the restaurant with a couple other drivers that were waiting for loads also. We all got deadheaded by 9 AM CST and I was going to Des Plaines, Illinois--outside the Chicago area.
I roads were very slick and the wind was troublesome. I got to Burlington, Iowa were I was going through the city a little too fast for conditions. On the main drag through town, I came upon a stoplight that turned red on me. Knowing that I could not stop without jackknifing my new trailer and seeing no cross traffic, I chose to run the red light, which I did. I immediately slowed down for conditions...
Roads were great as I got to I-80 eastbound and to the cookie factory I was going to in Des Plaines, northwest of Chicago. My cookie load was ready and so I dropped my empty trailer next to my assigned trailer and hooked up to it. Both empty and loaded trailers were found in the same lot side by side.
Note: The cookie factory yard guys would only pull the unsealed trailers in to be loaded. The brand new trailer I had brought in had a seal on it and so it remained in the trailer yard...After a few months I started thinking about it and would ask my dispatcher were the trailer was. For months it was always in Des Plaines. After eight months, I called the safety department and formally reported the lack of trailer activity. They got it unsealed and it was then in use...
Anyway, I got my load of cookies to Salisbury, North Carolina and headed "east" on I-94. Got into Indiana and thought able refueling at Lake Station. The fuel was doing great so I headed down I-65 toward Indianapolis, Indiana. I got on I-74 toward Cincinnati, Ohio and stopped at Morris(Indiana) for a nights rest...
January 14, 2012
January 14, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Joplin, Missouri)
The shop repaired my tractor while I slept. They got done with it about 5 AM CST and put the trailer in the tractor yard while I slept.
I woke and was in the terminal by 8 AM CST. I found Branywine(female driver/trainer) and her trainee in the drivers' lounge. She was upset that she had to bobtail, with her trainee, to Ft. Madison, Iowa to pick up a brand new trailer. I didn't really want to go to Indianapolis so we traded assignments.
By 9:30 AM CST I was on my way to Fort Madison bobtailing northeast on I-44. Got to Lebanon(Missouri) and took Hwy 5 north to Camdenton where I took Hwy 54 to Fulton(Missouri). In Fulton, I checked my post office box for mail and checked in with my insurance man and his cute assistant. I and the assistant--"Warm Heart"--talked for about 45 minutes about travel, especially around Erie, Pennsylvania where she was from.
Continued up Hwy 54 to where it intersects with Hwy 15. Took Hwy 15 to Center(Missouri) and took county road "H" north to Hwy 24. A very short distance on Hwy 24 and I got to Hwy 61 northbound.
With Hwy 61, I went to Fort Madison, Iowa and found the trailer dealer. I got there around 8:15 PM CST and was able to get my new trailer. I tooked it up and the lights didn't work correctly. I reported it to the security guard and he put a seal on the trailer doors--made sure I didn't put anything in the trailer while in the plant--and sent me back into the factory area. The fellow then came out and fixed the problem. THIS SEAL ON THE TRAILER DOORS PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THE FUTURE HISTORY OF THE TRAILER--SEE TOMORROWS BLOG FOR DETAILS.
I called dispatch and they had no load for me. I went down to the parking lot behind the Country Kitchen restaurant and stayed there for the night...
The shop repaired my tractor while I slept. They got done with it about 5 AM CST and put the trailer in the tractor yard while I slept.
I woke and was in the terminal by 8 AM CST. I found Branywine(female driver/trainer) and her trainee in the drivers' lounge. She was upset that she had to bobtail, with her trainee, to Ft. Madison, Iowa to pick up a brand new trailer. I didn't really want to go to Indianapolis so we traded assignments.
By 9:30 AM CST I was on my way to Fort Madison bobtailing northeast on I-44. Got to Lebanon(Missouri) and took Hwy 5 north to Camdenton where I took Hwy 54 to Fulton(Missouri). In Fulton, I checked my post office box for mail and checked in with my insurance man and his cute assistant. I and the assistant--"Warm Heart"--talked for about 45 minutes about travel, especially around Erie, Pennsylvania where she was from.
Continued up Hwy 54 to where it intersects with Hwy 15. Took Hwy 15 to Center(Missouri) and took county road "H" north to Hwy 24. A very short distance on Hwy 24 and I got to Hwy 61 northbound.
With Hwy 61, I went to Fort Madison, Iowa and found the trailer dealer. I got there around 8:15 PM CST and was able to get my new trailer. I tooked it up and the lights didn't work correctly. I reported it to the security guard and he put a seal on the trailer doors--made sure I didn't put anything in the trailer while in the plant--and sent me back into the factory area. The fellow then came out and fixed the problem. THIS SEAL ON THE TRAILER DOORS PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THE FUTURE HISTORY OF THE TRAILER--SEE TOMORROWS BLOG FOR DETAILS.
I called dispatch and they had no load for me. I went down to the parking lot behind the Country Kitchen restaurant and stayed there for the night...
January 13, 2012
January 13, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Lancaster, Texas)
At the Motel....I called dispatch at 8 AM and was told there were no loads yet. I stayed around the motel for awhile and then left for the terminal. I got a bucket of chicken before getting to the terminal. When I got to the terminal I was told to get an empty trailer and go to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I got the trailer and headed up Hwy 75. I got to Sherman(Texas) and the snow and wind started up. I controled my truck OK but there were times my driving abilities were challenged...
I got to Tulsa and was told to go to Sand Springs(Oklahoma) and put up a load of glass to Indianapolis. I picked the load up and headed to Joplin(Missouri). I stopped at our main terminal and during the mandantory vehicle check by the terminal shop, they found some things that needed repaired. I dropped the trailer and went to bed while the shop did the repairs....My day ended....
At the Motel....I called dispatch at 8 AM and was told there were no loads yet. I stayed around the motel for awhile and then left for the terminal. I got a bucket of chicken before getting to the terminal. When I got to the terminal I was told to get an empty trailer and go to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I got the trailer and headed up Hwy 75. I got to Sherman(Texas) and the snow and wind started up. I controled my truck OK but there were times my driving abilities were challenged...
I got to Tulsa and was told to go to Sand Springs(Oklahoma) and put up a load of glass to Indianapolis. I picked the load up and headed to Joplin(Missouri). I stopped at our main terminal and during the mandantory vehicle check by the terminal shop, they found some things that needed repaired. I dropped the trailer and went to bed while the shop did the repairs....My day ended....
January 12, 2012
January 12, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Lancaster, Texas)
No loads out today so I went to church for the morning and then hung around the motel the rest of the day...
No loads out today so I went to church for the morning and then hung around the motel the rest of the day...
January 11, 2012
January 11, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling Texas)
As my day started I was about a half hour from San Antonio and wondering if I should get some fuel at our fuel stop. I decided I had enough to get me to the lancaster(Texas) terminal so I kept going.
I stopped at the terminal in Lancaster and fueled(169 gallons). I went onto the Mattel warehouse and was there at 6 AM CST. I did a " drop & hook" and then called the Lancaster terminal. I was told to go to the terminal.
There was were no loads out so I checked into a motel for the night. Watched TV and played with my computer....
As my day started I was about a half hour from San Antonio and wondering if I should get some fuel at our fuel stop. I decided I had enough to get me to the lancaster(Texas) terminal so I kept going.
I stopped at the terminal in Lancaster and fueled(169 gallons). I went onto the Mattel warehouse and was there at 6 AM CST. I did a " drop & hook" and then called the Lancaster terminal. I was told to go to the terminal.
There was were no loads out so I checked into a motel for the night. Watched TV and played with my computer....
January 10, 2012
January 10, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Laredo, Texas)
As my day started, I was working on my computer. Into the morning and until the sun rose, I typed on the computer and talked with some of the drivers as they came and went.
Morning came and went and I went to town to get some Chinese food and do some shoppong. Was back at the terminal by 3 PM CST and laid down for a nap until 9 PM CST.
Walked into the terminal and was given a load of Mattel toys to Fort Worth, a place I had been to many times before. I was on my way up I-35 by 10 PM CST. As my day drew to an end, I was getting close to San Antonio, Texas...
As my day started, I was working on my computer. Into the morning and until the sun rose, I typed on the computer and talked with some of the drivers as they came and went.
Morning came and went and I went to town to get some Chinese food and do some shoppong. Was back at the terminal by 3 PM CST and laid down for a nap until 9 PM CST.
Walked into the terminal and was given a load of Mattel toys to Fort Worth, a place I had been to many times before. I was on my way up I-35 by 10 PM CST. As my day drew to an end, I was getting close to San Antonio, Texas...
January 9, 2012
January 9, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Laredo, Texas)
As my day started, I worked on my computer while I waited for a load. I worded on it and talked with drivers until 3 PM CST when I went to bed. I was up again and in the terminal by 11 PM CST. Nothing but waiting for a load today...
As my day started, I worked on my computer while I waited for a load. I worded on it and talked with drivers until 3 PM CST when I went to bed. I was up again and in the terminal by 11 PM CST. Nothing but waiting for a load today...
January 8, 2012
January 8, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Kendleton, Texas)
Shortly after the day I woke and decided to continue to Laredo southwest on Hwy 59. The night sky was full of stars and a sliver of a moon. I got to our Laredo terminal around 5 AM CST. I parked the truck and waited for the terminal office to open at 6 AM CST. Dispatch told me to drop the loaded trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork into him, which I did. I slept for about four more hours and then went into the termainl to wait for a load. It was pretty warm outside and the terminal was full of drivers waiting for loads.
Noon came and the TV station went to news in Mexican, which no one was interested in. A cry went out for any VCR tapes to watch of the terminal player and nobody said anything. Finally I said I had "Westside Story" and several drivers said to go get it; I told them that they wouldn't like it. Not one person said to not get it. After a few minutes and alot of prodding to get the movie, I got it. I put it in and it started. Fifteen minutes into the movies about half the terminal waiting room was empty. After thirty minutes, there were only seven of us watching the movie as the rest of the room was outside.
No loads today so I went to my bed about 4 PM CST. I got up at 11 PM CST and sat in the terminal room typing on my computer when the end of my day hit at midnight...
Shortly after the day I woke and decided to continue to Laredo southwest on Hwy 59. The night sky was full of stars and a sliver of a moon. I got to our Laredo terminal around 5 AM CST. I parked the truck and waited for the terminal office to open at 6 AM CST. Dispatch told me to drop the loaded trailer in the yard and turn my paperwork into him, which I did. I slept for about four more hours and then went into the termainl to wait for a load. It was pretty warm outside and the terminal was full of drivers waiting for loads.
Noon came and the TV station went to news in Mexican, which no one was interested in. A cry went out for any VCR tapes to watch of the terminal player and nobody said anything. Finally I said I had "Westside Story" and several drivers said to go get it; I told them that they wouldn't like it. Not one person said to not get it. After a few minutes and alot of prodding to get the movie, I got it. I put it in and it started. Fifteen minutes into the movies about half the terminal waiting room was empty. After thirty minutes, there were only seven of us watching the movie as the rest of the room was outside.
No loads today so I went to my bed about 4 PM CST. I got up at 11 PM CST and sat in the terminal room typing on my computer when the end of my day hit at midnight...
January 7, 2012
January 7, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Mobile, Alabama)
I was up and gone--south on I-65 & west on I-10--by 6 AM CST. I took I-12 in Louisiana that bypasses the New Orleans area. While on I-12, I stopped in Hammond(Louisiana), at the "Just a Truckstop", for fuel(153 gallons) and lunch.
I wasn't in any hurry so I checked out the truckstop's movie theatre and found Die Hard showing. I stayed and watched the last half of it. After that, I hit the road, westward on I-12 and onto I-10, into Texas. Getting to Houston, I stayed on I-10 onto Hwy 59, which I took to the southwest. I get to Kendleton(Texas) a little after 5 PM CST and for at the small truckstop. I was feeling a little tired so I laid down in my bunk. I ended up sleeping the rest of the day away...
I was up and gone--south on I-65 & west on I-10--by 6 AM CST. I took I-12 in Louisiana that bypasses the New Orleans area. While on I-12, I stopped in Hammond(Louisiana), at the "Just a Truckstop", for fuel(153 gallons) and lunch.
I wasn't in any hurry so I checked out the truckstop's movie theatre and found Die Hard showing. I stayed and watched the last half of it. After that, I hit the road, westward on I-12 and onto I-10, into Texas. Getting to Houston, I stayed on I-10 onto Hwy 59, which I took to the southwest. I get to Kendleton(Texas) a little after 5 PM CST and for at the small truckstop. I was feeling a little tired so I laid down in my bunk. I ended up sleeping the rest of the day away...
January 6, 2012
January 6, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Charlotte, North Carolina)
This past weekend I had spent my time resting in a motel waiting for today. Early morning came, I checked out of the motel and left for the pickup customer. Was at the customer by 8 AM EST but found another truck from our company backed up to their loading dock. I didn't--nor did he--initiate conversation so I know nothing about him or his load informatiuon. The other truck was loaded, gone and I was at the dock by 10:45 AM EST. They had me loaded by 1:15 PM and I was on my way--southwest on I-85--toward Laredo, Texas.
I stopped for dinner at the 76 truckstop at the Commerce, Georgia exit off I-85. Onto Mobile, Alabama, through Montgomery(Alabama) and got there around 9:30 PM CST. Parked the night behind the Waffle House--off I-65--and called it a day...
This past weekend I had spent my time resting in a motel waiting for today. Early morning came, I checked out of the motel and left for the pickup customer. Was at the customer by 8 AM EST but found another truck from our company backed up to their loading dock. I didn't--nor did he--initiate conversation so I know nothing about him or his load informatiuon. The other truck was loaded, gone and I was at the dock by 10:45 AM EST. They had me loaded by 1:15 PM and I was on my way--southwest on I-85--toward Laredo, Texas.
I stopped for dinner at the 76 truckstop at the Commerce, Georgia exit off I-85. Onto Mobile, Alabama, through Montgomery(Alabama) and got there around 9:30 PM CST. Parked the night behind the Waffle House--off I-65--and called it a day...
January 5, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Charlotte, North Carolina)
Stayed around the motel today just relaxing...
Stayed around the motel today just relaxing...
January 4, 2012
January 4, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Charlotte, North Carolina)
Woke up at the "76" truckstop and realized that I was stuck here until Monday. I found a Motel 6 with truck parking and checked in for tonight and tomorrow night. Hung around the Motel and just took it easy...
Woke up at the "76" truckstop and realized that I was stuck here until Monday. I found a Motel 6 with truck parking and checked in for tonight and tomorrow night. Hung around the Motel and just took it easy...
January 3, 2012
January 3, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Greensboro, North Carolina)
I was woken up by a yard truck guy and he told me to back into a certain dock that way a "blind" backing. I had him move one trailer before I backed to the assigned dock. They unloaded me and I called dispatch with the standard "call back in an hour".
Called back in an hour and got a load to pick up in Charlotte, North Carolina.....but the pick up is for Monday...I drove to Charlotte and stopped at the " 76" truckstop north of I-85 on I-77. Stayed there the rest of the day....
I was woken up by a yard truck guy and he told me to back into a certain dock that way a "blind" backing. I had him move one trailer before I backed to the assigned dock. They unloaded me and I called dispatch with the standard "call back in an hour".
Called back in an hour and got a load to pick up in Charlotte, North Carolina.....but the pick up is for Monday...I drove to Charlotte and stopped at the " 76" truckstop north of I-85 on I-77. Stayed there the rest of the day....
January 2, 2012
January 2, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Lima, Ohio)
My day started as I pulled into Lima, my goal with this load. I went to the auto assembly plant and dropped the trailer in their holding lot. I found an empty trailer, hooked up and then called dispatch. Was told to find a place to park.
Went to the parking lot for the Waffle House restaurant and parked. Went into the restaurant and had something to eat. After eating, went to bed for a long nap.
Got up at 9 AM EST and called dispatch, finding I had a load assignment...I had to go to Findley, Ohio and get a load to Greensboro, North Carolina.
I went to my truck and laid down to nap a little longer. I got up and traveled up I-75 to Findley where I was at the shipper be noon EST. They had me back to the dock where they loaded me with several pallets of plastic wrap. I was on my way by 1:15 PM EST. I took Hwy 15 east to Hwy 23 south.
I got to Delaware, Ohio and saw one of our trucks in a small cafe parking lot. I pulled in and had lunch with the other driver. We talked for awhile and then we were on our ways...I stayed on Hwy 23(took the loop around Columbus, Ohio) into West Virginia and onto I-64. Took I-64 into Charleston and then I-77 south. I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Fort Chiswell, Virginia for fuel(169 gallons) and was on my way again down I-77. After getting into North Carolina, I took I-74(not I-74 in 1992) to Mt. Airy(see "Mayberry and Andy Griffith" below) and took Hwy 52 south. Got to I-40 and took it east to Greensboro, getting to the receiver around 11:30 PM EST. I just parked out side their gate and went to bed until tomorrow...
My day started as I pulled into Lima, my goal with this load. I went to the auto assembly plant and dropped the trailer in their holding lot. I found an empty trailer, hooked up and then called dispatch. Was told to find a place to park.
Went to the parking lot for the Waffle House restaurant and parked. Went into the restaurant and had something to eat. After eating, went to bed for a long nap.
Got up at 9 AM EST and called dispatch, finding I had a load assignment...I had to go to Findley, Ohio and get a load to Greensboro, North Carolina.
I went to my truck and laid down to nap a little longer. I got up and traveled up I-75 to Findley where I was at the shipper be noon EST. They had me back to the dock where they loaded me with several pallets of plastic wrap. I was on my way by 1:15 PM EST. I took Hwy 15 east to Hwy 23 south.
I got to Delaware, Ohio and saw one of our trucks in a small cafe parking lot. I pulled in and had lunch with the other driver. We talked for awhile and then we were on our ways...I stayed on Hwy 23(took the loop around Columbus, Ohio) into West Virginia and onto I-64. Took I-64 into Charleston and then I-77 south. I stopped at "Just a Truckstop" in Fort Chiswell, Virginia for fuel(169 gallons) and was on my way again down I-77. After getting into North Carolina, I took I-74(not I-74 in 1992) to Mt. Airy(see "Mayberry and Andy Griffith" below) and took Hwy 52 south. Got to I-40 and took it east to Greensboro, getting to the receiver around 11:30 PM EST. I just parked out side their gate and went to bed until tomorrow...
January 1, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling Arkansas)
About 12:30 AM CST I travelled through Little Rock and onto I-40 and east. I stopped at the first rest area I came to on I-40 for a short break and then eastward.
I arrived at the terminal in Memphis, Tennessee just before 3 AM CST. Travel has been very quiet with almost no traffic....I fueled(103 gallons) and was on my way by 3:30 AM CST.
Feeling really tired, I found myself bunking in at the "Just a Truckstop" 2 at the Kingston Springs, Tennessee exit off of I-40 at 7 AM CST. The quietest Highway night of the year was over.
I was up and moving toward Nashville(Tenessee) by 3:05 PM CST. I stayed with the trip east on I-40, north on I-65 and northeast on I-71. Got to Lima, Ohio at midnight and my day ended....
About 12:30 AM CST I travelled through Little Rock and onto I-40 and east. I stopped at the first rest area I came to on I-40 for a short break and then eastward.
I arrived at the terminal in Memphis, Tennessee just before 3 AM CST. Travel has been very quiet with almost no traffic....I fueled(103 gallons) and was on my way by 3:30 AM CST.
Feeling really tired, I found myself bunking in at the "Just a Truckstop" 2 at the Kingston Springs, Tennessee exit off of I-40 at 7 AM CST. The quietest Highway night of the year was over.
I was up and moving toward Nashville(Tenessee) by 3:05 PM CST. I stayed with the trip east on I-40, north on I-65 and northeast on I-71. Got to Lima, Ohio at midnight and my day ended....
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