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...
About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
January 31, 2012
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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