Good evening from Burke, WI

We drove 500 miles today hauling a bulk load (on the floor) of sweet spuds that is due 100 miles away in WI at 9 AM tomorrow.  Since this load is sitting on the floor (it had to be dumped in and shoveled back by hand), I was told that they are going to tip my trailer in the air and let them all roll out!  I have seen this done at the paper mills but the tractor was attached so we will experience something new tomorrow none the less!

We have missed storm after rain storm on our way north so Gonja hasn't gotten that well needed bath but we have had some wonderful walks and stress free driving as the load is not running behind but way ahead.......I like that!

I did talk to recruiter about leaving my dispatcher but we both agreed to give it a couple of weeks.  First and foremost, my dispatcher knows he can't push me around when my safety is concerned.  Secondly, let's give it a few weeks to see if he respects me or wants to push me..........I am hoping for the first one.

Pictures!

These trees were trimmed to grow around the power lines!

From what I have been told......this is a bad fuel injector, get it fixed dude!

Trees in swamps grow mini stumps!

Lovely walk in the forest..........

Good evening just 40 miles north of Memphis!

Talk about taking our time today!  We left the truck stop this morning at 7 AM and have drove 375 miles and it is currently 6 PM!  I took long breaks, did some shopping, got in 3 nice walks and now some web surfing before I leave in one hour to get to our drop that is 30 miles away......at the receiver who won't unload me until 1 AM.  That is ok though as I am logging off line as soon as I get there and hope to have a load waiting for me at 6 AM.

Attack at the ivy!

My future home if I don't get better loads!

The honeymoon is over!

My dispatcher finally pissed me off!  Every day since my last home time, I have spent more time sitting than driving, Two days ago he tried to get me to do a back to back sleeper break and I took my 34 instead as you all know and today......it was either his way or I turn in my truck; oh hell no!

Let me get you updated.  I ended my 34 restart and was sent to Louisville, KY, a few hours away from my current location.  I arrived at 9 AM, was backed into the dock at 10 AM.  This load was suppose to be ready at 11 as it was going to Delaware, OH, due at 5 PM.  This run is 250 miles and driving 55 miles per hour, I need to be on the road ASAP.  I was not loaded until 1:30!  I am already late.......augh!

I arrived at 7 PM and was told that since I missed my appointment, I would have to sit until they had a door for me.......and they sure did, at 7 AM this morning!  I didn't get out of there until 10:30.  I was instructed to hit the Flying J for a swap, the driver arriving at 6 PM and due at the receiver at 6 AM, 400 miles away. WHAT!  I sent in a message stating that I could not safely deliver the load as I have been awake for only three hours and could not sleep for another 8.  I have hours now, let me run with something!

He came back with.......take it or turn in your truck!

I was on the phone in seconds!  I called my recruiter, who transferred me to Safety, who transferred me to the dispatcher's supervisor.  All three men agreed that it would not be a safe trip as I would be awake 24 hours and the supervisor told the dispatcher to see if we would find me another load since I still had time on my clock.  The midnight run was pulled, I was given a better load with an additional 100 miles that is due tomorrow at 1 AM.  Contacted the client, I can arrive early and stop my clock early for hopes of an early load the AM.

Now my virtual truckers, I am contemplating asking for a new dispatcher, my first time ever.  I don't know if going over his head will help me or hurt me but no one threatens me with dismissal if I don't feel safe driving.  Not only that, all my loads have been on time (except those few that were out of my hands), I have no violations, and a good safety record.......plus got my MPG up!  You just don't toss a good driver like that out the door.

I will talk to my recruiter about it tomorrow...

Good morning from the same spot as yesterday!

We are starting early....kinda!  It is almost 8 AM and we have a load to pick up at 11 AM in Louisville that is going a whole...218 miles to Delaware, OH.  My, my.......my dream driving job is slowly becoming less profitable but none the less, it pays better than Werner!

Let's go!

I put my foot down.....we are taking a 34!

Well hello again my virtual truck drivers!  After writing up that last post, I figured out the trip and what I was in for and decided I was not going to drive after midnight into Chicago with lack of proper sleep.  Remember our favorite word.....SAFETY!  I could not legally move the truck on "off duty driving" since I was assigned a load. That meant I would have to start my clock no later than 5 PM, drive to the shipper and possibly wait till to 10 PM to be loaded and then drive 6 hours to the receiver, arriving at 4 AM.  Nope, not going to happen since I can't sleep 16 hours to prepare for an all nighter.

I notified my dispatcher (who was not a happy camper) and told him that I could not safely deliver the load.  He stated he would pull it but it would have been $ on my paycheck.  What?  Doesn't he realize that I am driving for pleasure as 350 miles wouldn't pay squat to keep me up all night???  Load was pulled and I am taking a 34 hour restart......that should show him that I am more determined to drive my hours than gain a few more bucks in the checking account!

Anyway, I am in Lebanon Junction, KY!  I walked this very OLD town that was started back in 1858 for railway workers as this was a railway switching point.  Not only that, it has it star of fame due to a mysterious animal believed by many to be the legendary goat-sucker Chupacabra!  Check of this video:

Goat Sucker

Now if you watch the video, you see individuals inside the local grocery store......not anymore!

Don't know what happened at that store....blame the goat sucker.  Other parts of the town were in sad shape as well......wanna buy this house?

Stopped at this 125 year old bar where anyone could light up a joint and needed instructions on where not to pee.......blame it on the goat sucker!

And I heard all the local gossip from the one who swears she can HEAR everything ;)

You just got to love these little towns with personality!







Good afternoon from Lebanon, KY

Talk about a late start!  We arrived at our drop last night in Kentucky at 8:30 PM at Gordon Food.  I was docked at 9 PM and unloaded at midnight.  I parked just a quarter mile away on a piece of land that was being leveled for what I assume is another distribution center.  We were surrounded by forest so it was a beautiful sight when my computer woke me up at 8 AM for my next load assignment.

I was assigned a load only 2.5 hours away in Robards, KY for pickup between 2 and 10 PM.......now that is a long wait for a load that is going to Chicago with a delivery time of 6 AM.....TOMORROW.  Dang nab it!  They are determined to get me to drive at night!  I called the shipper and she stated that they are extremely slow on Mondays so I doubt I will be loaded until 6 or 8 PM this evening.  Now trying to figure out how I am going to manage my hours is going to be challenging.  If I leave now.....I can work until 2 AM but have to take a 10 hour break so I won't be able to drive until noon tomorrow.

I am empty so I can drive off duty to my pick up site and log on duty once loaded which will give me the hours needed to drop the load........but that means another late day start unless I delay picking up the next possible load until the next morning and trying to find a place to park in Chicago.....AUGH!  This is going to be interesting!