Drought continues

I was hoping that business would pick up. I stayed in Laredo until Tuesday. That night, I relocated to Dallas. Wednesday afternoon, I got a load. I was to pick up in Dalhart, TX. (454 miles deadhead, but paid for 353 of it.) by 6 am Thursday morning. The load was going to Toledo, OH.

I get there and they weren’t sure if I was supposed to be there. Got it confirmed through the broker, though,. Then the security guard kept saying, “It ain’t going in that van!” Drove up to the ramp, and it was one skid of bags of dry protein, stacked on a pallet, shrink-wrapped. It was only about 3-4 ft high. Perfect fit!

I get on the road, driving well, making good time. I get into Kansas, and the GPS locked up on me! I had received an email from Garmin that there was a required download for fix an error. However, mine won’t download. (It does connect. The upload/update feature isn’t working. A symptom that meant the unit would require repair.)

It had spells from time to time when it would do this, but shutting it down, and turning it back on always restored it. This time, when I turned it on, it wouldn’t proceed past the opening “Garmin” logo. I freaked!!

I stopped in Hutchinson, KS. So I could figure out a plan. I called and had the GPS feature turned on for my cellphone. It worked okay. Just will take some getting used to.

I got back on the road, and almost 2 hrs later, the Garmin came back on. It was still on track for the trip, but it had lost about an hour of time for travel. Since then, it has worked normally. Response from Garmin has a replacement ready to be sent to me as soon as I send them this one.

For the rest of the trip, this was going to be a long trip. Numerous construction areas ate up all extra time I had for any naps. I was 5 minutes late for delivery, but the broker put in that I was on time.

From the time I left Dallas, until I was done, parked at the Flying J in Perrysburg, OH., was 42 hours, with about 2 hours, plus or minus, of rest. I WAS TIRED!!!!!

However, Ohio proved to be MUCH cooler that Texas, and it has been pleasant and cool-until today. It has been humid today.

I talked with the brokers and it seems that freight will probably remain low until September. I am trying to stay positive. My brother told me that is trucking.

God Bless!!

End of the drought??

I stayed at the Flying J in Blacksburg, SC until Tuesday evening. No loads, so I deadheaded to my other brother’s house (Greg) in Beckley, WV. I got there about 11:30 at night. (Sorry, so late, Greg!!)
Had a good night’s sleep, shower, and a super lunch the next day. (Thanks, Becky!)

I really didn’t think I would get a run. Greg was scheduled to preach at his church (Cranberry Baptist Church) and I was looking forward to hearing him. But, as always the case, I get a load. (But, after the “drought” of freight, it was easy to get excited about any load.)

Load 31 was to be picked up in Salem, VA and go to Anoka, Minnesota. Great run!!! I get loaded and the GPS took me right by Greg’s again. I had left a few items at Greg’s house, and was able to go by and get them, and have some great cake with them. (Thanks again, Becky!!)

I get to the delivery location. I checked in and told the guy that I was in a van, not dock high. He said that may be a problem, and he left to go get help. When he returned with another guy and female coworker, all three confirmed that the only door that is on the ground is not supposed to be opened because it exposes their “clean room” to the outside. All of the rest of doors they had were for big trucks.
I told them that I don’t get paid for unloading. However, 30 minutes later (one hours after arrival) I start getting $8/hr detention pay. You people need to figure out how to get your freight off of my truck. (I really get detention after 2 hrs, but they didn’t need to know that. Lol)

They left and returned after a few short minutes, and said they got permission to open that door. I got unloaded. I go to a FedEx Office to fax and copy. Before I got done, I got another load.

I got to get some rest, but I had to pick up in Northwood, IA, and take it to Laredo, TX. 1300 miles, another good load!! Long drive, but was a safe, uneventful drive. (Just the way I like it!!)

I got to the delivery site, and the road leading to the entrance of the facility was being reconstructed. They were restricting traffic in the area. Took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to get in, but I did, and got unloaded promptly.

I head back to the Flying J in Laredo. I have been here so many times, I left the GPS off and make it there on my own. When I get there, I recognized a truck, and saw a driver that was here when I was here a couple of weeks ago.

Then, just yesterday, a 16 ft truck parked beside me. They got out to walk their dogs. I struck up conversation, and they drive for the same small company as I do. They were delivering a load this morning.

Well, Monday morning, a new month, hope this is a better month!!

God bless!!

It's HOT!!

Well, when I last wrote, I had delivered a load into Laredo and was waiting for a load. I never got one!
I set in Laredo from that Tuesday and relocated to Dallas Thursday night. Very few trucks got to move out of there with freight.

It seems that some key bridges had been closed due to flooding on both sides of the border. The rumor mill had the roadways open again, but the word from the dispatchers was that the movement of freight would be slow. By Friday afternoon, Dallas didn’t happen either. So, I deadheaded to my mother-in-law’s in Memphis for the weekend.

Worked out ok. Went to eat at Marlowe’s and then went to the Joe Kent Show at the Rock & Roll Café, just across the street from Graceland. If you are an Elvis fan, you really should see his show. He really does a good job.

I was hoping that I would get a load come Monday. Memphis is usually a good place to get out of. BUT, not this week! No load Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, I got a call for a load. I was quite prepared to go, and it was taking me a while to get gone to pick up. However, by the time I got my first bad to the truck, I got a call that the load cancelled. However, I got paid for non-use of the truck.

Later, Wednesday evening, I got another call for a load that wouldn’t pick up until 9 am Thursday. Load was going to Meriedian, MS. I got to the pickup site, and was told that the plane bringing the freight had been delayed about 30 minutes, but they had just started sorting out the freight, and when they found mine, they would bring it to me. So, I just went back to wait in the truck.

45 minutes later, the gentleman brings out a box and says her ya’ go. I look at the box, it was going to Hattisburg, MS. I said this ain’t right. He said it was the only thing they had going to Mississippi. I called my broker, who had me call the contractor, who called the customer who had the tracking number for the freight. When checked online, the system indicated that the freight wasn’t even there yet, and would arrive until later that evening or next morning. Cancelled load, non-use payment. I returned to my mother-in-law.

After so much downtime and 2 cancelled loads, I had become somewhat depressed. I tried to rest some, but just couldn’t. Wouldn’t you know it? After getting at 6:30 am to get ready for the 2nd load that cancelled and remaining awake all day, at about 9:30 pm or so, I got a load from the #2 broker. 200 deadhead to Richland, MS., (which I got $50 for) to pick up ASAP. Then go to Mauldlin, SC. (Then was later changed to Greer, SC. This was a long drive, but I made it okay. Slept real hard Friday night.

Well, there is a Flying J in Blacksburg, SC., so that is where I have been all weekend. Both brokers have said I am in a very good area. Hope to have a load right off the bat.

Only thing bad has been the heat. I don’t know how hot it has been, I just know it is very hot. Problem is the AC is out in the Flying J. They have some big “special” AC unit inside. Seems to work well in the immediate area of the machine. But the lounge area is hot.

One a better note, though, I finally got to attend a trucker’s church service. I had wanted to attend some I have seen, but just didn’t go. This time I went. I was the only person to show up, other than the 2 guys that were teaching the class. I got a lot out of being there. I got a new bible out of it. NASV.

Well, praying for many loads this next week, as I need them badly. Until next time, may God bless you and yours!

Mega-update!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been a month since I updated this blog. The rest of June was very busy. Try to keep up, here we go!

I laid over at Holland over that weekend. The load to Holland, MI was load # 14. I ended the trip with 26 loads. Subsequent loads included loads to Huntingon, IN., Lawrenceville, IL. And Woodhaven, MI. (#15,16, 17) The load to Woodhaven was to the Ford plant there. When I checked in at the gate, the guard was relieved to see I was driving a Ford product. (She said that unloading would be delayed if I were driving any other brand of vehicle. I still ended up waiting almost 2 hours- The receiving supervisor that checked me in “forgot” about me until I came back in to get an update.)

Loads 18 & 19 took me to Des Moines, IA. and Grand Island, NE. This was my first time in Nebraska. Very beautiful state. I had a good time driving through that state. One highway I was on for a long time was almost completely straight. I drove over an hour without having to turn the steering wheel.
There was a train track that ran parallel with the road. I met 8 trains heading the other way. I started honking my horn at them. (Actually got a honk back from one!)

Next was Denton, TX, then Beeville, TX, then El Paso, TX. From El Paso, I went to Canton, MS. I got to drive the entire width of Texas. I think it was nearly 800 miles. (I will never fuss about driving the length of Tennessee again. )
After Canton, I deadheaded to Memphis for the weekend. Load #24 took me to Saline, MI. I got a super load next. Deadheaded to Saginaw, MI for a load that tested this Ford van and me!
I picked up two skids of engine heads. Total weight was 3880 lbs. I had to move most of my gear into the front. (Thank goodness that passenger seat had been removed!!!) The van did have a small squat to it, but not bad.
The load went to Laredo, TX. 1686 miles. Took 27:33 hours of driving. (Yes, I took breaks. I went through Memphis and was able to sleep a bit at my mother-in-law’s.) I held that van to 65 mph, and it achieved 17+ mpg throughout the trip. That was a fun load! The van (nicknamed “Big Dawg One!!) handled it with ease.

This had me in Laredo just prior to the July 4th weekend. I had been warned by both brokers that freight would be light, if not stopped, during the week after. Still I was holding out to get me a load close to home.

Load 26 came in as a pick up in Los Indios, TX, going to Humble, TX. (just a tad closer.) I was 75 miles heading to the pickup, and the load was cancelled. I got a little pay out of it though.

Broker suggested heading on home from there, so I did. I ended up making a giant “J” in Texas-Laredo to Zapata, TX. Then to Murray. That deadhead home was 1086 miles, plus the 75 I drove from Laredo.

I was home until the 12th. I went to an appointment with Debbie and then went available. On the 12th, load #27 was picked up in Jackson, TN. And delivered to Laredo, TX. I had been warned that there were lots of trucks setting in Laredo. I took the load anyway.

When I got unloaded in Laredo, I went to the Flying J. I counted 32 expedite trucks, vans and straights. I could see that the TA across the way had almost as many, then there is the Pilot across the interstate. Looked like a dealership with expedite trucks!!

That was Tuesday evening. Bridges on both side of the border were closed following a devastating flood a few days earlier. This had stopped the flow of freight out of Laredo. One broker told me that he could see 100 loads going into Laredo and maybe 10 coming out.

I had heard that the bridges were open again by Wednesday night, but that freight would still be slow getting moved. With so much competition in Laredo, I came to Dallas this morning. I am one of 11 trucks at this Flying J.

Still waiting for another load. May be a long wait, according to the brokers.

Until next time. And, remember, IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT!

God Bless!!

Holiday weekend

Memorial Day Holiday

I came home for the holiday weekend. When I got home, we had planned on going to Memphis to visit Debbie’s mom and brother. However, Debbie’s blood sugar has been out of control for a few months now, and a new doctor changed her plan for treating her diabetes. Since her sugar was so high, we decided to stay home.

I had an appointment for the van to get service at the dealership where we bought it, and my brother changed the oil on the van. (When the van was purchased, the next day, the battery meter quit working. It was discovered the gauge cluster was bad. A replacement had to be ordered, and this service was for replacing the cluster.)

While they had the van, I asked them to check the rear end for leaks. They found one bad one. So, the van had to get that repaired. Got the van back on Friday, and I went available for the weekend, but stayed in Murray.

Saturday, I get a call for a load that picks up early Sunday morning in Camden, TN and delivers early Monday morning in Memphis. I accepted the load and got up early and went to Camden and made the pick-up. I decided I would return home and leave early Monday morning. That is what I did.
I got up and on the road by 0230 cst and was at the delivery by 6am est. I went to my mother-in-laws to catch some Z’s.

That afternoon, I got another load. Load #11 gave me a couple of hours for pick up in Memphis, and went to Rogersville, TN.- from one end of Tennessee to the other.

My brother and I had been working on adding another broker. As I delivered this load, I went available for the second broker. My next load came from that broker. Load #12 picked up in Cleveland, TN and went to Detroit, MI. This load was wanted in Detroit by 6am est. The time was close, but doable. However, the broker said the customer wanted updates every 2 hours.

I got to the receiver by 0530 est. There was another truck at the closed gate. He told me that the gate wouldn’t open until 0630 am est. So, I called the broker and told him. (I just love it when the customer insists on a RUSH for a load and when I get to the receiver, they aren’t that much in a hurry.)

Load #13 came fairly quickly. Pick up in Madison Heights, MI. and delivered to Lansing, MI. One that was good was that the weather was good. Daytimes were hot, but humidity was low.

Storms were trying to develop for load #14. Picked up at Owosso, MI. and to be delivered to Holland, MI. I was told this was a very critical load. When I got to the pickup, a lady there told me that the material I was picking up had just arrived, and it needed to be processed. It would take some time, and she didn’t know how long. I called the broker and told him.

Almost 2 hrs later, I was loaded. I called the broker as I pulled out. He told me that the original delivery time was in about 4 pm est. I told him I wouldn’t be there until 5 pm est. I got called a few time as the customer wanted to know where I was at, but I was there by 5pm est as I told the broker I would.

After that load, I ended up at Tulip City Truck Stop in Holland, MI. Been here all weekend. I am getting used to this pattern on weekends. However, the new broker was calling me a lot and seemed to be active in trying to find me something. (Which is more that I get from the first broker.)

I went to see a movie yesterday. Saw “The A-team”. I found a theatre that had a bargain movie time between 4-6 pm est. This movie is GREAT!!!

This Monday morning, I have checked in with both brokers and awaiting another load. Last week wasn’t bad, but I have to wait for pay for the new broker. So, things are really tight.

Until next time, keep on trucking….. and God Bless America!

Loads 5-9

Waited at the Flying J over the weekend. Got load #5. Pick up in Washington, NC. And deliver to Windsor, CT. Before I could get this delivery completed the dispatcher called and asked me if I could be at JFK the next morning for a load. I told him sure. Got this load delivered and determined I would go to the Pilot in Milford, CT. (been there before) and then head to JFK early the next morning.

One of the other dispatchers call me and asked if I would be heading towards JFK tonight? He warned me that the area around JFK and Jamaica, NY. was not a very safe area. I told him my plan of staying at the Pilot in Mildford. He didn’t know one was there. He called again once I got to the Pilot. According to the GPS, I was about 90 miles from JFK. He thought that was fine, and I needed to be at the terminal by 11 am EDT. I told him I would leave at 7 am, giving me 4 hours to get there. He thought that would work well.

After a decent night of sleep, I was on the road by 7:15. As I got into New York City, traffic was very slow. I was only about 45 miles from JFK when the phone rang. The load was cancelled. However, the dispatcher got me $100 for it. He knew I would have been close.

I asked him where he wanted me to go? I was well into the city. He told me to head to Newark, NJ. GPS took me through downtown NYC. That was some tough driving! I did okay, I guess-didn’t hit anyone, and no one hit me. That was my second time driving through NYC. SO MANY CARS!!!! SO MANY PEDESTRIANS!!!!

Even though the load got cancelled, I am counting it as load #6 since some pay was received for it. Load #7 picked up in East Brunswick, NJ. This load was a relay. The load was going to Ontario, Canada. I was to pick up this load and meet a driver in/near Buffalo, NY. I got to the pick-up location, and the load wasn’t ready. I had to wait about 45 minutes. There was also some concern with the shipper. She thought I was taking the load to Canada. I assured her that her load would be going to Canada as this was a relay.

Finally got loaded and met up with the other driver in Cheek Cowega, just outside Buffalo. Found Flying J and got some rest.

Load #8 picked up in Lockport, NY and was going to Jenkintown, PA. I tell you this was a enjoyable trip. Most of my driving is done at night-I can’t see much. But this load came early enough that I had several hours of very nice sunlight.

I have the GPS set to avoid toll roads. It took me through some 2 lane roads through some very beautiful rural areas of New York state. I saw many farms of various sizes. It was very enjoyable. I even had the window down. The weather was great for the run.

Got into Jenkintown, PA. and got unloaded. The closest truckstop to me according to the GPS was across the state line in NJ. I spent one night there. When I didn’t get a load by late afternoon, my dispatcher recommended relocating anywhere in PA along I-81. So I went to Harrisburg, PA. Got there late Friday night and didn’t get a load until Tuesday.

Load #9 was picked up in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, 225 miles away. (The dispatcher said he got me some pay for the deadhead.) The load went to Terre Haute, IN. The requested delivery time was 10:45 am EDT. I got it there by 0945 EDT. When I pulled up, there were some guys outside. I told them I had a delivery from FED EX CC. One guy clapped his hand and said “Hell, yeah!” I was delivering some parts for construction equipment. Seems that this machine had been down for some time and these parts would get it going again.

I have relocated to Indianapolis, IN. Being close to a holiday weekend, loads are slowing down. In fact, if I don’t get a load by this afternoon, I am heading home myself.

I hope everyone has a great holiday! Pray for our troops! GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!

Loads 2-4

Sunday, I took the van and washed it. Kind of a lazy Sunday. But, I was getting a touch of a stomach bug, and didn't feel well.

Monday afternoon, I got my second load. Pick up in West Brookfield, MA. Deliver to Newbern, TN. SWEET!!!

Picked up my load and headed out. Since Newbern would be putting me real close to home, I decided that once I unloaded, I could crash at home, then relocate to Memphis by the next morning.

As the drive progress, I wasn't feeling any better. I had discussed my idea with the broker. He thought that would be okay. Debbie was glad I could come home for a bit-but, was disappointed when I agreed that I would check in from Memphis early the next morning. However, things didn't go as planned.

Once I got home, my stomach bug exploded (sorry if that is TMI) and I ended up staying home that next day, in bed, when I wasn't in the bathroom.

I stayed available for loads, but since I was ill, the broker told me to stay there.
While home, I got called for 2 loads. However, both were cancelled before I could even start preparing to leave.

That afternoon, I discussed again about relocating, and between the broker and myself, it was decided that I would wait until the morning, and then decide on location. I still wasn't feeling well, and I laid down while Debbie went to get some groceries.

She returned and I got up and tried some soup. I was going to lay back down, but couldn't go to sleep. So, I got up and got online. At about 1:45 am, the other broker called with a load. He said head to Corbin, KY ASAP!!

I was on the road in about 30 minutes. Picked up the load, a turbo for a locomotive, 2200 LBS. Enroute to Waycross, GA. (I have a picture on my Facebook page.)

Got this unloaded, and got to a Pilot for a shower and a nap. Had been asleep for about 6 hrs when I got a call for load #4.

Picked up 2 electric motors in Live Oak, FL, and took them to Sanford, NC.

Now setting at a Flying J for the weekend. Loads are few and far between on the weekends.

Until next time.....