Good Night From II

I do like to throw chains, once I have a good set I can throw four singles on the drives in about 15-20 minutes and have them off and running again in about 5-10 minutes. Last winter I had a good set and chained up over a dozen times to cross the Rockies on I-70 (they don't require drag chains on the trailer).

The problem was with a new truck in June I tried to get my ideal set, but they forced 3-rails on me in Phoenix. Finally got a chance to dump those and pick out the chains I like in Denver.

So far this winter I've chained with my trainee at the wheel over Cabbage. Unfortunately we had to rely on 3-rail for one side and singles on the other drives because I hadn't carefully reviewed all my chains and one 3-rail was defective. Both drag chains broke on that passage from La Grande to Pendleton. Next chance I got in Denver I swapped out and finally got a really good matching set of 8 singles (with 2 in the box as backup as required in Washington).

It helps to have an efficient system for chaining. I've got my routine down and everything in its place. It also helps to have good clothing. I picked up Frog Togg jacket and pants, a pair of Dickies boots, and Cabela's neoprene fishermen's gloves. The gloves are "the bomb". Total dexterity working in the cold. Great for everything from unscrewing valve caps to chaining.

 

At a new Loves in St Louis on I-70 about 2 miles from my 1st stop.

Had moderate to heavy rain all the way down from IA. Better than snow and ice though. Was very fortunate in the timing of this load from WA as I missed the big freeze and snow up there last week as I came up from Laredo and started towards Atlanta inbetween storm fronts while things were calm on the High Plains. Just a few flurries in MT and light winds.

The heavy rain combined with poor 4-wheeler driving caused several multi car pile ups on I-70 as I got into the city. I stayed slow and steady in the right lane trying not to get involved with the stupidity. Felt like I was running the Gauntlet and was glad to finally park. One accident on the opposite side was particularly bad. Three cars and an 18-wheeler got tangled up. Big Rig was smashed into the center concrete divider and the cars were scattered in pieces behind him. A gold sports car was crushed into the size of a golf cart with the roof pretty much even with the door handles. Lots of EMT and police..didn't look survivable.

I had briefly considered parking overnight at the receiver but then realized Ferguson is very close by too and the receiver is in a sketchy looking semi-industrial area. Maybe I'm too cautious but I decided to stay with the safety of the herd vs hanging alone on a dark side street.

 

I'll have to check up on those gloves.

Cabela's is THE place for cold weather clothing.
I have a pair of flannel lined jeans as well as a felt lined shirt from there. They are good by themselves until the temp gets below 10 degrees.
Then I have to wear gloves, and maybe a sweater, until it gets below -10.

I see people all bundled up with layers upon layers and looking miserable, and they look at me like I'm the crazy one.
But I seem more warm with my lighter, but more efficient, clothing.

 

I only saw one accident today, on I-40 (west bound side) a bit before Albuquerque.

It looked like a car rear ended a big rig that was pulled over on the side.
Wasn't a pretty sight. And it seemed all the cops were rushing to the scene.

Just another reason why I try to NEVER stop on a highway!

 

Moose, Steve is ABQ tonight also.

 

Threw chains on I-70 to get over Vail and Eisenhower. Glenwood Canyon was pretty treacherous, with black ice.

Trainee is at the wheel cruising east on I-76 to get on I-80. Time to sleep.

 

went back to page 281(3 weeks ago) before seeing wolphy's last post. hope everything fine with him

 

Kingdom City, MO. Took a pplan last night that has 2 stops. First being in Fargo at 0615 Wednesday morning and the final at 0900 in St. Cloud. Picked up the load and did a loaded call and get a message back running late. The apt changed to 0400. I was not told this so asked my DM to check on it and she fires back OMG, it was changed and no one was told about it. Then I get a pplan that picks up in Hastings with a t-call in Columbus on Thursday and wondering what is going on. Find out that I am going to be running Target Reefer division for the rest of the week and after home time will be moving over to it until vacation. Finally some decent miles every week again. Between now and then kinda like a surge I think.

Forgot, pulled off in Jackson, TN to head for Kellogg's there and a new Speedway just up the road from the Loves. Their fuel, $3.09/gal. Almost .30/gal less than the loves and pilot

 

At a Peelot in Dalton GA on I-75

Went to first stop in St Louis this morning and they unloaded their 6 rolls in 15 mins then I took off for Dalton to get rid of 6 more tomorrow morning. Final drop in Buford up I-85 a bit gets the one last roll. My DM and I both sent mssgs to CSR to get ok to do final right after I'm done here in the morning. Didn't want to wait 24hrs to dump last roll on Wednesday when they're only 2hrs away.

CSR never responded to either of us. This lack of support from them seems to be more the norm than the exception lately. I called the customer myself and reset the delivery for tomorrow at 13:00. Let my DM know that they were happy to do so. Going fishing on mac30 tonight to see if I can snag something now that I'm finishing a day early.

 

Still at home, to the driver in the yellow long nosed #142121 you're on my naughty list. Stay the ######## out of the fast lane. I don't care if AZ doesn't have lane restrictions nothing pisses me and ever other 4 wheeler on the road then an imbecile going 55 in a 65 when everyone else wants to go 75.

If any of you other Swiftys are in Phx on Turkey day PM me, about dinner.