Out of the Game since 2015...but getting back in

I was logged in the sleeper but the 14 hour clock never stopped (I didn’t have my WILL PAIR SB checked)

good to know though.

 

Update:

Nothing much has changed except

I got my Hazmat certification added to my license (that gave me a 10 cpm raise on all miles).

I’ve been avoiding contact with people (I think I’m on the tail end of a Covid attack). Coughed so hard that I believed I broke a rib (or just pulled a muscle in my back). Trucking sick sucks!

I run with my CB on and have noticed that it’s usually very quiet. Occasionally, something informative is heard. In the “old days” the most annoying thing(s) I’d hear was the phrase bobba boi, or a roger beep, sometimes a cb rambo. Now it’s mostly “skip” or someone talking just to hear themselves talk.

The speed everyone drives. No, not on the road but in the truck stops or any parking lot. I don’t care how professional you THINK you look, to everyone else, you look like an idiot. If I were to ever hit something or someone, it would be much better to be going slow.
(I will admit, sitting and watching the trucks slowly pull into and out of the truck stops used to be like a rolling truck show, now we all look the same, boring)

Dragging a reefer is becoming more enjoyable, I much prefer being a solar driver than chasing the moon across the sky. The money is good but there seems to be more chaos lately with loads.

I know, a lot of rambling, must be the Covid.

*turns out, not Covid (similar symptoms) severe chest infection. Ugh

 

I am feeling much better, an over the counter drug called Zyrtec helped with the congestion and cough, and 2 days of rest got my strength back. Now I just have what I’m calling an early morning smokers cough. (I don’t smoke)

Reefer is getting easier, the company is getting more difficult.

I got used to being sent out from the terminal, unloaded, reload and return to Springfield terminal. Like a yo-yo.

My DM mentioned that they (IWX) were trying to move some drivers to an “extended” board without telling them. Meaning out 2 weeks before seeing the terminal. He also said that they expect to lose a lot of LONG term drivers because of it. Long term=10,15,20+ year drivers at IWX.

I know, I know it’s OTR but it’s not what has been the “norm”.

The kicker is, IWX has no transflo or trip-pak, our bol has to be turned in at the terminal in a trip envelope to be paid. (Payroll cuts off Tues at 10am). Right now I have 2,000 miles in trip envelopes in my truck, and by the time I see the yard 3,000, and I won’t see the yard until after payroll cuts off.

You are correct, Reefer ain’t for Sissie’s and Truckin ain’t for Wimps. It can be frustrating though.

 

Oh what a difference a couple weeks make.

The “yo-yo” trips have stopped for now (at least for me). Now I’ve began doing BIG circles, which I kind of like.
example:
This week (Began Saturday 14th) I left Springfield Mo to Laredo Tx, drop and hook going to Atlanta Ga, then reload with a 2 drop load, Springfield Ky and Lincoln Ne. It’s Thursday the 19th and I deliver tomorrow morning, reload 100 miles away and head back to Springfield Mo. 3,700 miles in 7 days. That will yield a $2,600 pay check.

Surprisingly this has been a very problem free couple of weeks. Let’s keep it up!

I do have a question/comment though. WHY in the world are drivers parking on the sides of the interstate (I’m assuming, taking 30 minute breaks) and THEN hitting the turn signal, cranking the wheel to the left and pulling directly out into traffic. I almost drove thru the drivers door of a CRST truck that did exactly that. I was hard on the binders with no place to go, finally decided to steer straight and try and control my truck if we hit. Thankfully he turned back hard right and I narrowly missed the truck.

That’s all I have, a couple good weeks and no complaints (other than no common sense drivers)

I head home tomorrow to see my wife, dog and do a little fishing. (Not sure of the order)

Til next week, be safe, and stay off the side of the road.