Running with JCT, Part Deux

Parked here at the Pilot in Las Cruces, NM (I-10 exit 139) yesterday afternoon. Still getting reports of I-10/I-20 being pretty slow due to ice and ice fog. So, since the weather forecast for the next few days is sunny, and since I have the time (thank you Senator Collins), I will finish out a 34hr reset and let the road crews clean up the mess on the roads.

I still have 9hrs left on my 70 and could drive tonight, but I figure I would just play it safe. Not trying to get myself in a jam just because I had hours to drive. I refuse to be one of those trucks sitting in a ditch just because I wanted to drive even though I had the time to wait a few hours and let it clear.

Oh, at last fill up, truck was at 7.5mpg. That is with 42k in the box with an "I" trailer with no aero package installed.


Edit: It's now 2am here. Talked to another driver inside the truck stop. He just came through Texas. It was still slow and messed up. Road crews were out still getting vehicles out of ditches.

 

Yeah I bet last night was fun in Texas. About noon it started raining it's backside off. So I am more than sure it turned into a great big ice rink. Saw a many trucks that was pushed to hard and was laid over on their sides. There was even a truck that was missing the sleeper and cab. Not sure how that driver pulled that off.

 

Guys, keep in mind that if you are taking a different route that you request an adjustment to your paid miles. Even if you think it doesn't make a difference, ask! You might be pleasantly surprised. 10 more miles is over $10 extra pay.

 

Today was a good day here at the Pilot in Las Cruces, NM. Several families were traveling together and had a bunch of kids with them. Since I am parked in front of the Pilot (across) from the gasoline islands; the kids were naturally checking out the couple of trucks parked here. When they saw me heading back to my truck; they naturally started asking questions. The parents tried to stop them, but said it was fine. So, they asked away and me and the other driver answered their questions. They wanted to get inside the truck because they wanted to sit behind the wheel and see how we lived in our little 8x10 boxes.

So, me and the other driver both opened up the doors and let the kids inside while we stood outside, but could still see inside to make sure they didn't touch anything they weren't suppose to. Boy, did they love it. They thought it was cool that I had a fridge, microwave, toaster oven and (their words) bunk beds. They even took a lot pictures on their phones. The parents were appreciative of the fact that we did that. The parents told us that they never expected truck drivers to be like that, clean, well dressed, and nice. The parents even decided to get behind the wheel because they wanted a glimpse of what we see as we driver. They were surprised by the lack of visibility in the mirrors and said that they had no idea.

It was nice to get the chance to show off the truck to the kids and show the parents what we see as drivers. All I can hope is that they take their new found knowledge and not only apply it, but tell their friends also.

So, overall, a good day here. Maybe this was the reason I did a reset here and not further down the road.

 

You made a GREAT PILE of memories for those kids and likely the parents as well along with some MUCH NEEDED PR for the trucking industry

 

Ha!

Well, the only service I got was in Texas. Probably a little overdue. It worked just fine. I'm not sure what all the problems were about. The loaner truck I had came with a TK. Loudest thing I've ever heard.

 

Has anybody delivered at badger murphy in Chicago? If so I'm just curious if you know the docking situation and if I should show up right at 0500 or wait until later. Thx

 

What time is your appointment? You could always call and ask how much earlier than your appointment time can you check in. Some places only 15min prior and others 30min or an hour.

 

I'm more worried about the parking situation. My window for delivery is 0500 to 1500, but the place is off a main street and I can't see where the docks are or where I' d be able to park and check in. It's chicago and I've only been in actual Chicago once. I've been in the Chicago area many times. I was just hoping to consult with somebody who has been to this cons before. Thx for the reply.

 

I would get there right at 5am before most of the traffic hits and then go to truck stop of your choice. Should be easy parking after you deliver.