Muck Boots 'n' Slickers - Life of a Livestock Hauler

Well I know that I don't have, nor can I tell, any stories to rival @wore out , but this one I will remember till the day I die.

This was back in my swinging meat hauling days - must have been about 88, or 89. I still had my 83 359 with a DITA A model @ 400 - bone stock. 13 speed and 3.70s.

I was one of the younger guys leased on to this outfit, and JR was one of the older guys, probably about 60 years old. There was about 10 of us leased on that hauled swinging meat for IBP, and it usually consisted a triangle that included Kuna in Idaho, Wallula Washington, and Los Angeles. We would check in and find out who was running where and try to tie in with them. This particular evening JR and I were headed south, and had stopped at Whiskey Pete's on 15 for fuel and coffee. It was dusk when we rolled in and dark when we left. Ole JR had a Volvo with a 400 B model, and it ran good - always stronger than my old Pete. When you leave Whiskey Pete's you have a flat for a few miles into California, and then you start climbing the pass, which is steep at first and then gets a touch milder when before getting to the top, so there is some strategy as to just exactly when it is most advantageous to grab another gear.

JR ran hard and wanted to be in the lead, always, which was fine by me. So we headed back on to the big road headed for LA. I was right behind JR, and another Pete was passing me down on the flat, but when we hit the grade he sort of fell on his face and fell back in behind me (probably a Big Cam Lol). JR made a comment on the radio about the truck, and it was a rare occasion that he lost track of who was who, but he thought the other truck had made it passed me and fell in behind him, when actually it was me, driving for all I was worth to stay with him as we dropped down through the gears.

We're BSing as we climb the hill. There is a spot around the first turn where it is still probably 6%, and shortly thereafter it flattens out a bit. JR is #####in about this other guy right on his ### who pulls out to try and get by (me). I holds the mike way away from my mouth so it sounds like I am further away, and gives Ole JR the pep talk saying don't let that ####### beat ya. The rpms, grade, drag, corioles effect, and the stars were just right to where I could gain on him ever so slightly. I finally get my door even with his and he sees who it is. He hollers at me "You Sandbagging Son of a #####".

I never made it clear past him, and as soon as it flattened out a bit he was gone - and I mean before we got to Baker he was out of radio range. I didn't see him again until I go to LA! He won the war, but I was #### sure in the battle for a moment there! Most guys would just laugh about it, but it pissed him off something horrible that I would deceive him like that I guess.

I spoke with him about this time of year two years ago. He was in hospice care, but we still had some good laughs. He had moved back to Nebraska, and I haven't heard from him since. Have to imagine he's gone now, but we sure had some good times.

 

Dave that’s good sheeit. We gots to brothers from another mother.

I say that cuz I feel that I was the king of sand baggin in my day

 

Every chance we get!

I've probably mentioned it before, but the best races I have ever had have been between 30 and 40 mph.

 

Passenger trains are quite short. On the other hand, the long coal hauling freights can be 120 cars. Just comparing by ratio.

 

Had a guy call yesterday wanting to send some cows from somewhere north of Idaho Falls to his place in Utah.

I had originally told him to expect around $6/mile. He said he thought he could load a couple extra on there and I might have to run a little heavy. Then he said he would be willing to go as much as $5/mile.

Danm the luck I just happen to be busy doing something else that day.

 

When beef was in the tank they used the excuse of they ain’t bringing #### to justify a cheap rate……now I’m flipping that back on em when my phone rings. Like you I usually got something else to do that day

 

Southbound at Inkom is open again after construction.

 

"Mouth is loose, wallet is tight..." Folks like that will have you sleeping in the streets.
Haggling over trade goods is fun, and you can practice on me.
But buying and selling, or me hauling for you? Dat's Bizness...

 

Some old western poem years ago..

“Dream back beyond the cramping lanes to glory’s that have been,
The camp smoke on the sunset plains, the riders loping in.
Loose reined and Roweled heel to spare, the wind our only guide,
For youth was in the saddle there, with half the world to ride

We are no youth nor in a saddle... But we have ridden over a lot of world... And enjoyed it as no other can understand.

 

Amen