Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Lucky me, I got the overnight shift last night. I took the truck over in morrilton ar at 7:30 last night with 615 miles to go. Through the night and through the rain I got to my delivery right at 5am. I was empty at 8:30, sent in my empty call and was dispatched at 9am to do a drop and hook in Groveport Oh, going to Fredrick Md for 5 am tomorrow.

 

In the 14 months here I've had that luxury once. I could probably do it more, but I train, and sorry, but I'm not making a habit of dragging my trainees to the house with me, and I'm not going to leave them in the truck or motel. It's not fair to them or myself, hence the reason I run east to west while training. If I get back to richmond between runs and time allows, I insist my trainees go home for their break. So far every trainee that has had that luxury was back in Richmond right on schedule.

 

Got to my delivery at 3am, was empty at 5:30, then went back to bed until 8:30 when I got my deadhead move sent to me. I took Lee to Gordonsville where he lives, said our goodbye's then drove back to the terminal, where I sit waiting on my Florida load. I'm tired, wore out and am in need of some R&R at the house, chasing the wife around and playing with my two Labs. This training is taking it's toll on me. I see how the company runs teams, if the truck breaks down we get another one, most likely new. If the lead trainer breaks down then what? I need to rethink this. I also need a vacation, it was suppose to happen by now, but when my wife came down with her illness the beginning of the year we postponed it until October, it can't get here fast enough.

On to Lee, cool guy, talkative, fun to be in the truck with, a good learner, and will make a helluva driver soon. Our short 2 weeks together were put to good use, I was able to get him the proper footing to succeed, it's a shame we couldn't continue together, but the smoking issue affected him as much as it affected me. He needed to smoke, it was starting to interfere with my job, plus, no matter that he didn't smoke in my truck, he reeked of cigarette smoke, thus making my truck smell like nicotine in just 2 short weeks. Oh well, we got him lined up with his new trainer for Monday. I know who he is and have no concerns about him doing the right thing with Lee, and the plus to that is they both smoke and can have a fruitful smoking training experience. Now back to ridding my truck of this smoke smell. Then off to the motel.

 

If you are in the yard tomorrow I'll get it from you, thanks.

 

I just got to the yard from the motel. On my way over my reload came across. I have to run down to canon and pick up a loaded trailer going to Miami for Monday. Meanwhile, after finally getting the smoke issue taken care of, I'm getting my ride a bath here at the yard.

I need to throw out an observation, I am constantly bombarded every day with eating and living a healthy lifestyle, fit care, healthy eating, low carbs, more protein, exercise, walking, on and on and on. Is that after smoking a few packs of cigarettes per day? How's this conversation, Dr: your cholesterol level is great, your BP optimal, your are not in the diabetes stage, your eating habits have proven to be a great tool in your vital signs. Truck Driver: thank you Doc, but I can't seem to change my smoking habits, I've been smoking for the last 35 years. Dr: thats probably the reason I found that spot on your lung. But hey, at least you're eating healthy.....again, just an observation on my part.

I'm outta here, home at noon tomorrow.