Where is everyone #5

Well the PTO is stuck "on" in the dump truck again. It looks like I'll be draining the tranny fluid and pulling off the air shift cover to clear out the junk that is blocking the slider mechanism.

 

Yes, we did.

Unloaded early Sunday morning which put me free for the week.

Called LS corporate at the crack of bankers hours day Monday , and after a few uncomfortable shuttles around the phone tree, found the guy that was dealing with the situation.

He gave me the impound yard address and phone number, agent details for the load on the trailer, and widows' address.

Called impound yard, ascertained the truck had a driveshaft and axle out for towing, and had not been started. Found mobile mechanic close by and instructed him to get the truck started and road ready. Booked motel close by. Got delivery details from agent. Called delivery place, Ecolab in Joliet, and after having to spell out the situation to them, still got the standard response of "you need to schedule appointment on-line'. Called agent and set him on that task.

Packed a bag and Gretchen and I drove up there 600 miles. Stayed in the motel, 8am went to the impound yard. LS had paid impound fees and mobile mechanic charges the night before.

25 degrees overnight, and the bunk sleeper lights still on, and the Espar heater still 'on', made for dead batteries. 2 Jumper packs and a Dodge pickup truck, starter fluid and an hour later - the old girl fired up. The truck was a mess on the inside - even aside from ambulance, police and hazmat cleanup team being in there. A lot of disorganized 'stuff' and hadn't had a clean in months. Calendar stopped being ripped off 3 months prior, simply turned up. Evidently trying to quit smoking. Items from daughter around the truck.

Fuel gauge bouncing off empty - flashlight in the tank confirmed very low fuel - I drove to the truck stop in front of the yard and put $300 in on the credit card.

Made it to a rest area an hour up the road, trying to figure out where all the switches and what not were on the truck - never drove a FL classic. Stopped to use bathroom, came back out to hear the truck shut down. Panic. Hit the starter button - nothing. Cycle key off and on - fired back up. Whew! Figured that, as an ex-Werner truck, it had an idle shutdown on it.

Therefore, the truck had not 'idled out of diesel', the truck had practically no fuel in it when the driver pulled into the rest area and killed himself. 180 miles from delivery.

Odd feeling driving another man's truck, using his CB, shifting his gears, hands where his lay upon the wheel. They're a personal thing.

Gretchen in hot pursuit in the F-150, we got to Ecolab. Agent had not done his job - (blamed CH Robinson), appointment not set. Bill put me in a door regardless. They really didn't want the freight, dock hand said it would sit there for a year most likely, rail normally brought it in. Super sacks of haz-mat. I thanked the guy that unloaded me and handed me the bills - I said "Man, I really appreciate you" - he turned to walk away mumbling "Well we really don't appreciate YOU" . . .

I walked after him and quickly explained the situation - he softened up a bit and said he had heard about the situation. Thanked him again. The life of dock hands and door slammers - miserable.

Scanned bills in. I'd made it clear to LS I wanted all the revenue to go to the family.

Relieved of it's burden, the old girl jumped up and ran like a top to WI. We parked the truck where he had a lot of work done, and shut it down. Visited with the widow at the diner for an hour or so, handed her the keys. She handed me a wad of cash to pay for the fuel which I refused. Told her she'd need it more than I. Turned out of the parking lot into the night, and drove the 600 miles home, arriving at 3am.

Peeled off all my clothes and put them in the wash, then headed for the shower. The hazmat team used some cleaner that has a smell that I can't describe - but have never smelt before.

That's me for the year. Just started to feel normal yesterday. Got a tractor to put back together. Thought I'd also tackle a Zenith carb rebuild.

 

Today is the day fellas. Wife is getting prepped in the OR right now. Hoping to get back there soon and hopefully come out with a healthy baby boy.

 

I quit looking at per mile rate long ago. Time is the major factor. I have a set figure of what I want to make based on a 5 day week whether it is one load or muti- loads. The area I will be running the cost of permits and running cost. We have alot of $$$$ invested in the equipment we use. Takes alot of $$$ to maintain it. One thing I won't say (and I'm betting Ron or Cat won't say either ) are our rates that is a cardinal sin. On what your looking at i would quote a premium and a percentage over the base rate for the oversize dimension and holiday travel.

 

You my MAN are a ######. That was a call beyond what was required of you ! My hat off to you.

 

Your a good man!!! We need more such as you.

 

Covington, VA

 

Yes, seems to be a lot of that going on.

 

You make a wrong turn somewhere ? Or just lost ? LOL

 

@TripleSix this is the Softail I spoke of in the past. Called it my EBay bike lol, everything except the engine and trans was bought on eBay and built in my garage. I ordered a new 100ci engine and ended up with a 113 Ultima El Bruto. Good engine far as I'm concerned. Just found this pic and remembered telling you I had a pic, sorry took so long.