A misconception I had regarding "Seeing the Country"

You can forget about doing much of anything at the end of your driving shift, especially if you'll be starting another shift in a mere 10 hours.

However, with some good planning, effort and some monetary investment you can see quite a bit during your 34 hour restarts.

I became a big fan of Google Maps/directions. They have a public transit option that will give you a combination of walking, bus routes and subway directions from point A to point B. This works pretty well in some of the larger cities provided you can find legal parking close enough to the public transit routes. Chicago is an awesome city to site-see using public transit.

In some areas you may have to pony up cab fare. And if that gets too expensive to be feasible than renting a car is your only option provided you have acceptable credit.

St Louis is very accessible from the Pilot in East St Louis, IL. You walk about a quarter mile (just over the I-70 overpass) to a convenience store where you can take a bus 5 minutes down to the subway station. The train will take you into the heart of St Louis so you can tour the Gateway Arch, Bush Stadium or take a bus over to Anheuser Busch for a tour.

I've toured all of Cleveland, all of Chicago, all of New Orleans as well as St Louis while on 34 hour restarts. You can do it but it does take planning and effort, but I believe well worth it.

 

You'll see a lot of big cities and pro sports stadiums.

 

One of the questions I have for whoever I go to work for is about mounting a bike rack. I wouldn't worry too muck about the lowlifes. They know most of the bicyclists don't carry money. Besides getting out and away from the Truck Stops it is great exercise. I believe last months issue of "Trucker News" had an article about truckers who are bicyclist. Just be safe out there. Hopefully in a year or two you will be making enough for a rental car or cab. I am in school at this time and two of my instructors recommend staying away from truck stops, most of the WalMarts and Sam's Clubs are trucker friendly and usually are on the bus lines. I am even looking into joining Any Time Fitness, they have 1400+ locations across the USA and if you join one you join them all. A decent workout and a clean shower would be a great way to start the day.

 

There's a Pilot in Green Bay?

 

My company allows one hour away from the truck for a meal. All other times I am responsible for the security of the load.

Mikeeee

 

Poor Dave....He can never find the good in anything.

See what I mean?

The primary reason that I would never even consider driving a company truck is this type of crap right here.

If someone decides that they want your load, It isn't gonna matter if you're sitting there or not! Besides, That's what insurance is for and I have lots of that!

Now to address the OP's question...You can find lots of things to see and do in places all over the country, But as with everything else it can require spending money and planning properly to allow yourself the time to enjoy yourself.
I've seen lots of things over the years and have made friends all over the country and have found the time to visit them during the course of my business.
Driving a company truck will present you with a few challenges because most companies will not allow you to bobtail around to sightsee but rental cars are cheap and the things you will see and do are well worth the investment.

 

I know this may come as a shock to you,
but to be honest, trucking USED to be alot of fun. For quite a few years, I really enjoyed driving a truck!!!


But with all the additional rules and regulations, the obstacles that get in the way of being able to run even 2500 miles every week, the over zealous law enforcement officers, the outrageous expense of violating some asinine rule, the inreasingly intrusive use of technology being employed by non trucking bean counters to abuse drivers in the name of profit, and dont even get me started on the total lack of respect and professionalism that seems to be taking over the world but especially our industry, I will be glad to get the hell out!!!

It's not like I am some newbie, right out of school! I did it for 16-17 years.
I simply got tired of living the "lifestyle" and not taking home what I thought was fair compensation for all that I (and my family) was expected to endure or sacrifice

 

It's still a lot of fun for many of us....I still enjoy it after all these years.

Yep.....The world is getting more complicated, that's for sure, But what should we do? Quit living? Just curl up in the corner and give up? I refuse to let any of it ruin my good time...I work within the crap that comes down from the pinheads in the government as long as I can and then I'll work around it...Like I always have.

Not able to run 2,500 miles a week?
I usually run a LOT more than that...As long as the money's there.


Lifes to short for all of the handwringing and negativity Dave.