CRETE - A Year in Review

I90 all the way

 

The only place that I know we pick up in the area I am delivering is the copper place in Norwich. But that late in the day, by the time I get empty, then down to pick up my load(if that is where I end up going) there is no way I will make it back across the GW before rush hours. So it looks like I won't be out of the northeast until Wednesday...which will screw up my entire week.

 

I would stay north of the GW go across the hudson at 287 or 84. I have driven that way many times, and the traffic in the afternoon is bad the closer you get to the city. Im sure you are aware.

 

The traffic sucks any time the sun is up around there...plus the roads are rougher than most in the NY interstate system.

 

What method do you guys use to scout out truck stops and truck parking in areas that you are unfamiliar with? I used to have a spiral bound directory that I had picked up from a truckstop. It had great maps and a visual layout that was easy to use. I'm sure it's totally out of date now since everything seems to be going digital. Can you guys recommend a certain guidebook or app that you've found helpful? Thanks

 

I still have the old paperback truckstop guide that's around $12 at most truckstops. Plus I have all the major chain t/s apps on my thunderbolt. I also have an app(android) that is for the DAT loadboard. It pulls up all the truckstops, walmarts, rest areas and CAT scales around you. It also lets you look to see what freight is available around you(up to 100 loads free per day). Kinda lets you know what it's like where you're at so you know, if it is short on freight, Crete will most likely be shorter on freight. Plus the DAT app also ties into the google maps app so it can give you turn-by-turn directions(w/audio) to the truckstop you choose.

 

Had a surprise when I was talking to the wife. I live in FL, and we are getting soaked from t/s Debby. While I was talking to her, the power went out(our cordless is on a battery backup so it always stays on). She was just looking out the window as it went out and she started getting freaked out because it looked like hula-hoops rolling down our front yard, until she realized it was the main power lines, that one of our big trees took out when it fell thru them, and thru our fence and across the road. Could be worse, the weather channel twitter feed has possible tornados in Tampa, St. Pete, Lake Wales, and about a dozen other central FL cities. And this puppy has stalled off the panhandle, and isn't suppose to make landfall(maybe) until Thursday or Friday. We needed the rain, but not all at once. If you're headed to FL w/a load, bring your swim fins and water wings! Most of the peninsula is staying under a major rain storm. Parts of Tampa's Bayshore Blvd are under FEET of water.

 

Things are looking up kinda, after being stranded for 2 days due to NO FREIGHT on the 21/22, I picked up a load morning of the 23rd and ran 1300 miles in 2 days Now the bunk a/c that was running like a charm is blowing warm air......I swear I can never get any good luck for any stretch of time.

 

You all need Kenny as your dedicated dispatcher, not a lot of miles but I delivered to Marcy, NY on Friday and about 23 hours later picked up in Rotterdam, about 85 miles away and had a nice afternoon to kill in Fultonville and now a leisurely run to Topeka for Tuesday. I caught the race here in Effingham, and tomorow is Kansas City, I love that town. I'd get the truck worked on, but I love my "extended" idle time.

With any luck you'll get to spend the night at Milford, CT and maybe watch a Yankee's game at Gipper's.



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SS,

I usually look at www . findfuelstops . com to locate those friendly (maybe) hole-in-the-wall parking places in the NE. You may be able to find something a bit closer.