My Truck Driving Experiences

Gather round while I share my experiences traveling across the US and Canada in a Semi-Truck.

My Photo
Name:
Location: Dayton, Ohio, United States

Friday, September 21, 2007

When do you trim your toe nails?

I actually saw a lady trimming her toe nails while riding in the passenger seat of a mini van today. I would be afraid we would hit a bump and there goes my skin and blood would spurt every where. At least she was not driving and doing it.

What is with the Towels?

At home I am used to using a towel to dry off with and a towel to stop onto when I get out of the shower. When I am out driving a truck and have to stop to shower, I have found that most truck stops and Schneider operating centers only provide you with one towel. You can get a second towel if you ask for it. Well, believe it or not, there are some truck stops that actually provide you with two towels and a wash cloth, not just one. They are few and far between, but two towels is their standard. I was surprised to find out that the Gary, Indiana Schneider Operating Center provides you with two towels and a wash cloth. If you happen to pass through the Columbus Schneider Operating Center in Hilliard, Ohio though, you better bring your own towels because they don't provide towels nor a wash cloth, and they only have one shower.

Schneider Amenities

Did you know, that if you drive for Schneider, you can get your tractor washed at a Blue Beacon truck wash after every PM? Another Schneider driver told me about it when I was driving through Utah and was driving for System. I was also told about it by one of the maintenance mechanics from the Evergreen Operating Center a while back. I put it to the test today to see if it was true, and it was. I drove into a Blue Beacon, gave them my tractor number and told them I had just had a PM done, they called it in, and Schneider paid for the wash. My tractor is sparkling like new. I have never seen it look this good. All of the gunk is gone from the wheels, the steps are shiny as well as the rest of the truck. Go Blue Beacon, Schneider drivers.

Squealing Pigs?

Passing through Effingham, Illinois I have stayed at the TA truck stop several times. I could not help but notice what sounded like pigs squealing. I also thought maybe the sound was brakes on trucks coming to a stop. One day I asked one of the other truck drivers what that noise was, and he replied, "Hawks". I said, "Hawks?, I thought it sounded like pigs squealing." He laughed and told me that they put speakers in the TA sign and play Hawk sounds through them to keep the birds out.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Another Semi on its side!

I was driving along Interstate 57 North in Illinois, about the 12 mile marker when I saw another semi truck and trailer on its side. It apparently went across the median while traveling north into the south bound lanes and then landed on its left side across the south bound lanes with the tractor in the grass of the south bound side.

There were no skid lines, nor were there any marks in the median to show the truck had traveled across the median, but there were no skid lines on the south bound lanes either.

The driver must have fallen asleep while driving and more than likely did now wake up until it was too late to do anything to prevent the accident.

I have seen a lot of these lately. It really bothers me. If you are a driver reading this, please make sure you have plenty of rest before driving long distances, especially if you are a truck driver! It only takes a few minutes to take a power nap if you are feeling sleepy instead of pushing yourself to drive to make an appointment time. It is better to arrive alive and late than to not arrive at all, and the possible alternative.

Peek-a-Boo, I see you

I thought I would add an article about what I see people do while I drive down the road. I know I have already written about this before, but this time I thought I would add a few more things to the story.

How do you sit when you are driving down the road. I think I have seen it all. Drivers will sit with one leg curled up next to them, with their knee up in front of their chest, and surprise, it just might be their right leg, not the left one. They use their left one to hit the gas, brake, clutch, I guess?

I see people with a foot or maybe both feet on the dash, just holding the steering wheel, driving down the road.

They sit with both legs out across the front seat when there are no passengers.

Oh, and passengers, boy do they have positions. I see those with blankets over them to stay warm, I guess, because the driver has the air conditioner cranked.

I see passengers with the seats laid back so they can sleep. Pillows here and there.

I am not just talking about people passengers, there are dogs, cats, ferrots, horses, mules, pigs, cows, you name it, I think I have seen it.

So how do you sit when you drive?

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Monroe, Michigan


During a recent delivery to Monroe, Michigan I came across a park dedicated to not only those who lost their lives in Vietnam, but to those who survived the Vietnam War from the Monroe, Michigan area. I thought, what a novel idea, recognizing the survivors from the Vietnam era, one thing that was long overlooked and forgotten in America for way too long. As I walked amongst the memorial I found sandbags surrounding a Rocket Propelled Grenade Gun, a wall with names on one side that listed those who perished in the Vietnam War, and on the other side, those who survived the Vietnam War. There was a special monument dedicated to one person listed as Missing In Action (MIA) who volunteered to fly a Huey into enemy territory to try to save a special forces unit, but never returned. His helicopter was shot down and he was never found. I was walking and had taken a picture of the Huey helicopter perced atop the pole with my phone camera, but it did not take very well. I "Googled" the memorial and found a picture to include here. If you would like to read more about the memorial, just go to the following link.