Greetings!
It's been longer and longer in between posts here, my apologies, but the holiday season is here, and there is a lot to do. Besides the regular work, paying bills, groceries, etc., there's Christmas shopping! Yay! Actually, I did most of my shopping online, so I avoided much of the hassles of malls, crowds and traffic, but there is always that one or two items that either weren't available on Amazon, couldn't be delivered by Christmas, or just those things that popped up at the last minute. At first my wife said she didn't want anything, then, a couple of days before Christmas, she comes out and says "Oh, I'd like so-and-so's CD," which put the fear of God into me. I mean, not only am I working an altered schedule these two weeks (Christmas and New Years are the only two weeks my company changes it's delivery schedules), but now I have to run around trying to find last-minute gifts. Hooray!
Here's what happened the week of Christmas: I go out on Sunday night (as opposed to Monday) so I can be back on Tuesday, and have Christmas Eve Day (Wed) off. It was cold as a witch's tit outside (I'm talking 0 degrees as a high temperature). I actually picked up this ski mask the day before, the kind that covers all but the eyes and mouth, and I'm glad I did. It worked beautifully. I was already driving a substitute truck, because mine broke down the week before in Greencastle, IN (another story). Anyway, I get my deliveries done, go to the truckstop, and have to make a decision; do I let the truck run, go into the truckstop to eat, and risk the truck being stolen, or do I shut the truck off, and risk gelling the diesel? Had it been a regular company truck, we'd have more than one key, so the decision wouldn't have to be made, but, with a substitute, there was only one key, so I chose the latter. I shut the truck off, locked her up, and went in to eat. As I came back, however, the key wouldn't open the friggin lock! Damn! I thought I was gonna freeze out there! After trying the passenger side, and fiddling around with it for about 10 minutes (I always have the thought in mind, "Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes in these temperatures"), I finally got the damn thing open. Not again, I said to myself.
So, I go to do my second night of deliveries, and, wouldn't you know it, when I arrive at the first store, there are construction guys there, remodeling the front lobby. I thought "Can you believe this F'ing s__t?" I asked the guy how long they'd be there, and he said "Oh, about an hour and a half, two hours tops." I said, "Ok , let me go deliver another store, and I'll come back" which I did, two hours later. Yep, you guessed it, they were still there. I sat there for another hour and a half, before telling my dispatcher I was blowing it off. Of course, it had started snowing by this time, and several inches had accumulated during the time I waited. For me, it was a real George Bailey moment ("It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite movie). So, what to do?
The store is located in a small parking lot at the bottom of a hill, and, generally, once you make the commitment to go in there, you're commited. However, my frustration was such that I had to get outta there. So I carefully backed out onto the street, and, facing an uphill climb, spun my wheels, let my foot off the accelerator, and spun again, and again, until I finally climbed that sucker. Whew!
Needless to say, the rest of the night went about the same way: the bosses decided to have me skip the store entirely, go to my cheese pickup, and have them push the product still on my trailer foreward, putting a lesser number of pallets of cheese on behind. I still took 18 pallets (normally it's 20). So, to make a long story short, I got back to south-Chicagoland about 4:00pm
(I've been on duty, on paper, since midnight). Something was acting up on this truck too, so I had to have IT checked out. I got back to the base about 6:00 or so, got home by about 7. What a nightmare! And, I still have my wrapping, running around, etc. to take care of. See, this is the kind of thing that makes one lose the real meaning of Christmas. I try to take care of everything, so the family can have a nice holiday (heck, I even did most of the cooking), and, before you know it, it's gone...
I won't let that kind of thing happen ever again. If God is willing to have me around for another Christmas, I'll plan ahead, and WON'T be working that week!
More soon,
Steve
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Early Chill
Hello, again!
It's early December, and we've already had a couple of snow storms here in Chicago. Today is Sunday, the 7th, and our high temperature is going to be about 19. Brrrrr! It's too damn early for this crap! Back in the deep freeze, already? You gotta be kiddin' me! It's almost a carbon-copy of last year (so far, at least). Let's just hope we don't get the snowfall like last year. I mean, I'm not in Madison this year, Thank God, but still, this is a bit ridiculous.
It wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact my company won't allow us do idle the truck unless in the berth. Shit, I do it anyway. I consider it a safety issue, and will not compromise when it comes to safety. I've heard that the company would rather pay however much for a jump start, rather than waste the fuel. Is that crazy, or what? What they don't realize, however, is that you have to sit and wait, in a frozen cab, for who knows how long, for the tow truck or jumpstart guy to come out, and that is not comfortable at all. It's downright dangerous.
So, what do you do? Just have to suck it up, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Am I going to have to file a grievance with OSHA? I don't know yet, but I'm prepared to, believe me. Like I said, safety is something I don't compromise on; the company expects me to act in a safe and responsible manner, I think they should have the same obligation.
Time for more long johns.
More soon,
Steve
It's early December, and we've already had a couple of snow storms here in Chicago. Today is Sunday, the 7th, and our high temperature is going to be about 19. Brrrrr! It's too damn early for this crap! Back in the deep freeze, already? You gotta be kiddin' me! It's almost a carbon-copy of last year (so far, at least). Let's just hope we don't get the snowfall like last year. I mean, I'm not in Madison this year, Thank God, but still, this is a bit ridiculous.
It wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact my company won't allow us do idle the truck unless in the berth. Shit, I do it anyway. I consider it a safety issue, and will not compromise when it comes to safety. I've heard that the company would rather pay however much for a jump start, rather than waste the fuel. Is that crazy, or what? What they don't realize, however, is that you have to sit and wait, in a frozen cab, for who knows how long, for the tow truck or jumpstart guy to come out, and that is not comfortable at all. It's downright dangerous.
So, what do you do? Just have to suck it up, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Am I going to have to file a grievance with OSHA? I don't know yet, but I'm prepared to, believe me. Like I said, safety is something I don't compromise on; the company expects me to act in a safe and responsible manner, I think they should have the same obligation.
Time for more long johns.
More soon,
Steve
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgivings
Hello, again!
I know it has been a while - like I said before, I'm running out of B.S. Anyway, I'm thankful for a lot this year: the usual, life, my family, I'm gainfully employed, still relatively healthy, etc. I am also thankful (as most of the truckers reading this should be) that fuel prices have dropped. I can't tell you how tired I became of all the bitching and whining about the government, market manipulation, the Arabs, etc. over the last several months, so hopefully the truckers in the forums will find something else to moan about. I mean, look, I could complain about my job: being way-laid at the cheese plant for 4 frickin' hours, the oncoming cold, my company's policy about idling, to name a few, but, in the end it really doesn't help matters. I've found that bitching and moaning only creates more problems, such as hurt feelings and bad attitudes, so I try not to as much as possible.
I just go on doing what I do, cruising down the road at my governed 62mph on cruise, and watch all the dipshits fly past. I don't care any more. As I've said before, I kind of glad I don't use a CB radio, because I'd probably be cussing these morons out, generating, yes, hurt feelings and bad attitudes. See how that works? I still do my Wisconsin route on Tues/Wed and now I'm going to Indiana on Fri/Sat. It's ok, I mean, I thought heading south might be a nice change, now that the cold weather is coming on, but it's really not far enough south to make much of a difference, so, what are ya gonna do? Sometimes I think I'm surrounded by idiots: by that I mean, people who can't or won't do their job the right way. Unlike a lot of truckers, my job is dependent on others doing their jobs properly. So, when the warehouse goofballs screw up a load, or even the office girls don't get the paperwork right, it kinda pisses me off. But, like I said, I'm starting not to give a shit any more. I guess I'm a little bit jaded, I dunno...
Back to what I'm thankful for: like I mentioned, my job is secure. Even in these tough economic times, people will still go for cheap grub, and as long as they do, my employment is safe. My company is going gangbusters; it's quite a phenomenon, and I've yet to figure it out. My car is running, yay! I had to spend about $800 to completely overhaul the brakes, and now I need to focus on the emissions because my registration is almost up, so more money will be going into the Neon, but it runs! Now, my daughter, who is only weeks away from obtaining her license, is startng to prod me about a car for her. Hmmmmm.
I started this blog two years ago now, amazing how time gets by you. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my rantings & ravings. See, more to be thankful for. I've discovered, perhaps too late, but better late than never, that this life (even on the internet, where you can be mostly anonymous) is all about people. I have never been a "people" person, so it has been difficult for me to come to grips with. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely, and trying to be more understanding and tolerant of others. It's not always easy, with all the self-centeredness (euphemism) out there, but you do your best. The holidays seem particularly stressful, with crowds pushing and shoving, the commercialism of Christmas, and so forth. But you just have to keep on keeping on, for better or worse, and, with faith and purpose, you'll eventually get to where God wants you to be.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
Steve
I know it has been a while - like I said before, I'm running out of B.S. Anyway, I'm thankful for a lot this year: the usual, life, my family, I'm gainfully employed, still relatively healthy, etc. I am also thankful (as most of the truckers reading this should be) that fuel prices have dropped. I can't tell you how tired I became of all the bitching and whining about the government, market manipulation, the Arabs, etc. over the last several months, so hopefully the truckers in the forums will find something else to moan about. I mean, look, I could complain about my job: being way-laid at the cheese plant for 4 frickin' hours, the oncoming cold, my company's policy about idling, to name a few, but, in the end it really doesn't help matters. I've found that bitching and moaning only creates more problems, such as hurt feelings and bad attitudes, so I try not to as much as possible.
I just go on doing what I do, cruising down the road at my governed 62mph on cruise, and watch all the dipshits fly past. I don't care any more. As I've said before, I kind of glad I don't use a CB radio, because I'd probably be cussing these morons out, generating, yes, hurt feelings and bad attitudes. See how that works? I still do my Wisconsin route on Tues/Wed and now I'm going to Indiana on Fri/Sat. It's ok, I mean, I thought heading south might be a nice change, now that the cold weather is coming on, but it's really not far enough south to make much of a difference, so, what are ya gonna do? Sometimes I think I'm surrounded by idiots: by that I mean, people who can't or won't do their job the right way. Unlike a lot of truckers, my job is dependent on others doing their jobs properly. So, when the warehouse goofballs screw up a load, or even the office girls don't get the paperwork right, it kinda pisses me off. But, like I said, I'm starting not to give a shit any more. I guess I'm a little bit jaded, I dunno...
Back to what I'm thankful for: like I mentioned, my job is secure. Even in these tough economic times, people will still go for cheap grub, and as long as they do, my employment is safe. My company is going gangbusters; it's quite a phenomenon, and I've yet to figure it out. My car is running, yay! I had to spend about $800 to completely overhaul the brakes, and now I need to focus on the emissions because my registration is almost up, so more money will be going into the Neon, but it runs! Now, my daughter, who is only weeks away from obtaining her license, is startng to prod me about a car for her. Hmmmmm.
I started this blog two years ago now, amazing how time gets by you. I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my rantings & ravings. See, more to be thankful for. I've discovered, perhaps too late, but better late than never, that this life (even on the internet, where you can be mostly anonymous) is all about people. I have never been a "people" person, so it has been difficult for me to come to grips with. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely, and trying to be more understanding and tolerant of others. It's not always easy, with all the self-centeredness (euphemism) out there, but you do your best. The holidays seem particularly stressful, with crowds pushing and shoving, the commercialism of Christmas, and so forth. But you just have to keep on keeping on, for better or worse, and, with faith and purpose, you'll eventually get to where God wants you to be.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
More soon (?)
Steve
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Beliefs
So, what do you believe in? Interesting question. I've been hanging out a lot in trucker's forums lately, and boy, are they upset! Mostly over the cost of fuel - I can't blame them there. What I've noticed a lot of is an attitude of anger, mistrust (in the government, big oil, the media, you name it) and real bitterness. I realize it's their (our) livelihood we're talking about, but, man, have a little hope people! This "The world's against us" mentality is not going to make the situation better, in my view anyway. Activism is all well and good, and I've stated my support for the "cause" in my postings over there, but I honestly don't believe a shutdown, boycott or slowdown is going to do much good. The reason being is that not everyone can get on the same page, as they seem to have done in Europe. I don't know about over there, but here there are too many factions within the trucking industry. A shutdown means more business for the cheapshit carriers (I won't mention any names) who won't support a strike. What are we doing to help the victims of this flooding? Where's FEMA? People are asking for donations for the earthquake victims in China, but what about our own people?
I dunno, it just seems like it's every man for himself (sorry ladies). Instead of whining and bitching all the time, people should get off their arses and do something about it. Try other things. There is a freakin' WORLD of opportunity right in front of your faces (here, on the internet). You just have to open your eyes to the possibilities, that's all. Look, I'm not lashing out at any one group of truckers or people. I know the drivers that post on that forum all seem reasonably intelligent, and care about the crisis that's going on. It just seems there's a lot (too much) of negativity in the whole discussion.
I've been reading "The Secret" lately, and wow, are my eyes opened now. I've always believed that I would have abundance (wealth, etc.) in my life; I've just been too stubborn or negative to allow it to happen. Now, that is all going to change, and it can change for everybody, if they really want and expect it. My message here is one of hope. My life is about to change dramatically for the better, with or without the trucking industry, and I want that for all my fellow trucker brothers and sisters out there. It may sound corny, or hokey, but that's where I'm at right now, so deal with it. I wish all of you peace and prosperity, health and happiness in your lives, and most of all, love.
More soon,
Steve
I dunno, it just seems like it's every man for himself (sorry ladies). Instead of whining and bitching all the time, people should get off their arses and do something about it. Try other things. There is a freakin' WORLD of opportunity right in front of your faces (here, on the internet). You just have to open your eyes to the possibilities, that's all. Look, I'm not lashing out at any one group of truckers or people. I know the drivers that post on that forum all seem reasonably intelligent, and care about the crisis that's going on. It just seems there's a lot (too much) of negativity in the whole discussion.
I've been reading "The Secret" lately, and wow, are my eyes opened now. I've always believed that I would have abundance (wealth, etc.) in my life; I've just been too stubborn or negative to allow it to happen. Now, that is all going to change, and it can change for everybody, if they really want and expect it. My message here is one of hope. My life is about to change dramatically for the better, with or without the trucking industry, and I want that for all my fellow trucker brothers and sisters out there. It may sound corny, or hokey, but that's where I'm at right now, so deal with it. I wish all of you peace and prosperity, health and happiness in your lives, and most of all, love.
More soon,
Steve
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sticking Out
Yeah, so the company has these new decals they're putting on the trailers - hideous things!
I don't know how much money it's going to cost them, but...Hey, I don't give a rat's ass what they put on there, as long as the trailer's functional, and the reefer works, I'll pull the damn thing. Advertising, without spending money on traditional advertising, is the motivation. We
look like giant pumpkins rolling down the road; as long as I'm not confused with Schneider...lol
Since we don't use CBs (at least I don't), I'm sure I'll be getting more waves and "blow your horn" gestures from kids.
The past couple weeks (chit, the whole month of May) have been crazy: first, I get hit by a
speeding idiot while sitting at a light, south side of Chicago, at one in the morning. I was not a happy camper. The guy took out my left front quarter-panel, fucked up the front wheel. Had to wait 2 hours for a replacement unit (a daycab, which meant a motel room). They fixed the truck within about 10 days, and she rolls good as new. I tell ya, me and that Freightliner have been to
hell & back together. Anyway, the next thing that happened was I stabbed myself in the face with a knife. No kidding. I was cutting through some cardboard, then punched the cardboard, knife still in hand, bam! Right in the nose! Real smart, eh? And I bitch to my bosses about their
compromising on safety! Sheesh! After bleeding like a stuck pig for 10 minutes or so, I called my
dispatcher, told him what happened, and came on back. It's fine now, docs patched me up.
The knife thing was about 10 days ago. Last week, my lead driver took a key that I needed
off my keychain, so I couldn't deliver to my last store; I had to go pick up 14 (instead of the usual
20) pallets of cheese, put the customer's product on the ass end, then double back & do the delivery. After I was done, I had a little over 3 hours left. This was in West Bend, WI and I have
to get to the south 'burbs of Chicago. In 3 hours? Are you shittin' me? I mean, Milwaukee traffic's bad enough, but then you have the nightmare that is 94/294. So I found a truckstop and did my 10 hrs, then took off.
I've been taking alternate routes (mainly 90 thru Madison, Rockford) to stay away from that 294 mess. But, it turns out another driver needed the keys I did have and he was delivering in Milwaukee, so I found yet another truckstop, waited for him, handed off the keys, and came back via, you guessed it, 294. Actually, it's not too bad at midnight, mostly fast-drivin' trucks.
Again, not a happy camper.
Then, I'm heading up to Madison, and I find out the franchisee up there wants to see the new decals. So I go to the TA and find a spot on the end, so he can stop by any old time and check it out. All's I ask is he don't bug me when I'm trying to sleep (without A/C by the way - another story for another day). He never showed, so I go over to the store at closing time, and he's out there in the parking lot, creamin' his jeans over this new decal. He's like "Hey, that would be great advertising for our dinner rush!" So, basically he wants me up there every Friday, parked in his lot, so people driving by can see the trailer. Oh, JOY!
Let's see what they come up with this week - and give me something else to whine about.
More soon,
Steve
I don't know how much money it's going to cost them, but...Hey, I don't give a rat's ass what they put on there, as long as the trailer's functional, and the reefer works, I'll pull the damn thing. Advertising, without spending money on traditional advertising, is the motivation. We
look like giant pumpkins rolling down the road; as long as I'm not confused with Schneider...lol
Since we don't use CBs (at least I don't), I'm sure I'll be getting more waves and "blow your horn" gestures from kids.
The past couple weeks (chit, the whole month of May) have been crazy: first, I get hit by a
speeding idiot while sitting at a light, south side of Chicago, at one in the morning. I was not a happy camper. The guy took out my left front quarter-panel, fucked up the front wheel. Had to wait 2 hours for a replacement unit (a daycab, which meant a motel room). They fixed the truck within about 10 days, and she rolls good as new. I tell ya, me and that Freightliner have been to
hell & back together. Anyway, the next thing that happened was I stabbed myself in the face with a knife. No kidding. I was cutting through some cardboard, then punched the cardboard, knife still in hand, bam! Right in the nose! Real smart, eh? And I bitch to my bosses about their
compromising on safety! Sheesh! After bleeding like a stuck pig for 10 minutes or so, I called my
dispatcher, told him what happened, and came on back. It's fine now, docs patched me up.
The knife thing was about 10 days ago. Last week, my lead driver took a key that I needed
off my keychain, so I couldn't deliver to my last store; I had to go pick up 14 (instead of the usual
20) pallets of cheese, put the customer's product on the ass end, then double back & do the delivery. After I was done, I had a little over 3 hours left. This was in West Bend, WI and I have
to get to the south 'burbs of Chicago. In 3 hours? Are you shittin' me? I mean, Milwaukee traffic's bad enough, but then you have the nightmare that is 94/294. So I found a truckstop and did my 10 hrs, then took off.
I've been taking alternate routes (mainly 90 thru Madison, Rockford) to stay away from that 294 mess. But, it turns out another driver needed the keys I did have and he was delivering in Milwaukee, so I found yet another truckstop, waited for him, handed off the keys, and came back via, you guessed it, 294. Actually, it's not too bad at midnight, mostly fast-drivin' trucks.
Again, not a happy camper.
Then, I'm heading up to Madison, and I find out the franchisee up there wants to see the new decals. So I go to the TA and find a spot on the end, so he can stop by any old time and check it out. All's I ask is he don't bug me when I'm trying to sleep (without A/C by the way - another story for another day). He never showed, so I go over to the store at closing time, and he's out there in the parking lot, creamin' his jeans over this new decal. He's like "Hey, that would be great advertising for our dinner rush!" So, basically he wants me up there every Friday, parked in his lot, so people driving by can see the trailer. Oh, JOY!
Let's see what they come up with this week - and give me something else to whine about.
More soon,
Steve
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I'm baaaaack!
Hey, all you wonderful truckers out there!
I've decided to come back online, and do some more postings, in an attempt to offer my help to you truckers in this time of crisis. Listen, I realize that I've bashed truckers in the past, whether for looks, behavior, or driving style, etc. But I have to tell you that I truly respect & admire what truckers do for a living. I don't think (as I've said before) that I could do it. Your cause is a noble one, and I stand by your side in your efforts. What I would like to offer you is just a little different perspective on this whole fuel & economic crisis we're in. Let me also mention that I suffer when I go to the gas pump, just like most Americans. I just don't happen to drive my car as much (basically back & forth to work is all). But $60 - $80 to fill up? It's ridiculous, I know.
I think truckers have gotten a bad rap/rep for being uneducated hillbillies, and it's really not fair. If you've read my previous posts, from last year, I've said the same thing. But I understand now that I've been generalizing, and that's a dangerous thing to do.
What I'm here to share with you is this: if I could show you how to generate multiple streams of passive income (by passive, I mean, not having to actively work at it) would you guys & gals be willing to check it out? Look, I'm not saying any of these programs will make you rich (although it's possible), and I'm certainly not suggesting that anyone quit their jobs. Further, I am absolutely NOT going to try to sell you a darned thing! My motivation here is to try to help out the working man/woman, by showing you a whole world of opportunity out there on the internet. You can take or leave it as you please, all I ask is that you leave me your e-mail address, so I can give you pieces of information from time-to-time. It may be recommendations on programs that have worked for me, or it may be just an inspirational message. Rest assured, though, I will not be sending you e-mails every day, or week, for that matter. Just once in a while, I'd like to share my thoughts with you, and I would be grateful to hear your stories (success or otherwise) as well.
It's all about relationships: building solid personal & business relationships is the key in any business endeavor, and if you happen to make a lot of money in the process, so much the better. I am still a novice at this (as compared to a "newbie"), and certainly do not have all the answers. But I have learned from some of the best out there; I'm willing to share my ideas and strategies, and will honestly and openly listen to others' opinions as well. We are all in this thing together, and, the way I see it, we need to reach out and try to help each other.
So, if you are interested, by all means click on the link below, and let me know how you are doing frome time-to-time.
Thank you for reading, and God Bless,
Steve
http://tinyurl.com/6ztcrs
I've decided to come back online, and do some more postings, in an attempt to offer my help to you truckers in this time of crisis. Listen, I realize that I've bashed truckers in the past, whether for looks, behavior, or driving style, etc. But I have to tell you that I truly respect & admire what truckers do for a living. I don't think (as I've said before) that I could do it. Your cause is a noble one, and I stand by your side in your efforts. What I would like to offer you is just a little different perspective on this whole fuel & economic crisis we're in. Let me also mention that I suffer when I go to the gas pump, just like most Americans. I just don't happen to drive my car as much (basically back & forth to work is all). But $60 - $80 to fill up? It's ridiculous, I know.
I think truckers have gotten a bad rap/rep for being uneducated hillbillies, and it's really not fair. If you've read my previous posts, from last year, I've said the same thing. But I understand now that I've been generalizing, and that's a dangerous thing to do.
What I'm here to share with you is this: if I could show you how to generate multiple streams of passive income (by passive, I mean, not having to actively work at it) would you guys & gals be willing to check it out? Look, I'm not saying any of these programs will make you rich (although it's possible), and I'm certainly not suggesting that anyone quit their jobs. Further, I am absolutely NOT going to try to sell you a darned thing! My motivation here is to try to help out the working man/woman, by showing you a whole world of opportunity out there on the internet. You can take or leave it as you please, all I ask is that you leave me your e-mail address, so I can give you pieces of information from time-to-time. It may be recommendations on programs that have worked for me, or it may be just an inspirational message. Rest assured, though, I will not be sending you e-mails every day, or week, for that matter. Just once in a while, I'd like to share my thoughts with you, and I would be grateful to hear your stories (success or otherwise) as well.
It's all about relationships: building solid personal & business relationships is the key in any business endeavor, and if you happen to make a lot of money in the process, so much the better. I am still a novice at this (as compared to a "newbie"), and certainly do not have all the answers. But I have learned from some of the best out there; I'm willing to share my ideas and strategies, and will honestly and openly listen to others' opinions as well. We are all in this thing together, and, the way I see it, we need to reach out and try to help each other.
So, if you are interested, by all means click on the link below, and let me know how you are doing frome time-to-time.
Thank you for reading, and God Bless,
Steve
http://tinyurl.com/6ztcrs
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