Amusing factual stories - real life experiences in trucking

[BigEasy]

FYI Doc I have a post in the new driver help and would like you to take a look at it and tell me if I should delete it or edit it.Its droping to the bottom fast with only 69 views and no replys as to its helpfullness.TY good to see you still posting hope I get to meet you some day.
how about a moose
:moose:

[BigEasy]

19415
getting there slowly but surely 20,000 by the new year shouldn't be a problem :!:

[Doctor Who]

Getting written up for being a good samaritan

Last Wednesday I was following an O/O back to the New Bern asphalt plant, we were cruising along US17 when the O/O locked his brakes up all I could see for about a second was his tyre smoke and what I thought was a truck heading into his lane. Fortunately there wasn't a headon between the two trucks but what I did manage to see was a Ford Taurus doing a couple of piroettes(sp.) down the highway coming to rest in the middle of the road. The O/O, John, jumped out of his truck to check on the "chip truck" driver, who was visibly shaken. When asked how he was the driver just said he needed to change his "drawers"! In the mean time I grabbed the first aid kit out of my truck, I do carry a certified Red Cross kit, and hobbled down to the Taurus, all the while noticing that no one would go near it. My first guess was the spectators thought the driver was dead. When I got to the car I saw that the driver was conscience but badly injured, not so much from the accident but from the airbag. First thing I said to him was "Damn dude you look bad!!"
His response "What happened???"
I told him from what I had seen and was told that he crossed the center line and ran underneath the left tyres of the "chip truck"!
I then asked him what highway he was on and he said 70..
"Wrong answer!" I told him "Try again!"
He did say 17 the second time.
"What kind of car where you driving???" I asked him
He did say it was a Taurus.
"It's an Escort now!" I replied..

I took care of his injuries, which consisted of a large laceration on his jaw, broken nose and I believe he bit his tounge but wasn't about to dig into his mouth to find out! I stayed with the guy to keep him from going into shock...
One of the spectators had the audacity to ask me if I was concerned about the driver having "AIDS" I turned to the guy and told him that I had more fear of some dumb ass in NYC hitting me with a Honda mini-van than I did with an injured driver having H.I.V.!

About 10 minutes later the highway patrol arrived and the investigation began. As one officer took my statement I told him if the driver in the Taurus was in the olympics for figure skating the Russian judge would have only given him a 5.5, the officer was a bit baffled, I continued by saying that the technique sucked but the execution was great... He did laugh!! He also asked me about the first aid and I told him I was a volunteer with the Red Cross and learned it through them, all that information went into the report...

More than a hour went by and we, John and I, were on our way back to the plant. Upon arrival the job foreman was having a fit, John explained to him that he did call the control operator telling him of our situation but the foreman didn't want to hear it, he sent John home and told me I was getting written up for delaying a load, I told this guy I was with the Red Cross and just couldn't walk away from an injured person... I kept my anger in check as I pulled under the silo to get reloaded.

When I returned for my next load the foreman handed me the write up form, I refused to sign it and proceeded to tell him what I thought of him, his parentage, where he could go and what to do with himself when he got there. I then tore up the form, threw it in his face and left New Bern going back to the home domicile. When I got there the fleet superintendent was waiting for me, brought me in his office and had me tell him what had transpired. I was fully expecting to get fired. After I told him the whole story he told me not to worry, the O/O had called him and told him what had happened.
The super also told me the foreman was terminated by the big boss after he was given the information. Didn't make me feel good though, I hate to see anyone lose their job...
The super also told me he was glad to have a driver like me.
I asked him... "What, a driver from Brooklyn with a bad attitude??"
He threw me out of his office but was smiling when he did it!!!

A side note; The Taurus drivers wife called me that night, I guess the HP gave her my phone number, thanking me for helping her husband and if she can pay me for my time. I told her it wasn't necessary but if she was in a giving mood she could make a donation to the American Red Cross, Blood Services or Disaster Relief. She did, to the chapter I'm a volunteer with, which I just found out this morning from a call from the Chapter Director, the woman made a $500 donation to the Disaster Relief fund.

Doc you really are 1 in a million !!!



I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving....You deserve it !!

[L18 - post only]

Ditto! What Snow said!

Doc to foreman

[Doctor Who]

Feeding a crowd on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 1980:

I was living in an old farm house the "Funny Farm" (Yes NJ does have farmhouses) with a few other drivers when someone came up with an ingenious plan to feed any and all truckers who were out and about on the holiday. Two days before the holiday we went to the store bought 10 turkeys to add to the turkeys we received from the boss plus, plenty of veggies and all the other amenities that usually is associated with Thanksgiving...
Early Thursday morning, I started cooking (Yes I do cook) with a lot of help of course. Meanwhile, one of the non cooks spun the "Moonraker" 6 element beam towards the Turnpike to announce the feast. The response was less than overwhelming and continued to be so until noon when two teams showed up. We proceeded to feed them and they suggested that we get a sign put up somewhere on the Turnpike to aid in our quest. A quick call to a friend provided a pick up and enough plywood to make a HUGE sign plus, with a little help from Dads friends the sign was set up and the feast was on.

Of course the day wouldn't have been complete without some miserable POS calling the local LEOs complaining about the dinner. The local PD was run off by the State Police, who were at the dinner also.

By the end of the day we had fed close to 150 people, truckers, state LEOs, local LEOs, and whatever else wandered up the driveway. The best part was we had plenty of room to park all the vehicles.

We did have plenty of left overs so, we packaged it all up and made a run into New Brunswick(NJ) and donated the food to the Rescue Mission, which was accepted gladly!!!

When all was said and done all of the residents of the "Funny Farm" realized that we had not eaten a bite all day......

OH WOW, Page 28 Pacers 12

[lexmark]

Well, I'm caught up now..

To doctor who and everyone else that posts here, keep the stories coming. For someone looking to get into the industry, most of hte stories are a hell of a lot better than reading about sitting for 6 hours waiting to unload and all the negative stuff that almost everyone talks about.

[wanderingson]

Yeah lexmark,I agree. It's good that you can see the positive side of trucking.

Cool story Doc,about the Taurus driver. You did the right thing. The way I see it,no load is more important than a human life. I was in a similiar situation a few years ago,though not as profound as your story Doc......

I was traveling on I94 westbound, between Milwaukee and Madison,WI. Was heading to Madison to deliver,and came up the crest of hill,and at the top,I saw a 4 wheeler in the median. I could tell right away that he had just wrecked,as he was in the center of the grassy median,pointing the wrong way,plus the roof of the car was flat as a pancake.He obviously rolled over. Don't know how,the pavement was dry. Maybe he fell asleep or something.
Anyhow,I had about 2 seconds to decide whether or not to stop and help. I was rollin at 65,and all of a sudden I came upon this. It was a no brainer-kind of like instinct, I hit the brakes and eased over to the right shoulder and stopped. I put on my 4 ways,and ran across the hiway to the 4 wheeler. I was the first one there,so I wasn't sure what I would find,as I approached the car. Just as I was approaching the car,I looked on the opposite side of the hiway,and there was another couple coming to help also.
When I got to the car,I was amazed to see that anyone could survive....there was only one person in the car,a guy who looked to be in his mid-20's. He was awake,but his upper body covered in blood. At that point,the couple had gotten there from the other side of the freeway.
I said to him,are you alright? (I know,stupid question) He couldn't speak,and just looked at me,he was white as a ghost.
I grabbed my cell phone,and was about to call 911,but the couple that was there had already done so,before they ran out to help.
I asked the accident victim if there was anyone he would want me to call,and again,he just looked at me,and couldn't speak. It was obvious that he was going into shock,so I and the other couple just tried to keep him awake until help arrived. We thought about trying to get him out of the car,but I said,no,its better to not move him. the car was not on fire or anything.
It took only about 10 minutes,and the medics arrived. When I saw them pull up,I walked back to my truck and continued on. I had to deliver in Madison by 5:30,but here it was 5:15 already,and I had at least 40 minute drive to get there. I didn't care about that,and I called my dispatch,and told them what happened. Apparently,this place in Madison closes at 6,so they wanted time to unload me(it was a union co) before quitting time.
Well,I rolled in there at 5 mins to 6. I was expecting the worst,like,come back tomorrow,were closing! But instead,when I walked in,the receiving guy said that he heard about the accident,and that my company called to let them know I'd be a little late. Well,they seemed grateful,and unloaded me anyhow.
So to make this LONG story short, I can relate to Doc's story. There are many bad stereotypes out there about us drivers,but we are usually the first to stop and help out someone in need. I wish the general public would realize that,and stop putting truckers down.

To all who read this....happy thanksgiving! And especially to the drivers who want to be home,but can't....we are thinking of you!

Keep on truckin'

[Doctor Who]

So to make this LONG story short, I can relate to Doc's story. There are many bad stereotypes out there about us drivers,but we are usually the first to stop and help out someone in need. I wish the general public would realize that,and stop putting truckers down.

Can I get an AMEN brothers and sisters...

Wanderingson your story is a real testament to what a real professional driver does and to correct something you wrote it is every much as profound as mine so, hopefully you'll continue to add more stories to the site...

Lexmark:

You'll find as you get closer to your goal that just about every person, who has held a steering wheel for a living, has an arsenal of tales to tell!

most of hte stories are a hell of a lot better than reading about sitting for 6 hours waiting to unload and all the negative stuff that almost everyone talks about.

Trust me I have a few journals full of really bad experiences being delayed loading and unloading but as the origininator of this thread had stated he was looking for the amusing side of this profession. I have found after 30+ years of driving even some of the hateful moments can have an amusing outcome especially if the person has a bizarre sense of reality or, humour as the case warrents!!!

Enjoy the day I've still have a lot of cooking left to do!!!

[lexmark]

Trust me I have a few journals full of really bad experiences being delayed loading and unloading

Oh I do believe you. I just meant that it's nice to be able to read something that doesn't reflect all the negatives of this industry. It's seems like that's about all I ever read about.

[crazytex]

**Peeks in and makes an appearance***** HAPPY HOLIDAYS *****Jumps back into the Shifty Swifty Truck to deliver another load*****

[wanderingson]

Thanks for the kind words Doc. It means a lot coming from a driver like you....30+ years?!! That's awesome....hope I make it that long! I think that I will,its in my blood.(for 6+ yrs now)

[wanderingson]

Ok,no blood or gore here...I think you all will find this amusing....

I was waiting at my pick-up for a dock. (sound familiar? LOL) It was a nice summer day. I had my trailer doors open,waiting for my turn. I finally backed in,went inside,and opened the dock door. I looked in the trailer,and to my amazement,there was a bird flying around inside! I believe it was a sparrow. Poor little guy! He didn't know which way was out!

I told the forklift driver that there was an unexpected guest in the trailer,and asked if he wanted me to pull out and free this critter first. I was worried that the bird would get into their plant. He said,no,thats ok,and proceeded to load me. All the while,the bird would fly fore and aft of the trailer,avoiding the forklift. I was kinda surprised,I figured the shippers wouldn't want bird crap on their product! But everything was boxed and stretch wrapped,so I guess it didn't matter.

So,I go to deliver the load,about 45 minutes from pick-up( my company does LTL and OTR) I open the doors,hoping the bird would fly out,but no luck. I couldn't see the bird,but knew he was still in there. I go into the receiver,and tell them that I had a "stowaway" and that he may or may not be in there by the time I back in.I was hoping he'd fly out while I was talking to the receivers.I go out and back the truck in,hoping that the bird escaped. No,not this time,he was still there,at first sitting on the floor between the skids,but then while unloading,started flying around again.I couldn't believe that the bird could not find his way out,I'm sure he was just scared.
Well,I toted my new co-driver around for most of the day,when finally,at my last pick-up,I opened the doors,and he took off like a bat out of hell! I was relieved,I guees the bird finally saw the light! LOL

You gotta love truckin'! Hope you all find this funny...but at the time it was a pain the *****

[Doctor Who]

Lexmark wrote;

I just meant that it's nice to be able to read something that doesn't reflect all the negatives of this industry. It's seems like that's about all I ever read about.

Yes it is a shame that is all that's ever printed, typed in a message forum and so on, it's the nature of the beast, so to speak.

No matter where the drivers are from Canada, US, Mexico, Europe, etc. there will always be the group that has nothing but bad to say about the industry, trucking companies, and fellow drivers it is a given in this profession. The miserable group will justify that misery or, poor career move, by talking down to anyone and everyone about anyone and everyone. I'm not sure about the other professions but I believe the trucking industry holds this honour all to itself!!!

Lex, I do believe you stated that you're trying to enter this profession, I will say to you is learn all you can and be the best driver you can be. Take all the negative press and nay saying and turn them into positives and never once let anyone belittle you for being a professional driver.

[Doctor Who]

Rattle snake.... Great eating


Back quite a few years ago I had the privilege of pulling a liquid nitrogen trailer to Amarillo, Texas. When I arrived at the unloading spot one of the workers warned me about rattle snakes, he told me that the critters loved shade. This much I knew from way back in grade school. With all the warnings and pleasantries out of the way I started to hook all the essential components to start the unloading process when I heard a ?hissing? sound, first I checked the expansion relief valve, nothing there. Something told me to look under the storage tank and sure enough there was a very angry rattler, who was getting angrier by the second. I wasn?t sure what to do at first but I did know that I didn?t want to be the recipient of the snakes charm. I grabbed the discharge hose, opened the valve and shot the snake with the nitrogen for about 5 seconds, the temperature of the nitrogen at unloading was -200, after 5 seconds the snake was pretty well solid, I then proceeded to hook up and unload the trailer into the tank.

I reached under the storage tank and pulled out the very well frozen reptile and a sudden pang of dread overcame me? ?Damn? I thought to myself ?This thing is going to be pissed when it finally thaws out!!!?
A plant person came up from behind startling me which, in turn, caused me to drop the snake. We both watched in amazement as the snake shattered into a bunch of pieces as it hit the ground. The only thing I could think of at the moment was the Rolling Stones song; ?Shattered?
The plants employee shook his head, signed the paperwork and said something about making peace with the Snake Gods, or something like that?

After the unloading show was over I drove to the local Amarillo truck stop to take the mandatory break. I asked the truck stop people where the best place to eat was and they directed me to the Big Texan, I drove to the restaurant and had ?Rattlesnake? for dinner. I did ask the server if the snake on the plate could have been a relative of the snake I broke earlier in the day?

DOC you are a total goofball. I mean that in the kindest way. :P

DOC you are a total goofball.

:shock: This coming from a man who hears voices !!!!!

[Doctor Who]

This coming from a man who hears voices !!!!!

Uh-oh I can see another he said-she said coming on...

While those two discuss their mutual differences, I will make an addendum to the the snake story, liquid oxygen and propane can be used as well. The propane was used on a very agitated Water Moccassin not too long ago....

As always there's more to come...

[Rob_0126]

This coming from a man who hears voices !!!!!

Uh-oh I can see another he said-she said coming on...

While those two discuss their mutual differences, I will make an addendum to the the snake story, liquid oxygen and propane can be used as well. The propane was used on a very agitated Water Moccassin not too long ago....

As always there's more to come...

I bet if you used the liquid oxygen on the snake, you could have a nice trophy.

[wanderingson]

Hey Doc,your story reminded me of the movie Terminator 2.....if any of you have seen it...remember when the "bad" terminator was driving the tanker full of liquid nitrogen? And then he wiped out,and got covered in the nitrogen,and was frozen? Then Arnie shot him,and he shattered into a million pieces.I was wondering if that is what would really happen,I guess you answered that doc! I've never hauled hazmat or pulled a tanker,but I have a lot of respect for those who do