Amusing factual stories - real life experiences in trucking

[bluebeetle]

[color=#000000ost_uid0]Gee....that question is in the same category as "Are there enough Soap operas on tv?" and "Will reality tv ever get any viewers?" or "Will the internet ever become popular?"

Very enjoyable! Reminds me of listening to my dad tell some of his tales! Thanks![/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[quoteost_uid0="bluebeetle"][color=#000000ost_uid0]Gee....that question is in the same category as "Are there enough Soap operas on tv?" and "Will reality tv ever get any viewers?" or "Will the internet ever become popular?"

Very enjoyable! Reminds me of listening to my dad tell some of his tales! Thanks![/colorost_uid0][/quoteost_uid0]
[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]I guess it will be all the above!!!!

Stories your Dad tells?? I'm not that old, at least I don't think I am?!?!?! :aktion088:[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>Last evening the XYL and I were watching TV and the 12 year old came home from a friends house with the friend and her mother. They were complaining about the cold rain. In a fit of boredom I switched the channel to check the Weather Channel, just for grins and giggles. I pointed out that it was snowing in West Virginia. The XYL started to laugh, our daughter asked us what was so funny, so we told her about Moms first ride in a "Large" car to Morgantown, West Virginia and the Snowstorm.

January, 1982 and we were just married a month. It was a Friday evening and the phone rang, of course it could only be the "Travel Agent" and he asked me if I could take a load of Phenol to Morgantown, WV (Notice: Could meant I didn't have a choice) I told the agent I would, the wife asked if she could go with me. I hesitated before I would answer her. I told her that Phenol was poisonous and if any got on the skin it would kill a person. She insisted and I finally gave in.
I called my boss and told him that I was taking the load and he told me not to use my tractor due to the weight restrictions and that he would arrange for the company we leased the truck to, to let me use a company truck. It didn't sound promising.

The wife and I drove to the tank lines terminal, she sat in the car while I went to check in with dispatch. Out of the kindness of his evil little heart the dispatcher had a local driver load the tank for me and everything was hooked up and ready to go. I was shocked, to say the least! I drove over to where the truck was parked and found it was a Mack R model, which meant no sleeper! I figured it would be useless to complain!

I pulled out of the yard and headed for the NJ turnpike and after the second traffic light the wife said to drop her off and she would walk home, she wasn't prepared for the "SLOSH" factor associated with Tanker Yanking. The other factor that made this trip bad was the fact I had to follow the companys route, which meant going south on 95 into Maryland then west to Frederick MD and across the Haz-Mat Route, which I believe is now called I-68.
Fast Forward:
We pulled into the truckstop in Frederick to get fuel and take a break, as I pulled up to the fuel pumps, one of the many Lot Lizards jumped up on the fuel tank and asked if I wanted a good time. I asked this "Nightmare from Maryland" what was I going to do with her pointing to the wife. The wife just stared at her. The Lizard thought better of it and jumped off the tank, I felt the trailer jerk, for a moment, I thought I had run her over!! The wife asked me what that "HORRIBLE" thing was and I told her. She was shocked and commented that she had nothing to worry about! I wasn't sure what she was talking about...

After breaktime we got back on the road only to run into a snowstorm, not a small storm, but a BIG storm. I could see the look of panic on the wifes face. Now, anyone who has run the Haz-Mat Route will atest to the fact that there are some interesting hills. The wife asked me what I would do if a car pulled out in front of us as we were coming down the hill. I told her they'd get hit. I noticed it was a small comfort.

We did make it to Morgantown, I stopped at a small motel and dropped the wife off and then proceeded to go to the chemical plant. I made the turn onto the street and I had my own panic attack. The hill was steep and some Genius thoughtfully put a stop sign in the middle of it. I tried to stop at the intersection, but the trailer had other ideas, I looked in the mirror and saw the back end was coming around, so I let off the brake and slid through the intersection SIDEWAYS!!! I tapped the brakes hoping to get the truck straightened out, well it did straighten out alright BACKWARDS. I didn't believe it myself, but I did get it slowed down and backed into the driveway. The guard, who had witnessed this, came out and said that it was the first time he'd seen anyone do what I did. I told him that I couldn't take credit for it. I was scared to death I thought for sure my wife would be a widow after just a month of marriage!
I got the wagon unloaded and hauled ass back up the hill and pulled into the motel parking lot. I didn't tell the wife what had happened.
I took my 8 hours off and we headed back to NJ as fast as the Mack would go.
I told the wife about the slide down the hill four months later.
She has never asked to ride with me again!!! Can't understand why??</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044640052

[bluebeetle]

[color=#000000ost_uid0]Well maybe you aren't that old, just good at describing the stories in a way that makes it very visual!

And you don't know I might be really young![/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>We posted at about the same time...

I'm not so sure about the "REALLY" young part....

I was taught way back in the day, if I was creating a story I had to write it in such a way as to make the reader believe they were actually there to witness the event, whether it be factual or fictional</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044613096

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>This story is not so amusing, however it is a testament to how dangerous pulling a tanker can be!!!

A long time ago in the last century I had a load of wax to deliver to a small manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. It was a cold day in late November, typical Pennsylvania type day to say the least.

The plant was rather small and quite hard to find plus, the directions I had left alot to be desired! I finally found the place at about 3 in the afternoon. I didn't know what to expect when I drove up the narrow twisting drive until I pulled into the small parking area. "This is going to be real good!" I thought to myself.
I went to the office and told the lady I was there to deliver the wax, she called the foreman and he pointed to the spot where I was to unload the wagon.
I started to get everything set up, hoses fittings, steam line. Wax is loaded at 195 degrees, in the winter steam is used to keep the temperature up to keep the wax from solidifying. I hooked the hoses to the truck and went to hook the hose to the wall pipe when I noticed a lot of wax on the wall. The foreman came out and I asked him "What in he11 happened here?"
He told me that a Matlack Tank lines truck that unloaded before me had a hose break. I thought about it a minute, I didn't remember seeing a Matlack truck when I was driving up to the plant. I did ask the foreman if someone had cleaned the line out. I was assured it was. First mistake in Tanker Yanking, never trust anyone, always check. I was complaisant!
The foreman opened the valves, while I started the tractor pump, which I let run for a few minutes to get everything warm. Then I opened the trailer valves and let the wax fly! I kept noticing the pump was straining and the hose was bouncing more than usual. I figured it was just my imagination. Second mistake!
About 20 minutes went by when the foreman reappeared and said the wax was not flowing like it should and went back inside. No sooner than he closed the door the hose exploded and I got covered in 195 degree wax from head to foot. The wax would've been in my eyes if it weren't for my glasses! The BOOM was so loud all the people in the plant came running out. The foreman asked what he could do and I told him to shut the valves. Wax went everywhere, up the side of the building, down the driveway and covered the owners Mercedes. He was pissed!!
I shut the pump down and then I was brought inside for medical attention. I had first and second degree burns on my head, face, hands and arms, even though I had a thick jacket on!
After the rescue squad left I called dispatch and informed them of the incident making sure they took the report. I also called my boss and explained the incident to him. He asked me if I needed for him to come get me. I told him no I'll drive back.
Before I left, the foreman came to me and said that there had been a plug of wax in the line and he "Guessed" that's what caused the hose to explode. A real comforting thought!

I drove until I got to Harrisburg and stopped in the T/A to get something to eat. I walked by the fuel counter and the manager saw me and asked what had happened and I told her. She handed me a bunch of towels and told me to get into the shower and stay there as long as I needed no charge!
I stayed in the shower for a hour and still couldn't get the wax out of my hair. I thanked the manager for the free shower and she also gave me a free meal, who was I to argue?
after I ate I went to walk out of the restaurant and walked into a real big dude, I looked up at him and he asked "What happened to you, son?!?"
I told him and he said come on back inside and have a Coca Cola with him and his friends. I wasn't about to argue with this guy, besides I would have been crazy not to accept an offer from Charlie Daniels.
I didn't see the tour busses pull in. I spent about 2 hours talking with Mr. Daniels and the band. It did make me forget about the pain I was in!</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044897446

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>After reading a post by Kenworth75 asking about his dog and I mentioned a ferret....Memories started trickling back
THE FERRET AND THE FREIGHTLINER

Yes at one time I did have occasion to drive a Freightliner Cabover, not really my idea, but the boss insisted.
A friend asked if I could please take her Ferret, due to the fact her boyfriend had major problems with it! Yeah he did have major problems, the Ferret didn't like him one bit and whenever the boyfriend tried to get "frisky" with the lady the Ferret would bite him. Jealous I guess!

Well, I had to go on a long road trip and I didn't have time to get a cage for "Bandit", so I took him with me. The Ferret adapted to the Freightliner quickly, he made his bed underneath the clutch pedal and defended that spot fiercely!
I stopped at a hardware store and bought a few pieces of plastic pipe and fittings and made a little maze for him to play in just to keep him out of my hair!!!

We rode to Amarillo, Texas made the delivery and ended up laying over. I checked into a motel and made sure I hid Bandit from the manager.

Later that evening, I decide to go down to the lounge and mingle with the locals. I was concerend about leaving Bandit in the room alone. Ferrets have an over zealous curiosity factor. I didn't want to leave him in the truck, so I stuck him down my button down shirt and carried him into the lounge.
I sat down at a table and told the barmaid I wanted a beer and a clean ashtray. I have to explain here, I don't smoke, but Bandit had a passion for beer. Draw your own conclusion!

The barmaid brought the beer and the ashtray, no sooner did she put the items down Bandit popped out of my shirt and the young lady screamed, dropped her tray and ran across the lounge. The bouncer came over and asked me what was going on. I had stuffed Bandit back down my shirt. I told the bouncer I had no idea what got into the chick!
I moved over to the bar and sat down next to a fine looking Texas lady and we talked about all kinds of things. Bandit , of course, decided he wanted to check out the lady. He climbed out of my shirt and ran up on my shoulder. He made quite a conversation piece. He didn't bother the lady and she took to him right away!
Bandit decided to go exploring and walked across my shoulder and down my left arm to investigate the Cowboy sitting next to me. I heard the guy say something and Bandit ran back up my arm to my shoulder. The Cowboy told me my creature tried to drink his beer. I apologized and bought this guy another beer. I did ask the Cowboy if he hit Bandit and he said that he swung at the little ####. I told him that was the wrong thing to do.
It couldn't have been more than 5 minutes when I heard the guy yell in pain, I turned and saw Bandit hanging on to the guys ear. All I said was "Shouldn't have hit him!"
Well, the bouncer and the bartender did escort us out of the lounge!!!

Next morning, I picked up a load in Amarillo and headed up to New Haven, Connecticut.
Bandit was a big hit in every truck stop I went into.
I made the delivery in Connecticut and deadheaded back to NJ.

We, Bandit and I, were cruising down I-95, when a wreck occured. The unfortunate part was I witnessed this so I had to stop. The Connecticut State Police investigated the wreck and were taking statements.
I had the drivers side door open and really didn't pay any attention to Bandit. The officer came up to me and asked me all the questions associated to the wreck, when Bandit awoke from his many naps. He yawned and stretched and the cop jumped back and asked what it was. I asked him what was he refering to and he pointed to the clutch pedal. I told him that it was a clutch pedal.
He said no the fuzzy thing. I told him that was Bandit and he was a Dachshund. The officer didn't believe me. He said that Bandit was an exotic animal and they are FORBIDDEN in Connecticut. Well, there isn't a sign at the state line stating that piece of information. The officer said it was still a state law and he would have to take Bandit and have him destroyed.
I picked Bandit up and told the officer he wasn't going to do any such thing!!!
This was the one time I was glad to see the Media. the reporter heard the arguing and came over to see what the fuss was about. I told the reporter that the officer was going to take my critter, who was my riding companion and have him destroyed. The reporter asked the officer if it was true, all the officer could say was "Take your creature and get out of the state!!"
I thanked him, climbed back into the Freightliner, set Bandit on the doghouse and drove off.
That was the last trip Bandit went on.. Two weeks later someone took him from my house!!!</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Night Rider]

[color=#FF0000ost_uid0]Doc, sounds like you have all the fun!

I'm not sure if any of my tales will equal yours, but I'll try!

It was many moons ago and I did haul freight other than heavy equipment.
I drove for Carretta Trucking and ran coast to coast in a Peterbilt Cabover. Not bad for the day!! In those days Carretta was a good company to drive for, the management took care of their people.
Of course to do the coast to coast it had to be run as a team. Take out loads of Revlon and bring back mostly produce and deliver to the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx, NY!

On one trip to California we, my partner and I, had to layover, so we went cruising up and down Hollywood Blvd. My partner was a newbie, who had never been away from home before, so he was just amazed at all the goings on in Hollywood. I spotted a fine looking female and stopped the truck. I told this lady my partner was in need of some fun. She chatted with him for a few minutes and talked him in to getting out of the truck and going with her. I sat in the truck and waited. It had to have been all of 5 minutes when I heard my partner yelling and when he climbed back in the truck he was white as a sheet. All he kept saying was that the woman was a guy!
I told him welcome to Hollywood, where nothing is real!! He called the dispatcher and complained. He never went back out on another trip![/colorost_uid0]

[kenworth75]

[color=#000080ost_uid0]I am glad i was able to send you back into a time warp Dr. My dog is a 61lbs boxer and he has outlasted my marriage. I thank you for letting me know the joys of tank yankin. Sounds like fun and is a challenge. Thank you.[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Thanks Kenworth. The tales are just a small taste of the joys of Tanker Yanking with the exception of the wax!! However, there is a more serious side to Tanker Yanking that a driver needs to be aware of.
There is nothing like pulling the first load of liquid in a single hole tank to grab a new drivers attention and make them sit up and take notice!!!

If you have any questions about pulling tankers you can ask in the forum, or send me a private message and when I get the chance I'll try to answer them!!

For what it is worth, I have also pulled flatbeds back in the day!!

I got to go the satellites have found me again!

Till the next time America</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>This little blip will not be in the book, but I thought it would fit in well here!!
I'm not sure if it really is amusing, but it is interesting!!!

I left out of Delanco, NJ 0dark30 Monday and drove towards the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I had two stops one to Perdue Chicken and the other to a roadside pottery shop located near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel. Then it was on to Concord NC with one stop on Tuesday..

I delivered Perdue at 0600 and the pottery at 0915. I made the left hand turn on Route 13 and drove towards the bridge.
I pulled up to the toll booth and paid the $30.00 for the privelege to proceed onto the bridge, when the toll collecter told me she couldn't let me go. I asked her why and she said the truck was too high. I looked in the mirror and told her the truck is only 13' 4" the tunnel is 14'. She said I couldn't go through due to the ice on the trailer! I asked her what ice and all she told me to do was park on the side and an officer would come out and inspect the truck. I didn't argue, I pulled under a rack and an officer came out and looked at the trailer and went up the stairs to the top of the rack and said there was ice on the roof and that I would have to climb up on the roof to knock it off!
Yeah, right!! I asked if I could use their rack and they said NO!
Well, I called the dispatcher and told her and she gave me the authorization to run out of route!!!
Lot's of fun, the officer even made the comment that I should have checked the roof...I did tell him that it was hard to do when it was dark and that my X-RAY vision was not working very well!!!

Got to love trucking the only profession where folks are paid to be entertained!!!

Hey Look PAGE 3!!!!!!!!!!!</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1047489600

[bluebeetle]

[color=#000000ost_uid0]Yeah, but did you get your $30 back?[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Oh yeah, I made sure I had the $30 in my hand before I made the uturn and went back north on 13!!

And for what it's worth, the ICE did fall off the trailer, I'm guessing the folks behind me were none too happy!!

I was also going to mention the spirited discussion I got into with a straight truck driver on Tuesday at my third stop.
This guy jumped in front of me and backed in the dock, yeah it pissed me off and I told him what I thought about his parentage. Real trucker he was! However, all good things comes to those who wait and suffer through the inconsiderate and ignorant. The dock boss walked up to that driver and told him he had to wait until I was unloaded, which was going to be about two hours,since he really needed the freight I had, but didn't have the room to unload it!!! To say the "professional" was upset would be an understatement. He was so mad he cussed me and, like a spoiled child, yelled he wasn't moving his truck!! I just gave him my best Doctor Who look and told him that it didn't matter I'd just back in the tight space along side of him and what really got his attention was I told the dock boss I hadn't been on an 18 in quite a long time and that I really needed the practice!!!
After I backed in I asked this guy if he was paid by the hour. He wouldn't answer me....HOW RUDE!!!

Trucking, ya just got to love it!!!!</span> ::[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Hey Alan, this is for you!!!!

Another snippet from the CHEMICAL BROTHERS archives!!

A long time ago in the last century the brother and I were dispatched on a load of Indulin to deliver in Fernly Nevada. I made mention to the Travel Agent that it was maybe not such a wise choice to send us, but he insisted!
It was a rather uneventful ride out, to say it was boring would be an understatement. Did get some great video shots though!!!
Fernly is somewhat, but not quite, a suburb of Reno. After we unloaded at the plant we headed for Reno to get our next dispatch or whatever the dispatch Gods had in store!
I forgot to mention that we had passed the Mustang Ranch on our way there and the brother had made a comment about wanting to see the place, so I took a photograph of it, while I was driving(I do not recommend this to new drivers)

After a short, but lively discussion with the Agent, we were told to deadhead to Chicago. Understandable since there really was nothing in Nevada to pick up and stick in a tankwagon!
We complained and fussed about it for a few minutes, but knew we couldn't argue. That was until I discovered the tractor was a month overdue for PM.. I know it is supposed to be part of the Pre-Trip routine, but we were running hard and just forgot. Well, a window of oppurtunity opened, so the brother called the shop at our domicile facility and convinced the manager that truck needed to be serviced. The blessing was handed down and so off to the motel we went. The shop at the truckstop was backed up so it would be a day before we could get anything done!!

As we were finishing up the log book and all other assorted paperwork, I could see the little 3 1/2 watt bulb go on as the brother looked at me and said "We are out of hours!!"
He also mentioned what day it was. May 6 and I said "AND???"
He got upset, I knew the 7th was his birthday and I had a real bad feeling about what was going to happen next!
Before I could say anything he was on the phone with the Travel Agent in charge telling him we were out of hours. I could hear the Agent from across the room "How in #### can a team run out of hours?!?!?!?!"
I wanted to hear this explaination myself! All the brother told him was that we were and we'd call him back when we were ready...

May 7: I subjected the birthday guy to all sorts of evil little things. I had the waitress at the restaurant sing to him and put 80 candles in his pancakes.. The people in the shop sang to him while they were servicing the truck. I went and found a few trainers and trainees from Schneider and CRST and had the trainees ask him what it was like to drive in the "GOOD OLD DAYS" (I have a lot more driving experience than he does, but he is a lot older!) That last bit got him!!!
Later that evening the tractor was finished and I wanted to take it on a test run. I dragged the brother along and headed out to the Interstate. He asked me where were we going and I said that I was tired of him saying he wanted to see the Mustang Ranch, so for his birthday I would take him there. He was a tad apprehensive when we pulled into the lot and when we got to the front door. I had to push him and in and told him that I would wait outside!!! Hey what are little brothers for??

Till this day I'm not sure if he had a good time or not, he isn't saying. I'm guessing it has something to do with a harmonious home life!!

Now, talk about an injustice. When my birthday came we spent it in Circleville, Ohio. Pleasure capital of Southern Ohio, NOT!!!

In defense of the above, the tractor we had did indeed have a problem it wasn't discovered until a downbound ride into South Carolina. The tractor was running really poor and we barely made it back to the domicile. The "Master" mechanic took it into the shop and came running out screaming that we had overfilled the engine with oil. Not likely and after having a very intense discussion with the TM we had the truck taken to a Detroit Dealer, where it was discovered the engine had a blown injector and was creating it's own oil! New Freightliner new Detroit. So it goes!

The mechanical failure did preempt any inquisition into the "Out of hours" episode.

Also in our defense we had written the tractor up on numerous occasions complaining about the sudden loss of power and over abundance of oil!!

Til the next time fellow CAD members</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Pulled into a gas station earlier today just to get a cold drink, when I heard the manager telling people not to buy regular gas. I asked why and she said that the tanker driver dumped diesel in the 87 octane tank. My daughter, who was riding with me, asked how could it happen. I told her that the driver could have been distracted or in a big hurry and didn't double check the connections, it happens. Seguay into....

One cold November night back in the late 90's during my gas hauling days I pulled into the terminal and didn't have a chance to get out of the truck when the dispatcher ran out and asked me if I would switch my next load and go load 4300 gallons of 87 octane gas and carry some extra hoses. I asked what had happened and all the dispatcher could tell me was that Jody had dumped 2800 gallons of diesel in the 87 octane tank and I was to go and pump out the diesel and replace it with gas. Before I left to load I said to the dispatcher that "It was not like Jody to make such a mistake!"
The dispatcher agreed.
I went to the tank farm and loaded, then headed off to Raleigh. The whole time I drove the situation kept bothering me. Why would Jody make such a mistake? It wasn't like him, he was a really good gas hauler!
I arrived at the station, which is located near downtown Raleigh, at about 2300. This place was not in one of the better sections of the city. Of course the station was closed, so I didn't have a problem pulling in and getting set up.

It took about 45 minutes to pump the underground tank out. With that done I repositioned the truck and started hooking up the hoses to drop the gas, when I heard a commotion behind me. I pulled the lever to start the gas flow when some guy, who looked like he hadn't bathed in about a year, came running at me yelling and screaming. I really couldn't understand a word the guy was saying and I had actually considered pulling the hose off the truck valve and dousing his ass in gas. Environmental people would have had a fit.
I told this lunatic to back off and he did, I was shocked and figured he would just go away, WRONG!
He walked about half way across the lot and turned and charged at me again. First thought "This isn't good!!!"
The second thought "F**k this!!!"
I picked up a hose and hit the SOB in the head and down he went. I made sure he was not going to move, then I went to the pay phone and called 911. The RPD showed up and the officer said that it was the second time he had come to the station for the same problem. I asked him what he meant and he told me that another Eagle driver had problems with the guy. It all made sense, why Jody dumped the diesel in the wrong tank!!
The officer said that the other driver didn't hit the guy and I told the officer that guy tripped as he was running towards me. The officer grinned and said that it sounded good to him and that he'll call the EMS and remove the guy!
After I finished unloading I headed back to the yard, parked the truck and told the dispatcher what had happened, then told her I was going home and if the TM needed any information to have him call the house..

I really do miss the late night gas runs!!!

Til the next time</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>It's the next time....

Way back in the past I did some casual work for Nu-Car Carriers out of Port Newark NJ hauling Fords and certain Foreign objects such as, Toyota and Datsun(as it was known then)

On a muggy May day I got the privelege to run with "Gods gift to car haulers", you know the type, knows all and tells all who can't get out of ear shot!!!

We were both loading Lincolns on our trailers. On a 9 car trailer 7 large Lincolns can be loaded. Now of course the "Super" trucker was instructing me on how to tie down with only two chains per car. I wouldn't listen I used all four per car, a matter of two minutes more added to the load time.

Trailers loaded we left the rail yard and drove over towards Queens and Long Island NY.
On the way "Super" trucker kept bragging on the CB as to how he told off the Terminal Manager and more car dealers than anyone can count. Nothing like being a captive audience!

We pulled up to the first drop and of course he had to unload first. I help set up his ramps as he unchained the first car. Remember 2 chains. The first Town Car came off with out incident, the second one, which was on the top rack wasn't so easy. In a hurry "Super" trucker neglected to lower the top rack all the way down. I yelled to him, but I was ignored and was told he knew what he was doing "He did it all the time!!"
Well, the person who ordered the Town Car came out of the dealership to witness his car bounce off the trailer and on to its side in the street. I was impressed, not so sure about the sales person or the very distraught buyer!!!
I wandered over to the car and asked "Tony" if he was hurt, fortunately he was not. He was upset about all the paperwork he had to do.
I took the three cars I had off without incident, which is amazing in it self. I do have a problem with depth perception. In other words I did bang up a few cars that I was hauling.

Two and a half hours later we were on our way to Long Island. Again the CB speaker was full of "Tonys" voice. I had asked him if that accident humbled him, wrong thing to ask he just blew it off and said it was Nu-cars problem.

The dealer in Long Island was one I had been to on a few occasions, so I knew the exact route to get to it. No low bridges or tree limbs. Couldn't tell the lead driver, he knew all and said I was crazy for taking that route. I told him he could go his way and I'll meet him at the dealer.

I pulled into the dealers lot and started unchaining the rest of my cars, when I noticed one of the chains had broke and the Town Car had bounced to one side denting the fender. I showed it to the sales person and noted the exception on the BOL.
I had driven the last car off the trailer, when "Tony" pulled in. I heard the Owner of the dealership yelling and cursing a blue streak. I parked the car and walked over to the dealer and asked what was wrong. He just pointed up, my eyes followed his finger and there on the headrack was a black Town Car with a huge tree branch sitting where the windshield would be.

I left rather quickly and headed back to NJ to get reloaded.

The Terminal Manager was waiting for me as I pulled in the yard and he asked me what had happened. I told him I didn't see a thing. I'm not sure if he believed me.

To this day, when I go look at a new car I get on the ground and look at the tie down holes, then use a magnet on strategic areas of the fenders and doors. It upsets the sales people, but I explain to them that I hauled cars and know what happens to them while they are being loaded and transported, either by train or truck.
I do know first hand, I bent an Escort by chaining it and lowering the deck.</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Brushes with Greatness, or Hey! I saw you on TV


Way back in the turbulent 80's, when freight was slow I had, on occasion, worked for a temporary agency for drivers. Never knew from one day to the next who a driver was going to drive for.
On the real slow weeks I would call the agency and would, more often than not, drive for Royal Foods. This company catered to small grocery stores in the Tri-State area sprinkled with runs to Delaware, Maryland and the occasional run to Western Pennsylvania.

I was called early one Wednesday morning and asked if I could take a run to Manhattan, NY. I agreed.
I strolled into dispatch and the morning dispatcher had a real evil grin on his face. I greeted him with my usual "Give me the load and don't say a word!"
He just handed me the manifest and just had to make a comment "Here smart ass, let's see if you're as good as the other dispatchers say you are!"
I thanked him and wandered off to find my truck and trailer all the while I was counting the stops. The run had 11 stops on a 45 foot trailer and all, but 2 did not have loading docks. Plus, all were in the Mid-town area of Manhattan.
I will state for the record, I do love a challange!!!

The first six stops were a breeze to get off, got the rollers set up and the store clerks hustled to get the freight put away.
The seventh stop I pulled up and notified the manager I was there. I walked back out to the truck and started to get everything set up, when I heard a lot of commotion. I looked up and saw a crowd of people hanging around a guy walking down the sidewalk who, in turn, was shaking hands with the other pedestrians. I didn't notice the news crews tagging along. I also noticed the store manager had come running out of the store and planted himself next to me. I asked him if he was ready to unload. He said no, he just ran out to meet the "Bald" guy. I just looked at him and said "OK, sure!"
The "Bald" guy walked up to us and shook our hands and asked "How am I doing??"
I didn't hear what the store manager had said, but I asked the handshaker "Who are you?"
The handshaker person responded "Didn't you vote for me?"
I said no. The next thing I hear is "Kill him!!!"
The whole crowd bursted into laughter, the store manager looked as if he was in shock, I asked him what was wrong.
"Don't you know who he is?"
I smiled and said that I knew "His Mayorship" Ed Koch. I also said I would never wash my right hand again.
The mayor did come back and ask me if I was kidding him and I told him that I knew who he was, but I still didn't vote for him.

My Mom had called the house and told the XYL that she had seen me on the Six O'clock News, all the XYL said was "What did he do now?!?!?!"

Oh for the purists I did get all 11 stops off and was back in the yard at 1830..

Driving in New York City is interesting, as is driving in Los Angeles. There is usually some movie or TV show being taped somewhere on location.

Same company, same area of Manhattan, different day, I managed to get the truck in a scene of the now extinct TV show "The Equalizer"

P.S.: For those who don't know Ed Koch was a "High Profile" Mayor of NYC, he also did a stint on "The Peoples Court." Plus, he's a cool guy!!

Next: Baseball player and a Football coach</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1051552308

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]Still on the journey through the 1980's, where "Big Hair" and Electronic music was rampant!!!

On the Occasional Saturday, when I had nothing better to do, I would do small package delivery for Purolator Courier. Yes they did exist at one time before Emery got their hands on them and turned the company to crap!(Personal Observation)
Depending on the Saturday, I would either drive the vans or tractor trailers.
This particular Saturday I drove a van and had 28 stops in Northern New Jersey and of course the plane was late arriving into Newark Airport, which in turn, caused the trucks to be late arriving at the distribution center. I got out of the yard at 10:00 AM. Fortunately, the 12:00 guarantee didn't apply on Saturdays.
I was hauling ass up the New Jersey Turnpike, when the dispatcher called me on the radio and asked me if I had a certain package on board. I pulled into a service plaza and checked and found a package addressed to Mr. Don Mattingley in Mahwah NJ. I told the dispatcher the "great" news and was told that It was a hot shipment and could I get there ASAP. I told him I would.
I didn't really think about the name as I proceeded back on the Turnpke, but I did know Mr. Mattingley would have to wait a tick, cause I had payroll checks that needed to be delivered.
At about 1400 or so I pulled up to a very non-descript house in a small sub division in Mahwah. I rang the door bell and waited about 5 minutes, no one came to the door so I started to leave. Of course, as I stepped away the door opened and a young lady stuck her head out. I asked her if I was at the Mattingley residence. I was.
I walked inside and Mr. Mattingley was in the kitchen, I handed him the package and asked him to sign the run sheet. He told me I had to wait, he needed to sign some papers in the package and send it back.
While he was signing the papers I looked around the kitchen and noticed a lot of New York Yankees stuff. Cookie jars, cups, mugs, etc. I've known some fanatics in my time.
After the signing ceremony and sealing of the package was done, I went to leave, but before I did I asked "You must be some Yankee fan??"
Mr. Mattingley looked at me rather odd and said "I play for the Yankees!!"
I asked him what postion he played, which I already knew and of course he told me 1st base.
I did make a mention of being like another 1st baseman for the crosstown team the Mets.
When I got to the door I told Don that I knew who he was and thanked him for his time. He did ask if I wanted his autograph and I said "You signed my run sheet and besides I don't collect autographs!"
When I got back to the terminal the dispatcher grabbed my run sheet and made a bunch of copies. I couldn't understand why!

Oh, the Yankees where in the AL playoffs and had a game that evening and they did win.

The next item: The Football Coach!!!

Another Saturday another run into North Jersey. I had several packages to deliver to Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands Complex.
I arrived at the stadium at about 1500 and told the guard I had deliveries for several people in the Giants organization. The guard let me in and I wandered down to the locker rooms. I did have an uneasy feeling that no-one was there to accept the packages and that it was a wasted trip.
All doubts where dashed, when I heard a bunch of yelling, cursing and other assorted things.
I walked into the locker room and yelled out the first name on the list of packages "Who is Lawrence Taylor??"
LT stood up and I gave him his packages, total of 5. Made my job real easy. I went to call out the next name, when a voice from behind scared the #### out of me "Who, in #### are you?!?!"
I told the person that I was fine and thanked him for asking, then I asked who he was.
He told me he was the head coach.
Ah, yes Bill Parcells, the third guy on my list, so I handed the "Lord and Master" all the packages, when he insisted I wasn't supposed to be in the locker room. I also told him that the guard didn't seem to have a problem with it, but I wasn't going to fight with the guy and I left forth with.

Two more brushes with semi greatness and Parsells wasn't that great.

Till the next time CADdies[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1051581688

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Question came up earlier today about how old was I when I learned how to drive a truck and who taught me.

The answer to the first part is 17, yes just a babe when I got my first lesson on tractor trailer driving and it was my Dad who taught me, answer to the second question.
Of course now that would be a sin in the FHWA's eyes!

Yes, way back in the summer of 1971 Dad dragged me out of bed saying if I thought trucking was so great, he was going to teach me to drive. Wrong thing to say to a 17 year old with a passion for challenges.
We went to the company yard(Same company I ended up driving for until 1994). Dad walked into dispatch, picked up the paper work and then drove over to the truck. I was in shock we pulled up next to a faded blue B-61 Mack hooked to a flatbed.
Dad told me to get into the cab and get it started, I didn't waste any time I got behind the wheel and took a look around, it had two sticks, no air ride seats and of course no AC.
After the truck started, Dad showed me how to do a pre-trip and check the chains on the load to make sure all was well.

Pre-trip complete I was told to get in the drivers seat and make a few loops around the yard to get the feel of the truck. I stalled it twice before I got it to go in a straight line. I did shift one stick a couple of times, but turning the truck was something else, I did forget to mention it had no power steering! Plus, it had a 20 speed transmission 5x4

After the short seminar I had figured Dad was going to take over, wrong he got in the passenger side and told me to head on out. I had never shifted a two stick transmission before then, but Dad talked me through it and hit my arm if I missed a gear. What a lot to remember double clutching and having both hands off the steering wheel while shifting.

Once we got to the Turnpike I asked him where we were going, he said Manhattan..
Great I'm going to die, at least I did get to go to Woodstock!
Dad also said we were going through the Holland Tunnel to get into Downtown Manhattan. Yes, a truck can go through the Holland Tunnel as long as it is under 12'6".

Going through the tunnel I almost hit the wall twice and just about stalled it coming out. I missed a shift on the incline going into Manahattan.
Once on the city streets I never realized how narrow they were while in a truck and what a pain in the ass it was to make a turn.

Dad made me do it all, backing in off the street, both blind side and driver side, parallel parking and the ever dreaded jack knife parking. I will admit that 30 years later I still cannot parallel park a tractor trailer!!!

I am proud to say I didn't damage anything car or pedestrian. I couldn't say the same about the signs and parking meters though.

To say I didn't hurt after the driving lesson would be a lie. My arms hurt from trying to steer that B model, not to mention my right arm hurting from the passenger hitting me. My left leg hurt bad from pushing on the clutch all day. Trust me I learned the "no clutch" way of shifting real quick!!

Do I regret learning how to drive? Sometimes I do, but it was an education and a ticket to explore the North American continent.

A post script: In the 70's NJ didn't require a special license to drive a truck. The special license came about in the 80's with something called an Auto/Articulated License(Real original) Oh for the record NY did require a Chauffers License to drive a truck. Plus, the driving age was 18..</span>[/colorost_uid0]

[Doctor Who]

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>May 7......It's the "[iost_uid0]OLDER"[/iost_uid0] half of the Chemical Brothers birthday. I just finished filling his email box with birthday hate mail, so I figured I'd post a small birthday wish here......

[bost_uid0]HEEEEE-HEEEE-HEEEEE

YOU'RE STILL OLDER THAN ME!!!!![/bost_uid0]

Happy Birthday Brother

:homjump:</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1052323485