DD,
I am Big Spring, TX right now. It is still afternoon but I need a shower and laundry done. I have 225 miles to go to Van Horn, TX then the site I am delivering to is 20-25 miles north of town. I will be there to deliver first thing in the morning, but I don't think I will have cell phone coverage.
This load has 6 stop on it. 2 were in New Orleans on Monday. Going across the I10 causeway east of town there is a 35 ton limit. I had 30,000 lbs of product, but still had to cross the scales(all trucks did). I drove about 5-10 miles down the road from the scale and Louisiana Police pulled me over for a spot check of my logs and check the weight on my bills. I didn't have any paperwork with just the total weight, so I had to show all on them. He let me go after that.
I stop in Port Allen, LA for a couple hours that day because I had to return several calls to recruiters and get release forms FAX to me. This turned out to be a mistake as I got to the TA in Baytown, TX about 6:30pm and there was no parking. There was no parking at any of the 4 TS at that exit. I got fuel when I needed a shower and laundry. So I drove down the road to the crappy Key Truck Stop in Channelview, TX. I found 1 parking space that had a big mud puddle with a tire floating in the middle. The store and restrooms were filthy and several lot lizards running around TS. I don't think I had the shots needed to be in that place! :cry:
I got up early and out of the place. I made 2 stops in Houston. I ended up with only 3500 lbs, half the deck free, and my tarp about a foot high. It was actually a challenge to retarp such a small load.
I spent Tuesday night in Fairfield, TX at the Love's because I want to insure I got a parking spot. I walked across the interstate to this BBQ place and had a plate of ribs, beans, and potato salad.
This morning in Dallas I had just 700 lbs to unload. I only had to untarp one side of the front of the trailer and remove the J hooks to free up the product. It took only an hour to be in and out.
I gave my notice to Davis and I should be done by 21 December. This would work out great for me as I would drive my pickup truck(It is parked in Missoula) to Spokane and stay with my friend for a day or two. I would like to be back to Hillsboro Christmas Eve. With 2 weeks to still run with Davis maybe I will headed back east again.
I plan to be off work until January 7 so that I can enjoy Christmas, New Year, and my birthday. I have told all the recruiter my availability. I am right now weighing all the offers and each company has something different(eg. equipment, dedicated runs, 48 states, Canada, etc.) to offer. I am not going to rush my decision.
Well, I have to go because as soon as my laundry is done I am out of here.
Where are you buying your Western Star and trailer from?
Later,