Well last day of 7 days of hometime. Sometimes I think a week off every 5 weeks (7 this time) is great. Had to go to the doctor today for a blood pressure prescription renewal. Blood pressure was perfect. I also have had a sharp shoulder pain the last 6 months. Especially throwing straps and chains. Decided to ask for something for the pain. The doctor decided my job required an up to date tetanus shot and he wanted x-rays of my shoulder. While she examined me she found a lump in my throat that seems to be on the thyroid. She was very concerned and ordered immediate ultrasound and a complete blood workup. I never even noticed it and had no idea.:eek2: I asked her to take my blood pressure now:lol: Should get results tomorrow. :bow: If it is cancer it's highly treatable. After all this and showing my Blue Cross card I come home and find a letter from Arrow with our new health plan card effective 4 days ago. :angryblue: I couldn't believe it. No warning or advance notice!!!!!! Luckily my doctor takes the new plan (Aetna). I wanted to comment on the last load I hauled. There was 5 similar loads. The load was Valmont metal power poles from Mexico. These are shipped in half sections lenghwise with 4 sections laid on top of each other in 2 rows. I also had flat plates on pallets in the center. It seemed to me that the half shells could slide (metal on metal). I watched the other drivers secure. 1 strapped and 3 chained across the top. The poles sat 2 1/2' over the front and 3 1/2' over the back. Not one cross chained the front or back. I crosschained the front and wasn't going to do the back but then thought the tension on the front chain might force the shells back as the load vibrated in transit. I then decided to crosschain the back to prevent the front chain from getting slack. 1450 miles and many checks later nothing had moved at all. I also drove with confidence that myself and those around me were safe. I think that is a question we flatbedders always have to ask ourselves. Can this load move if the worst should happen?
Paul, you may need to get your truck to Tulsa for a complete checkup:lol: How soon was the repair paid for? I'm starting to wonder about this company we work for. There are 200 trucks and about 500 trailers sitting in Tulsa right now. I heard we are down to a thousand drivers. Arrow assigned me a load while on hometime that picked up on hometime. They also called me on my phone to get me to pick up a load on Saturday, 3 days early. I had to decline because of my doctors appointment. Now I'll probably wait. Be and drive safe.