On a Good Roll for a Change

After we delivered in Ft. Campbell Ky, we drove to Richmond, Ky to pick up our next load. We didn't have to pick up till the next day so we got a good nights rest. Went there the next morning and got loaded. This load had a lot of extra time on it so we just stayed at the shipper to kill off several hours before heading out to Charleston, Sc. This would be our first delivery to Charleston AFB.

 I always hate going to a military base for the first time because you never know what you are going to run into. Some of them have multiple gates and depending on what you are hauling, there may be a specific gate that you have to enter through. Of course, nobody lets us know in advance. We have to find out the hard way. We got there and found what we thought was the correct gate. Wrong. The guard wouldn't let us in and directed us to a different gate. It was about a 10 mile drive to the next gate in bumper to bumper traffic. We got there and the guard let us in and told us how to get to the building our paperwork showed as our delivery point. We drove to it, went in to check in and were informed that we were not supposed to be allowed in that area with the freight that we were hauling. That guard called someone and informed them that the guard at the gate had mistakenly let us in and now we needed a police escort to get us to where we needed to be. I pointed out to him that our paperwork showed this building that we were at as where we were supposed to be and suggested that whoever sets these loads up should be informed to use a different address or include specific directions on where they want the drivers to go. I guess they think we're psychic or something. The police came along and escorted us across the flight line to where we were to get unloaded. About an hour and a half later we were out of there. Now in the future we will know where to go. Unless they change the rules before our return.

At this point, we were out of legal hours to work so we headed to a truck stop to spend a couple of days and get some much needed rest. We ate, showered, and I think I slept for about 15 hours straight. I slept most of the next day too. I didn't know how tired I was until I got there. I guess your mind knows when you need to keep going and when you can rest and you don't even realize it. We met a nice couple at the truck stop who was asking questions about the company we are leased on with. These people had just gotten back into driving after 2 and a half years away from driving. The husband had fallen off the flat bed he drove while tarping a load and got some serious injuries. They ended up losing their truck, their house, pretty much everything. I hate to see things like that happen to people who are just trying to work and make a living. Their goal is to save up enough to buy their own truck again. I hope they make it and I think they will.

After our break was over, we got a load picking up in Weaverville, NC delivering in Livonia, Mi. Non government, no special requirements. The only difficult thing about this one was driving through the freaking mountains. We can't seem to get away from them. We delivered that load, went to Meijers and stocked up the truck and drove to the truck stop. We were fueling up when our phone started ringing off the hook. Our qc started going crazy with messages also. Load offers from about 3 or 4 different dispatchers at the same time. The one we ended up taking was picking up in Jackson, Mi in a couple of hours and driving straight through to Maxton, Nc. Yep, back the way we came, more mountains!!

  On the trip down, John noticed one of our steer tires had a cut on the outside edge. We knew we could complete the delivery, but after that, we were going to need to get it changed. We delivered the load, drove about a hundred miles up to Kenly, NC and got a new set of steer tires and an alignment done. While changing the steers, they noticed that one of our tie rod ends was bad, so we had them change both of those while they were at it. The next day we went to the Speedco and had the maintenance done and then went to the Blue Beacon for a truck wash. Now she's riding smooth and looking mighty shiny!

Dispatch called us the next morning before we were even out of bed with a load offer picking up on Friday delivering on Monday. It's a whopping 15 pounds. So we are hauling our 15 pounder 2300 miles across the country.  We are on that load now, having to take our time on it because we can't deliver till Monday, but that's okay. We don't mind not having to push it. We will end up in the Northwest so we will see what happens from there. We have decided to stay out on the road instead of going home right now. We are enjoying the weather, the freight seems to be running strong right now, so we are hoping to get the bank account built up and take off later in the year. We will see how long we can stay out here!

Busy busy. On the road again!

We ended up getting a load out of Los Indios TX delivering in Michigan. We were a little worried about driving even further south into Texas since we had no confidence in the repair work that was done to the truck. We did some Googling and found that there is an International shop in Pharr TX so we figured in worst case scenario we could go there if the truck gave us problems again. Fortunately the trip went smoothly and we had a nice drive to Michigan. It felt so good to get out of that ridiculous heat. In Michigan we could sleep with the windows open. No need for AC.

After we delivered we got another load right away picking up in Howell Michigan delivering in North Charleston South Carolina. We delivered and got a load picking up about a mile away delivering in Vance Alabama. On the way there we got another load picking up in Toone TN delivering in Bensenville Il. After that we took the day off to get some rest. We were pretty wore out. We did laundry and took showers. Caught up the paperwork. We watched Lebron and the Miami Heat finally win the championship.
Woke up this morning and right away got a load picking up in Goshen In delivering in Aurora Nebraska on Monday. Pays very nicely and we can take our time on it. Now we just need two more good loads to finish out next week and then time off for the holiday!

Catching up on our Loads

After an exciting ferry ride, we've really just been busy driving and making money. A good thing, much better than not making money, or even worse, spending lots of money! After the ferry ride, the loads went like this:

Liverpool, NY to St. Augustine, Fl
Beaufort, Sc to Indian Head, Md
Indian Head, Md to Yorktown, Va
Lynchburg, Va to Roanoke, Va
Blacksburg, Va to Tonawanda, NY
Meadville, Pa to Fond Du Lac, Wi
Escanaba, Mi to Water Valley, Ms

That rounds out the month of July. Not a bad month! The drive up to Escanaba, Michigan was a beautiful one. We drove right along the west shore of Lake Michigan and there are some really cute cottages all the way up through there. It would be a really cool place for a group of family members to be able to take a summer vacation together.

Working Hard

Nothing much to really write about. The truck has kept running and thankfully we are building our savings back up.

After the 4th of July that we got to spend at home with friends, we went back into service and immediately got a load. We kept busy the rest of the week. The loads went like this:

Mayport, Fl to Anniston, Al
Rome, Ga to Wapakoneta, Oh
Dayton, Oh to Lansing, Mi
Lake Station, Il to Avon, Mn

Because it is so hot out and our truck isnt equipped with a generator, we decided to get a hotel room for the weekend. We found a nice Red Roof Inn. They allow pets for no additional charge. It really is a nice place. It almost seems like a campground atmosphere here. Some of the guests have grills outside and we were invited to join in with them, but we declined. Sometimes, we are just not very sociable.

A small circle

We got back into the swing of things after a nice long Thanksgiving at home. We picked up in Atlanta and took that load to Ft. Valley, Georgia. Next up was a load picking up in Atlanta, a little deja vu..

We took that one out of Georgia over to Fairfield, Alabama. For some reason, I do like Alabama. It's not as warm as Florida, but it's still a pretty state and the people there seem really friendly.

From there we next picked up in Sylacauga, Alabama. That's a mouthful! That one had to be taken to Auburn Hills, Michigan. Back up north. Brrr. Same day we picked up in Madison Heights, Michigan and headed to Rome, Georgia. 

We stayed busy this week but kind of traveled in a small circle. Doesn't matter. It all pays well no matter where it's going.

Trying to stay South

After spending a cold weekend in dreary Michigan we got a load picking up on Monday in Hamtramack, Mi. This one took us to our favorite state, Tallahassee, Florida! More sunshine and palm trees. We were hoping to get to stay a day or so, but freight is busy right now and we immediately got a load picking up in Byron, Ga.

From Georgia, we headed to Marion, Il. Cold, dreary and gray skies. Winter is so depressing in the north. Thankfully we didn't wait there long. We picked up in Clarksville, Tn and headed back to the warm south. All the way to Laredo, Texas. Laredo is a fascinating place. I wouldn't want to live there, but going there for our job is not bad.

After delivery in Laredo we picked up the next day in the same area and headed back up to Vance, Alabama. This load delivers on Saturday so more than likely we will sit until Monday now. At least the weather isn't too bad here.

Oldest City in the United States

After a short but wonderful visit home, we picked up a load in St. Augustine, Florida. It is a beautiful city that is billed as the oldest city in the United States. Someday I want to take a short vacation there and do some sight seeing. They advertise a ghost tour that I would love to check out. I used to work with a girl who went on it and she swears you see ghosts. We'll see!

That load took us away from our beloved Florida to Natural Bridge Station, Virginia. Not a city name you hear every day. Apparently it refers to some rock formations that form a natural bridge.

From there we picked up in Richmond, Ky and headed to El Paso, Texas. I love staying south this time of year. Anytime we can stay out of the cold we are happy campers!

We delivered in El Paso and picked up in El Paso. That load took us to Sterling Heights, Michigan. Didn't get to stay warm for very long. Maybe the cold weather will put me more in the holiday spirit.

Making Up For Lost Time

We made our delivery in Kansas City, Mo. Picked up in St. Joseph, Mo and delivered next in Adrian, Mi followed by a pickup in Homer, Mi. That load took us south to Tuscaloosa, Al. From there we picked up in Helena, Ar and delivered next to Miami, Fl. I love Florida! The moment you cross the state lines and enter Florida it just feels like you're going on vacation.

I love the palm trees, the sunshine, the sand, the warm weather, everything about the state! We have never regretted moving here from Indiana.

Since our last load took us to Miami, we decided to take the opportunity to make a quick trip home and check the mail and make sure all is good. We won't stay long since we were down so long with the repairs from the deer hit.

But that's okay, because Thanksgiving is coming up and we will back home soon for the holidays!

Labor Day

We made our delivery in Kitchener and headed to a nearby truckstop. We initially thought we might get some time off being in that area, but as usual we were wrong. We had a pick up the next day in Belleville, Ontario. This one went to Plymouth, Michigan. That's all right. We like to get paid extra crossing the border with a load on.

We next had a pickup in Chesterfield, Mi with a delivery in Princeton, In. Back in the Hoosier State! Seems like anytime we get in Indiana we can expect a load offer out of Crane. We were right. Next up was Crane, Indiana going to Norfolk, Va. Wow, that is an awesome navy base in Norfolk. We were shocked at the size of those ships. I don't know the proper names for them so I won't even try, but they are huge!

We next picked up in Richmond, Va and delivered in Grand Rapids, Mi followed up with a pickup in Grand Rapids, Mi. This one delivered in Wayne, Mi and had a pickup in Kenton, Ohio. Lots of little loads, but all picking up and delivering direct so we agreed to them. The Kenton load delivered in Kansas City, Kansas on Saturday.

Labor Day is Monday so we figure another long layover over the holiday.

Full Circle

Following our usual weekend off, we next picked up in Exeter, Nh. This load took us to Dover, De. It was followed by a load picking up in Baltimore, Md with a delivery in Sterling Heights, Mi. Next was a pickup in Haymarket, Va with a delivery in Trenton, Nj. Notice that we were in Michigan and our next pickup was in Virginia. That is a ridiculous amount of deadhead, but when our carrier needs a load covered, they will pay what it takes to get it done. So we got paid for all the miles to the pickup. I wonder how some companies stay in business doing things like that!

After delivering in New Jersey we went to the truckstop in Bordentown, New Jersey and finally go the batteries replaced. That is a relief! Next we picked up in Carlisle, Pa and delivered in Granby, Ct so we came full circle this week. Back almost to where we started from.

Another Busy Week...Getting Tired

We thought we would at least get Sunday off, but the freight must be really running strong right now. We managed to get our truck maintenance squeezed in between loads and then it was off to Morganton, NC for a load bound for Louisville, Ky. Some car manufacturing plants are a real pain to deliver parts too. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Next was a pickup in Cordon, In heading to Lake Orion, Mi followed by a load picking up in Manchester, Mi heading back up north of the border to Ayr, On. We get more and more irritated each time we take a load across the border. It gets old very quickly, all the questions and the being treated like a criminal just because you are doing your job and need to return to your own country. We are seriously reconsidering doing the Canada loads but we're just not sure how  busy we would stay without them. Other drivers say they think we would do better without Canada. We'll have to think it over.

After that, it was East Aurora, NY to Baltimore, Md. Yikes! Talk about traffic. You can't get anywhere fast up in the Northeast. I don't know how those people can stand to drive in that every single day. Then it was a pickup in Norwalk, Ct and a delivery in Weymouth, Ma.

Things died down after that one and we have received a couple of much needed days off. We still lack the stamina to drive miles like seasoned truck drivers do and I know it's because we still haven't learned to sleep in a moving truck. Hopefully soon a switch will flip and it will be easier for us to do.

Heading Home for the First Time

After our delivery to Winnipeg, we deadheaded back down into the states. We delivered on Friday and had to wait until Tuesday for our next load. This one picked up in Mounds View, Mn and was delivering in Wrightstown, Wi.

I enjoyed the drive through Minnesota and Wisconsin. Very pretty scenery. A lot of references to cheese in Wisconsin. It brought back some good memories of a family vacation that we took with my sister and her family a few years back. We all rented a condo in Wisconsin Dells and had a great time. We went in August and it was already chilly outside. We visited an indoor water park, rode the ducks, John, Shelley and Rob got tattoos and Shelley and Johnny did a tandem skycoaster together. Those two are crazy!

From Wrightstown we headed to Portage, Wi for a pickup, Delivered that one to Morenci, Mi. We highlighted for hometime which at our carrier means that they will look for loads for you that get you closer to home. We are so ready for our visit home after being out here on the road since February!

Dispatch came through for us and we next picked up in Wyandotte, Mi and delivered in Opelika, Alabama. This still left us almost 500 miles from home but it was a Saturday and experience has shown that we wouldn't get any other load offers until Monday at the earliest. We decided to deadhead home and get started on our hometime vacation.

We plan to stay home about two weeks. We have a lot of catching up to do there!

First Trip to Quebec

We made our delivery to Waterloo, Ontario. From there our next load was being picked up in Woodhaven, Mi. There is a crossdock there that our company uses to do swaps. Another driver had a load that needed to go to Canada, but that driver doesn't go to Canada, so he takes it to the dock and drops it off and someone else finishes getting it there. This time, that someone else was us.

We drove down to Woodhaven and let our company know we were there. They said the other driver should be there in a couple of hours. I set the alarm for two hours and we went to sleep. I woke up when the alarm went off and went inside and asked if the other driver had shown up yet. They said they hadn't seen him. I called dispatch and asked them when he was going to be there. They said he had to stop to have a light replaced and should be there anytime.

I continued to wait and watch but never saw him. After awile, I went back inside and asked if he had been there and I had somehow missed him. They again said no. Back out to the truck and more waiting. An hour later, dispatch sent a message and said the driver had sent a message saying he had arrive and departed. I went back inside and found out that he had indeed somehow gotten in and out of there without me seeing him. It was so nice that neither he or the guy that works inside bothered to let me know.

Near Niagra Falls

We finally got loaded and headed off to Pointe Claire, Quebec. This was our first trip to Quebec and we were unsure what to expect. The only thing I knew about Quebec is that they speak French. I was hoping we wouldn't have a communication problem.

For the most part, it went okay. Our gps had major problems though. I was ready to throw it out the window. Despite the gps issues, we got to the consignee and made the delivery. The road signs were a bit confusing because they were written in French, but most of them also had an English version. The people we dealt with all seemed to know enough English so that it wasn't a problem communicating.

We decided to go to a nearby truckstop and see if we could get a load out of Canada.