So, several of my friends and family have suggested I do a blog, chronicling my travels. Seems to make sense. I finally got a computer, and a mobile hotspot, so I can post on the road. I don't know how much I'll be able to update this, but I'll do my best.
Time is at a premium for a professional driver. I can drive up to 11 hours a day before taking a mandatory 10 hour break. 10 hours may sound like a fair break, but in reality, it's not. I gotta get my sleep in, eat, shower, do laundry, all within that 10 hour break. Granted, sometimes my schedule allows me more time than that, but often not.
Just a few weeks ago, I had a load going from Salt Lake City to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, around 2000 miles, and I only had 3 1/2 days to do it. Those are long days, and they don't give me time to do much else other than drive and sleep. I do get to listen to the radio (satellite radio is a wonderful thing, and it keeps me sane), but that's about it. To make matters worse, my truck is governed to 62mph. Yeah, I can get it going faster than that downhill, but generally speaking, 62 is it. That makes for a slow and boring drive across country.
Honestly, though, I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing. I'm no longer sitting at a cubicle, listening to customers yell at me all day. I have the freedom to set my own schedule, provided I deliver on time. I get to see some amazing areas of the country, and some I'd rather forget (Kansas, I'm looking at you. You suck. Also, central Nevada sucks too).
For now, I'm at my mom's house, and not on the road. I was able to make it home for Thanksgiving, which really was no small feat. One week ago, I was bouncing around the South, Memphis area mainly, and I had serious doubts that I'd be able to make it cross-country in time for the holiday. Made a few side trips on the way home from Memphis, like Wichita, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Cheyenne Wyoming, and Denver. I rarely get to go straight home from wherever I'm at.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get back on the road again. I won't find out where I'm headed until just a few minutes before I go. My company doesn't seem to like to plan me ahead, but that's one thing that keeps things interesting. I never know where I'm going to end up at the end of the day.
I'm a second-year trucker, experiencing all that driving and travelling for a living has to offer.
I'm glad you're doing this! I think I've told you before that my dad is a truck driver (since I was in 3rd grade, so a while now!) so hearing your stories always reminds me of his calls home or going out on the road with him. Totally understand the stress it must have taken to get home for the holidays - every year we crossed our fingers that my dad would make it in time, and if not we post-poned. :) Anyway, it just brings back my own good memories hearing your stories, so I'll be sure to be reading this as you update!
ReplyDelete(Note: for some entertainment while driving, Hank the Cowdog is by far the funniest thing I've heard while on the road - it's a children's book, but when you listen to the audio books they do the voices and songs and stuff, and while it seems really juvenile at first my dad actually owns all of them on CD now and it's still his favorite things to listen to! Just saying, you should give them a shot!) :)
I'll have to give those a listen, they do sound quite entertaining, and perfect for my sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteI do remember you telling me about your dad, and it's nice to know that someone can relate to the job, particularly the toll it takes on the families. I bet your dad has some interesting stories to tell, too. Most truckers do. Thanks for following!
Awesome! I too am doing a blog. I am doing Classic Console game blogs. check it out at
ReplyDeletehttp://classicconsoleblog.blogspot.com/
Ham Hat, I'll be sure to take a look at it :-)
ReplyDelete