Life on the Road – Trucking News Blog

Certainly every trucker and traveler for that matter knows Flying J. They’ve been around for over 40 years. I prefer the term “truck stops” rather than travel centers, but whatever you want to call them, Flying J operates 250 of them here in the U.S. and Canada. Now, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, everything was going well with the “Hook” back in July, when oil was selling at about $145 a barrel. Then the price of oil dramatically fell $100. And FJ troubles started. Simply put, they didn’t have enough cash to cover their bills. They recently defaulted on $98 million in loans. FJ not only operates the truck stops, but also does business in oil exploration, production, distribution and refining. They employ 16,000 people and reportedly do an estimated $20 billion in sales per year. FJ estimates its liabilites between $100 – $500 million on assets valued at $1 billion. They will continue to operate their businesses in Chapter 11. For more details on the bankruptcy go to: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11288757?source=rss

Oprah has gained 40 pounds. Oh my! She claims to now weigh around 200 lbs. – looks more to be like 225, maybe. What do you think? Her BMI – that’s body mass index – is 31.8. According to the pros – she’s obese – (a) FAT – SO?

If you don’t know this, she made $385 million last year. Her net worth is $2.5 BILLION! She is a brand name that is known all over the world. She’s an Academy Award nominated actress, magazine publisher, media mogul and philanthropist. And, she apparently can’t seem to take care of herself and make “her” a priority. She said she’s “embarrassed and mad at herself.” She FAT – SO?

SO? Being obese, she has subjected herself to high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Sleep apnea is certainly a possibility. Did you read my posting about a “Slow Suicide” and the problems poor Santa had with the DOT? Now FAT – SO Oprah joins our little group. Do you know where I’m headed with this? Being (a) FAT – SO?

Yup. SO- her chances of driving a big rig in this new unfunded mandated environment – where the ATA and FMSCA are your new “personal” physicians – are slim. Oh, maybe she could get a medical card, but perhaps only for 3-6 months. And she’s going to have to give her private medical records to some creepy drivers license bureau clerk to put on file with her license. That is, unless she goes down to Miami and pays someone off  for a license. She has a mansion down there. That’s what happens when you can’t take of yourself and don’t make yourself #1. That’s what the quack who did my last DOT physical told me – former Nazi – Dr. Mengele. Oprah and I are FAT – SO! Read the rest of this entry »

Got ya. I’m just kidding. I just wanted your attention. Box drivers are OK, I guess. Again, just kidding. Hey, you know flatbedders, we’re always climbing on top (of loads) and using our arms, legs and toys, I mean tools – to tarp and secure, of course. Watch it VGrumpy. There are impressionable minds reading this. There are? Who knows.

ANYWAY. I love – love – but that’s not exactly what I want to talk about. Let’s talk about country music. Yup, I said country music. A new topic for ‘ole VGrumpy. Do you know who the man in the photo is? If you do, you’re a fan, if not, that’s OK. More about him later.

Do you enjoy country music? Most truckers certainly do.  Nascar, country music, fried chicken and beer – right? Personally it depends on my mood. I also love Sinatra and the standards. A little Elvis sometimes. Maybe some 50’s stuff. Chicago, the Beatles and others on occasion. The Eagles and Bon Jovi. But recently I’ve been “hooked” on country music via the “Highway”,  Sirius Satellite channel 60. I’m sure there’s an XM equivalent. 

I’m still kind of turned off by the whiny bouncing fiddley ”my dog done got run over and my girlfriend wants to drive my pickup to WalMart” kind of nonsense. But have you heard the song by Jamie O’ Neil? “Shiver, tremble, I never – no I never once felt so00 (my emphasis) much – it shakes me – how you take me – deeper than I’ve ever been – it’s to the core – under my skin – I shiver – I’m overwhelmed – you smile I melt – and somewhere inside, oh baby, I.”  Holy moly!

How about her other hit song (Feel like a Woman) –  Baby, lay me down on our bed – touch my body like only you can – kiss me softly & take away my breath – slow it down and make it real – cause tonight I want to feel – like a woman. For the guys out there, can I get a “rebel” yell. Come on, nobody’s look’n. “Saaa-looood.” Thanks.

This song is sizzlin hot! And it ain’t Brooks & Dunn or George Strait, for darn toot’n sure.  I almost drove off the interstate when I first heard it. If this is “country”, well I’m stick’n around a while to listen to more.  It is a prime example of the second wave of  ”new” country music. Far from Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Heck – even actor and Academy-Award director Kevin Costner has a touring country band. I heard one song and I had no idea it was him. It was good. I was surprised. As Alan Jackson sang in one of his songs “He’s gone country!” Because of what I call this new “tweek” in country music, I like it better now than ever, whether Costner or Kelly Pickler sings it. It’s sexier and “edgier” and a real nice change from the traditional stuff. And wouldn’t you agree we all need a lot more lov’n, kiss’n and a hold’n this New Year?  Right ladies? Ok, so who is that guy in the photo?

Read the rest of this entry »

dangerous? Hey, let’s start 2009 right. Buy a firearm. The photo is of an HK 9mmX19/.40. I have no idea what that means exactly, but I was impressed. Case included. Bullets extra. Extra clips $50/each. Total cost? Let’s just say, it wasn’t cheap.

After decades of watching 007 (James Bond), Dirty Harry, the Godfather and Schwarzenegger, I now possessed similar firepower as they used in their action movies. And even though this particular weapon is not mine – it belongs to my son  - by taking me to the local range for Christmas to experience mano a mano what’s it like to terminate (like that spy lingo?) a paper target, I have already began the New Year with a unique experience under my belt.

Have you EVER fired a gun? Yes – No? For the No folks, it is like firing a mini cannon. It is obviously powerful. Scary at first. VERY loud. A kind of  ”explosion” happens every time you press the triggger. You can see the fire come out of the barrel. And, you MUST concentrate. My son is an excellent instructor. Standing right behind me, he knew what I was about to do wrong and let me do it. That, I’m told, is how one learns – by experience. So fire, fire, fire. Stop. I’m a little shaky. I feel a trickle down my thumb. Blood. I wasn’t holding the gun properly. The hard metal from the recoil slit the base of my thumb.

“Use two hands” my son says. “Want a band-aid?” Would Arnold need a band-aid? How whiny. I don’t want to be a “girly-boy.” ”Of course not”, I said, and just like men and shooters and hunters from years past I stuck my thumb in my mouth. Only then did I realize I’m standing there with a .40 cal HK serious dangerous weapon in one hand and my thumb in my mouth. It didn’t help matters that I was wearing some stupid hat that I grabbed leaving the house. I was having a bad hair day. My son didn’t say it, but right there and then I knew he was thinking – his father is a loon. He said, “their gonna throw you outta here!” I put the weapon down and moved aside to “let” him shoot a few clips while I nursed my thumb and whatever dignity I had left.

Read the rest of this entry »

Over the last week, I’ve given you two funny pieces about Santa, the DOT and Christmas. But now, let’s turn the page and talk about something serious. It’s called SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. Simply put, the bleakness, the cold, snow, the lack of sunlight and being on the road – alone in the truck – makes you depressed. It typically happens during the Fall and Winter. Sad to say, the suicide rate during December is higher than at any other time of the year. What I want you to focus on is getting through the next two weeks and what is commonly called Christmas depression, which is part of SAD. 

As the prime directive of LifeontheRoad, is, well, life on the road, let’s talk about how many OTR (over the road) truckers suffer from Christmas depression. I’m not a medical professional nor a trained therapist or counselor, but I am a driver who, on more than one occasion, has been “stuck” in the truck, at a truck stop, alone on Christmas and New Year. I have suffered both from SAD and Christmas depression. I’ve been lonely, felt like a loser, been frustrated, angry and did the big 3 no-no’s – ate, drank and slept too much – just to get through the holiday’s. How many folks suffer with this, nobody knows, but it affects both men and women and I would make the intelligent guess that it’s very common among OTR truck drivers. That being said, I have some suggestions for you to deal with the holidays.

- Your dispatcher didn’t get you home as promised. You’re angry and want to quit the company. You’re going to give them a piece of your mind over the Qualcom. Don’t. Being angry is fine, but try and cool down. You need to take care of yourself right now. Make the best of a bad situation. Do nothing and say nothing right now. A lot of decision makers are on vacation right now anyway, so please, just chill out. 

- If you have family that was expecting you. That’s tough. But whatever the holiday – Christmas, July 4th, Memorial Day –  for a trucker, it is celebrated when he or she gets home. Family members have to be brought into your world – not the other way around. Your wife, girlfriend or significant other must support you with this. Kids will not mind waiting, if they know the holiday will be that much more “special” when you get home. Hams, turkeys and fireworks can be bought year round. Remember, Christmas is only one day and in reality can be celebrated anytime. 

- So you’re stuck in the truck – keep a set schedule – don’t oversleep – try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day your down and not under a load. Watch only funny movies. Listen to good music. But, don’t do anything stupid that you might regret later on. Driving jobs are not as plentiful as they used to be. You can deal with your dispatcher after the New Year. And under no circumstances are you to be so upset to abandon your truck and grab a Greyhound on your own home. You will regret that decision for years to come and it will prevent you from obtaining another trucking job. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Listen Santa, we’ve got to talk.

You can’t just ignore me, please.

Santa, I’m really sorry the DOT did what they did to you.

I’m sorry OOIDA doesn’t return your phone calls.

But you’ve just got to look past all that.

Santa, there are millions of kids who are relying on you.

No, you just can’t stay down here looking for metal treasures on Clearwater Beach.

I know it’s beautiful here.

I know it’s 80 degrees.

I know the mahi mahi is awesome.

Yes, my son did offer to let you use his boat.

Yes, I know you want to fish.

Yes, he did offer to take you to the that strip club.

But Santa, you just can’t right now, it’s Christmas.

Yes, I understand you’re fed up.

Yes, I can appreciate your feelings.

Yes, I…

But listen Santa – Kris! –  Christmas is 5 days away, less than a week.

Mrs. Claus keeps calling Mrs. Grumpy and she is VERY concerned about you.

You just took off without notice.

We didn’t know where you were.

Yes, the sheriff did call me.

After all Santa, you kinda hard to miss.

I know you should have shaved off your beard. Read the rest of this entry »

Could be if the DOT has it’s way. The Bush administration doesn’t have much time left in office, but has decided to make an example of Santa, for reasons, according to the FMCSA, having solely to do with public safety.

One agency, the FAA, did make peace with Mr. Claus, but the DOT refuses to make any concessions, even if it means no Christmas this year. Life on the Road has sent its chief correspondent, V. Grumpy, to the North Pole to get the complete story. Mr. Claus – Santa (aka St. Nick, Kris Kringle and Father Christmas) – was too distraught to speak directly to V. Grumpy, but Mrs. Claus did provide some details.

First, there is the issue of Santa’s medical card. A few months ago, while test driving his sleigh, Santa was stopped and given a roadside DUI test because of his remarkably rosy cheeks. The results have not been released by the DOT. Santa has also put on quite a few pounds the last thousand years or so. His blood pressure is above the DOT requirement of 140/90. Sleep apnea is a possibility. Unfortunately, there is no ATA approved clinic to examine Santa and the DOT is telling this reporter that they do not intend to give him a waiver. Without a valid medical card, Santa cannot drive his sleigh.

There is more. Loaded with presents for all the world’s children, Santa’s sleigh exceeds the 80,000 lbs. weight limit. The DOT will not grant him an overweight permit, unless he upgrades his sleigh with sliding tandems or spread axles. Previously Santa used split break time to deliver gifts throughout Christmas Eve. That is no longer legal.  11 hours just isn’t enough to deliver presents to every child that wrote Santa. And, one state, California, no longer will allow reindeer to power any vehicle due to the PETA lobby. CARB demands he have an APU. The DOT also want Santa to have an EOBR installed. Santa sought help from OOIDA, but they don’t believe he exists.

Santa, it was found out, has had to employ some illegal Mexicans in his North Pole toy assembly plant. Elves aren’t as plentiful as they used to be. And the few remaining have sought representation by the teamsters. Homeland Security, specifically the INS, will not allow Santa to deliver presents made by illegals into the US. When NAFTA was approved, the Congress forgot about poor Santa. Canada has told Life on the Road that Santa will not longer be allowed in their country without a speed limiter.

The situation is dire.  There  just might be no Christmas this year. Santa needs your help.

The photo credit is: http://christmas-pictures.org/the-magic-letter-from-santa-claus.html

I’ve been fat all my life. Just thinking about my weight gives me agata. On a recent home time I was cleaning and found a bunch of photographs. There in my hand was 53 years of my “fat” life on glossy 3×5 paper. I promised myself I would not get upset.

The first picture was of me, my instructor and 5 students when we all graduated trucking school. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. My CDL is more valuable to me than any college degree. Looking at myself in the photo, the first thing that flashed in my mind is my mother saying to me when she saw the photo “Gee, you actually look normal.”

Look normal? You mean not fat? At the time I just let it go. I really shouldn’t have. The next photo was of my father and I in New York City. He had taken me into work with him. I think I was about 17. When we were walking to his office he said to me; “you shouldn’t really wear suits.” I never challenged that statement because, well, I just didn’t. Was it the whole weight thing again? Was that how he valued my worth? He was thin, but also struggled his whole life trying to stay that way.  Remember Metracal and Tab? He died of a sudden heart attack at 55.

The third photo. High school. What a horrible time. I felt the entire world was thin except for me. My entire existence at that time surrounded my weight and waist size. Watching TV was painful as I desperately wanted to be as “trim” (sexy?) as James T. Kirk on Star Trek or Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. My reality was that I looked more like Drew Carey in a world of stick people in tight jeans and skin tight shirts. 

I had gone down to Miami to spend the summer with my uncle and lost 35 lbs. I got down to 160 lbs. I wanted so badly to play football. When I got back to school in September, I was told that I had missed the (mid-summer) registration and tryouts. I was crushed. Nothing else at the time mattered to me. Within a few months, I shot back up to 200 lbs.

Thirty plus years later, I still remember looking down and seeing the 200 on the scale. I promised myself that’s it. I will NEVER weigh more. 225, 250, 275, now, many years later I struggle to get down below 300.  Over the years I have what they call yo-yo’d up and down.  This part of my life is tiresome, frustrating and annoying.  Read the rest of this entry »

of people in wheelchairs. I am a compassionate person. I believe in society making necessary “accommodations” for people that need it. I even, for a time, supported affirmative action.

For minimum wage, I taught retarded adults in a group home how to live better in “normal” situations. And for folks with physical disabilities, I believe it’s acceptable for them to be boarded first on aircraft so they can be seated and their “equipment” safely secured during flight.

Where there are steps into a commercial establishment, doctors office, government buildings or a home, a ramp is essential for wheelchair access. And public transportation – bus or rail- should be mechanically “adjusted” so that a wheelchair can get on and off as easily and quickly as possible.

But in my experience, especially lately, all this extra “assistance”  and “codling” for people “needing” wheelchairs has gone too far. I know it’s the holiday season, but bah-humbug, I’ve had enough.

I reached my limit having just returned from a vacation where I had the displeasure of interfacing with numerous wheelchair bound men and women and their “pushers”.  In several cases, the wheelchair was accompanied by a “posse” that included 5 or more family members and “friends” trailing the “disabled” individual. Just like baby chicks following the mother hen. The person in the wheelchair, the pusher and the “team” behind, deemed it acceptable to bypass everyone else in route to their final destination whether it be an entrance, exit or the front of the line at the buffet. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Listen ladies, first of all spare me the nasty e-mails, I really need your help. I’m reaching out to all of you. You need to know, right off, that I appreciate all your hard work. I can’t imagine how tough it is being a female trucker. I’ve said many times, in many postings, on this and other blogs that men are jerks. I know that you are very capable, perhaps more so than most men, to do everything that is necessary to operate your rig in a safe, reliable and efficient fashion.

So, with that said, here’s my problem. I’m was in Senatobia, MS at the Kangaroo truck stop right off I-55. About 4pm, I was sitting in the front seat, with my headset on making a call, while typing online. I had the engine running. Both front windows were closed. You could say that I was really into what I was doing. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a women with a plastic bag approaching me. Wrong or right, my first thought was – lot lizard. Just like you ladies, I just wanted to be left alone.

She comes right up to the door. I wave her off. She moves her head right to left and back to indicate that she’s saying “no.” She bangs on the door. Persistent – I used the “b” word. Sorry. I was “ticked.” I rolled down the window half way and just looked at her. She said something. I said, “listen, times are tough for all of us, but [please] go away, I’m not interested. ” I started rolling the window up when she motioned her head again saying no. I took my headset off. She asked about my load. I didn’t quite understand the question. She said, “If I go over there now, could I get loaded?” I said “what?” She said “I drive for (our company) and I was wondering?” Read the rest of this entry »