Echoing the words of CW McCall, in his amazing song Convoy, I responded 10-4 good buddy, when Jordan asked me to join him on a cross country trip in his 18-wheeler. I thought to myself, Wide open highways. Truckin down the old interstate, starring out that big windshield at the distant horizon, wondering what awaits over the next hill. Seeing the good old US of A from my elevated perch. Seeing the sights as we go. Waking in the morning to a big trucker breakfast and a steaming hot cup of coffee from the small town dinner. Yes please, I am in. When to we roll?
"Ummm Dad", Jordan informed me, "there are no trucker breakfast, but I have yogurt in the truck and maybe we can pick up some granola." "What's that" I responded (my ears sometimes needs a second chance these days). He repeated, "No trucker breakfast and we will not be making any unnecessary stops" I was rather certain I heard him clearly that second time. But he did have a bit of a smirk when he said it. Then he proceeded to tell me about the travel uranal he uses and that he has an extra one for me. I also learned the small town dinners would take the form of extremely well lit truck stops bustling with truck activity. Then he sealed the deal by telling me we would be sleeping in the truck, surrounded by a multitude of other trucks, on bunk beds next the the reefer that never quits running. Great! When to we roll? I only needed to think of my handle so I could operate the CB radio. "Ummm dad, trucks don't have CBs anymore." What the heck - I'm still in.
Yeah, that's a big 10-4 there, Pig Pen
Yeah, we definitely got the front door, good buddy
Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy ... CW McCall
We left Puyallup on Monday morning to head to our pick up location in Wenatchee. The skies were blue and the road clear. We were on our way. the trees going up Blewett pass were in full fall glory. As I looked out the windshield at the fall colors lining the road as it disappeared into the horizon, I said “that is sure purdee”. The memories of my brother Gene flooded my mind. I fondly remember how his strange pronunciation of pretty always made me smile. Purdee summed up the beauty of the scene in front of us. Gene would have loved this road trip. I can see his smile and almost hear his chuckle as if he was here with us.
We drove to Wenatchee and picked our load of destined for Wisconsin. Delivery set for Thursday - we headed east. First order of business was making sure we were good on weight and load balance. We weighed the truck in George, Washington. Thankfully we determined we were under the 81,000 pound limit for the truck. BTW - that includes driver and passenger. The load was a little out of balance, so Jordan had to move his rear wheels back to accommodate the load. I never new trucks could adjust their rear wheels forward and backward. We headed east on 90. We stopped in Missoula for the night and I had my first truck stop night. Trucks lined side by side, many with refers running and lights on to keep their loads safe during the 17 degree night. It really is quite the sight.
Did you know there are strict National laws governing the truck industry to keep drivers safe. An onboard computer tracks the trip and drive time.
11 hours - the maximum number hours a driver can drive in a day.
14 hours - the maximum time per day including stops.
10 hours - the minimum rest period before the next 14 hours can begin.
34 hours - mandatory reset after 8 days of 10
A thought: The next time you pass a truck on the highway, offer up a prayer of thanks for the job they do. Be patient with their slow climbs up the grade, they are doing the best that they can. Instead of grumbling, pray for safety on their journey to their drop. In many ways your family is dependent on the work they do. Next time you fill your cart at the grocery store, remember the truckers that carried it across the country. Our grocery store shelves would be empty in a week without the work of those truckers. So cut them a break as you rush down the highway to whatever appointment you deem important.
Trucks move roughly 72.6% of the nation's freight. There are 13.86 million single-unit (2-axle, 6-tire or more) and combination trucks registered in 2021, representing 5% of all motor vehicles registered.
My Handle: I've decided on my trucker handle, Papa Bear. It was between Papa Bear and Frito Bandito. I thought it would have been cool to respond to the question, "what is your handle?", with " I am the Frito Bandito". But I think Papa Bear is a good fit. I know trucks don't have CB radios anymore, but I feel strongly that handles are important. Jordan does not have a handle. So I decided he could be JR Bear. I considered Baby Bear, but thought JR was better. When they see us at the truck stop other truckers will proclaim, "here comes the Bear boys" or How's it going with familia Bear". It will be epic. Now Jordan says he does not like Bear, he prefers Wolf. Sorry JR, that truck has rolled.
