IT LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So who's idea was it to get into this business? Oh wait, it was mine. Yes, I haven't posted on here since October. Yes, I'm still driving although I'm beginning to question why. The best reason I can come up with is that I'm too stubborn to give up.

I'm not going to go into all the gory details about what has gone on since October, so I'll just give a quick update.

Shoulder is fine, works like it used to. All the trucks are running with the exception of one Sprinter that is in the shop waiting for an engine swap. It had the torque convertor in the tranny replaced and only lasted for 2500 miles before the injection pump went out. In Sprinters when the pump goes, it takes the engine with it. Of course, it had to puke 700 miles from home. Had a spare engine waiting so it won't cost as much as a rebuild. It should be completed in a week or so, not that there's any freight for it to haul.

Freight wise, the first 4 months have been terrible. Wall Street and the banks did their job well screwing things up. Question: Does anyone know why those idiots on wall street stand up there clapping when that bell rings????? What's to clap about?? I think a well placed hand grenade would stop this insane practice.

Back to freight. Or, to be more precise, the lack of. I've compared April this year to April of last year and was sickened to see that we made more in one week last year than we did in the whole month this year. That's how slow it has been. The first 5 days of May have been better as all the trucks have loads today, but the revenue paid to the trucks on these loads is down by 35% when compared to similar loads from last year. I'm near Birmingham, AL and am going to western GA in the morning picking up a load going just across the line into SC. A whopping 161 paid miles. The only plus is that fuel prices dropped. If fuel was still above $4, this country would be at a standstill.

The expedite industry is changing and we have to change with it or get run over. The number of contractors that have gone under or just parked their trucks is staggering. The banks won't give out any money for operating expenses or equipment purchases either. They got our money from the government, so why should they care.

So, that's what's going on. If I sound bitter, I am. I don't mind busting my butt to get where I want to be, but I resent being painted into a corner because of someone else's greed. The one satisfaction I have is that I didn't waste my vote on obama. He has more than proven that he has no idea what he is doing, and no not capitalizing his name was not a mistake. It's my way of showing that I have no respect for him.

Rant over, carry on. Semper Fi.

OFF THE ROAD

Haven’t posted for sometime since I’ve been busy dealing with problem after problem.

Since the posts about the turbo failure on Sprinter #2, a lot has happened. On his next trip out, the driver of Sprinter #2 rear ended a semi trailer at a stop light. By his own admission, he wasn’t paying attention. The driver of the semi evidently didn’t feel the impact and simply drove off. The Sprinter couldn’t give chase as it was sitting there puking coolant from the ruptured radiator. The deer bumper was pushed back forcing the coolant fan assembly into the radiator. He was under load at the time about 100 miles from his drop. Since there was no other unit in the area to repower the load, Tri-State opted to tow the Sprinter to the drop. To the surprise of both Tri-State and myself, that 83 mile tow cost $877.00. That cost is under dispute, but it was still deducted from my settlements. We managed to seal the radiator enough to get the truck back home, and the driver bore the cost of the repairs. I couldn’t turn it in on my insurance since there was no police report, and the repairs were less than the deductible.

Next, the Idlebuster was installed on Sprinter #3 and it was butchered. It has amounted to over $2,000 out of pocket in lost revenue and repairs. Add to that the $600 Sprinter #3 needed in normal maintenance repairs. Of course I submitted invoices to Idlebuster to be reimbursed for my losses. Up until last Thursday, they ignored me. After complaints to the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau’s in Ohio and Florida were completed, I had their attention. I was contacted by one of the owners and I should have things finalized soon.

I found a good driver for the International (He’s a Jarhead too, so we get along) and after a fiasco in NJ, things are working out. His first good load took him to Newark, NJ and Tri-State tried to force him into NYC from there. One was an idiotic load deadheading 41 miles into Jamaica, Queens for a 21 mile load. They tried two other loads into NYC before I finally got in touch with the fleet coordinator and made it plain that none of my trucks are going into NYC. The catch of all this was it happened after 1700 and it took until 0900 the next morning to straighten it out and a load was lost since the driver was put on eight hour refusal status.

For a brief moment there, all four trucks were running and the hope was we would stop bleeding money. I scheduled the surgery on my shoulder since it’s been in bad shape the last few weeks. Enter another problem with the Idlebuster. A fuel line pops off and stops the truck in its tracks. Repair was quick and the shop didn’t even charge anything for it, but another load was lost and another tow bill was incurred.

Think it’s over? Nope. Driver on Sprinter #3 quit the day after the fuel line popped off. So, I’m back to three trucks running and one is sitting in my driveway waiting until I find another driver. I can’t postpone the shoulder surgery since mine is the last surgery that the doc is doing until late November. Surgery is Tuesday, so I won’t be posting much if at all since I won’t have use of my right arm for about two months.

So, the ship took a couple of torpedoes but I’ve got the patches in place and the pumps are running. She’ll right herself in a few weeks. I’ll find a driver and get this shoulder fixed and be back on track.

I sure am going to enjoy those drugs tomorrow.

I'm STILL Here

Haven't had much chance to update here, so I'll bring things up to date.

Sprinter #2 gave us a few more problems after we replaced the turbo. It had a turbo lag that was just too excessive to ignore. A lot of oil got dumped into the exhaust and at first we considered that to be the problem. We pulled the Oxygen sensor expecting it to be oil fouled, but it wasn't. Computer readouts were in the normal range, but she wouldn't go over 13MPG and that wasn't acceptable.

We finally found that the turbo actuator module was failing during acceleration from a standing start. It was too fast for the computer to pick up. Changed it out and she runs like new. For an engine with almost 300,000 miles on it, that's a testament for the value of proper maintenance.

Sprinter #3 is down on the south side of Columbus having it's Idlebuster generator installed and should be completed by this afternoon.

The busy freight season has been slow to start, but is picking up. My shoulder has been an ongoing problem since it has no rhyme or reason to when it decides to flare up. I have tried to get out of here several times only to have it start up. Last week, it was quiet the entire week. I decided to test it last Sunday and went over to the truck and pulled the mattress out of the upper bunk and installed a couple of cabinets I had picked up. Got that done with no problems and came home and waited. Several hours later I had no pain and no swelling. I thought I finally would be able to take off Monday. Didn't happen.

I was loading up the Ram Monday morning when Idlebuster called to confirm the Sprinter installation and informed me that I had to be present when they finished it today to sign the final papers. When the mail showed up, I found out that I had to go to Tri-State to recertify on my TSA credentials. Just what I needed to hear.

Took off to Toledo Tuesday morning and I wasn't halfway there when the shoulder fired up. Bothered me the rest of the day. I told Tri-State to locate a same household team to put in the International since I'm tired of dealing with the shoulder.

When I drove the 20 miles down to the south side yesterday morning, it fired up again. After I dropped my driver off at the motel, I stopped at a CVS on a whim. I found a support brace that is usually used for tennis elbow but since I had gotten relief when I used an elbow brace, I figured I'd give this a try.

I put the brace on in the center of my bicep above the elbow. For some insane reason, it supports the tendon and I'm able to move the arm better. The real test will come this morning when I drive back to the south side.

If I can drive the International until Tri-State locates a team, I'll step out and have the surgery done after I'm comfortable with whomever is driving the truck. I'll probably limit my range to a 300 to 350 mile radius so I can get home if the pain gets too bad. We'll see how things go.

Sprinter #1
WESTERVILLE/ OH DUBLIN/ VA 8/20/2008
DOVER/ NJ WHITEHALL/ MI 8/17/2008
BENSALEM/ PA ALTON/ VA 8/15/2008
CINCINNATI/ OH GRAYSON/ KY 8/14/2008
CINCINNATI/ OH UTICA/ OH 8/14/2008
NEWCOMERSTOWN/ OHNEWARK/ DE 8/14/2008
MONROE/ MI FRANKLIN/ OH 8/13/2008
FAIRFIELD/ OH DAYTON/ OH 8/13/2008
MARYSVILLE/ OH LAKE ORION/ MI 8/11/2008

Sprinter #2
RAYMOND/ OH HEBRON/ OH 8/20/2008
HEBRON/ OH SALEM/ VA 8/20/2008
COLUMBUS/ OH CUSTAR/ OH 8/18/2008
ST MARYS/ OH ATHENS/ OH 8/18/2008
LOUISVILLE/ KY FRANKLIN/ OH 8/15/2008
FAIRBURY/ IL DANVILLE/ KY 8/14/2008
E PEORIA/ IL PEORIA/ IL 8/13/2008
E PEORIA/ IL AURORA/ IL 8/13/2008
COLUMBUS/ OH BARTONVILLE/ IL 8/11/2008

Sprinter #3
E PEORIA/ IL MEDINA/ OH 8/18/2008
QUINCY/ IL WASHINGTON/ MO 8/12/2008

When It Pukes Oil, Houston We Have a Problem

I'm starting to think that I'm not going to get out of Columbus. Monday, no loads were available from here. Tuesday showed promise but had to deal with a breakdown on Sprinter #2.

He was on his way to Cambridge, OH from Roanoke, VA when the engine started to belch black smoke and puke oil out the exhaust. He said that he heard a loud bang, and the truck wouldn't go over 20MPH and the oil light came on. I immediately figured it was the turbo but you never know for sure until you can check it. Since I have a complete engine sitting here just for this purpose, I told the driver to call Tri-State to arrange a tow back to Columbus. T/S totally dropped the ball on this and the driver found a local tow company that would do the job. They did manage to tear the rear bumper facia off when hooking it up though.

Went over to the shop this morning and removed the ducting to the turbo. Sure enough the shaft bearings had let go. Pulled the turbo off the replacement engine, swapped the turbos out, changed the oil and filter, test drove it about 100 miles and Sprinter #2 is going back in service tomorrow after we re-synch the turbo to the engine. I'll take the turbo over and have it rebuilt ready for future use. Shoulder is singing, but the truck is fixed. I was able to reattach the rear facia using bolts and silicone. So, was having the truck towed back here the best move. I'll put the numbers here and you be the judge.

Dealer Cost/Actual Cost

Turbo $1,767.93/$300.00 (Rebuild)
Labor 320.00/160.00
Rear Facia 122.00/0
Labor 40.00/0
Oil Change 200.00/119.00
Tow 564.00

Total $2,449.93/$1,143.00

Savings $1,306.93

Sprinter #1
Montgomery, AL/Fountain Inn, NC
TAH

Sprinter #2
MT VERNON/ OH SPOUT SPRING/ VA
Bonus to Cambridge, OH
Broke down in Ripley, WV

Sprinter #3
PONTOON BEACH/ IL GRAND RAPIDS/ MI

FedEx

Freight out of here still hasn't picked up, so I'm still at home.

FedEx recruiter called Tuesday and made this offer to move the International and one of the Sprinters from T/S to FCC.

$1000 sign on bonus for each truck. Free sign removal Free sign installation Total value of the offer came to $3,140. International qualifies for White Glove after 6 months. He went on about how FCC pays more than T/S both on the linehaul and deadhead miles, how FCC is better because they have a larger customer base and how the FedEx name is a better draw to customers, etc. Told him I'd get back to him.

Did the research.

Advantages:
The sign on bonus is attractive. Half paid at orientation, half after the 25th load is completed. Deadhead miles do pay better with FCC. They pay the FSC on all dispatched miles in addition to the deadhead pay. Customer base is larger, and the FedEx name is a good draw. Qualcomm rental is the same as T/S so that's a wash. Bobtail insurance is cheaper since they have a large fleet. 1400 trucks of all types.

Disadvantages:

Escrow is $1500 for the International, $1000 for the Sprinter. Three times what T/S escrow is. They have a new dispatch system that is totally computerized. Load offers come over the QC only they make no phone calls. You have 10 minutes to respond by QC or phone. Problem if you're sleeping and don't hear the QC beep. They list the revenue average for the International at $1.87 per mile loaded, $1.00 for all miles based on a 56% load acceptance rate. Sprinter is $1.45 loaded, $.72 all miles based on a 67% load acceptance. T/S pays by the mile. Catch is that FCC pays by percentage and since most C unit loads are B unit size freight, the International would be paid the B unit rate for most loads. The projected yearly average for the Sprinter is about 20k less than what I project it to make with T/S. White Glove prefers teams and there is a waiting list. Drivers HAVE to have Hazmat endorsements and Canada FAST cards.

I'll be staying with T/S

Sprinter #1
DECATUR/ IL LAFAYETTE/ IN
SO BEND/ IN E PEORIA/ IL
CHAMPAIGN/ IL GRIFFIN/ GA
DAWSONVILLE/ GA FT VALLEY/ GA

Sprinter #2
TAH

Sprinter #3
WAYCROSS/ GA CINCINNATI/ OH Transferred at Nashville
Bonused to Louisville
LOUISVILLE/ KY SELMER/ TN

Expo

Went to the Expedite Expo Friday in Wilmington. We were a bit disappointed with it, but I accomplished most of what I wanted to.

Disappointments:

Chrome Shop Mafia wasn't there. I assumed they would make an appearance at some point, but no times were posted. Truck they had on display was cool though.

Tri-State's booth. No handouts, and very little information available that I could see. They were a major sponsor of the event so I expected more from them. They didn't talk to us very long, and didn't treat us like I thought they should treat a fleet owner either. That will factor into a decision I will be making.

Freightliner of Knoxville. This dealer is where I bought the International. Found out that Jon Mosier, a major player in the expedite truck sales game, no longer works for them. The guy that was there was less than thrilled to be there and showed it.

If there was food there, we couldn't find it and the music outside was so loud you couldn't hear anyone talk even if they were standing right next to you.

Accomplishments:

Met the former head of recruiting at T/S. I had talked to him at length during my research of the expedite business. He had left T/S shortly before I went to orientation. He's now with RJR Transportation.

Talked with the company that built the sleeper and generator on the International. The owner had not arrived yet, but I got my point across that I was very unhappy with their generator. The rep that was there said he would have the owner call me to see what could be done to correct the situation, but I am not holding my breath.

Met with the owner and sales manager of Idlebuster. Had a productive discussion with them and was very impressed with their APU design. They apologized for not having the engine yet for Sprinter #3's unit and promised to hurry it up as much as possible.

FedEx. Talked with one of their recruiters and was impressed with his presentation and what they offer. He said they absolutely needed the International (it qualifies for White Glove)and could also use one of the Sprinters for a dedicated account that is coming online shortly. They pay quite a bit more per mile than T/S have a structured FSC. The biggest things for me was that they pay the FSC for all dispatched miles including deadhead, and they no longer charge $500. for sign installation. The only drawback is that they require Hazmat and Canada even if you have no intention of doing either.

Overall, the expo was a good experience and we will attend next year. We stopped at the Flying J in Jeffersonville on the way home to grab a bite to eat. Wife said she wanted to see a truck stop close up, so I went along. Got home around 1630.

Shoulder feels decent and I still plan on heading out Monday if the creeks don't rise and no dogfights develop.

Sprinter #1
Layover in Decatur, IL

Sprinter #2
NO KINGSVILLE/ OH FOUNTAIN INN/ SC
Bonused to Lexington, KY
Deadhead home for TAH

Sprinter #3
Bonused to Lexington, KY
Transfer load to Griffin, GA
Layover in Albany, GA

BORED!!!!!!!!!

Another boring day in the neighborhood. Shoulder improving to the point I'm starting to move it so it won't stiffen up. I found the "rubber bands" I had from the therapy on the left shoulder, and I started to use them to keep the strength up in the right. They are different tension bands that you anchor to a fixed object and then you pull on them. I'll take them with me in the truck to keep exercising.

Freight still slow but showing signs of picking up. Caterpillar is the main source for the Sprinters right now.

Sprinter #1
BUCYRUS/ OH AURORA/ IL

Sprinter #2
SARVER/ PA ITHACA/ NY
Bonused to Pittsburgh and then to Cleveland

Sprinter #3
ST JOHNS/ MI ELK GROVE VILLAGE/ IL
WOODRIDGE/ IL CHAMPAIGN/ IL

Deja Vu

What's that old saying? Best laid plans of mice and men? I can't speak for the mice, but my plan got shot to hell yesterday morning in a dogfight.

Yeah, quite literally a dogfight. I had taken everything over to the International Sunday with the exception of food. My plan was to call the fleet coordinator Monday morning and get on the board. Yeah, right.

Wife had to leave early to take her Mom to the doctor, so as she was leaving she opened the bedroom door. Dog #1 jumps on the bed startling sleeping dog #2 who was on the bed with me. I was sound asleep as well. Dog #2 jumps up snapping at dog #1 and a screaming fight ensues and they fall to the floor. With my reflexes being what they are, I came up off the bed and landed on top of them before wife could take a step. I moved so fast that I tore the top sheet and comforter completely off the bed. I was still asleep when I moved.

Somewhere in the process I sort of woke up and saw that dog #1 is chewing on dog #2's ear. Grabbed #1's jaw with my left hand and started slapping the side of her face with guess what? Yeah, my RIGHT hand. I think I startled both of them enough for jaws to open and the fight was over.

Adrenalin is a wonderful thing until it wears off. By now I was fully awake, and fully aware that my shoulder was the one now screaming. Yeah, it popped again and now I am right back where I was last Saturday, ice and pain killers. I guess I'll be here after all when the brace shows up today. I've consoled myself all day with the fact that freight is still slow and I probably wouldn't have gotten a load today anyway. Needless to say, both dogs are in the proverbial doghouse.

Sprinter #1
Waukesha, WI to Detroit, MI

Sprinter #2
Bonused to Pittsburgh, PA

Sprinter #3
Mossville, IL to Lansing, MI

Have Tags Will Travel

Managed to get the tags for the Sprinter without much of a hassle. Two phone calls to answer two questions they didn't ask yesterday and it was done. At least the title part. Then had to wait in line again to get the tags since the title work is done by the county and the tags by the state.

While I was standing in line listening to the people arguing with the clerks over one stupid thing or another, I had a brainstorm that I think I will turn into a vanity license plate.

Spell OHIO backwards. OIHO Translation: Oh I Hate Ohio. Fits my state of mind perfectly and I will not hesitate to explain it to anyone that asks.

Freight seemed to surge this afternoon. Boards were moving faster than they have all week. I had Sprinter #1 leave Louisville to come back here to Columbus initially for TAH, but he was only here a couple of hours before a load offer came through. Picks up tonight and delivers Monday. So, he'll get his TAH and a load to start the week as well.

Shoulder continues to improve and I think I can get the heck out of here Monday. The brace hasn't arrived yet, but the wife can bring it to the Expo next Friday if it turns out we meet there instead of here at home.

Sprinter #1

Van Wert, OH to Waterloo, IA

Sprinter #2

Bonused to Harrisburgh, PA

Sprinter #3

Tags in place, ready to go.

Drowning in Red Tape

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the state of Ohio??? If not, I HATE THE STATE OF OHIO. There, I feel better.

Temp tags on Sprinter #3 expire today. Bank has been looking for the title for two weeks that the aforementioned state said they mailed two weeks ago. Tuesday, the bank works some type of magic and overnights documents to that state so I can get the tags and they can continue their title fight without holding me up.

Plan was to run to the BMV where the docs were overnighted, get the tags, overnight them to the driver, and head out myself. None of that happened.

Knowing that state like I do, I called before going to the BMV and was told that they did not know what I was talking about even though I was talking to the person that talked with my bank on Tuesday. She demanded the tracking number, carrier name, who sent it, and who signed for it. Contacted the bank, got the info and called the BMV back. Oh yes, we have it they said.

I arrive at the BMV. After 5 minutes looking for the docs they said they had, the process starts. Whoops says the lady, we can't issue the paperwork for tags since the power of attorney signed by my son-in-law shows my company as the purchaser. I said the company IS the purchaser. Seems that state is the only state that requires the purchaser to be a person not a company. Then, they issue another POA transferring the vehicle to the company. I seem to remember making a comment that I wasn't surprised that state is that stupid. Result: NO TAGS and I'm still stuck here.

Got a new POA showing me as the purchaser, and I will make the trip again later this morning for the second attempt. I am not very confident of success since it took three trips to get tags for the International.

To add insult to injury, literally, I get home and the shoulder is on fire for some reason. Called the doc to see if he had a brace or something that would help. He asked a bunch of questions, I told him about lifting the tire and he said I probably tore the scar tissue on the tendon. He recommended a brace that I had to order, and taking it easy for a few days to allow it scar over again. Great, I get to sit some more. I guess I'm not losing that much revenue since it's slow. It's just the principle of the thing. I do know that I WILL get those tags.

As I said, it's slow.

Sprinter #1

LEXINGTON/KY FLETCHER/NC 7/15/08

Sprinter #2

WAYCROSS/ GA CLEVELAND/ OH 7/16/2008
CHARLOTTE/ NC FT VALLEY/ GA 7/15/2008

Sprinter #3

No Tags
Driver still sick.

New Mods

Have been home since the 4th taking care of various things. I got the parking brake on the truck adjusted so it pulls more evenly so my shoulder can handle it. Decided to stay home till my B-Day was over and to attend Tri-State's Driver Appreciation Day on the 12th. That turned out to be a good decision since we won 2 brand new Michelin radial steering tires. I'll take $900 worth of free tires any day. Like an idiot, I loaded them by myself and pulled the shoulder pretty bad. Can you say "Stubborn".

One of the other things on the International that has bugged me was the lack of cupholders. It has only one. I found a console the other day that would normally go into a minivan, but I adapted it to fit in the International. I also added a CD player since the stock radio is a cassette. I also found a holding rack for the load bars that I have been moving (much to the chagrin of my shoulder) around each time I load and unload. Pics are below.


CD Player

Console

Load Bar Holder

Freight has been slow as expected due to the auto industry shutdown, but should be picking up soon.

Sprinter #1

RALEIGH/ NC ATHENS/ AL 7/11/2008

RICHMOND/ VA COCKEYSVILLE/ MD 7/9/2008

NO CHARLESTON/ SC CHERRY POINT/ NC 7/7/2008

CHICAGO/ IL CANTON/ OH 7/2/2008

BARBERTON/ OH LUGOFF/ SC 7/2/2008

NILES/ MI TOLEDO/ OH 7/1/2008

LITCHFIELD/ MI LAFAYETTE/ IN 7/1/2008

Sprinter #2

MARION/ OH FLETCHER/ NC 7/11/2008

CLEVELAND/ OH LIMA/ OH 7/10/2008

COLUMBUS/ OH BROOK PARK/ OH 7/8/2008

SHARONVILLE/ OH ENDWELL/ NY 7/2/2008

ADDISON/ IL INDIANAPOLIS/ IN 7/1/2008

Sprinter #3

PEORIA/ IL GRIFFIN/ GA 7/1/2008

Driver has been off sick.

We plan to attend the Expedite Expo on the 25th and 26th in Wilmington, OH. If anyone is near there, come on over. It's free as is the parking. Tons of exibits, the Chrome Shop Mafia will be there, and SNI has a booth as well. Promises to be a good time.

When I Move, I Move

Four loads in less than a week. Not bad. Spent the weekend in Florence, SC as expected. Sent a QC message around 1100 Monday asking to be moved. They came back with Charlotte, so I decided to go.

I only went a few miles before they came up with a load from Lancaster, SC to Lancaster, PA. No, that's not a typo. 3100 lbs of steering rods for Mack truck. Dropped that at 0900 yesterday and shot over to the truck stop at Carlisle before my 11 ran out. There are two other T/S straight trucks sitting next to me, and I'm #2 on the board. The #1 truck has been here all weekend and didn't get out yesterday. Maybe the slowdown has started.

The Sprinters are still busy, so no complaints there.

Sprinter #1

7/1/08
NILES/ MI TOLEDO/OH
SEYMOUR/ IN AUBURN HILLS/ MI

Sprinter #2

6/30/08
DECATUR/ IL LINCOLNSHIRE/ IL
7/1/08
ADDISON/ IL INDIANAPOLIS/ IN

Sprinter #3
7/1/08
PEORIA/ IL GRIFFIN/ GA

International
6/30/08
LANCASTER/ SC LANCASTER/ PA

Shoulder really gave me problems while driving Monday night and I think I may know what tore the tendon in the first place. The parking brake handle on the International is about as hard to pull and set as it is to pull an elephant by his trunk. Now, I'm using two hands while I keep my left foot on the brake. I'm going to take the truck in to the shop on Monday to see if they can adjust the brake shoes in the drum, or lube the cables or something to make it easier.

Thanks to everyone for the comments on the blog. Glad you like it.

Back On The Move

Shoulder needs surgery, but I decided to tough it out until December or January when freight slows down. I haven't posted here for awhile since I have been busy putting together a deal to buy a 3rd Sprinter.

My son-in-law's runs have been cut and he wanted to downsize from his Sprinter to a regular cargo van. He doesn't want to go OTR, so he didn't need a Sprinter with a sleeper in it. Completed the paperwork for the purchase and was at Tri-State's base on the 19th to sign the lease and have the signs and Qualcomm installed.

The driver I had before was reinstated by T/S and is now driving the Sprinter. He got his first load on the 20th and has been running strong since. I'm glad to have him back. The other two Sprinters have been running strong as well. The numbers I crunched show that the three Sprinters will cover all the expenses on all four trucks and all the International has to cover is it's fuel since I don't have to pay myself. Something wrong with that don't you think???? Anyway, when I go down for surgery, I can let the International sit until I come back.

I'm presently in a truck stop in Florence, SC. I got a load from Columbus to the new Honda plant in Greensburg, IN. It had no address that the GPS or any other map program would recognize since it's a new road. I found the stealth Honda plant even though the exit ramp to it was closed. I engaged the cloaking device on the truck and snuck in the back way. Seemed strange that they needed wiring harnesses for cars they aren't even building yet. After break I backtracked into OH to pick up some reverse clutch sun gears going to Roanoke, VA. Went to the T/A there. After that break, I deadheaded 165 miles to Kingsport, TN and picked up 5300 lbs of coupon books for the visitor information centers in Myrtle Beach, SC. Did my break in a Wally World lot in Conway, SC and headed here to this truck stop after.

The shoulder is holding up so far but I did make some mods to the cab of the International since it is difficult for me to reach to the right. You can see them in the pics.

As I said, the Sprinters are running strong but I'm not going to post all the runs here since there are too many since my last entry. I'll start posting them again now that I'm updating regularly.

Still Grounded

Didn't get the answer I wanted at the doc's office Tuesday. Shot worked to an extent, but he's not satisfied with the strength in the shoulder. Sent me over for an MRI so he could get a look at what's going on.

Got the MRI done Tuesday afternoon and I go back to the doc tomorrow morning for the final word.

I've been a bit more active with the shoulder than I was last week and it does feel better and I can lift my arm above my head. There is only one spot that gives me trouble. When the arm is straight out from my side, the shoulder will pop and pain shoots down to my hand and up to my neck. That happens going up or down.

On the bright side, freight IS picking up. T/S pro numbers are increasing steadily, and the Sprinters continue to be busy.

Sprinter loads since 5/28:

Sprinter #1
Urbana OH to Dublin VA
Bonused to Lexington KY

Sprinter #2
Columbus OH to Brookpark OH Hazmat
Willoughby OH to Dayton OH
Dayton OH to St. Louis MO

Saw where diesel fuel jumped another $.34 overnight raising the national average to $4.77 a gallon. In NY and CA, it's $5.09. PA is close behind with $4.95. Chances of getting a load to CA are slim and none, but if I get back on the road next week I will be telling Dispatch I won't be accepting loads to NY and limited ones to PA.

Grounded

Bringing things up to date. Had to come home on the 15th for the funeral of a family member. Earlier that week, started having some pain in my right shoulder beyond the normal being old crap. I pretty much knew what it was, so I went to the doc on the 20th. Yep, rotator cuff tear. He shot the shoulder up with steroids and acid to force the tendon to "scar down". He doesn't think it needs surgery, but he grounded me for a week with orders not to use the shoulder for anything. It's feeling better, but still giving me trouble. Go back on the 27th to see where it goes next.

Freight is picking up as both Sprinters have been busy, but with fuel creeping towards $5.00 a gallon and the FSC not keeping up, who knows what will happen next.

Sprinter #1 Loads 5/14 to 5/24:

RICHMOND/ VA WAYCROSS/ GA
BALTIMORE/ MD CHARLOTTESVILLE/ VA
HICKSVILLE/ OH CHAMBERSBURG/ PA
HAGERSTOWN/ MD FOSTORIA/ OH
CINCINNATI/ OH HAGERSTOWN/ MD
PETERSBURG/ VA FAIRFIELD/ OH
JOHNSTOWN/ PA CHANTILLY/ VA
MARION/ OH BROOKVILLE/ PA

Sprinter #2 Loads 5/14 to 5/24:

DENVER/ PA GREENVILLE/ SC
ELIZABETH/ NJ LOUISVILLE/ KY
MARION/ OH PORTLAND/ PA
SCHENECTADY/ NY BEDFORD/ KY
SO PLAINFIELD/ NJ MAHWAH/ NJ
AKRON/ OH CLIFTON/ NJ
COLUMBUS/ OH BROOK PARK/ OH
SHIPPINGPORT/ PA EASTLAKE/ OH
MARION/ OH SHIPPINGPORT/ PA
PORTLAND/ PA WILLOUGHBY/ OH
CHICOPEE/ MA PORTLAND/ PA
POTTSTOWN/ PA WATERFORD/ CT
FRIENDLY/ WV LYNDHURST/ NJ

Still In PA

Still in Erie, PA. Going to move to the Cleveland, OH board in the morning. Stayed here since there were no cargo vans in the area and this truck can do their loads. Now several delivered and are available, so I'll hit Cleveland and hope for something in OH, KY, or IN.

Melted my QC keyboard telling dispatch and the fleet co-ordinator that if I can find loads on the internet load boards they can. They seem to think since I had to limit my radius they can ignore me. Waiting to see if they will let me use their authority on these loads. The dispatchers feathers were ruffled, but I don't give a you know what. They aren't paying for this truck. If they don't want to beat the bushes, I will. I've got a big stick!!!!

Sprinter #1 Load from Columbus, OH to Brookville, PA

Sprinter #2 Load from Akron, OH to Clifton, NJ

OH-PA

Got notified of a death in the family Monday afternoon, so I had to limit my range to a 250 mile radius so I can get home in time for the funeral.

Finally got a load from Perrysburg, OH to Erie, PA. Paid rather well for a short run. Sticking to plastic molding equipment for some reason. This was a 3700 lb mold for a plastic company.

I noticed that diesel took another price jump. When I left OH last Friday it was $4.19. Here in PA it's $4.63. It's up to $4.41 in OH.

I think if it hits $5.00, I'm just going to take enough loads to cover the truck payment and insurance. I'm hearing a lot of talk on the CB and in truck stops that a lot of O/O's are parking because they can't afford to buy fuel.

Sprinter #1 small load from Cincinnati to Columbus OH

Sprinter #2 Hazmat load from Columbus to Cleveland, OH

OH-IL-OH

Picked up in Dayton Friday morning, two large vacuum testing machines going to CAT in Mossville, IL. Dispatch called with a second load while I was enroute to Mossville going from Willowbrook, IL to Fremont, OH for Saturday delivery.

Arrived at CAT at 1630 Friday. Got hung up there because they couldn't find a FORKLIFT. These machines were on wheels and I thought about using the liftgate to get them off the truck (no dock available) but since they were valued at $87,000 each, I wasn't going to take the chance of them falling off. They were 85" tall and top heavy. Finally got out of there at 1800.

Deadheaded 137 miles to Willowbrook, IL arriving at 2030. The load was a 3500 lb. machine used to stamp out plastic spouts for plastic gas cans. Their forklift wouldn't START so they ended up pushing it on the truck with a towmotor. It was in the center of the truck slightly to the left. I didn't like the position, but they couldn't move it any farther forward. I spent about a half hour blocking and bracing the thing and noticed that it was leaking oil on the floor, so I had them get me some rags to put under the leak. While I was doing this I heard a noise and turned around to find that a raccoon had come into the truck and was staring at me. He left without any argument. Left there at 2130 and went down to the weigh station on I55 for the night as I was out of hours.

Delivered in Fremont at 1400 Saturday and went over to T/S in Millbury. Met up with the driver of Sprinter #1 and we grabbed a bite to eat. He went home for mothers day, and I'm still sitting here as I didn't want to burn the fuel to go back home.

T/S had an orientation class for tractors that finished up shortly after we got there, and the class starting Monday has 12 straight trucks, 8 cargo vans, and two tractors in it. T/S must have lost a lot of trucks recently. With gas now pushing $4, the cargo vans are starting to feel the heat like the rest of us.

I have another bone to pick with T/S Monday. They zapped me $582. for that service call and two batteries last month.

Ready to Roll

Truck and generator have been serviced. Found a good shop just over a mile from the house. Very good work and very thourogh.

Discussed what to do about the generator engine vibration with the owner of the shop and I think we came up with a good solution. When I get back in town for the Memorial Day holiday, he will attached a steering dampner shock to the bracket on the top of the motor normally used to lift it, and the other end to the back of the case. He will also add new isolators to the base. He also informs me he can install an invertor and deep cell battery and relocate the 12 volt side of the sleeper to the deep cell. This will keep the drain for that and the invertor away from the truck batteries. Of course all this depends on how the month of May is profit wise.

Decided to leave the International with Tri-State at least for another month. We'll see if they can put their money where their mouth is. Did get a phone call today from some company in SC wanting me to sign on. They supposedly have 48 state authority, but they obtain their loads strictly from the internet load boards. Not going there. Too much of a risk.

So, we'll see how May goes.

Sprinter #1 Load from KY to OH

Sprinter #2 Load to WI cancelled Dry Run

IN-OH HOME

Left Indy at 1500 Friday after no loads materialized to OH. Arrived around 1900 at the storage lot and 2000 at the house.

Haven't decided yet when to go back out. Probably Thursday or Friday depending on how fast I get things done. Truck and generator need serviced and I need to decide if I will actually move the International to another carrier.

Right now, I'm just kicking back and trying not to think about anything at all.

Sprinter #1 at home, in transit for a Monday delivery in NC

Sprinter #2 at home.