@ Sleep Inn
As most of you know, I don't believe in woo woo things like curses. Yet, at the same time, I do have to marvel at the number of equipment troubles we had on this past load.
Around noon, Wednesday, in San Antonio, I started my supposed 70-hour week with a good inspection of my truck & empty trailer. My findings resulted in a trip to a tire bank (Wingfoot) to get a bald tire replaced.
I picked up our load, then headed north toward Dallas. The Schneider terminal (OC) was designated as one of our fuel stops. During my en-route (TIV) walkaround, I noticed that a side-light on the trailer had burnt out. My attempt to replace the bulb didn't yield the desired result. A broken ground wire was to blame. I spent about two hours waiting to get into the "express" bay to have it repaired. A lady-mechanic took good care of me. This delay was eating into my margin of delay. I like to maintain accurate ETAs for high numbers on my score card.
Just 15 minutes after I departed the OC, my right headlight darkened. My spare bulb had been broken under the clatter of my tools in the sidebox. I stopped at two consecutive truckstops to purchase a replacement bulb, to no avail. The $16 bulbs were out of stock. It was mission impossible. My partner took over and drove the 300+ miles to the West Memphis OC, risking being pulled over by state troopers for this CSA violation. Mr. H got quick service at the West Memphis shop. That was good.
Delivering our load near Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mr. H made a turn, at the end of our customer's trailer parking aisle, that involved driving over a pile of snow. Apparently the pile of snow was deeper and firmer than he anticipated. It's cracked our radiator from below, spilling out every ounce of coolant from the reservoir. He managed to back in the trailer & complete delivery. I was never aware that anything happened until he told me about it & I overheard him talking to our emergency maintenance department about getting repair service or a tow truck to "rescue" us.
The tow truck arrived right after I decided to get up and get dressed. After our bobtail tractor had been hoisted onto the tow truck, I was invited to climb into the tow truck sleeper. Most likely out of jolly theatrics, the twentysomething tow truck driver shouted at me that he had just cleaned the interior of his truck "and to keep it that way!"..."And don't be treating my rig like one of your banged-up Schneider trucks!!" As he towed our truck to Dunmore, he intentionally left his engine brake on, letting it roar deafeningly every time he let up off the throttle. Being noisy and rude seemed to be his intentional goal. I guess civilized behavior isn't a specific requirement for his job. The kid had definite aggression issues. The journey to the Freightliner dealership took about 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the Freightliner yard & bidding farewell to the bizarre tow truck driver, I climbed back into my own sleeper to add to my three hours of prior sleep. Several hours later, a mechanic came out to limp our tractor into the repair bay for an estimate. I was rested enough to function.
We were eventually informed that we would probably be leaving on Tuesday. Today is Friday. Ouch. The cracked radiator required replacement and another part had to be ordered. The Sleep Inn would be accommodating us for the following four nights. It's a great place to stay & eats are nearby.
Mr. H expressed worry about being fired over busting the radiator on a snow pile. I assured him that our company would not send him home over such a relatively minor "incident". He has already proven himself to be a good asset. An occasional hiccup could easily be forgiven. Memories of my incident with a light pole, in 2010, surfaced in my mind, but not through my mouth. (I keep my past "sins" fairly close to the vest.) Anyway, based upon personal experience, I was able to confidently assure him that he would be alright.
For the first night, at least, we are sharing a room. By "sharing", I mean "taking turns". At 2 or 3am, Mr. H will come downstairs, to where I am currently. His turn in the room will be over. He can stay downstairs or roam around town if he wishes. It will be my turn to have the solitude & privacy of room 311 for the following 12 hours. It will be just like our normal driving shifts. Even though he is a fellow male, it still gives me maximum heebie-jeebies to share an undivided private space with another human being – other than my wife or children. My previous partner's unacceptable, quasi-aggressive homosexual behavior ruined that for me. Our company only provides one room for team drivers. Whenever we get separate rooms, that usually comes out of my own pocket. Mr. H fully understands my stance in this matter, and seems to appreciate it also.
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