RAINY TUESDAY

INDIANAPOLIS
Our freight planners gave us the best load they could - deadheading us over 200 miles from Chicagoland to the Indianapolis area. We had to wait until late-evening to pick up the load, so we got a routing point* to the OC* to be comfortable while we passed the time.
*routing point = an additional paid-to destination.
*OC = Operating Center (company terminal)

It rained almost all afternoon and evening. There was very little wind, and it was over 60°. Not too bad. Family in Missouri got some late-April snow & the associated chilliness.

I showed up at my shipper's facility at the appointed time. They hadn't finished loading my trailer, so I made sure to make a note of the delay - as it earns us "detention pay." I gave a thorough inspection to the trailer while the forklift sped in & out, taking care not to put my head or hands anywhere they might eat pinched or bumped from the erratic bouncing. Oh, great: a flat tire.

After my trailer was finally loaded, paperwork signed & other tasks were complete, I drove the 10 miles back to the OC to get the flat tire changed. While in the tire express bay, I asked the mechanic to measure the tread depth on one of my tractor tires - as it was looking very questionable. Sure enough: it was below standards & had to be replaced. They decided to go ahead and give me a full set of 8 new drive tires! This is a benefit of being a company driver. Two mechanics worked together on my tractor & trailer. I exited the OC gate right at midnight, pointing ourselves toward Georgia. It was raining hard. I made it to the south side of Louisville, Kentucky before handing the keys over to my partner.