Traveling Audio

Just an Update

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:54:00 +0000

Well I moved into a house in Valliant, Oklahoma. Am living by myself again. A very good friend took a job in Ardmore and ask me to live in her home so it would not be empty. I also have my VA benifits approved and have had several appointments the last was the 4th of August, and they did a heart cath. I have another artery blocked. They cannot open it--I must learn to live with it--just like the other two.
This living on a fixed income is sometimes very hard to do; but I am managing. I have learned the difference between wants and needs. Well, I will try to post everyday. Yea right.

Traveling Audio: MY NEW EXCITING LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Traveling Audio: MY NEW EXCITING LIFE

JUST ANOTHER UP DATE

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Tuesday, July 13, 2010     THIS IS TH E JOURNAL OF WILLIAM (BILL) R. JENNINGS SR.   born at Fort Carson ,Colorado. I will fill in history as I go (day by day) this am I awoke at 0340 and could not return to sleep. I got up and turned on the coffee pot my sister , Betsy had prepared the previous night. Thanks Sis.
     I am visiting my two sisters Merry (0lder than me) and Betsy (younger than me). They live up here in the great state of Oklahoma. There were eight in kids in my family. Marvin(the oldest) died in a truck wreck just north of Houston Texas on interstate 45 in 1970. That leaves me the oldest male child (if 58 is still considered a child). I have had a year, well, terrible would be an understatement. As a Cross Country Truck driver, I stay away from home for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Then I take 4 four days off.
I came home on the 18th of April 2009, with a very bad case of kidney stones--pain lots of pain--showered and went to be, I could not get in to see the doctor until 1500 (for you civilians that's 3pm) on the 19th of April. I had no pain pills so I stayed in bed flat on my back until 1300 (1pm) got up to get ready for the doctor's visit, found out none of the laundry had be done while I was gone, therefore; I had only dress pants and a white shirt to wear. Went looking for Trudy(my wife) she was not in the house, I saw her walking back and forth outside the front fence talking to someone on her cell phone. {still in her night gown and robe} I called to her and tried to get her attention but was ignored. After approximately 20 minutes my daughter ,Barbara .drove up followed by my son Bill (both should have been at work). I was sitting on the front porch when Trudy walked over to me and said " I know you will not understand this, but I am leaving."     To say the least I was devastated October 26th of 2009 would have been our 38 wedding anniversary. I think she already had the car packed, as soon as she changed cloths she left. I started walking not knowing or caring where I was going. Bill and Barbara found me about 30 minutes later and Barbara took me to my Doctors appointment. The doctor gave me 2 shots of morphine and 40 vicadan and told me to go home stay in bed for 3 days. I did, my phone did not ring for 4 days and not one person came to see if I was still alive. {I really felt loved at that time in my life}. no one called or checked on me at all..
I did not have transportation to go to the doctor, Trudy took her car, my kids thought that was just fine , at least they never said anything different. By the way we only had one car. I went back to work two days later driving a truck and tried to restart my life. This went ok until March the 19th of 2010 when my DOT physical expired and I had to take a physical, which I failed.
On the 23rd of March 2010 Doctor Henry put 4 stints in my heart, he told me I would not be able to return to work until at least 7/8/10.
On the late night of the 28th of March I was severally depressed and tried to end my life, all I did was make myself sick and labeled as a threat to myself, therefore a County Judge had me (hospitalized )for 10 days at ETMCBC that's EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER/BEHAVIORAL CLINIC.
This really is a good unit and they did help me understand what was wrong with me and that I was not JUST CRAZY, I was told that I had severe depression and hyper tension, both common in heart patients.. I was there twice for 10 days and once for 4 days.
Well on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd of June 2010 I was back in the hospital with chest
pain.. Dr.Henry had a necular stress test done and it showed one of the three stints he had put in back in 08 had blocked 100% and because of it's relation to two other stints could not be unplugged by another stint and was not a candidate for by-pass surgery. I was now 100% disabled.
     By now KLLM had terminated my employment and my insurance was gone,situation----no insurance--no income--I was living in an 18 foot camper trailer that had the back wall burned out--no water--no sewer and no electric (well Jennifer and John ran a 110 volt extension cord 300 yards so I couldd at least have light)---no AC temps were in the 90+ every day.
I applied at the VA and was promptly informed that if I made over 32.000$ the previous year I was not eligible--I did not need help last year because I worked every day od that year. So I was sent to Social Security for emergency assistance. this takes 90 plus days after you apply and are approved, as of today Thursday, July 15, 2010 I have now had a word from them. I have worked my entire adult life, served in the military and never ask for a thing. It took me 2 months just to get food stamps. The only reason I have a place to live is because a friend (Terry Sipes) let me have that 18 foot travel trailer and John Allison rebuild, moved and leveled it for me. On about the 20th of June I was hooked up to electric service. I still have to use the on board storage system for water and sewer. Pawn shops and the good graces of friends is all that keep me going (I get $200 a month in food stamps) The water company said that it would take $400 dollars to place a water meter for me to hook up to. The sewer system will be closer to $5000 as it must be a "green system". When you become disabled you a re expected to just walk away and die---wait---tried that they stopped me. Must be done the legal way -STARVATION.
     Well now, let me bring you up to date. Monday, July 19, 2010. Today I have an appointment with caring hands an Oklahoma system much the same as we have at home. On Friday the 16th I had an anxiety attack and went to the ER blood work and EKG were fine pulse was 51 BP was 176 over 87
The ER doctor gave me 4 baby aspirin and a shot of atavan and I returned home., oh yea he also wrote me a script for atavan. This all took place at approximately 2--3 pm, at about 9 pm I went out in cut off PJ bottoms and boots (no socks) my pick-up windows were down and I wanted to roll them up.I have no idea why however; I decided to go for a walk (my sister lives in the country).   one and on half mile later a state trooper,three city police, one county cop, and two firemen and my nephew. found me walking and signing military cadence calls on the gravel road. I was told I reported to them that I was Staff Sargent Jennings gave my ssn and had no idea what I had done wrong. So another ambulance trip to the ER and more drugs and sent back home. The ER doctor said my pulse rate was lower than normal and I should have someone watch it for the next 48 hours.
     I really wish I knew how to find my way back to normal, I would most reassuringly and gladly return there.
     I miss being able to work(that really sounds bad, but it's true).   I have tried walking around the pastures and woods but there are to many ticks and chiggers, the first time I walked I bet I had at least 500 bites. Josh and I went out twice to shot snakes and turtles in the ponds, but at $8 a box that gets to expensive, even at one shot one kill. Heat is a real problem up here also most days by 1000 am it is in the 90's with over 102 heat index.
    I watch Alice in Wonderland the other day (the new version) and I understood Alice's situation much better this time.
     Time for good news------Joe (my brother-in-law) gave me a Cadillac (1986) car. It needs work (BUT I DON'T CARE) it's been so long since anyone gave me something I would have been just as happy had it been a little red wagon.

JUST WHAT HAVE WE BECOME

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:33:00 +0000

Tuesday, July 13, 2010     THIS IS THE JOURNAL OF WILLIAM (BILL) R. JENNINGS SR.   born 04/18/1952 at Fort Carson ,Colorado. I will fill in history as I go (day by day) this am I awoke at 0340 and could not return to sleep. I got up and turned on the coffee pot my sister , Betsy had prepared the previous night. Thanks Sis.
     I am visiting my two sisters Merry (0lder than me) and Betsy (younger than me). They live up here in the great state of Oklahoma. There were eight in kids in my family. Marvin(the oldest) died in a truck wreck just north of Houston Texas on interstate 45 in 1970. That leaves me the oldest male child (if 58 is still considered a child). I have had a year, well, terrible would be an understatement. As a Cross Country Truck driver, I stay away from home for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Then I take 4 four days off.
I came home on the 18th of April 2009, with a very bad case of kidney stones--pain lots of pain--showered and went to be, I could not get in to see the doctor until 1500 (for you civilians that's 3pm) on the 19th of April. I had no pain pills so I stayed in bed flat on my back until 1300 (1pm) got up to get ready for the doctor's visit, found out none of the laundry had be done while I was gone, therefore; I had only dress pants and a white shirt to wear. Went looking for Trudy(my wife) she was not in the house, I saw her walking back and forth outside the front fence talking to someone on her cell phone. {still in her robe} I called to her and tried to get her attention but was ignored. After approximately 20 minutes my daughter ,Barbara .drove up followed by my son Bill (both should have been at work). I was sitting on the front porch when Trudy walked over to me and said " I know you will not understand this, but I am leaving."     To say the least I was devastated October 26th of 2009 would have been our 38 wedding anniversary. I think she already had the car packed, as soon as she changed cloths she left. I started walking not knowing or caring where I was going. Bill and Barbara found me about 30 minutes later and Barbara took me to my Doctors appointment. The doctor gave me 2 shots of morphine and 40 zynax and told me to go home stay in bed for 3 days. I did, my phone did not ring for 4 days and not one person came to see if I was still alive. {I really felt loved at that time in my life}. no one called or checked on me at all..
I did not have transportation to go to the doctor, Trudy took her car, my kids thought that was just fine , at least they never said anything different. By the way we only had one car. I went back to work two days later driving a truck and tried to restart my life. This went on until March the 19th of 2010 when my DOT physical expired and I had to take a physical, which I failed.
On the 23rd of March 2010 Doctor Henry put 4 stints in my heart, he told me I would not be able to return to work until at least 7/8/10.
On the late night of the 28th of March I was severally depressed and ttried to end my life, all I did was make myself sick and labled as a threat to myself, therefore a County Judge had me (hospitalized )for 10 days at ETMCBC that's EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER/BEHAVIORAL CLINIC.
This really is a good unit and they did help me understand what was wrong with me and that I was not JUST CRAZY, I was told that I had severe depression and hyper tension, both common in heart patients.. I was there twice for 10 days and once for 4 days.
Well on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd of June 2010 I was back in the hospital with chest
pain.. Dr.Henry had a necular stress test done and it showed one of the three stints he had put in back in 08 had blocked 100% and because of it's relation to two other stints could not be unplugged by another stint and was not a candidate for by-pass surgery. I was now 100% disabled.
     By now KLLM had terminated my employment and my insurance was gone,situation----no insurance--no income--I was living in an 18 foot camper trailer that had the back wall burned out--no water--no sewer and no electric (well Jennifer and John ran a 110 volt extension cord 300 yards so I couldd at least have light)---no AC temps were in the 90+ every day.
I applied at the VA and was promptly informed that if I made over 32.000$ the previous year I was not eligible--I did not need help last year because I worked every day of that year. So I was sent to Social Security for emergency assistance. this takes 90 plus days after you apply and are approved, as of today Thursday, July 15, 2010 I have now had a word from them. I have worked my entire adult life, served in the military and never ask for a thing. It took me 2 months just to get food stamps. The only reason I have a place to live is because a friend (Terry Sipes) let me have that 18 foot travel trailer and John Allison rebuild, moved and leveled it for me. On about the 20th of June I was hooked up to electric service. I still have to use the on board storage system for water and sewer. Pawn shops and the good graces of friends is all that keep me going (I get $200 a month in food stamps) The water company said that it would take $400 dollars to place a water meter for me to hook up to. The sewer system will be closer to $5000 as it must be a "green system". When you become disabled you a re expected to just walk away and die---wait---tried that they stopped me. Must be done the legal was STARVATION.

THE FAMILY JENSON

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Well, the Johnstones have hit one clear out of the field again! This book (THE FAMILY JENSON) fills in blanks in the life of Preacher, Smoke and Matt. I recieved a copy from Jo several weeks ago; to my dismay I just started reading it last night. Now I cannot get enough of it. I will do a better job of
reviewing it very soon (after I read it--probably twice).

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:30:00 +0000

I retired from driving on the 25th of March 2010. I went into see my Doctor for my annual stress test, and failed miserably. On the 26th of March 2010 I found myself getting 4 stints put in my heart, this now makes a total of 12 since 1999. I was told I could not return to work before 8 July 2010, with that news and a recent divorce, plus pay cuts, insurance premiums doubling, and miles dropping (truckers are paid by the number of miles they drive) and a few other problems I slipped into the land of deep depression. NOT A GOOD PLACE AT ALL.
I went through hospital stays and several medicines before I started to climb up out of that hole. Along the way I met a man, (I already thought I knew him) who gave of his time based upon what I needed not what he needed.
And I mean physical work, he rebuilt my camper trailer, cleared the land, leveled the spot, set the utility pole, wired my camper, fixed the roof leaks,
moved my shop building and leveled it. And still worked his regular job 10 hours a day!
All I was able to do was walk around and get in the way, I had another artery plug off 100% on the 2 of June 2010. This one unfix able.
His only complaints were the heat, and not enough time to do what needed each day. He was helped by my sister's son J.W. who also worked and helped beyond belief. All of this work almost everyday for 1 and 1/2 months was for free. His wife and J.W.'s were not left out as they along with my daughter packed and moved my things to my new home--an 18 foot camper trailer, not easy, as I was living in a three bedroom 2 bath house for the past 20 plus years. A lot of stuff I thought I could never part with is now gone (no room). But thanks to friends (not just relatives) I have a place I can afford (free) and friends to look after me.
The man I am writing about's name is John Allison he is married to my younger brother's daughter Jennifer. As far as I know he has never refused to help anyone. He is a sterling example of what a friend should be, not just a relative but a friend.

A whole new adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Moving from a 3 bedroom 2 bath home into a 20 foot camper, is (to say the least) an adventure. This camper is a salvage camper that had a fire and I am having to rebuild a lot. I would not say my new home is small, but if you want to sit down you need to back in the front door. A lot of things I thought I could not live with out, no longer matter. (no room). Should have permanent water hook up by end of May, electric is probably about the same time. My trailer is self contained, it has a fresh water tank and sewage tank, the problem is learning to live on one single 110 volt outlet.I tried to run a small (2 foot by 2 foot) refrigerator, and it burned out the compressor , the same problem makes me not use my new microwave.
As I have said before going from an income of approximately $4,000 a month income to $0 (and not being able to work) adds a still more challenging set of problems. SSI might or might not start in 90 days.
Disability, according to a new law passed in March, 2010 makes you wait 5 full months before you are even able to get anything and then it pays at the end of the 6th month. Also the new law ended all back pay for the first 5 months. Maybe the way to get SSI and disability back on their feet
is just to starve out those of use who have paid in over 40 years of SSI?

You see even if I pick up cans on the side of the road and sell them, if I get caught by SSI or SSD I lose even that, because I applied for full disability. But then SSI is a little over $600 a month, even a member of congress should be able to live off of that income. (maybe for a day if he skipped lunch). I do not know if this is true or not but I was told we give the people in Afghanistan and Bagdad more than that.

MY BATTLE/MY COMING VICTORY

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:36:00 +0000

I guess there comes a time in every ones life when there health issues get to a point you can no longer support yourself. I am afraid I have reached that point! I will be 58 on the 18th of April. in the last 6 years I have had 12 stints and a double bypass,
the last stints were on the 25th of March 2010.
If there was one thing I could share with everyone it would be, STAY HEART SMART.
That to me means start eating right at an early age, and exercise, OH YEA BIGGIE FOR SOME OF US QUIT SMOKING. When my problems started I was smoking 4 packs of cigarettes a day, I was not eating anything except fast food (I was a truck driver) the only exercise I got was hooking up and unhooking to a trailer.
For me the smoking stopped almost the same time as my first heart episode; however it was already to late almost 30 years of smoking caught up with me.
My last stint placement sent me into deep depression, through things that happened in the following 3 days (which I will not put on here).

On the Monday morning after my stint placement I awoke in a hospital, yes I was very afraid I did not remember any thing after 7 pm the night before. I know I was very aggressive (sounds better than what I really was). I was in the
behavioral hospital for 7 days.
No it was not like you see in the movies! It is a mostly a normal hospital with specialty Nurses and Tecks, my room did not have a lock I had very good meals not at all like you would expect in a regular hospital, I was monitored more than any one else because of my recent heart problem. By the second day, I felt at home (or at least as close as one can) and had made some very good friends. Depression is something that sneaks up on you; unless you know the signs. I will not pretend to know them all but, I know know how to get well now. I will write more as I progress. To go from over $4,000 a month to $0 in one week, well that was just another part of my problem. I'll blog more later.

TOM CLANCY//// JACK RYAN SERIES

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:18:00 +0000

I have been listening to the Jack Ryan series of Audio books, unabridged,
and had forgotten just how good a writer Tom Clancy is. If we could only get a Jack Ryan as our president, our country-no the world- would be better for it. Most of this series are 14 hours or more and hold the listeners attention from the first to the last.

I was in Montana on the 1st of January the temp was -28 and the wind chill was -51. The diesel froze in the hose while I was trying to fill my tanks.

Well got to go as I am unloaded here in Allentown, Pa.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT OR E-MAIL ME LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. ALSO IF YOU CAN RECOMMEND A GOOD BOOK.

Michael Hazard/THE SEA'S FURY

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:42:00 +0000

I am looking forward to reviewing a new audio book "THE SEA'S FURY" by Michael Hazard. He contacted me and ask if I would like to review his book, of course I said yes. Below I am pasting his description of himself , and his book. Click on the title to go to his web site www.spinnakerpress.com/
__________________________________________________________
I'm a former "Coastie" (70-76) and wrote the book based on CG historical events and my own experience.

This Coast Guard book is dedicated to and personifies that spirit of lifesaving that still lives in the hearts and minds of determined and dedicated men and women who call the sea their home, who guard America's coastlines, and are "Always Ready" to save a life at sea.

The Sea's Fury is an adventure/drama with breathtaking rescues and thrilling exploits that will take you inside the action packed world of the U.S. Coast Guard

Recient Books I have listened to

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:26:00 +0000

Yes, I know I have been gone from my Blog for quite some time. No apologize just to much happening in my personnel life.
Enders Shadow, by Orson Scott Card, is a very interesting book. It held my attention from the moment I started listening to it. This book is science fiction (futuristic), the story line evolves around Earth at war with an alien planet. The military picks the smartest children and educates them in the art of war. This episode follows one such child named Bean, as he progress's in his live and education. Far from a coming of age story, very intriguing and some what spellbinding.

Review of Wind in the Ashes, By WW Johnstone Read by Scott Fortney

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:35:00 +0000

William W. Johnstone is my favorite author, and has been for 20 plus years. I was stopped at a truck stop (Flying J) in Kentucky and while browsing the audio books. I saw a book "WIND IN THE ASHES" written by W.W. Johnstone , read by Scott Fortney, and published by Speaking Volumes of Santa Fe, New Mexico (www.speakingvolumes.us). I bought the audio book. This review is directed toward the reader (Scott Fortney).

As to my credentials: I love reading and listening to books. I have over 120 audio books an CD and Cassette, I also have over 41 gigs of downloaded audio books . This does not take into account all the books I rent and listen to. Although I am far from an expert I know what I like.

A good reader/performer can make or break a book. Scott does an excellent job with this book, as I suspect he does with most everything. It is easy to tell he enjoys this book and story line, for when a person enjoys their work they seem to do a better job. Scott makes the characters come alive, his enthusiasm for the story line and the characters is very evident. I have read this book several times and enjoyed it as much this time as I did the first time. To me it is important for the reader to be able to project himself into the character, this gives each one its own personality, Scott does this very well. He seems to live the characters, or give life to, I'm not
sure how to explain that.

I have and will continue to recommend books read by Scott Fortney. I am eagerly awaiting his next book. The Ashes series is a big favorite with the trucking community and the last time it was available it was a rental from Audio Adventures. The series was so popular it was hard to find the books to rent them. I am sure it will be as popular, if not more so, this time around.

Yes, I highly recommend this reader/performer. Stay with it Scott as I think you are doing an excellent work.

Truck Versus Turkey Truck wins

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:42:00 +0000

I was home from 3-12 thru 3-17 . While at home I got my CDL (drivers license) renewed. My first load was from Austin, Tx to Georgia, now for the turkey story.
I was driving along listening to Glen Beck (the best talk show host) as I crossed under an overpass in Ruston, La. a large Turkey flew from my right and hit my windshield
about 8 inches to the drivers side of center. I thought someone had thrown something from the overpass.
Over the years experience has taught me that when the unexpected happens, if no one is hurt or about to be hurt, do nothing until you evaluate the problem. This does not take long. If I had slammed on my brakes the cars behind me might have rearended me. Had I tried to miss the bird I could have, wrecked the truck, hit the overpass or hit another vehicle. As it was I turned on my flashers , slowed and moved to the shoulder of the road and stopped.
The turkey was flopping around in the highway, until a red dodge pickup put him out of his misery with his front tire.
Yes turkey's can fly.

How Truck Drivers are Trained

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:46:00 +0000

The trucking industry is in a continuous hiring mode, driver turnover is 100% or greater. Most of the larger trucking companys have their own training schools. With this article I will try to show how potential drivers are trained and in future articles, Why they do not stay in this industry.

CDL (Commercial Drivers License) training usually is from 3 to six weeks.

1. What does training consist of: my source of information is from students I know and have met over the years. and the web.

a. CDL permit training---need a permit before you can drive, just like drivers ed

b. Endorsement study---CDL has endorsements ie: tanks, doubles & triple trailers, hazmat, etc.

c. Job procurement---you have to know how to fill out an application

d. DOT hours of service---federal regulations which control how, when & if a driver can drive legally

e. Map reading/trip planning---roads, travel time, where you are to fuel, where to park to rest, & proper time management

f. DOT regulations--- federal rules which cover the transportation industry

g. Pre/post trip inspections--- federal rules require specific things to be checked daily

h. Accident reports---both how to report, & how to fill one out

This is just the basic classroom training, the driver training is done hands on and requires much more time. In my opinion driver training never ends. The schools I checked on the web require 120 hours of practical, behind the wheel training. Then the student goes (over the road) out with a driver trainer for 3 to 6 weeks. The trainers are certified by the company they work for, and have went through a course to learn proper training principles.

2. Most of the hands on school training involves:

a. different backing maneuvers

b. shifting the transmission---although several companys now have automatic transmissions in their trucks

c. pretrip/postrip inspections

d. turning corners

e. being aware of what is happening around your vehicle while you are driving, looking for hazards

f. night driving

g. crossing railroad tracks

h. lane changing

i. hooking up to a trailer & unhooking

j. how to merge on a ramp

k. space management---how to keep the area around your truck clear---front rear and both sides

l. learning the blind spots--- places the driver cannot see either though mirrors or by turning his head

m. bobtail---driving the tractor with out a trailer attached

This is at best just a partial list, basically just as in life training never ends.

Just for your information.

The world's most solitary tree is located at an oasis in the Tenere Desert in Central Africa. There's not one other standing tree within 31 miles. In 1960, it was smashed into by a truck.
( taken from truckinfo.net )

When Trucks Stop America Stops

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Everyone knows the economy is bad right now. With this article I will attempt to show just how badly it effects the trucking industry.Most trucking companys pay their drivers by the mile, a few pay a % of the load value. So basically when we are not moving we are not getting paid. There are exceptions to that--we get layover pay after the first 24 hours, this amounts to about 1/4 of what could be made if we were hauling freight.

I delivered Tuesday in Baton Rogue, La. at 1:00 pm. I went to the closest truck stop to wait for my next load. At 3:00 pm my dispatcher told me to head for Houston, Tx. as there were no loads available for me in Baton Rogue. While in route to Houston I
received load information for a load from Houston to Sorrento, La. approximately 284 empty miles and 296 loaded. It was to deliver Thursday am. That load was canceled before I could get there. Next load was from Austin, Tx. to Allentown, Pa. 428 empty and 1649 loaded, this load also canceled. By this time I am very upset to say the least. I have now sat from Tuesday to Thursday without earning any pay to speak of. My next load, this is the one I am on, was to pickup in Houston Friday and deliver on Monday in Greenville, SC. 284 empty miles and 933 loaded. (the empty miles are from Baton Rogue to Houston) This means I will finish this week with 1200 miles less than I normally do, and 1500 less than I shoot for. Really hurts my paycheck.

Everything you buy has at one time been delivered on a truck, trains and ships cannot deliver to the stores, so when truck loads get slow or stop the economy is already in trouble. Another sign is when trucking companys quit hiring drivers. This industry typicallyhas a 110% turn over in drivers so they are hiring all the time just to keep the trucks full. None of the major carriers, that I know of, are hiring.
Several carriers are consolidating their freight lanes and closing terminals. As the compitation for loads progresses the price per mile,that the carries are paid, will drop. WHEN THE TRUCKS STOP AMERICA STOPS The produce that is in your nearest store did not come from your local farmer it came from Texas, California, Florida, Oklahoma even Mexico just to name a few. And it is the same with every thing in that store. I will try to keep this post alive so those who are interested can follow. Thanks

Alex Archer's Rogue Angle, from GRAPHIC AUDIO

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:55:00 +0000

First a little about me. I drive a truck for a living, picking up and delivering refrigerated freight all over the lower 48 states. Driving 8 to 11 hour per day gets very tedious. It is not boring as there is always some thing or some one getting crazy to keep you on your toes. I own well over 150 audio books, mostly Graphic Audio format. The Graphic Audio format I refer to is basically every thing that a movie has except the picture. That is to say they include sound effects and actors for each character.

Ok, now for the book, Rogue Angel number 1 Destiny. The heroine in this book is Annja Creed an archaeologist and researcher for a TV show Chasing History Monsters. Through a twist of fate she finds herself heir to Joan of Arc's mystic sword. She finds herself involved in countless adventures involving ancient treasures all over the globe.

Even though this series of books, currently up to #14, is action adventure. The author keeps a historic base through out the stories. The stories are fiction with enough reality to be believable. The author keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. The historic references are real, sometimes mythology although some would say that is historic also.
This is not a super hero type book, as Annja is not sure she believes that the sword she now has is real or not.

The main character has the same daily problems as everyone else. She lives in a loft apartment in New York City, and lives on a budget like normal people do. Her boyfriend is a NYC cop, he is unaware of her ability with Joan of Arc's sword.

Graphic Audio does a super job of producing this book in the graphic format. If you have never tried Graphic Audio, you are missing out on an adventure in audio books.

Trucks and cars Share the same road

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:44:00 +0000

People driving cars get upset with truck drivers, just as truck drivers get upset with people who drive cars.
Most of the problems , I believe stem from the lack of knowledge the general public has as far as trucks are concerned.
There are several things common to truck driving that are not common to car driving.

1. WIND -- effects trucks at least 75% more than cars---causing trucks to drift from one side of the lane to the other
2. STOPPING DISTANCE -- the distance is far greater for trucks-- a cars weighs approximately 2,000 pounds -- a truck 80,000 pounds
3. REAR VIEW -- a car has windows all around plus mirrors -- a trucker relies on his mirrors and even then has spots he cannot see
4. PARKING -- no comparison at all-- size alone says it all

Things to be aware of that will help us all.

1. when you pass a truck, always pass on the left if possible, get past do not linger beside a truck
2. do not tailgate a truck, when you are that close the driver cannot see you, and you cannot see anything except the back of his trailer
3. do not try to pass a truck on the right when it is turning--left or right-- the driver cannot see your car and might hit it
4. parking for trucks is hard to find---I know there are trucks stops and rest areas--DOT regulations require A driver to take a 10 hour break after working 14 hours or driving 11 hours (example: day starts at 10:00 am at midnight 12:00 am day ends) all parking areas are full so where do I park this 76 foot long beast--where ever I can safely get off of the road
5. A truck hauling hazmat must stop at all rail road crossing
6. The rubber from a blown truck tire (we call them gators) will tear up your car if you hit it , a truck has 18 tires the only ones that the driver is aware of immediately when they blow are the front tires, the other 16 might or might not cause an immediate problem when they blow out
7. please if you are going to drive 30 mph below the speed limit than do not get on a major highway. I see people almost every day on a 65 mph interstate driving 30 to 35 miles per hour, not that it slows up all the traffic but a truck tops a hill or rounds a curve and there is the slow vehicle, causing the truck driver to react by hard breaking or quick lane changing neither are good actions
8. dim you headlights when meeting an on coming vehicle, I try hard to see all around my truck so bright lights at night blind me
9. Most drivers will stop to help broke down motorist but should only do so when it can be done safely
10. we all need to share the road

Just a side note: there are several states that do not allow trucks to park on interstate ramps, there is probably a very good reason
for not allowing parking there. Most of those same states are closing rest areas, and have large parking areas in their state scales but will not allow trucks to park there overnight (or for their 10 hour mandatory break when it comes due. Kentucky will allow trucks to park in their state scales, and even provide facilities for truckers. North Carolina and two or three others only allow 2 hour parking so how are we to obey the law when there are more trucks on the highway then their are parking spots. Remember If you have it a Truck hauled it.

A Simple drivers review of the new W.E.B. Griffin book Black Ops

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:58:00 +0000

The new W.E.B. Griffin book BLACK OPS lives up to all of my expectations.

I rented Black Ops thru the Audio Adventures Book club, which has racks in most of the major truck stops/travel centers in the US. I usually rent at the TA, Loves, or Petro truck stops. The rental cost is $13.50 for that you get 19.5 hours of enjoyment, on 16 cds.

This book is the forth in the Presidential Agent Series. It is fiction that reads like real life. The characters are so real you feel as if they are old friends or enemies, maybe that is just me as I have read and listened to the previous three Presidential Agent books. It is very easy to tell the author does enormous amounts of research on his stories. He also puts a peace of himself in all his work.

How to review this book without saying to much?

It consists of the Presidents need for someone to work for him, without the drawbacks of all the other intel organizations getting involved.

There are other authors I think are just as good however;
they approach from a different stand point . They are W.W. Johnstone,
Vince Flynn,Brad Thor, Clive Cussler and last but certainly not least Don Pendleton .

Dick Hill reads the book and does a fantastic job.

The only thing that could make W.E.B. Griffin's books any better is to listen to them done in the GRAPHIC AUDIO format. Having audio actors preform each part and hearing the sound effects, truly does make it A MOVIE IN YOUR MIND.
I guess that is going to be on my wish list, out of the five listed above only two have their books preformed by Graphic Audio, WW Johnstone and Don Pendleton.
I would invite you to try out a Graphic Audio book and see what I am talking about. No I am not being paid by Graphic Audio or anyone else to say this. I just know the enjoyment I get from reading and listening to audio books. Check out GRAPICAUDIO.NET and download a sample of thier book. I have over 140 audio books, and the graphic audio format with audio actors beats them all. You can check out my site http://wwwtravelingaudio.com and link to all the above authors sites.

IF YOU READ MY BLOG PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, EVEN IF TO SAY, HI
OR MAYBE TO TELL ME I AM WRONG YOUR PREVILAGE

Thanks for reading this remember IF YOU HAVE IT A TRUCK BROUGHT IT

HOW DRIVERS OPERATE

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, to bring this up to date I delivered my load to Shelbyville, Tn. Wednesday at 2:30 pm and was given another load. My next load picked up at 7:00 pm and delivered at 8:am Thursday.
Now to understand my situation, you need to know how the trucking industry works.

!. Drivers are given a set of rules they must follow( these are federal) very basically they are:
a. drivers can only work 14 hours without taking a 10 hour break
b. drivers can only drive 11 hours without taking a 10 hour break
c. drivers must maintain a written log showing their daily status both on and off duty
d. logs must show every change of duty status in excess of 15 minutes

2. Almost all drivers are paid by the mile; I make 42 cents per mile

Now my Wednesday work day started at 10:00 am -- plus 14 hours it will end at 12 midnight
(some factors can change this but as I said it is very basic)
I drove to my destination and unloaded at 2:30 pm then drove 15 minutes to get trailer washed
out and reload. I was not reloaded until 8:00 pm I still had 4 hours to drive before my 14 ran out.
Driving time to my destination was 7 hours----3 hours short
At midnight I sent a message (on quail com) to my night time dispatcher and informed him I was stopping to take a 10 hour break. (which means the load will not be delivered on time)

YES I SHOULD HAVE TOLD MY DISPATCHER WHEN I WAS PUT ON THIS LOAD THAT I COULD NOT MAKE IT ON TIME

However; I did not. Trucking company's have what they call planners--their job is to plan the use ofall assets (drivers and trucks) to get the most out of them. Can you see a lack of planning here?
Drivers are mostly responsible to regulate themselves as far as hours worked being logged properly.
When the freight gets slow and driver pay (remember paid by the mile) gets very low well!!!!!!!!
I was tired the roads were a little icy I obeyed the law, I got in trouble with my company.
You see truck drivers are put in a catch "22" situation---the need for income versus the DOT rules.
And planners and dispatchers know this as well. However; when a driver is caught in violation of DOT rules the driver is responsible to pay the penalty both in money$$$ and loss of time from work.
The company can also be fined so they do not get off scott free either.
Most planners and dispatchers don't realize we cannot put sleep in the bank and draw it out when we need it. If you look back at other entries you can see a drivers hours are not 9 to 5 but whatever is required to get the job done while staying with in DOT rules

BAD BEHAVIOR

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Saturday afternoon I stoped at exit 26 on Interstate 70 in Ohio at the Wal-mart there. They allow trucks to park on the far side of thier lot. I parked next to a Celedon company truck, went in did my shopping and when I returned to my truck the Celedon truck driver was pulling out. He had thrown his trash out onto the parking lot, not just regular trash but a box of dirty pampers. This is part of what causes stores to refuse to let trucks onto thier property. I called his company and reported him. There is not reason for behavior like that.
Well I delivered my load in Bethleham, Pa. and reloaded at New Castle, De. This load delivers on the 4th in Shelbyville, Tn. I am parked at the Loves truck stop at Toms Brook, Va. tonight watching it snow again.

PEOPLE TRUCKERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Last night I was unloaded by 12:30 am. My next load was Smuckers in Cincinnati, Ohio. When I got there the shipping clerk at Excel (the people who run the trailer yard for Smuckers) was not really rude but very close to it. They have signs up that say DRIVER STOP HERE she had told me to stop 10 feet past that sign so she could see up in the trailer without getting out of her chair. It was to dark to see up in my trailer so she got mad at me. GO FIGURE. I dropped my empty trailer and picked up the loaded trailer it had 42987 pounds of product on it and the landing gear was cranked way to high, when I backed under it a large chunk of ice was knocked off the front of the trailer and blocked my king pin from locking; although it appeared to be locked (this caused a high hook --when the pin is on top of the lock instead of inside it) when I made a sharp turn to scale my load I lost the trailer no damage just a lot of work to crank the landing gear up high enough to get the tractor back under it. Easy for the spotter to use his truck as it has a lift on it. So I ask him to pick it up he told me he did not have time, and went back into the office to sit by the heater. Well I finally got it cranked up and got the fifth wheel lock reset, it was 05:00 am when I left.
We have to deal whith thes type people almost every day. THERE ARE HOWEVER A LOT OF VERY HELPFUL PEOPLE WE DEAL WITH ALSO. When it is 12 degrees and snowing a little help goes an aughful long way.

IN KENTUCKY

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:23:00 +0000

The snow is still falling and the tempature is 27 degrees here in north west Kentucky. My next load picks up in Cincinnati, Oh. tonight when I can get there(it is preloaded) and it delvers Friday afternoon in University Park, Il. (Chicago).

Pennsylvania uses cinders on their highways to help with traction on icy roads.
The problem with that is the cinders are black and blow in the wind and you cannot see anything at all. Last night I got behind a snow plow that was putting out said cinders, he did not have a tarp over his load so the wind was blowing them out and making visibility 0, I could not even see my mirrors. I was forced to stop in the middle of the interstate. Several cars had already stopped, it was a wonder there was not a collision. I let the plow get about a mile ahead and just followed carefully, he turned around at the Ohio line. Ohio uses salt but most times they do not plow the roads until the snow stops.

Tonight I rented the new W.E.B. Griffin book BLACK OPS. It just came out on Audio Adventures. I used the points I get on my Pilot card to pay for the rental. I truly wish GRAPHIC AUDIO and W.E.B. Griffin could get together that would be great.
This is the fourth book in the presidential agent series and it is great.

(SIDE NOTE): WHEN A DRIVER FUELS HIS TRUCK AT A TRUCK STOP HE IS GIVEN CREDIT OF 1 PENNY PER GALLON ON HIS CARD WHICH CAN BE USED AT THAT TRUCK STOP TO PAY FOR COFFEE, SCALES, OR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE. EXCLUDING
LOTTERY AND LIQUOR

MORE TOMORROW, STAY SAFE

IN NEW YORK STATE IN THE SNOW

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:58:00 +0000

It is snowing here in New York state today, at least where I am. temp is 28 degrees. I am on my way to Hebron, Ky. Looks like I will be in bad weather all the way. I am due to unload at 23:30 Thursday night.
As usual in this kind of weather the interstate looks like a wreaking yard with all the accidents.

HOW DO TRUCK DRIVERS GET THIER LOADS?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:10:00 +0000

Well today is Tuesday, I emptied out at about 10:30 this morning and by 10:35 I had recieved my next load. For those of you who do not know how this works I shall attempt to explane. Most trucking companys nowdays equip thier trucks with a Quail Com communication system. This system, to put it very simply, is like a dedicated E-Mail only it's limited to you and the company. (unless the driver wants to pay to have it opened as an e-mail account) They send me loads and the info I need to get the job done.
So I am empty and on my way to Waverly, NY to pickup to go to Hebron, Ky for Thursday night at 23:30 (11:30pm)
I is snowing and cold up here tonight, the prediction is for 3 to 6 inches of snow tonight.

JACKKNIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Bill) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:48:00 +0000

I am in the eastern part of our great nation today. As I write this I am parked at the TA truck stop at exit 7 on Interstate 78 in Bloomsburg, NJ. I have a load to take to Ballston Spa, NY. That's just north of Albany, NY. Or as they say up here, UP STATE NEW YORK.

Graphic Audio released a W.W. Johnstone book called JACK KNIFE just before Thanksgiving in 08 it is terrific.
No one captures the true spirit of America like William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone. Jackknife is their most pulse-pounding and timely thriller yet.

A sleeper cell of Middle Eastern terrorists are targeting the heartland: an all-American superstore on opening day, right outside of Fort Worth, Texas. The day after Thanksgiving. As insurance, the terrorists have also hidden a suitcase nuke somewhere in the store which they plan to detonate—a strike fifty times worse than 9/11 that will paralyze America.

The only thing stopping the kill-crazy terrorists is already inside the superstore—a truck-driving, former Special Forces op named John "Jackknife" McCabe. He's where the perfect terror plan is about to blow apart. Because Jackknife won't go down without a fight. And with this guy as leader, the terrorists will find their way to paradise a lot sooner than they think...