Helluva birthday

[valarltd]

I got up at 4 AM. This is a rotten hour of the night from either side. If you're still up, you're up too late, and if you're getting up, you're up too early.

I had to fuel the truck before 5 AM and hit the road. I ended up getting out at 5:18

The trip down was uneventful. I managed to miss the D-Man's call. Checking the log, I was somewhere outside of Texarkana, which is where it went wonky on us last time too. It never rang.

I got to GM at 10:58, for an 11 delivery. Perfecto.
I hit the dock and even got out by 12:45, which is early for them.
My dispatcher was all "Yeah, we're keeping you on the whole run because you're always on time and do it right." *blush*

Then I slid my tandems (moved the rear trailer wheels) and headed to Intier. OK, I put 'em too far forward, but figured it was no big deal... WRONG. I forgot to check my airhoses and electrical line. They dragged all the way. (3 miles)

I ran out of airpressure in my brakes and came to a VERY sudden stop trying to get into Intier's dock.
(For thos who don't know, the trailer brakes operate on a deadman switch: the air keeps the spring retracted so it doesn't apply the brakes. No air, spring jumps out. Spring jumps out, brakes are on)

Three hours. Waiting, helping and crawling under both tractor and trailer. (The former because my delivery receipt had blown under it.)

But then I hit Android, and they had nothing, and I hit CMC's dock in 15 minutes instead of the usual 30.

Then I went to the Petro and had a lovely, squeeing fangirl dinner with sailorcelestial. Then I crashed.

And at 6:32, my dispatcher calls and says "when are you back into hours? We need you!"
I said "About two hours ago, but you'll pardon me for not wanting to get up at 4 AM. Whatcha need?"

And so, i hightailed back to Blytheville, swapped trailers with a driver and scooted home.

And I am 39...

Comments

Where the hell

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

is Android, sweetie? Do they sell souvenirs there?

Re: Where the hell

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

Android industries is a subsidiary of GM.
They make engines. No souveniers.

Get off I20 at exit 8 in Louisiana, and taking a left at the third light will put you right in the parking lot.

It's an annoyingly tight dock and if you fall off the pavement, you end up getting a $250 towing bill because you're stuck in the mud.

Re: Where the hell

[annechen-melo.livejournal.com]

Well, crud - I was hoping to add to my Disturbing Corportate T-Shirt collection. I have a Perfect Equipment and Barrett covered.