Posts Tagged trucking life
Trucking Job Brings Me Face to Face With Vietnam Vet
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking on June 13th, 2008
It’s amazing what an over the road truck driver can encounter on a daily basis. All of the sights and sounds they experience become so vast that they soon forget and accept them as simply a part of their daily lives. Experiences that few will ever know and even fewer can only dream about. I often stop and remember such things like slipping through the back roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains…….literally sliding my way down a snow covered Snowqualmie Pass……or slowing the rig down a few notches so I could enjoy the scenery of actual wild horses running across the plains of Wyoming…….and of course, that time I had no choice but to stop in the middle of the road and let that massive, huge moose cross in front of me in Caribou, Maine. All the sights, sounds and wonderment that now only live in my memories…..
Though I no longer operate over the road, I am still “running” here in the State of Florida, averaging 420 miles per day. Not too long ago I was making a delivery in Gainesville, Florida at a small BP service station. As I pulled in, I noticed a haggard looking man huddled underneath the overhang of the building. Working nights, I often have to deal with some “rough” characters approaching me for money or food, so I kept my sight on him. It wasn’t long until I knew he was homeless as he walked up to me and the conversation began:
“How you like driving that thing?” he asked.
“It’s OK,” I replied, “Been doing it a long time.”
He remained with me as I began my work and everything seemed to be going fine. Just a lonely guy, I thought, needing a little company. He walked back over to where he had been and sat back down beside a duffle bag containing all of his possessions. Suddenly, he placed his hand on the bag and started shaking it back and forth saying, “Get up! Get up!” I focused my attention back on him. Then, he began moving his head from side to side, his eyes darting here and there. I heard him mumble, “They’re dead……..they’re all dead.”
A massive thunderstorm was moving into the area and I was working feverishly to complete my work before it hit. All of a sudden, an enormous clap of thunder and flash of lightening struck sending me running for cover. I immediately heard him yell, “INCOMING!” He was down on the ground with his hands over his head and it was then that I realized something…….I was in the presence of a hero.
I knew I had to do something to bring him back to reality so I yelled, “HEY!…..HEY!…..you hungry?” He rose to his feet, his shaking subsided and a grin crossed his face, “I’m always hungry, dude” he laughed. I ran out to the truck and brought back a Gatorade and a ham and cheese sandwich. “Here,” I said, “This is my last drop so I’m heading home, I don’t need them.” As the rain poured down and the thunder rolled, I stayed by my new friend as he enjoyed the free meal. The political side of me kicked in and I wondered why is this man, why is this hero….left alone, forgotten by our Government, and made to live out on the streets?
During the next thirty minutes, we talked about many things . . . from the Florida weather to alligators to truck driving . . . and with every teeth-jawing blast of thunder he would yell out, “KABOOM! ,” followed by a fit of laughter. As the storm passed and moved further to the Northwest, I said my goodbyes and told him to take care of himself. He shook my hand and thanked me for the drink and sandwich. Never once did he ask for money or help of any kind. He was his own man . . . he was a hero.
As I began pulling out of the driveway, another loud burst of thunder occurred, followed by an enormous streak of lightening. I glanced over to see him staring up in the sky, his eyes flashing as bright as the lightening . . . his arms moving up and down . . . and I knew, once again, at that very moment he was no longer with me in Gainesville, Florida. I gave him a wave goodbye, but he failed to respond. He was no longer there . . . the hero had gone back to Vietnam.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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CDL Federal Gun Law
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking on June 2nd, 2008
Due to the controversial topic: “Can CDL Truck Drivers Carry Guns?”, I have researched and found a Federal Law that so many drivers are looking for. Read what an actual Federal Law states about this topic, to put it to rest, once and for all. ( or maybe not)
Provided by Truth About Trucking.
Can a CDL truck driver legally carry a gun in the truck? This is a very HOT topic! In my previous article, “CDL Truck Drivers Carrying Guns,” much controversy was created because nothing could be found anywhere showing any Federal Law stating that it was illegal to carry. I have pointed out that there is NO Federal Law saying that it is illegal, only city, county and state laws that make it illegal to do so, as well as policies set forth by the motor carrier. I have found the actual Federal Law revealing the insight on this subject, listed below:
Title 18 Setcion 926(a). The peacable journey law.
TITLE 18–CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I–CRIMES
CHAPTER 44–FIREARMS
Sec. 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or
regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person
who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting,
shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a
firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully
possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully
possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the
firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being
transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the
passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in
the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s
compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked
container other than the glove compartment or console.
OK…now that we have the Federal Law on this matter, what does it mean? I would say that you could give this to 50 attorneys, and all 50 would interpret it differently! I believe what it is saying, is what I originally wrote in my previous articles….a CDL driver may carry a gun in the truck with him or her, PROVIDING that it does not violate any other STATE law, in which the driver will be passing through. Thus my point again…city, county and state laws may be the prevention for CDL truck drivers to carry guns…
Help me out drivers….what do you think?
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Ethanol Problems
Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs on June 1st, 2008
With the return of Ethanol gasoline into the market, so comes the return of problems we faced back in the ‘70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It is only a matter of time that the problems will grow and perhaps make their way into the news. Of course, the media can squash any news they want, so maybe we will hear nothing more about it.
At least for now, some of the misfortune of using gasohol is creeping ever so slightly into the news realm. Ethanol problems are being noticed here and there and I wonder how long will this “new” form of energy last this time.
People are now experiencing problems with getting their cars to start after using ethanol blended gasoline. Read more about what problems you may experience down the road with gasohol.
Read about Ethanol Problems and let us know what you think.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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The “Strike” That Broke the Truckers Back
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, trucking life on April 4th, 2008
I would like to say that all the talk you are hearing about truck drivers going on strike and high fuel prices is just the final “straw” for truck drivers everywhere. I’m not down playing high fuel prices at all. As a matter of fact it was a serious enough problem to finally initiate some truckers to display their total anger and dissatisfaction and pursue a strike. However, what I am saying is that their source of being disgruntled is much more deep seeded than that.
I’ve written much about the trucking lifestyle and the sacrifices made in order to succeed in OTR trucking. I try to paint an honest picture to everyone in regards to what a trucking career is really like. I ‘ve written the song “The Trucking Brand” to express the sacrifices and obstacles truckers face on a daily basis. However, public apathy is a big part of a truckers dismay. The general public as a whole finds trucks “annoying” and truck drivers part of the problem of their “inconvenience”. In general, let’s face it, when was the last time you passed a truck and thought, “Oh great, there’s another wonderful truck driver bringing all the goods we need to our local stores.” I think never. It’s probably more like, “Man I hate these trucks, always in the way when I’m driving!”
Next, are the trucking companies themselves. Let’s face it, they’re out to make money and with a 128% turnover rate among truck drivers, they’re really not all that concerned about them, their families, or their futures. Then you have the brokers. I can’t even tell you how many shady brokers there are. A seasoned owner operator can get through this, but even the best can get fooled sometimes.
When you sum it all up; with sacrificial lifestyle, public apathy, lack of compassion, the poor attitudes of the trucking companies towards their drivers, and having to deal with some pretty shady brokers, you can see how increased fuel prices was the final last straw for truckers. Let’s face it, we all endure much in life to succeed. Some endure quite a bit just to make ends meet. But, when it comes down to it, if all your sacrifices lead you to little or no profit, where’s the reward? Why bother?
Something must be done to relieve these men and woman of this burden. There must be provisions made for them by our government somehow. As their profession becomes limited in its pay, their families suffer. The government can only be forced to comply with the effects of high-fuel prices if the public becomes more sympathetic to the problems of the truck driver.
I’m certainly not one to advocate the government is the answer to all our problems. Quite the contrary, the government is in large part, the problem. Oil is not the problem either. Oil brought us the industrial revolution; oil is the reason we enjoy the comfort of living we all experience. The problem lies with those who will not allow further drilling in this country. The problem lies with those who will not allow further plants to be built. I spent many years working in the oilfields of Oklahoma. Advancement in technology now allows us to set up a drilling rig, recruit the petroleum products we need and remove the drilling rig and barely leave a “dot” on the landscape.
As long as those groups continue to keep us from drilling in our own country and not allow for new plants to be built, then we all deserve what we will continue to get…high fuel prices. And, it’s not only the Middle East that we rely on so heavily either. In fact, our #1 source for oil is Canada…and our #2 source is Mexico! Alternative fuels are a good idea, but I don’t see that as a cure all. Take Ethanol for an example. The cost of producing Ethanol is far greater than what the product yields. Also, it will only lead to higher grocery prices…think about it!
Every consumer needs to support truck drivers , in particular the over the road owner operators that are feeling most of the impact. If we don’t, there will be far greater consequences for the consumer. It’s just a matter of time.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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The Trucking Brand : Truck Drivers, Can you Relate to This?
Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized, Videos on April 2nd, 2008
Truckers have a lot of time to themselves. Many of us write songs while we’re on the road. Trucking life is a rough one, the music and thoughts we keep are what keeps us going.
Nobody really understands the sacrifices and lifestlye that the American Trucker endures….except the truck drivers themselves.
Trucking is a “brand” if you will. We all can relate to one another in some way, shape or form. We may have different opinions on many things in life, but our one common bond is our trucking bloodline.
Having a little fun, here’s a song I wrote about no one…. and yet everyone. You’ll know what I mean after you listen to it.
I think you’re going to enjoy it……it’s dedicated to all of you truck drivers out there…
including all the truckers striking , demonstrating the high price of fuel
Here’s the link to “The Trucking Brand”
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Tough life: Costs catastrophic to truckers
Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs, Truck Driving Jobs, Uncategorized, otr trucking on March 10th, 2008
Article describing the devastating effects that Owner Operators within the Trucking Industry are experiencing because of the High price of fuel.
Truck Drivers from all over the country are being forced to make drastic changes in their lifestyles, some on the verge of bankruptcy
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Blowing the “Bang” out of the Big Bang Theory
Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized on February 22nd, 2008
As an over the road truck driver, one has endless hours to spend just thinking. I don’t know about you, but I think about weird, sometimes complicated things. For instance, is a horse really a horse? Anyway, I would like to hear about what some of you think about when trucking across this country of ours. For now, I would like to share this piece of information as just one of the “things” I think about :
The Big Bang Theory……we all know the story : Approximately 15 billion years ago an enormous explosion started the expansion of the universe. What existed before this explosion is purely unknown. World re-known British theoretical physicist and mathematician, Stephen Hawking was once asked what existed before the explosion. His answer? He thought for a moment and simply answered, “Well, there was nothing.” Nothing?
Now I am in no way within the same category of intelligence when it comes to Stephen Hawking. My High School teachers will attest to this fact. In fact, science and math were my two worst subjects! But his answer got me to thinking. Before the universe “began,” there was “nothing.” Well, what is “nothing?” Nothing is defined as the lack or absence of anything at all. If I hand you a box and tell you that you can have what is in the box, and you open the box and it is empty, then there is “nothing” in the box. No existence of anything, only nothing. Now, could you take that “nothing” and make something out of it?
Simple, common sense tells me that something always comes from something else. You cannot take nothing and create something else from it. Stretch out your arm and open your hand. Now, I want you to take what is in your hand, (nothing), and make something from it. Can you? Of course not, because there is “nothing” in your hand. And, since something always comes from something else, how can you make anything?
Let’s look at something that is common in our lives. Let’s say…..glass. Did glass just appear out of nothing? Glass is derived from sand, soda ash and limestone. What about limestone? Limestone mostly consist of calcium carbonate. Did calcium carbonate come from nothing? No, calcium carbonate is a chemical combination of calcium, carbon and oxygen. OK, what about oxygen? Natural oxygen comes from a mixture of three isotopes : 16O, 17O, and 18O.
Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
What about human blood? Can it come from nothing? Human blood consists of the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets all floating around in a fluid called plasma. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
OK, what about air? The air that we breathe . . . does it come from nothing? Air comes from 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen with traces of carbon dioxide, argon, water vapor, and other various components. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
Being in trucking most of my life, I thought about common petroleum-derived diesel. Maybe diesel comes from nothing? Wrong! This type of diesel comes from about 75% saturated hydrocarbons, mostly paraffins, and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons. What about these things called paraffins? Perhaps they come from nothing? Paraffins are chemical compounds that are made of only two elements : carbon and hydrogen. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
According to Stephen Hawking, perhaps the most intelligent human being on our planet, in the beginning, there was nothing. But, in this case, the “nothing” is something. And, since something ALWAYS comes from something else . . . then where did the “nothing” come from? The “nothing” could not have just appeared from “nothing.” The “nothing” had to come from something else, because common sense AND science tell us that something ALWAYS comes from something else. If indeed there was “nothing” then “something” had to exist BEFORE the “nothing” in order for the “nothing” to have come into existence.
What existed BEFORE the “nothing?” Could it be some kind of “Creator?” But if something always comes from something else, then where did the Creator come from? The only explanation in my simple mind, is it would have to be something supernatural. Something far beyond our science, logic and common sense. A question that man can never comprehend or understand. It is simply beyond our reasoning.
Many supernatural phenomenons can be explained by science. Yet, there is still one that cannot be explained or understood : what existed before the “nothing?” Before there was a universe . . . before there was life . . . before there was space . . . before there was time . . . there was nothing. But, again, in this case . . . nothing is something. What existed before the “nothing” will never be answered by man or science. We are not meant to know or understand.
Something always comes from something else. What came before the “nothing” can only be something of supernatural existence.
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. His eBook has helped hundreds of new drivers understand the scams of the trucking industry. If you are considering a career in trucking, please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Truck Stop Directory
Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Truck Stops on February 20th, 2008
A professional truck driver gets to know the best places to stop for a meal or rest during their time over the road. Normally based on what services are available, ease of parking, safety, etc., each driver has their own “favorite” spots to stop along the way during their travels. These are mine:
ALABAMA:
Bucksville: Petro, I-20/59 @ exit 100
Cullman: Jack’s Truck Stop, I-65 @ exit 304
Grand Bay: T/A, I-10 @ exit 4
Robertsdale: Oasis Travel Center, I-10 @ exit 53
ARIZONA:
Eloy: T/A, I-10 @ exit 203
Kingman: Petro, I-40 @ exit 66
Tonopah: Rip Griffin, I-10 @ exit 103
ARKANSAS:
Earle: T/A, I-40 @ exit 260
Prescott: Rip Griffin, I-30 @ exit 44
Russellville: Flying J, I-40 @ exit 84
West Memphis: Petro, I-40 @ exit 280
CALIFORNIA:
Buttonwillow: T/A, I-5 @ exit 257
Coachella: T/A, I-10 @ exit 146
Corning: Petro, I-5 @ exit 630
Lodi: 3 B’s Truck Plaza, I-5 @ exit 485
Madera: Pilot Travel Center, Hwy. 99 @ exit 159
Ontario: T/A, I-10 @ exit 57
COLORADO:
Cameo: Gay Johnson’sA/T Stop, I-70 @ exit 47
Fountain: Tomahawk A/T Plaza, I-25 @ exit 128
Limon: Rip Griffin, I-70 @ exit 359
Loveland: Johnson’s Corner, I-25 @ exit 254
CONNECTICUT:
Branford: T/A, I-95 @ exit 56
DELAWARE:
Middletown: 301 Plaza, US 301 South
FLORIDA:
Jacksonville: T/A, I-95 @ exit 329
Lake Panasoffkee: Spirit Travel Center, I-75 @ exit 321
Mossy Head: Lucky 13, I-10 @ exit 70
Reddick: Petro, I-75 @ exit 368
Vero Beach: T/A, I-95 @ exit 147
GEORGIA:
Carnesville: Petro, I-85 @ exit 160
Richmond Hill: T/A, I-95 @ exit 87
Tallapoosa: Noble A/T Plaza, I-20 @ exit 5
Unadilla: All State Truck Stop, I-75 @ exit 121
IDAHO:
Boise: Boise Stage Stop, I-84 @ exit 71
Eden: Travelers Oasis, I-84 @ exit 182
Idaho Falls: Yellowstone T/S, I-15 @ exit 113
Post Falls: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 2
Twin Falls: Flying J, I-84 @ exit 173
ILLINOIS:
Effingham: Dixie Travel Plaza, I-57-70 @ exit 159
McLean: Dixie Truckers Plaza, I-55 @ exit 145
Peru: Crazy D’s, I-80 @ exit 75
Russell: T/A, I-94 @ exit 1
Troy: St. Louis East Truck Plaza, I-55-70 @ exit 18
INDIANA:
Brazil: Brazil 70 T/S, I-70 @ exit 23
Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne Truck Plaza, I-69 @ exit 109A
Memphis: Country Style Plaza, I-65 @ exit 16
Remington: Hoosier Heartland Travel Center, I-65 @ exit 201
IOWA:
Ainsworth: Four Corners, US 218 & Rt. 92
Altoona: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 142A
Denison: Ampride Truck Plaza, US 59N & Rt. 141
Elk Run Heights: Road Ranger, I-380 @ exit 68
Sioux City: Truck Haven, I-29 @ exit 143
Walcott: Iowa 80 T/A, I-80 @ exit 284
Williams: Boondock’s USA, I-35 @ exit 144
KANSAS:
Beto Junction: T/A, I-35 @ exit 155
Garden City: Garden City Travel Plaza, Hwy. 50 & 83
Newton: Newell Truck Plaza, I-135 @ exit 31
Oakley: Mitten Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 76
KENTUCKY:
Corbin: Corbin Travel Plaza, I-75 @ exit 29
Paducah: Southern Pride, I-24 @ exit 16
Richwood: T/A, I-71-75 @ exit 175
Smiths Grove: Smiths Grove BP, I-65 @ exit 38
Sonora: Davis Brothers Travel Plaza, I-65 @ exit 81
Waddy: Waddy Travel Center, I-64 @ exit 43
LOUISIANA:
Bayou Vista: Bayou Vista T/P & Casino, US 90
Crowley: Exit 80 Travel Plaza, I-10 @ exit 80
Greenwood: Kelly’s Travel Plaza, I-20 @ exit 5
Grosse Tete: Tiger Truck Stop, I-10 @ exit 139
Hammond: Petro, I-12 @ exit 40
Tallulah: T/A, I-20 @ exit 171
MAINE:
Fairfield: Truckers International, I-95 @ exit 132
MARYLAND:
Elkton: Petro, I-95 @ exit 109A
Hancock: Little Sandy’s Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 3
Newburg: One Stop Travel Plaza, Hwy. 301 S @ MM 3
MASSACHUSETTS:
Chicopee: Pride Travel Center, I-90 @ exit 6
Whately: Whately Truck Stop, I-91 @ exit 24
MICHIGAN:
Battle Creek: Te-Khi Travel Court, I-94 @ exit 104
Bridgeport: T/A, I-75 @ exit 144B
Dexter: T/A, I-94 @ exit 167
Dimondale: Windmill Truck Stop, I-96 @ exit 98A, I-69 @ exit 70
MINNESOTA:
Albert Lea: T/A, I-35 @ exit 11
Cannon Falls: Cannonball A/T Plaza, Hwy. 52 S & Rt. 24 E
Fergus Falls: Big Chief Truck Stop, I-94 @ exit 61
Sauk Centre: Trucker’s Inn, I-94 @ exit 127
MISSISSIPPI:
Escatawpa: Cone A/T Plaza, I-10 @ exit 69
Hattiesburg: Dan’s Truck Stop, US 49 S
Hickory Flat: New Mart, Hwy. 78 & 178
Jackson: Petro, I-20-55 @ exit 45
Winona: High Point Travel Center, I-55 @ exit 185
MISSOURI:
Cuba: Voss Truck Port, I-44 @ exit 208
Columbia: Midway A/T Plaza, I-70 @ exit 121
Matthews: T/A, I-55 @ exit 58
Oak Grove: Petro, I-70 @ exit 28
Strafford: T/A, I-44 @ exit 88
MONTANA:
Belgrade: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 298
Laurel: Pelican Truck Plaza, I-90 @ exit 437
Missoula: Muralt’s Travel Plaza, I-90 @ exit 96
Shelby: Town Pump Travel Plaza, I-15 @ exit 363
NEBRASKA:
Big Springs: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 107
Grand Island: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 312
Lincoln: Shoemaker’s Travel Plaza, I-80 @ exit 395
Ogallala: T/A, I-80 @ exit 126
York: Petro, I-80 @ exit 353
NEVADA:
Las Vegas: Petro, I-15 @ exit 54
Sparks: Petro, I-80 @ exit 20 EB or exit 21 WB
Wells: Flying J, I-80 @ exit 352
Winnemucca: Flying J Fuel Stop, I-80 @ exit 176
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Lebanon: Exit 18 Truck Stop, I-89 @ exit 18
NEW JERSEY:
Carney’s Point: Flying J, I-295 @ exit 2C
Columbia: T/A, I-80 @ exit 4
Paulsboro: T/A, I-295 @ exit 18
NEW MEXICO:
Alamogordo: Timeout Travel Center, US 82 N
Casa Blanca: Dancing Eagle Travel Center, I-40 @ exit 108
Las Cruces: T/A, I-10 @ exit 139
Moriarty: Rip Griffin, I-40 @ exit 194
Santa Rosa: T/A, I-40 @ exit 277
Socorro: Santa Fe Diner & Truck Stop, I-25 @ exit 115
Springer: Russell Truck & Travel, I-25 @ exit 419
NEW YORK:
Binghamton: T/A, I-81 @ exit 2 W NB or exit 3 SB
Buffalo: Jim’s Truck Plaza, I-90 @ exit 52E
Dansville: T/A, I-390 @ exit 5
Fultonville: T/A, I-90 @ exit 28
Kanona: Wilson Farms AmBest, I-86 @ exit 37
Maybrook: T/A, I-84 @ exit 5
Mexico: Sun-Up A/T Plaza, I-81 @ exit 34
Waterloo: Petro, I-90 @ exit 41
NORTH CAROLINA:
Candler: T/A, I-40 @ exit 37
Dunn: Sadler Travel Plaza, I-95 @ exit 75
Mebane: Petro, I-40-85 @ exit 157
Salisbury: Derrick Travel Plaza, I-85 @ exit 71
Whitsett: T/A, I-40-85 @ exit 138
NORTH DAKOTA:
Bismarck: StaMart Travel Center, I-94 @ exit 161
Fargo: Petro, I-94 @ exit 348
Grand Forks: Big Sioux Travel Plaza, I-29 @ exit 138
Jamestown: Jamestown Truck Plaza, I-94 @ exit 260
Minot: Econo Stop, US 2-52 Bypass (EB) & US 83
OHIO:
Beaverdam: Flying J, I-75 @ exit 135
Hebron: T/A, I-70 @ exit 126
Leavittsburg: Short Stop Truck Plaza, I-80 @ exit 209 – 2.5 miles East
London: T/A, I-70 @ exit 79
Seville: T/A, I-71 @ exit 209
Stony Ridge: T/A, I-80-90 @ exit 71
OKLAHOMA:
Big Cabin: Big Cabin Truck Plaza, I-44 @ exit 283
Oklahoma City: Petro, I-35-40 @ exit 127
Sallisaw: Ed’s Truck Stop, I-40 @ exit 311
Sayre: Flying J, I-40 @ exit 20
OREGON:
Baker City: Baker Truck Corral, I-84 @ exit 304
Canyonville: Seven Feathers Travel Center, I-5 @ exit 99
La Pine: Gordys Truck Stop, Located on Whitney Road
Phoenix: Petro, I-5 @ exit 24
Troutdale: T/A, I-84 @ exit 17
PENNSYLVANIA:
Barkeyville: T/A, I-80 @ exit 29
Breezewood: Petro, I-76 @ exit 161 or I-70 @ exit 147
Duncannon: Clarks Ferry All American, 1/4 mile EAST of Hwy. 11-15
Frystown: Frystown All American Plaza, I-78 @ exit 10
Hickory Run: Hickory Run Travel Plaza, I-80 @ exit 274
Milton: Petro, I-80 @ exit 215
RHODE ISLAND:
West Greenwich: RI’s Only 24 Hr A/T Plaza, I-95 @ exit 5B
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Blacksburg: Mr. Waffle, I-85 @ exit 104
Columbia: Columbia 20 Travel Center, I-20 @ exit 71
Cowpens: Mr. Waffle Auto/Truck Plaza, I-85 @ exit 83
Duncan: T/A, I-85 @ exit 63
Florence: Petro, I-95 @ exit 169
Manning: T/A, I-95 @ exit 119
SOUTH DAKOTA:
Mitchell: I-90 Travel Center, I-90 @ exit 332
Rapid City: Windmill Truck Stop, I-90 @ exit 55
Watertown: Stone’s Truck Stop, I-29 @ exit 177
TENNESSEE:
Denmark: T/A, I-40 @ exit 68
Franklin: T/A, I-65 @ exit 61
Kingston Springs: Petro, I-40 @ exit 188
Lebanon: Uncle Pete’s Truck Stop, I-40 @ exit 239A
Monteagle: Monteagle Truck Plaza, I-24 @ exit 135
Niota: Crazy Ed’s, I-75 @ exit 56
TEXAS:
Amarillo: Petro, I-40 @ exit 75
Baytown: T/A, I-10 @ exit 789
Beaumont: Petro, I-10 @ exit 848
Big Spring: Rip Griffin, I-20 @ exit 177
Buda: Dorsett’s 221 Truck Stop, I-35 @ exit 221
Denton: T/A, I-35 @ exit 471
Edinburg: T/A, US 281, 5 miles North of Town
El Paso: Petro, I-10 @ exit 37
Gainesville: Hitchin’ Post Truck Stop, I-35 @ exit 500
Huntsville: Hitchin’ Post Truck Terminal, I-45 @ exit 118
Marshall: Pony Express Travel Center, I-20 @ exit 617
Ozona: Circle Bar A/T Plaza, I-10 @ exit 372
San Antonio: Petro, I-10 @ exit 582
Victoria: Big Vic Truck Stop, US 87 & 59
Weatherford: Petro, I-20 @ exit 409
UTAH:
Green River: West Winds Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 158
Lake Point: T/A, I-80 @ exit 99
Ogden: Flying J, I-15-84 @ exit 346
VERMONT:
Wells River: P&H Truck Stop, I-91 @ exit 17
VIRGINIA:
Ashland: T/A, I-95 @ exit 92
Emporia: Sadler Travel Plaza, I-95 @ exit 11B
Raphine: White’s Truck Stop, I-64-81 @ exit 205
Ruther Glen: Petro, I-95 @ exit 104
Troutville: T/A, I-81 @ exit 150
Wytheville: T/A, I-77 @ exit 41 or I-81 @ exit 72
WASHINGTON:
Ellensburg: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 109
Kalama: Rebel Truck Stop, I-5 @ exit 27
Tacoma: Flying J, I-5 @ exit 136
Union Gap: Gearjammer Truck Plaza, I-82 @ exit 36
WEST VIRGINIA:
Jane Lew: Jane Lew Truck Stop, I-79 @ exit 105
Mineral Wells: Liberty Truck Stop, I-77 @ exit 170
Mount Nebo: U-Save Travel Plaza, Hwy. 19 & Rt. 129
Valley Grove: T/A, I-70 @ exit 11
WISCONSIN:
Black River Falls: Flying J, I-94 @ exit 116
Cadott: River Country Plaza, Hwy. 27 & 29
Curtiss: Abbyland Travel Center, Hwy. 29 @ Exit 127
DeForest: T/A, I-90-94 @ exit 132
Edgerton: Edgerton Shell Oasis, I-90 @ exit 160
Fond du Lac: Stretch Truck Stop, Hwy. 41 & CR OO
Green Bay: Country Express A/T Stop, I-43 @ exit 180
Hudson: T/A, I-94 @ exit 4
Janesville: T/A, I-90 @ exit 171C
Johnson Creek: Pine Cone Travel Plaza, I-94 @ exit 267
Oshkosh: Planeview Travel Plaza, US 41 @ exit 113
Racine: Petro, I-94 @ exit 333
Richfield: Richfield Truck Stop, US 41-45 & Rt. 167
WYOMING:
Cheyenne: Flying J, I-25 @ exit 7
Douglas: Broken Wheel Truck Stop, I-25 @ exit 135
Fort Bridger: T/A, I-80 @ exit 30
Lander: Stub’s Truck Stop, On Rt. 789
Laramie: Petro, I-80 @ exit 310
Lusk: Outpost Truck Stop, On US 85, 3 blocks S of Rt. 18-20
Rawlins: Rip Griffin, I-80 @ exit 214
Rock Springs: Flying J, I-80 @ exit 104
Aubrey Allen Smith is a veteran OTR driver with over 3 million safe miles. He is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking.
© 2008 – 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
Related posts
Truck Drivers Need Fun Too; Take a Ride on a Harley
Posted by Allen Smith in Videos, trucking life on February 1st, 2008
After a tough week in trucking, it’s always great anticipation to know you can enjoy a ride on your bike.
Take a ride with us and enjoy the “not so typical” biker background music. Has a pretty cool ending too.
There something about the words, Truck Driver and Harley Davidson , that just seem to go together well.
If anyone has a video they’d like to submit, feel free to leave a comment and the link to your video.
Remember, to leave a comment, you must click on the title of the Post you want to comment on first. This will open the comment/ reply box at the end of the post.
There is a delay in posting, so please be patient.
We look forward to viewing your videos.
Here’s Allen and Donna on ”The Harley”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg63m-4nids
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.













Trucking Life is Focus of New Show
Posted by Allen Smith in Talk Radio Show, Truck Driving Jobs, Trucking Company and Driving School Comments, Woman Truckers, otr trucking, truck driving schools, trucking, trucking blogs, trucking companies, trucking life on November 10th, 2008
Hello everybody . . . I wanted to let you know about a new show on Blog Talk Radio, hosted by 20 year trucking veteran, Larry Stafford out of Arizona. His new show – Independent(R)ealist, will give quick talks to enlighten people on the trucking life, and the many opportunities and challenges of truck driving. He will be broadcasting every Monday at 10:00 AM – MST.
As you know, our main goal here at Ask The Trucker and the Truth About Trucking, is helping to assist students and new drivers with the information they need in order to be successful in a trucking career. Mr. Stafford’s show is another avenue you can utilize to learn more about the in’s and out’s of trucking. Let’s show him our support! Check out the Independent(R)ealist talk radio show…..
If you missed his show today, you can give it a listen right now:
And don’t forget to tune in to our next show on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – tomorrow – November 11, 2008 at 7:30 PM – EST – when our topic will be : DUI’s, FELONIES and OTHER VIOLATIONS. I’ll talk to you then……
Thanks,
Allen Smith
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
Related posts
blog talk radio, career, independent realist, larry stafford, new driver, students, talk radio, trucking, trucking life, truth about trucking
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