STILL going to SLC.

Well, been a couple days since I updated. Things happen and change so quickly out here, and a couple days can make alot of difference.


We made it to the UPS yard in Dallas just fine. It was quite a busy place with many trucks and trailers and people running all over the plae. Security had to check the trailer and break the seal going in, and check it coming out. The spot where I was told to park our trailer already had one one it, and the two rows where they parked in-bounds were full. I drove around the circle, and came back to the same spot, and tried to get a local to help me out. One of the guys was looking for a trailer #, so I gave him a hand, without luck, then a slot open right next to us. I pulled our rig into it,, and the same guy I help came driving up. YOU have the one I was looking for, just had the numbers wrong. I unhooked, and he hooked up and took off! Dispatch told me where to find an empty, and we headed out. Then the fun started.


We still needed too get some fuel filters changed that we were told about during our Con-way run. THAT wasn't going to happen while we were under such a tight schedule. Now we had the afternoon to take care of it. It was about noon when we finished at UPS and we had a schedule pick up for 7am on the north side of Dallas. We located a a T/A about 12mi away and headed there. RoadService mentioned going to a Speedco at first for the filters, but then corrected because Speedco only does fluids/filters, not any work like the shock replacement. When we got to the T/A and called in for authorization for the work, we were told to go to Kenworth for the shock because it was under warrantee. So we stayed for the fuel filters, and oh by the way, get a lube job. Speedco is fast, 30min for this, in and out. We were at the T/A for 3hrs. Then over to Kenworth, only to find out they couldn't get to it that nite. They did call another Kenworth in North Dallas and made arrangements for us to go there, so back in the truck and trucked across Dallas again, all this during the 5-6:30 rush hours time. Luckily it was a holiday, so it was not too bad. At the next KW dealer, they got it in pretty quick and sent us up to the customer lounge. A little while later they called us for the truck. When we arrived at the service desk, he told us it was a false alarm, wan't ready yet. So back up to the lounge for another 45min. When we finally got called and got to the truck, the hood was open. I asked if they pulled error codes or what. The tech kinda sheepishly looked at me, and told me he made a mistake. He understood the front drive shock so he replaced the steer tire shock. The rear tires are called the drives. With a pair on each side, he was told to replace the FRONT drive tire shock. OOPS, that was the false alarm.

We finally made it to our yard in Lancaster for the nite about 9pm. My day started at 3, so I was a little tired. Had to get up at 4:15, to get a shower at the terminal, and head over to Grapevine, tx for a 7am pick-up. I wanted to leave by 5 to make sure were there by 6, no rush. No problem, got loaded and out of there by 6:30, and headed for Bell, Ca (LA area,,ugh). Should be in there early in morning time (5ish) so maybe it won't be too bad.

Already have a pre-plan to pick up at Fontana, Ca the next morning at 4am so we SHOULD have most of tommorow off and be able to get some extra rest. This is another Con-Way going back to Henderson, Co (Denver). After that we are headed to SLC. Should be home Friday for the weekend!

Till next time, keep it safe out there.



OH, BTW John, We have seen some "celebs" this trip on the way to California. Car haulers for Ryan Newman, Dale Jr, 6 car, someones coach pulling a truck with a decked out golf cart in the bed (flames, etc), and more coming along. We are on the trail from Daytona to Fontana, Ca for next weekend's race! :)