[color=#000000ost_uid0]Gee....that question is in the same category as "Are there enough Soap operas on tv?" and "Will reality tv ever get any viewers?" or "Will the internet ever become popular?"

Very enjoyable! Reminds me of listening to my dad tell some of his tales! Thanks![/colorost_uid0]

 

[quoteost_uid0="bluebeetle"][color=#000000ost_uid0]Gee....that question is in the same category as "Are there enough Soap operas on tv?" and "Will reality tv ever get any viewers?" or "Will the internet ever become popular?"

Very enjoyable! Reminds me of listening to my dad tell some of his tales! Thanks![/colorost_uid0][/quoteost_uid0]
[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]I guess it will be all the above!!!!

Stories your Dad tells?? I'm not that old, at least I don't think I am?!?!?! :aktion088:[/colorost_uid0]

 

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>Last evening the XYL and I were watching TV and the 12 year old came home from a friends house with the friend and her mother. They were complaining about the cold rain. In a fit of boredom I switched the channel to check the Weather Channel, just for grins and giggles. I pointed out that it was snowing in West Virginia. The XYL started to laugh, our daughter asked us what was so funny, so we told her about Moms first ride in a "Large" car to Morgantown, West Virginia and the Snowstorm.

January, 1982 and we were just married a month. It was a Friday evening and the phone rang, of course it could only be the "Travel Agent" and he asked me if I could take a load of Phenol to Morgantown, WV (Notice: Could meant I didn't have a choice) I told the agent I would, the wife asked if she could go with me. I hesitated before I would answer her. I told her that Phenol was poisonous and if any got on the skin it would kill a person. She insisted and I finally gave in.
I called my boss and told him that I was taking the load and he told me not to use my tractor due to the weight restrictions and that he would arrange for the company we leased the truck to, to let me use a company truck. It didn't sound promising.

The wife and I drove to the tank lines terminal, she sat in the car while I went to check in with dispatch. Out of the kindness of his evil little heart the dispatcher had a local driver load the tank for me and everything was hooked up and ready to go. I was shocked, to say the least! I drove over to where the truck was parked and found it was a Mack R model, which meant no sleeper! I figured it would be useless to complain!

I pulled out of the yard and headed for the NJ turnpike and after the second traffic light the wife said to drop her off and she would walk home, she wasn't prepared for the "SLOSH" factor associated with Tanker Yanking. The other factor that made this trip bad was the fact I had to follow the companys route, which meant going south on 95 into Maryland then west to Frederick MD and across the Haz-Mat Route, which I believe is now called I-68.
Fast Forward:
We pulled into the truckstop in Frederick to get fuel and take a break, as I pulled up to the fuel pumps, one of the many Lot Lizards jumped up on the fuel tank and asked if I wanted a good time. I asked this "Nightmare from Maryland" what was I going to do with her pointing to the wife. The wife just stared at her. The Lizard thought better of it and jumped off the tank, I felt the trailer jerk, for a moment, I thought I had run her over!! The wife asked me what that "HORRIBLE" thing was and I told her. She was shocked and commented that she had nothing to worry about! I wasn't sure what she was talking about...

After breaktime we got back on the road only to run into a snowstorm, not a small storm, but a BIG storm. I could see the look of panic on the wifes face. Now, anyone who has run the Haz-Mat Route will atest to the fact that there are some interesting hills. The wife asked me what I would do if a car pulled out in front of us as we were coming down the hill. I told her they'd get hit. I noticed it was a small comfort.

We did make it to Morgantown, I stopped at a small motel and dropped the wife off and then proceeded to go to the chemical plant. I made the turn onto the street and I had my own panic attack. The hill was steep and some Genius thoughtfully put a stop sign in the middle of it. I tried to stop at the intersection, but the trailer had other ideas, I looked in the mirror and saw the back end was coming around, so I let off the brake and slid through the intersection SIDEWAYS!!! I tapped the brakes hoping to get the truck straightened out, well it did straighten out alright BACKWARDS. I didn't believe it myself, but I did get it slowed down and backed into the driveway. The guard, who had witnessed this, came out and said that it was the first time he'd seen anyone do what I did. I told him that I couldn't take credit for it. I was scared to death I thought for sure my wife would be a widow after just a month of marriage!
I got the wagon unloaded and hauled ass back up the hill and pulled into the motel parking lot. I didn't tell the wife what had happened.
I took my 8 hours off and we headed back to NJ as fast as the Mack would go.
I told the wife about the slide down the hill four months later.
She has never asked to ride with me again!!! Can't understand why??</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044640052

 

[color=#000000ost_uid0]Well maybe you aren't that old, just good at describing the stories in a way that makes it very visual!

And you don't know I might be really young![/colorost_uid0]

 

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>We posted at about the same time...

I'm not so sure about the "REALLY" young part....

I was taught way back in the day, if I was creating a story I had to write it in such a way as to make the reader believe they were actually there to witness the event, whether it be factual or fictional</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044613096

 

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-family:courier'>This story is not so amusing, however it is a testament to how dangerous pulling a tanker can be!!!

A long time ago in the last century I had a load of wax to deliver to a small manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. It was a cold day in late November, typical Pennsylvania type day to say the least.

The plant was rather small and quite hard to find plus, the directions I had left alot to be desired! I finally found the place at about 3 in the afternoon. I didn't know what to expect when I drove up the narrow twisting drive until I pulled into the small parking area. "This is going to be real good!" I thought to myself.
I went to the office and told the lady I was there to deliver the wax, she called the foreman and he pointed to the spot where I was to unload the wagon.
I started to get everything set up, hoses fittings, steam line. Wax is loaded at 195 degrees, in the winter steam is used to keep the temperature up to keep the wax from solidifying. I hooked the hoses to the truck and went to hook the hose to the wall pipe when I noticed a lot of wax on the wall. The foreman came out and I asked him "What in he11 happened here?"
He told me that a Matlack Tank lines truck that unloaded before me had a hose break. I thought about it a minute, I didn't remember seeing a Matlack truck when I was driving up to the plant. I did ask the foreman if someone had cleaned the line out. I was assured it was. First mistake in Tanker Yanking, never trust anyone, always check. I was complaisant!
The foreman opened the valves, while I started the tractor pump, which I let run for a few minutes to get everything warm. Then I opened the trailer valves and let the wax fly! I kept noticing the pump was straining and the hose was bouncing more than usual. I figured it was just my imagination. Second mistake!
About 20 minutes went by when the foreman reappeared and said the wax was not flowing like it should and went back inside. No sooner than he closed the door the hose exploded and I got covered in 195 degree wax from head to foot. The wax would've been in my eyes if it weren't for my glasses! The BOOM was so loud all the people in the plant came running out. The foreman asked what he could do and I told him to shut the valves. Wax went everywhere, up the side of the building, down the driveway and covered the owners Mercedes. He was pissed!!
I shut the pump down and then I was brought inside for medical attention. I had first and second degree burns on my head, face, hands and arms, even though I had a thick jacket on!
After the rescue squad left I called dispatch and informed them of the incident making sure they took the report. I also called my boss and explained the incident to him. He asked me if I needed for him to come get me. I told him no I'll drive back.
Before I left, the foreman came to me and said that there had been a plug of wax in the line and he "Guessed" that's what caused the hose to explode. A real comforting thought!

I drove until I got to Harrisburg and stopped in the T/A to get something to eat. I walked by the fuel counter and the manager saw me and asked what had happened and I told her. She handed me a bunch of towels and told me to get into the shower and stay there as long as I needed no charge!
I stayed in the shower for a hour and still couldn't get the wax out of my hair. I thanked the manager for the free shower and she also gave me a free meal, who was I to argue?
after I ate I went to walk out of the restaurant and walked into a real big dude, I looked up at him and he asked "What happened to you, son?!?"
I told him and he said come on back inside and have a Coca Cola with him and his friends. I wasn't about to argue with this guy, besides I would have been crazy not to accept an offer from Charlie Daniels.
I didn't see the tour busses pull in. I spent about 2 hours talking with Mr. Daniels and the band. It did make me forget about the pain I was in!</span>[/colorost_uid0]



Edited By Doctor Who on 1044897446

 

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>After reading a post by Kenworth75 asking about his dog and I mentioned a ferret....Memories started trickling back
THE FERRET AND THE FREIGHTLINER

Yes at one time I did have occasion to drive a Freightliner Cabover, not really my idea, but the boss insisted.
A friend asked if I could please take her Ferret, due to the fact her boyfriend had major problems with it! Yeah he did have major problems, the Ferret didn't like him one bit and whenever the boyfriend tried to get "frisky" with the lady the Ferret would bite him. Jealous I guess!

Well, I had to go on a long road trip and I didn't have time to get a cage for "Bandit", so I took him with me. The Ferret adapted to the Freightliner quickly, he made his bed underneath the clutch pedal and defended that spot fiercely!
I stopped at a hardware store and bought a few pieces of plastic pipe and fittings and made a little maze for him to play in just to keep him out of my hair!!!

We rode to Amarillo, Texas made the delivery and ended up laying over. I checked into a motel and made sure I hid Bandit from the manager.

Later that evening, I decide to go down to the lounge and mingle with the locals. I was concerend about leaving Bandit in the room alone. Ferrets have an over zealous curiosity factor. I didn't want to leave him in the truck, so I stuck him down my button down shirt and carried him into the lounge.
I sat down at a table and told the barmaid I wanted a beer and a clean ashtray. I have to explain here, I don't smoke, but Bandit had a passion for beer. Draw your own conclusion!

The barmaid brought the beer and the ashtray, no sooner did she put the items down Bandit popped out of my shirt and the young lady screamed, dropped her tray and ran across the lounge. The bouncer came over and asked me what was going on. I had stuffed Bandit back down my shirt. I told the bouncer I had no idea what got into the chick!
I moved over to the bar and sat down next to a fine looking Texas lady and we talked about all kinds of things. Bandit , of course, decided he wanted to check out the lady. He climbed out of my shirt and ran up on my shoulder. He made quite a conversation piece. He didn't bother the lady and she took to him right away!
Bandit decided to go exploring and walked across my shoulder and down my left arm to investigate the Cowboy sitting next to me. I heard the guy say something and Bandit ran back up my arm to my shoulder. The Cowboy told me my creature tried to drink his beer. I apologized and bought this guy another beer. I did ask the Cowboy if he hit Bandit and he said that he swung at the little ####. I told him that was the wrong thing to do.
It couldn't have been more than 5 minutes when I heard the guy yell in pain, I turned and saw Bandit hanging on to the guys ear. All I said was "Shouldn't have hit him!"
Well, the bouncer and the bartender did escort us out of the lounge!!!

Next morning, I picked up a load in Amarillo and headed up to New Haven, Connecticut.
Bandit was a big hit in every truck stop I went into.
I made the delivery in Connecticut and deadheaded back to NJ.

We, Bandit and I, were cruising down I-95, when a wreck occured. The unfortunate part was I witnessed this so I had to stop. The Connecticut State Police investigated the wreck and were taking statements.
I had the drivers side door open and really didn't pay any attention to Bandit. The officer came up to me and asked me all the questions associated to the wreck, when Bandit awoke from his many naps. He yawned and stretched and the cop jumped back and asked what it was. I asked him what was he refering to and he pointed to the clutch pedal. I told him that it was a clutch pedal.
He said no the fuzzy thing. I told him that was Bandit and he was a Dachshund. The officer didn't believe me. He said that Bandit was an exotic animal and they are FORBIDDEN in Connecticut. Well, there isn't a sign at the state line stating that piece of information. The officer said it was still a state law and he would have to take Bandit and have him destroyed.
I picked Bandit up and told the officer he wasn't going to do any such thing!!!
This was the one time I was glad to see the Media. the reporter heard the arguing and came over to see what the fuss was about. I told the reporter that the officer was going to take my critter, who was my riding companion and have him destroyed. The reporter asked the officer if it was true, all the officer could say was "Take your creature and get out of the state!!"
I thanked him, climbed back into the Freightliner, set Bandit on the doghouse and drove off.
That was the last trip Bandit went on.. Two weeks later someone took him from my house!!!</span>[/colorost_uid0]

 

[color=#FF0000ost_uid0]Doc, sounds like you have all the fun!

I'm not sure if any of my tales will equal yours, but I'll try!

It was many moons ago and I did haul freight other than heavy equipment.
I drove for Carretta Trucking and ran coast to coast in a Peterbilt Cabover. Not bad for the day!! In those days Carretta was a good company to drive for, the management took care of their people.
Of course to do the coast to coast it had to be run as a team. Take out loads of Revlon and bring back mostly produce and deliver to the Hunts Point Market in the Bronx, NY!

On one trip to California we, my partner and I, had to layover, so we went cruising up and down Hollywood Blvd. My partner was a newbie, who had never been away from home before, so he was just amazed at all the goings on in Hollywood. I spotted a fine looking female and stopped the truck. I told this lady my partner was in need of some fun. She chatted with him for a few minutes and talked him in to getting out of the truck and going with her. I sat in the truck and waited. It had to have been all of 5 minutes when I heard my partner yelling and when he climbed back in the truck he was white as a sheet. All he kept saying was that the woman was a guy!
I told him welcome to Hollywood, where nothing is real!! He called the dispatcher and complained. He never went back out on another trip![/colorost_uid0]

 

[color=#000080ost_uid0]I am glad i was able to send you back into a time warp Dr. My dog is a 61lbs boxer and he has outlasted my marriage. I thank you for letting me know the joys of tank yankin. Sounds like fun and is a challenge. Thank you.[/colorost_uid0]

 

[color=#8D38C9ost_uid0]<span style='font-size:9pt;line-height:100%'>Thanks Kenworth. The tales are just a small taste of the joys of Tanker Yanking with the exception of the wax!! However, there is a more serious side to Tanker Yanking that a driver needs to be aware of.
There is nothing like pulling the first load of liquid in a single hole tank to grab a new drivers attention and make them sit up and take notice!!!

If you have any questions about pulling tankers you can ask in the forum, or send me a private message and when I get the chance I'll try to answer them!!

For what it is worth, I have also pulled flatbeds back in the day!!

I got to go the satellites have found me again!

Till the next time America</span>[/colorost_uid0]