After goofing off in the truck for a bit and listening to the CB chatter, we grabbed some dinner. I got a meal that had pork tips on top of mashed potatoes smothered in gravy. Yum! Plus it came with all you can eat soup and salad. I have to say, not a bad meal! I couldn’t finish it all, that’s for sure. Ran me about $12 after taxes and everything. So I can see how the food expenses can add up real quick if you eat out for every meal. An investment in a fridge or electric cooler for the truck is definately a must if you don’t want to go broke buying food.
We aren’t in the best area of town and this truck stop can get sketchy at night (per my instructor), so we grabbed anything we’d need from the building (drinks, snacks, etc.) and headed back to the truck before it got too dark. We cranked up the CB to listen in on the lovely conversations. If you’re easily offended, don’t ever plan on turning the CB on in a truck stop. Just about everything is dirty jokes, people cussing, arguing, saying degrading things about women, making racist comments, talking about buying or selling drugs / prostitutes, etc. A lot of it is just people talking big on the CB, but I have no doubt that drugs flow through here. There are also people walking around trying to sell random stuff. CB radio’s, DVD’s, shirts, GPS systems, and all sorts of other stuff. Heck, there was even a pickup truck with a big grill on a trailer selling ribs, steaks, and other food. And per the CB radio, their ribs were excellent. Crazy! My trainer got a $300 digital camera for $50 one time at a truck stop. His CB was also purchased for cheap. Is the stuff stolen? Who knows! But I’d just assume it is. And I heard the “lot lizards” myself on the CB looking for work. Although I still haven’t seen one around. I’m sure I will in due time. I don’t want to scare anybody, I just want to tell you what it’s like and what I’m seeing. This is a very unique life out here and I don’t think everybody can take it. Personally, I think the chatter on the CB is either annoying or hilarious. It fluctuates. But it’s quite hard to offend me. So it doesn’t really bother me at all.
This lot is patrolled by both private security and police. I see a private security car / truck pass by about every 5 minutes or so, and a police car about every 20 or 30 minutes. One thing I saw that made me upset is a cop that was writing tickets to truckers who were idling. There is a 5 minute idle law in California. If you idle longer than that, they’ll write you up. I saw it happen. Yet when the cop was standing outside talking to the driver, do you think he turned his squad car off? Nope. Do you think those who made the law turn the heat / AC off in their house when they sleep? Nope. And did you know if there is an animal in the truck alone they are allowed to idle? Yeah, animals have more rights than people out here. Absolutely crazy and very aggravating. Luckily, the truck I’m in has a power unit that runs all of our electricity and AC, so we don’t have to worry about it. But it’s still upsetting to see these guys getting tickets. All they are trying to do is stay cool so they can get a good nights rest and be safe to drive the next day. But the state of California wants them to sleep poorly in the heat then go out driving on their roads. Makes no sense.
It’s definitely interesting and I’ve met some really nice people already. I know the “old timers” say the brotherhood isn’t as good as it used to be, and I’m sure they are right, but it seems it’s still around a little bit. Other than listening to the junk on the CB, everyone just sort of talks to each other inside the truck stop. You don’t need to be invited to a conversation, you just join in. I had a fun day meeting a lot of these truck drivers out here and most of them offered me some great advice. I’ve noticed a good sense of humor is a must in this industry, along with thick skin (a lot of friendly razzing goes on). Everybody I’ve met so far has both.
Anyway, time for me to catch some Z’s. Hopefully we’ll get dispatched out tomorrow morning with a new load. I’ll write more about these truck stops when I’ve visited a few others.
Until next time, drive safely.
TruckerMike
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It’s so amazing to read about all of the things that are brand new to someone when I did them for so long! I love it! You know you drove for too long when someone can name a truckstop and you can still see, smell, and hear the place like you were there five minutes ago! I’ve spent many-a-day in those truckstops in Fontana, CA. Anyone who has run out west a lot has. You’ll be teaming for a while so you’re reeeeeally gonna get to know that place! LoL! Enjoy it all you can. Trucking, as you know well, is a lifestyle – not a job. Learn to enjoy the lifestyle of being on the road and become great at handling that rig and the rigors of the road and you’re in for a long, fun career that will just fill your life with experiences, wisdom, and memories. Hopefully it will fill your bank account, too!
I agree, Brett. It’s almost like hearing a teen say “hey, listen to this cool new song” and we hear a remake of the one that came out when we were kids!
Oh, I’m sure this is a blast for you guys to read. It’s all so new to me though! So don’t laugh too hard! …..Ok fine, you can laugh.
And as luck will have it, I’ll be back in Ontario, CA in a couple days…oh goodie!