Comments By Buster's Buddy

Just remember to have copy of vet records along with you.

This is VITAL if you are traveling with a pet. Several years ago I picked my dog up from visiting a friend. Late that night I noticed a bite. I called her but she didn't answer. I took Buster to an emergency vet. Since that state was in the middle of a rabies epidemic I was told that if I hadn't brought proof of a valid rabies vaccination with me at check in he would have been put in a 30 day quarantine, even if I just had to run back home to get it, and if I couldn't show proof of vaccination in 24 hours he would have been put down.

In addition to the written records kept in the truck I have photos of them on my phone where I can access them quickly.

But yes, they required proof of rabies, bordetella, and diphtheria vaccinations.

I generally do what several others have mentioned. I drive to within an hour of the location, then call directly.

Over 4th of July weekend I picked up a load Friday morning that was going 1000 miles and not scheduled for delivery in Baltimore until Tuesday morning. In that instance I called right after getting the load. As I expected the company was closed for the long weekend so there was no chance for early delivery. In that case I just moseyed my way there so I didn't have to pay for parking for several days. I would have done a reset but I was highlited for home so I didn't need one. It was quite a change to drive a few hours then stop for a while. I used the opportunity to check out in person a number of different rest areas and truck stops.

Some info for those driving with a dog or those considering getting into the lifestyle. I love having my dog with me on the road but sometimes it can be an issue when stopped.

I couldn't find a sitter for Buster yesterday. I needed to get some lab tests done so bringing him in with me was not an option. I discovered a Doggy day care facility that charged $12 for 5 hours. Problem solved. In the future if I'm in a location and have the opportunity to go site seeing or need medical attention or whatever reason having my dog with me is inconvenient/forbidden I now know how to solve this problem. Hope this helps others with the same concerns.

I've only been once so far and I really enjoyed it, but I understand why many folks don't. It's beautiful, and the truck stop parking lots are generally much cleaner. You can use US Dollars, you just get your change in Canadian money. In spite of paying extra, my AT&T iPhone would not call, text, or acquire a data connection once I got away from the border.

The biggest issue I faced was the surprise that unlike Ontario the entire Province of Quebec is NOT bilingual. All road signs are in French only. I was fine with compass directions and Entrée, Sortie, Arrêt, & Sens Unique; but I didn't understand Ralentissez, Péage, and Interdiction de doubler when I drove past them at 100kph. And did that sign mean "No Trucks" or "No Trucks next exit"? Then there was the adventure of fueling in a small rural town at a gas station (not a truck stop).

I've heard complaints about the border crossings but I didn't experience any issues. When you figure it was 4300 miles up and back in 9 days (which includes a 34 hr reset) I can't wait to do it again.

Congratulations on the anniversary and the sweet rig.

-- I am staying clear , at least for now of Co. Sponsored Training Programs due to people saying going to a College was better.

Thanks

The two aren't mutually contradictory. I went through XPO Logistics' (formerly Con-way) Company sponsored training. They sent me to Crowder College in Neosho MO. I believe it is an excellent program. No pay while in training but full room and board is covered (except only 2 meals served on weekends).

I've been driving a 2013 Freightliner for 2 months and I'm getting 7.2 mpg. I pretty much run maxed at 65 mph, and I idle more than I like, because of Buster. When I idle I crank the a/c to max and run until it gets cold in the truck, then turn it off until it gets hot. That might be tough for some people to take, but we've lived in places with no climate control so it's not so bad. I'm 7/26 on the mileage board for XPO for 2013 Freightliners. #1,2, and 3 are getting 12.4, 8.0, and 7.8 mpg.

I drove 2 T680s in training, an automatic and a 13 speed. I didn't pay any attention to mileage. I like the Cascadia better.

As we were heading back to Joplin for my upgrade testing I was debating between asking for a T680 or a Freightliner. What decided me was breaking down on a Friday evening. Road Service didn't call for a tow right away, so by the time we got to the KW dealer just past noon on Saturday they were closed. They didn't look at the truck until Monday, and fixed it Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Freighliner dealer was open all weekend. I was told by my trainer many are open 24/7. I'm one of those people with a special relationship with entropy so I plan on machines breaking more than average. I figured with a Freightliner I'm more likely to get back on the road faster.

I guess we'll see how my theory pans out.

Similar to 40,000 pounds of bananas. It's even near Scranton. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, look up the song. It's one that every truck driver should know).

Coincidentally, I'm currently in that neck of the woods and heading towards Scranton, so I've been singing it off and on since yesterday. I'll be sure to watch the signs.

Since training is done and I'm now driving Solo I created a topic in the General Forum:

Training and 2 months solo Topic

Any Casinos nearby? That's what I did my first time home. Since then I parked my car at the Company Terminal. It's 100 miles away from home, but it seems to be working well (Caveat: I've only been home twice so far).