Profile For Bill R.

Similar problems working on farm equipment when I was growing up.
If you have room, pair of Vise Grips on the U-bolt shaft, as close to the nut as possible. Clamp 'em on and wrench away. Might have to replace the U-bolt if the Grips chew it up any.
And fully agree with the anti-seize when tightening it back up.

Good luck, Bill R.

Had a little bit of time today to film a little bit of my unload. The sound quality isn’t the beat but if you turn up the volume you can hear my hillbilly voice lol.

https://youtu.be/-rz_wxCPDqo

Thanks for the video. Brought back memories of my jobs I had in my teens when I was working merchandise.
Bill

Thanks for the follow-up, Turtle.
Sounds like you've got another good gig going. Be safe and enjoy those grandbabies...
Bill R

29 January 2020

I stopped in Mississippi for a little over an hour for a nap and a break.

PackRat,
Enjoying the trips. Great read.
Did you run up I-22/Hwy 78 in to Memphis?
If so, you went right through the town where I grew up...New Albany, MS. There's a nice Pilot at the state Hwy 15 intersection.
Bill

My only concern with any device that is not secured to the drive wheel is that has the potential to become a projectile.

You must have helped someone out of a mudhole a time or two....give it a little gas and out the back it goes...
Dodged a few planks in my days on the farm.
Bill

There was about four of us all different races and nationalities helping each other out. From what I hear that was the norm in the day but is now rare.

Way to go.
No time like the present to start a new trend. If we all did more of this, wouldn't be nearly as much trouble in the world...IMHO.
Bill

Not while trucking, but in my previous life I did a job at a milk bone factory. Had to wear a hair net.

I said I’ve seen my dog eat his own crap, I’m pretty sure a hair wouldn’t phase him.

They weren’t amused

My wife asks what the heck I giggling about...as she is lying on the couch with our set of "butt lickers"...
Bill

It's 1964 and the British Invasion is HIP!

This is on I-57 south near MM 72 in southern Illinois. I have no idea why George Harrison is in a field strumming his Fender.....?

I see that sign every time we drive up to Madison, WI to see the granddaughter (and her parents...). Wondered about it first time I saw.
Here's some of the skinny..

George Harrison in Benton, IL

Bill R

David,
These last 2 posts are prime examples of the great advice and mentoring we can get on this site (as well as the others that are here). I'm not out on the road, yet, but every teaching point like these i write down in my little book of helpful things to remember and strive for.
Good luck on your new journey. Hoping you can make it a positive, great experience.
Bill R.

Congratulations. I know a weight is gone now that you have that license.
Way to go!!
Bill R
on the rest of your new career. Shiny side up!

Wow!
And thank the Lord you made it safely. Good reading and something to keep in mind as we drive anything.
Hoping you all have a Merry Christmas.
Kiss the grandbaby when you can.
Bill R

Mack Truck....WKDF! WOW! I've not heard that name in forever. Thanks for that memory jog, Bill R.

Yup.
I got to thinking after I posted...mixed up my DJs...Mack Truck was on 98.6 WSIX...Bubba Skynyrd was WKDF....boy I miss those days....
Bill

Brett,
Thanks bunches for this great web resource. One of, if not THE best out there (to quote one of my favorite radio characters..."That's my opinion, ought to be yours"..."Mack Truck" 103 WKDF Nashville, back in the day).
I can't really think of anything that hasn't already been mentioned. Looking forward to any new articles.
You guys keep the info coming for us newbies.
Bill R.

Congrats, Donna.
Spoil him up good.
God Bless you all and stay safe.
Bill R

Congratulations, Susan!!!
Beautiful young lady. Love her up.
I know my 2 little girls are a couple of the greatest blessings we have had.
Bill R.

Bill, no you do not have to have your CDL yet, but you do need to have your fingerprints & background check completed before you take the HAZMAT endorsement test.

Thanks for the confirmation. I was hoping I could get things in line to test out on all the endorsements at one time (and hopefully pass...)
I'll be wearing the High Road training out again soon.
Bill R

Looking to testing time in the spring.
Do you have to have "CDL in hand" to get the HazMat endorsement?
Read thru the regs and kinda seems you do. Does the permit count?
Bill R

"Breaker Pigpen, this here's the Duck. You wanta back off them carcasses there? It's getting intense up here!"...
I just couldn't resist...
Ya'll be safe out there!
Bill R

Worked a 12 hour over night shift in the Pediatric ER. Got home, hugged my kids and went to sleep. The world had changed when I woke up that afternoon. We were also on alert for a while.
God bless all those who lost family and friends. We will not forget them.
Bill R.

I could easily quote Rob D here and be done. I think I may have a "long lost brother" there.
As my current career is becoming more and more of something I don't want to continue doing, I began looking for something that would interest me and provide time for some of the experiences I would enjoy (driving around the US of A and seeing more of this great country). Discussing this with my sons one afternoon, one said, "Dad, you just need to drive a truck."...
I really, really like to drive on the open road...bicycle, motorcycle, car...they're all good. How many different ways are there to get to the Tail of the Dragon in southeast TN?...give me that map...
I like an assignment/job with defined start and end points and my performance to get the load delivered safely is what gets the job done.
I don't mind being the only person around when I'm working. Team mates are OK, but I'd rather be out by myself...
I am more enthused about this potential opportunity than any job I've ever tried to get. My wife has even commented on this.
And a huge thank you to everyone who participates here. Great information provided and it really makes you think through this career decision.
Bill R