What Parts Of The County Do You Prefer To Run?

I like running the less populated parts of the West and Midwest. I used to run a triangle from Spokane to Wichita to Phoenix or LA and then back to the Northwest. I liked that a lot.

Right now I'm getting used to being home every night and weekend and running mostly two-lane highways in a 300 mile radius. It's pretty nice.

I like running the less populated parts of the West and Midwest. I used to run a triangle from Spokane to Wichita to Phoenix or LA and then back to the Northwest. I liked that a lot.

Right now I'm getting used to being home every night and weekend and running mostly two-lane highways in a 300 mile radius. It's pretty nice.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all if I could stay running from Jackson MS to Fontana CA and all of Texas. I love those lanes out there.

I LOVE Texas. I know all the good spots along 30 and 35 along with some sneaky hiding places for some good grub.

I run 40 all the time too from NC to Arkansas, sometimes farther. Can't say I particularly like it because of traffic and the road SUCKS but I know a lot of the parking spots.

Used to run 80 all the time with Transam and loved it but I haven't been up there since being with CalArk.

70 isn't bad but the parking can be tricky in Illinois and Indiana sometimes.

44 and US 69/75 isn't too bad either. Lots of good parking in Oklahoma with plenty of truck friendly Walmarts. Although US 69 has to be one of the roughest roads I've ever been on. Everything jostles its way into the floor along that road!

But my favorite highway has to be US 59 in Texas. Mostly because I know where the truck stops with Whataburger are!

80, 84, 5, 15, and 10. Unless I happen to be on 15 going from or to Cali on Friday or Sunday, respectively. I've seen traffic jams of 40 miles in that Vegas to LA stretch. Thankfully I've only seen those while heading the opposite direction.

Anywhere in Montana.

Definitely not South of Orlando, FL. Parking sucks and if you do find a place, then you have to pay to park. Not trucker friendly.

I love the Northeast. I know I'm crazy, but that's where my bread gets buttered. There's about fifteen drivers on the SAPA account I'm working, and only two of us are really willing to run those Northeast loads on a consistent basis. Consequently, we are the two at the top of the payscale (so I'm told by my dispatcher).

Am I nuts?

Probably, but it sure pays good to be nuts!

Is it easy? Of course not, in fact it's very challenging. But understanding how to "git er done" in those tougher regions can really help set you up as a "go to" guy.

I'm at home right now for some doctor appointments. My dispatcher told me that when he dispatched one of our Connecticut loads to the driver that was available, the driver immediately called him complaining, and wanted to know where I was!

Am I nuts?

Probably, but it sure pays good to be nuts!

Old School, you're nuts!

Well then; add me to the category of nuts. And that's okay.

I was born, raised, and continue to reside in the northeast; specifically the western most suburbs of Philadelphia. The traffic, aggressive nature of the drivers, tight roads/turns, the potholes, and the confusing interchanges and signage is something I have lived with as a driver of 41 years. I am used to it...doesn't stress me out. Granted, at times the grid-lock can be frustrating, but like anything else in this business, you adjust.

My Walmart Grocery territory is all of NJ, DE, MD, Eastern half of PA, and occasionally NY state. It's something I know like the back of my hand, within my comfort zone and enables me to perform at a high level, where many others really struggle, if with nothing else the intimidation factor. Here is where it makes me money...I try to get the loads that are clustered together; 175-200 miles out and back, 4-5 stops within a 20 mile radius. A 350 mile 5-stop run in North or South Jersey sounds like total aggravation and stress. Because there is a high concentration of Walmarts in Urban areas, I can knock out a 360mile, 5 stop route in 12-13 hours and expect a $270 one-day pay in return. If I want a break from the mayhem, I'll request a more leisurely run to northern PA through the Pocono Mountains or up to Williamsport PA or out to Port Jervis NY. Lots of options for diversion...

So yes, there is always an opposite reality to consider in this job.

Well then; add me to the category of nuts. And that's okay.

G-Town, you're nuts!