A Story By BardTale

Hello fellow truckers!

I have sporadically posted in the past, but in seeing the various stories here, I've decided I would add to this lovely collection of such tales.

In this tale, I will wholeheartedly admit, my faith in the ability to safely drive, maneuver and be up to any challenge was shaken today. It's in this sentiment that I have not felt since my rookie days and to be frank, the experience has haunted me most of the evening.

To give a little background to this story. I'm normally an OTR dedicated regional driver, hailing USPS bulk mail to the various P&DC's around the east coast and mid-west locations. The account is based out of Bolingbrook, IL (Just north of Joliet) but there are facilities scattered across the previously said area.

A little over a week ago, one of my dispatchers had asked me to help out on a new account in Joliet. It was originally for a single week, but I got talked into doing two. One of the many reasons I agreed to help (Besides, it's paying VERY well), is it would give me a company certification for a curtain side flatbed and a little experience.

My first load with this startup account turned out to be a 17 stop load in and around the northwest suburbs of Chicago area and Rockford. That was a brutal three days and of those, I had to go over my hours two days in a row just to find a safe haven to park. My clean record now officially tarnished with a stern reprimand from my driver manager with the threat, if it happens again, I'll be suspended.

Afterwards, because of the way the new account works, all the loads go out on Sunday/Monday and then the drivers go elsewhere to pad out the week. The usual favorite go-to is the Home Depot RDC in Joliet.

To pad out my last day for the week, I was sent to the Petco DC. To their credit, they was super nice and I enjoyed my time there as I was just shuttling trailers from the DC to the nearby company terminal and bringing an empty back. Once that was done, I was free to bobtail to the nearest truck stop of my choice to go down for a 34.

At some point during the 34, I get a message asking me to report to the Home Depot RDC this morning (Sunday). Happy to get some rest from the previous week, I eagerly arrived at 6am and they told me it should be a simple day. (There is two offices for my company at this DC, Regional and Local. Since it's a Sunday, I reported over to the local office)

The first load was simple enough. Drive the loaded trailer to the DC in the Chicago area to a store, pick up a pallet trailer and bring it back. The second load, which was, simple enough, was the same deal. Except.... It was in one of the many areas that had a TON of low clearance bridges.

I researched the trip, cross referenced, called the store, I finally settled on a route in. (Keep in mind, I've got a road truck. Sleeper and all).

1232 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60642 (Red Line going in, Blue Line going out)

Of all the places I've been to, of all the difficult places I've been, even on this startup account, this shook me to the very core today and I don't know why. Even though it's mostly one lane roads once you get off the interstate , people still decided to drive next to me and I had to block traffic just to make the turns. All in all, I give today a 1/10 rating.

Man, I remember you..and your postings. I'm nothing to nobody but a driver's wife...who's hubby is based exactly out of Joliet / Lemont. Even though he does Ohio Intrastate..he pulls those hub runs for HIS company.... (not USPS, just boxes.. beside y'all...) occasionally. You call you a ONE out of ten?

I say 10/10 ... as a trucker's wife who's been the 'gecko' along for the ride. I SHOWED him that map.. and he said, yep, nope. He's been there, close to being DEFEATED.... to the core. As I stand by and (try not to) cry.

Pat yourself on the back, the bum, wherever. You made it.

IDK what else to say...not much encouragement, but .. sending my man on the road here, soon, for his runs.... 'essential' .. pulling cardboard. In my pix. Sheesh. Bard. Wow. It happens, as I've seen in 22 years married to this guy. Shaken him, therefore me, to the core.

Pull up the bootstraps, and know that there ARE people...that get this... and care.

I worked in the South Jersey P&DC for 18 years. Did you run NDC too?

I worked in the South Jersey P&DC for 18 years. Did you run NDC too?

NDC, P&DC and BMC facilities. I think I've been to the post office you worked at, but im not in jersey often tho. Thats usually reserved for the local drivers based out of York, PA