Guest book questions.

Hi everyone.
I received the following as a post in my guest book and Nigel brings up some interesting points.

Great Blogs for non truckers who are intrested in our profession but do you not think so of you blogs could put others of from coming to Canada?
Hi, I set up this blog for the purpose of keeping friends and family up to date with where I am and what I am doing. As time went on a lot of people interested in coming to Canada started to read it and ask me questions which I always try to answer honestly. I have had my ups and downs with H&R but never thought it was going to be a bed of roses and I am sure I am no different from anyone else. Hand on heart, I hope this blog has helped people in making their decision as to wether Canada is for them or not.

Ive been here 2 years now and im with Bison and i have only once had to wait overnight for reload details normally i get reload before tipping outbound load.
Ive heard reports on H+R that you are either working flat out or doing nothing it also seems that they did not give you much instruction on the HOS+weights etc i had to spend 3 days in a classroom learning it with bison.
Whilst I have been here the work has been pretty consistent and my pay cheque backs this up. Of course there will be quiet times, I may have to run Canada for longer than I would like and I might moan, but hey, thats life.
I totally agree with the point you make on reloads. the problem seems to only be in Canada. Lately I have had to refuse a lot of loads as I did not have enough time to make delivery. I know that the system of despatching has changed again recently and maybe this is causing the excessive waiting around times and having to run to the limits to meet delivery times or possibly its in the planning.
I cannot agree with you about not receiving adequate instruction on Hours of Service and weight limits ect... as well as learning about them whist in driving school I also attended a 3 day classroom course which covered a whole host of topics including the above. Also at the end of every month Bruce Peel (The Oracle) opens his classroom doors and any driver who is unsure or has any questions is welcome to attend and have there query answered, plus he is also available to call if you cannot make the meeting time

Please dont take this a a critisising i think you site is great.
Safe Driving
Nigel
Thanks for the kind words Nigel. You brought up some good points which gave me something to write about as nothing much has happened this last week.
Best wishes and good luck.

Its been a while

Hi all. Sorry for the lack of posts but I have working like a rented mule, bouncing around Canada, working silly hours and generally have been a bit de-moralized.
On my way back to Calgary from North Bay where I did a trailer switch and running night shifts in a bid to get the load to the customer on time.
The weather has been terrible, rain and storms have caused my tan to fade so a trip into the sun would be nice.

Fancy doing what I do ? Update.

Hi, Dave Foder has been in touch and I now have the full details regarding the interviews in the UK.

The interviews will be held at the Newcastle Marriot (Metrocentre) from August 26th until September 8th.
To arrange an interview please contact the following:

H&R Transport
3601-2nd Ave. N
Lethbridge, AB,
T1H 5K7

Phone 403.328.2345 and ask for Stephen Whittaker
Fax: 403.328.2877

Alternatively email:
Stephen at stevie.basset@hotmail.com
David Foder at david.foder@hrtrans.com
Genie at VRV at emekenkamp@vrv.ca

Information packages and interview dates can be arranged as well as general information regarding slots available.

So, dont hang about !

Back to work.........Rubbish

The Calgary Tower. A free standing observation tower built in 1968 and reaching the height of 626 feet

Most of our time was spent on this street, surrounded by skyscrapers


Well its all over and its back to work time.
Had a great time in Calgary and will definetly go back again.
Due to lazy customers John rolled into Calgary late on Thursday evening and the following morning we caught a cab into Downtown Calgary after arranging a hotel.
I mentioned previously that H&R use the Point Inn which is a dump so I rang the Sandman Hotel and managed to get a good deal on a room which was $130 for a twin, not bad considering we were 2mins walk from all of the action.
Its hands up time, I drank way too much on Friday night and was suffering so badly on Saturday I had to go back to bed until 5pm and then met John in a bar in town and had one beer then I was back on the soft drinks. Saturday night was John's turn to over indulge and come the following morning he too was very fragile so it was a lazy day recovering yesterday.
I had visions of Calgary being a really busy and hectic place but it was really quiet, maybe with the Stampede finishing last weekend nobody has any money left but we found we could always find a stool and a table and never had to wait for drinks.
The city itself is very modern, all steel and glass and some of the pubs charged for the priviledge, $9 for a pint of Guinness in one of the Irish bars.
Without a doubt I would go back there for a long weekend and can recommend both the Sandman Hotel and the city itself.

Think you can do what I do ?

I have been asked to put a post on here to advertise that H&R will be recruiting in the UK in August.
Details are a little sketchy as to where and exact times but if you fancy giving this life a go then get in touch with Steve Whittaker to arrange an interview.

H&R Transport
3601-2nd Ave. N
Lethbridge, AB,
T1H 5K7

Phone: 403.328.2345 and ask for Stephen Whittaker
Fax: 403.328.2877

or email Stephen Whittaker direct at stevie.basset@hotmail.com

If calling remember the time difference, we are 7hrs behind the UK.

In Calgary for some time off

Well the return trip was drama free and I have basically not done anything as the time off in Calgary was drawing close.
Did a switch in Medicine Hat and ran a few trailers into the meat plant at High River and am now sat waiting to find out if there is anything to do today.
The lad who I am taking time off with,John, is being unloaded at Edmonton then is on his way to here.
Looking forward to a few days off and seeing downtown Calgary then it will be back to the grind and time to start thinking about a visit back home.

Empty and loading out of Salem Oregon

Normally we run the other side of the river but fancied a change. The river originates in British Columbia and forms a border between washington and Oregon, its 1243 miles long and empties into the Pacific Ocean

Hi all, was empty this morning within half an hour of backing onto the dock and am presently sat waiting for the reload details. I know its out of Salem but I need all the info so I thought its a good time to catch up.
Had an easy run down to Beaverton and on my travels ran into an H&R truck broken down on the shoulder so it was on with the indicator but I heard a voice saying "its ok, its just a blowout". "Lyndon, is that you ?", Yup was the reply so I span piglet round and headed back for a chat.
Caught up with the gossip as the last time I saw Lyndon was when he took a load from me when I needed repairs doing to the truck. He wasnt too happy about the length of time the tyre fitter was taking in arriving so after a chat I bid him farewell,dropped him a few cans of pop and set off on my way.
Thats about all really.

Oregon here I come

Hi everyone.
Managed to get some time off in Lethbridge and got a few jobs done and at the minute I am on my way to Oregon with a load of milled flour.
As usual and with what seems par for the course now things didnt go smoothly and had problems at customs as whoever booked the load in had mistakingly thought I was clearing at a different point of entry. This hiccup cost me 3hrs and although it doesnt make any difference as I can still make the delivery on time its annoying as I have lost 3hrs of my time.
Just fuelled at Post Falls Idaho and having some breakfast then its another 380 miles to the customer so no problems there.
Things are looking good for getting back next week and despatch are aware that I have time booked off. I am having a few days "sightseeing" in Calgary with a lad I was in the Army with, Hi John and his mate who now lives in Calgary and who I also might know from my Army days so its something to look forward to.
Ran across Crowsnest Pass yesterday which confirmes its one of my favourite stretches of road, the scenery is great and totally different from the last time I used the road as the snow has just about all gone.
Will update soon with my reload info and anything else thats happened.
Cheers for now !

Back up north and its freezing

I wonder how many people think that this is how all of the USA looks? A sheriff, general store, liquor store, a saloon and a casino. Believe it or not the name of the town is Jackpot !

Montana, Montana. Nearly home when you drive through this.

Jesus, after blistering temps the last week I have been submitted to almost a 80f drop in temperature.
At the minute its 46f in Calgary, in Nevada and California it was hitting 120f. The night heater is on and the walk to the truckstop needed a jacket.
Had a good run up to Canada, plenty of sun !! and cleared the border no problems.
I have been preplanned on a load from Lethbridge into Oregon which will work out nicely as after delivery and reload I will be back into Canada just in time for the few days I have booked off.

Across the Donners Pass

Howdy, for a small fee this lady is all yours. Affectionately known as a "Lot Lizard" she is the first lady to proposition me since I came here and trust me when I say that there was no temptation, just a polite "no thanks".


So, pulled out of the truckstop yesterday morning and set off on my merry way with the sun beating down through the haze and stopped for a break on the Donners Pass, a very scenic route which leads you from California into Nevada. I parked in a rest area and went for a walk onto the granite rocks which have been gouged by glaciers many thousands of years ago.

Saw some of the local widlife namely a few lizards and plenty of chipmunks then set off into Nevada. An hour later this came to a halt with a "Bang" as a tyre had blown on the trailer and pieces of rubber were thrown all over the road.
2hrs later I was rolling and passed through Reno easily enough, it was the first time I have been through during the day and it was nice to see the casinos and a little more of the town.

Parked at Winnemuca Nevada and about to start the day, looking to giving it a big punch and want to do 600 miles so hopefully its not too hot.
Cheers for now

Wish I had the aircon fixed last week.

Something for you "bling" lovers

A small selection of whats on offer at Oasis casino Mesquite


Its hot, flippin hot.
Had a change of plan the other day and stayed at St George Utah and ran in for breakfast at Oasis Casino Mesquite. It actually turned out to be a sunday brunch so all manner of foods were to be had. The choice was vast and along with every salad/fruit item under the sun was the following and this is just a small selection.
Chicken...Roasted portions, breasts in BBQ sauce, southern fried and chinese style honey and ginger coated.
Fish....rainbow trout, salmon in cream and caper sauce, catfish in spicy tomato sauce and deep fried coujons.
Pretty awesome stuff when you consider the rest of the foods on offer, all u can eat with drinks (large fruit juice inc) for the sum of $10.25.
So had my fill there and headed to California.
Flew past Las Vegas and not long after hit a massive traffic jam which according to the lads on the CB went on all the way,on and off to Barstow California (About 120 miles) so I called it a day at Primm Nevada, parked at Whiskey Petes casino and went shopping in the mall over the road.
Rolled back into the truck about 9pm after having a good run on the slot machines and went to bed.
Ran to Reedley California and loaded with plums,nectarines and peaches bound for Canada.
Now to the heat. remember I was messed about when the truck was serviced regarding the aircon? When I parked tonight at 7pm I got out the thermometer we use to check load temps and started to check out the truck as over the last few days I have been melting.
Top bunk....106.7f. Drivers floor mat....111.8f. Dashboard....129.1f. Truck aircon....108f and the tripac aircon blows at a lovely 62f.
First priority is to get it fixed when I get back.
So, I plan to do just over 500 miles a day for the next 3 days which will get me into Calgary in time to drop the trailer and let the city guys do there stuff then hopefully straight back south as I have the 18th-20th booked off.
Thats all for the time being, speak soon.

Some wideboys so ya can see wot its like.

Hi everyone, all of these pics have been taken in the last 2 days and cover the trip from Colorado Springs to St George Utah. I feel that the panoramic shots give the best idea of how vast and beautiful the scenery is that I see on a day to day basis.
As always all the pics can be supersized and my apologies for any bug splatters that show.

Hello California...

Parking spot last night

Glenwood Canyon Colorado


Received a message from despatch yesterday which proves keeping it simple is best..Go to Las Vegas and call in Monday. God I love this job.
So I planned everything out, I would run a few hours from Colorado Springs across the Rockies, park up somewhere and have a lazy night. Then into Vegas for the Sunday night. All was going well until a message informed me that I am loading Bakersfield California on Monday morning so it looks like Vegas will have to wait until next time.
Had a superb day today running across Hwy-24 and I-70, the views are stunning and plenty of photos got taken. Found myself smilimg for no reason again and a few times "wow" was muttered.
The sun has been shining and its very hot.
So the plan now is to run to Mesquite Nevada tonight and visit the Oasis Casino for food and fun then leave in the morning stopping at Primm Nevada to buy some jeans from the outlet mall.
If things work out right, on the return leg of this trip I will be stopping the night in the Virgin River Valley Gorge and having a BBQ which should be amazing, so fingers crossed for that.

"Happy 4th july"

To all my American friends,readers and anyone who celebrates Independence Day, have a great time.

MySpace Comments

Things getting worse....how could they?

Home of the Denver Bronco's. An exact replica of the old stadium which was called Mile High" as Denver is 1 mile above sea level
Quick pic taken while stuck in traffic of DenverThe town of Castle Rock took its name from this feature, situated half way between Denver and Colorado Springs.


Finally, at long last I got the nod from Excel security that the trailer was ready to go, it was 12.30. I had sat for 22hrs waiting for them to take off 15 pallets.
Despatch were going frantic as the second delivery had to come off today and if it didnt I would have to sit until Monday, to be honest I couldn't of cared less.
After giving an ETA of 5pm I left Fort Morgan at 1pm and had 200 miles to do in 4hrs which sounds ok but in that time I had to fuel and contend with the traffic around Denver, remember its the 4th July weekend in the States. After losing time in traffic I called the fuel department to see if it was possible to open a gas station we didnt normally use, this would save me about 30mins. They gave the thumbs up so I ran straight to Pueblo Colorado and arrived at 4.40pm, unloaded and sent good news to Despatch that after 6 days (of what should of been a 3 day trip) I was finally empty.
Beep went the satellite and the message read.....Park up and call in the morning.
So thats this trip over and done with and I am so pleased.

Still on the slippery downhill slope

Hi all. As I write this I have to physically stop myself from screaming and banging my head off a large object.
I arrived yesterday 2.30pm at the new delivery address,explained to a wannabe Hitler the reasons why I was there and proceeded to drop the trailer after Adolf had told me where to put it and was told I would be called when it was ready. Its now 7am Thursday and the trailer is apparently being "worked on".
Thats another wasted day to add to a bad week and I am beginning to wonder how long its going to last,surely its got to come to an end soon.
The customer has 50mins to get me on my way or the 2nd and final delivery is going to be late and unless despatch can sweet talk them that will mean another day sat around wasted.
I tried to make the best of yesterday and while waiting got the deck chair out and grabbed a book, this lasted all of 45 mins before once again the skies turned black and the heavens opened.
Going to put the coffee maker on and have a fresh brew, that should waste a few minutes.

Sure someone has it in for me.

This morning in Wyoming

Hi all, I am sure the big man in the sky has it in for me. I wrote how I was looking forward to running from Utah into Colorado and guess what? The shipper has decided to change the delivery address so both drops are now coming off in Colorado, hence no great pics of fantastic scenery.
I also said I while ago that I was going to get a small BBQ which I did yesterday along with a reclining deck chair and low and behold the sky filled with storm clouds and I witnessed some of the most immpresive lightening I have seen.
So I am just plodding along and will be at my first drop in a few hours. Asked despatch if the load was booked in 24hrs ago and as of yet I have had no reply so I am just going to turn up and hope for the best, at least the sun is out so if they turn me away the deckchair will get its first airing.