Truck Driving Story

When I first started this blog I vowed I wouldn’t tell any truck driving stories, but I have to get one out of my system. Before I start I have a question. What’s the difference between a fairy tale and a truck driving story? If you don’t know the answer you’ll have to scroll to the bottom to find out. OK, I swear to you, this is a true story and I’ve kept the tickets to prove it.

In the late 80’s and 90’s I worked for a company that delivered new Volvo Trucks from the plant in Dublin Va, to dealers and fleets all over North America. It was good duty until the driveaway company was sold and everything went downhill from there. By the way, I retired the first time shortly after the acquisition. My delivery was going to a dealer outside Toronto and I was on the New York State Thruway, (I-90) between Erie Pa and Buffalo NY. Most of the trucks were governed at 69mph at the factory. Speed limit on the road was 65. No worry, set the cruise control and enjoy the ride. By the way have you ever noticed that even number interstates go from low to high numbers going West to East? Not New York State. On with the tale. One of New York State’s finest decided I was going too fast, and turned on his red lights and pulled me over. (Red flashing lights are for fire trucks and ambulances, but I guess no one has informed this group of grey suited wonders yet). I put both hands on the steering wheel, so they could be seen by this fine gentleman and after being asked for the usual documents, informed me that I was traveling 77mph. My plea that the truck was governed at 69 was of no avail of course and after a few minutes the officer returned with not one but two tickets, my lucky day.
He told me that as I had a clean record he wasn’t going to give me a fast driving award and then asked me if I had a radar detector? I said no, and then he informed me that I did now and here was a ticket for running a bird dog and the second one was for littering. He wished me a good day and was off. And I thought all the ‘honorable’ highway patrol officers were in Ohio.

Before I give you the answer to my quiz here’s how to have fun when you’re bored in a truck stop. Turn on your CB and in between the conversations of the radio rambos and other similar intellects, break it and ask if anyone knows why they have no parking zones in truck stops. When someone asks why, say the following. No parking zones are for those large Petercar drivers with all the chrome and lights and the big over modulated radios with so much echo no one can understand them, that don’t know how to back up have a place to park. If you want to stay around for the fun that’s up to you, but I usually shut the radio off and go to bed.

Answer….difference between a fairy tale and a truck driving story. A fairy tale starts off with….Once upon a time…..a truck driver story starts off with…..you ain’t going to believe this sh**..

Enjoy the day

Flat Tire