September 19 - Must... remember.... time... differential.
Yeah, last time I came east, I kept on thinking mountain time – messed me up a little. Today, I have this delivery due at 18:00. That's 17:00 mountain time. Given that 1) it's now 10:00 in the morning (mountain time) and 2) it's about a 5 hour drive, I think I'm going to head out in a bout a half hour. I don't know how long it will take them to unload – but just in case, I'm reading up (again) on split berth logging.
Just turned the key in the ignition. Gauge seems to indicate a little above 'empty', so I might make it to the intermediate fuel stop about 20 miles down the road. Last night,when I shut down, the gauge was below 'E'.. now it's a bit above. I wonder if it measures only the one tank...
If I'd figured travel time correctly, I probably would have been almost on time. Or even ON time. Because I didn't, I was about 10 minutes behind time... and got caught behind a messy accident just south of Huntly, IL (Consignee).
Further, I think the local directions need to be updated. Right now, they have us getting off I-90 at hwy 20 exit, then driving about 10 miles to Hwy 47. By the time I got around the wreck, I discovered that there's an exit off I-90 directly TO Hwy 47. Would have saved me about 20 minutes driving on a regular day, and would have allowed me to completely miss the accident backup.
I did ask that dispatch update local directions a bit, anyway. Directions have us turn right (off 47) onto Mill St. This IS correct – but Mill St is residential – something that makes any driver nervous. I included this, and also added that we should turn right at the first stop sign, and where the S&R office is.
Damn accident put me over my hours, dammit. Fortunately, the folks here will let me spend the night.
They had me unloaded in less than an hour, too – even considering I forgot to open the trailer doors.
Even better (though most wouldn't think it so) the spot they suggested is 60 feet from the local UP spur. Only a railfan would understand. (to be fair, they merely suggested the lot. I chose the spot). The other lot is the busy one, - hostlers and trailers shuttling back and forth all the time. This is much better. And now I have SIX load locks. Not had a time or place to drop a couple. Gonna try to swing through Denver yard on this trip and drop off 3.
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