On the Road with Henry Albert

Hello to all,

I just returned from the 10th annual Expedite Expo held in Wilmington, Ohio on July 23 & 24. I arrived in Ohio on Wednesday afternoon. I cleaned the truck in preparation for the show. One of my fellow Slice of Trucker Life driver’s attended also. Dick McCorkle arrived on Thursday.This was my second year to attend. I really enjoy the show and meeting these fine foks is always a pleasure.

Over the years, I’ve made some good friends through the expedite crowd. These people are unique in the fact that a large portion of them are empty nesters or decided to make this business their second career in life.

On Friday and Saturday, they offered various workshops. I attended a few and also participated in the “Extending the Life of Your Truck “- A look at Maintenance. Heath Wood from Middle Georgia Freightliner hosted the workshop. Bob Caffee and I assisted Heath in answering questions from the participants.

Dinner with Fed Ex

On Saturday, I attended the First Observer Program – Highway Security hosted by Doug Morris, a Regulatory Affairs Specialist with OOIDA. This seminar I found to be very informative. Doug spoke about being drivers who observe, assess and report on any suspicious activities that you may see. We discussed our national tragedies and how the outcome may have been totally different had someone been through this “First Observer Training” and knew what to do in such a situation. It really makes you stop and think how you view the world around you. We shouldn’t be scared, however, be vigilant.

 I also enjoyed the Networking & Round table discussion – “Everything You Want T Know About Expedite Trucking”. This workshop was hosed by Linda Caffee. I participated on the panel for a question and answer session. I spoke on fuel efficiency techniques and new truck technologies.

I believe there were approximately thirteen different workshops in which to attend. Also, some folks attended to get information on the expedite business and obtain driver information. Here, they can obtain career information and tips. Folks can learn how to be successful as an expedite Owner Operator and discover new products and services in the Expedite Trucking Industry.

Casino night was packed

The event included a Casino Night which was packed full of participants and was lots of fun! Pure Grain, a country music group, entertained outside on the patio of the convention center. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a healthwalk held each morning at 7:30am. This was the first annual Expedite Expo “Pajama Walk”. I really enjoyed an old-time truck show which was held outside. There were lots of neat old trucks to see, however, I’m spoiled with my new Cascadia. We have so many more options and comforts in our trucks today.

An oldie but goodie

After the show, participants enjoyed and after show “Cookout”. Many folks came out for the great food and conversation. The expediters really know how throw a tailgate party. I enjoyed meeting many new people and catching up with friends at this years show.

During the show, I had the opportunity to show off the Cascadia. Many drivers were curious about the new SCR technology. I had lots of questions regarding the myths surrounding this technology. Once I explain the principles of its operation, it becomes clear and many minds are put to ease.

I really enjoyed attending this years Expedite Expo… See you next year!

Henry

This is a debate that comes up often with many of my fellow driver friends. Since I have been in business for myself I have always set myself up on  regular routes.   I am questioned frequently by my fellow driver friends ” How can I stand the boredom of running up and down the same road every day?” I don”t get bored with this as I prefer it.  I have regular customers on this route and I get to know my customers needs on a much more personal basis.  About the only time  I go off on a irregular route is when my regular customers are slow.Then, I rely on the load boards which does not happen very often. Mostly,  I deal with my customers directly and not through a broker. 

For part of my career, I ran regularly from the Carolina’s to Long Island, Brooklyn and to the Bronx.  It was very lucrative financially and from doing this route on a regular basis, I got to know all the ins and outs which made getting into and out of the city a breeze. ( I say breeze in relative terms as it ’s still  New York City type traffic) I know everywhere there is to find parking to be found, I know all the alternative routesand know when there is traffic disruption to the main road.

My favorite part of operating  in this manner is the route becomes like my backyard as I get to know the restaurants, shippers and consignees.  Another bonus is you get to know the good repair shops should you need one. On one of my routes, the fuel desk personel knows my truck information.As I pull up, they turn the pump on, then ask if I “m going to park my truck and if I’m planning to shower.  One time on my route ,I felt ill and the manager who knew me from stopping there frequently asked if I was all right.  I told her I was sick with the flu and I would be taking a shower and  going back to my truck to sleep.  The manager asked if they could have someone check on me regularly, and to my surprise went and purchased some over the counter flu medicine for me. 

 The down side or positive side in 27 years of driving I just made it to Chicago for the first time last year.  This is comical to friends who operate irregular routes or off of the load boards.  My driver friends cannot imagine how I can wake up everyday and know where I am, where I am going, and what the rest of my week looks like.  My driver friends think that the monotony of seeing the same road, the same signs, the same buildings, and even the same rush hour each week would lead to boredom.  One of the things my friends joke around with me about is that I need to move on when most everyone on my route knows me on a first name basis and my tag number at the fuel desk.

Since I started driving some 27 years ago I have hit 37 of the 48 states.  I have 11 more states to go before I retire..

Henry

If you happen to be in Wilmington, OH this Friday or Saturday stop in at the Exipedite Expo, its at the Roberts Convention Center. I will be there with the New Cascadia both days. Hope to see you there.

Hello Again,

I just finished attending Kevin Rutherford’s, Certified Master Contractor program in Kansas City, MO. The program started Monday July 12 through Thursday July 15 at Harrah’s Casino. This is an ideal location for this event due the availability of truck parking. The attendance included drivers from every walk of life including expediters, car haulers and even Owner Operators with their own authority.  

The first day was a lesson on negotiating skills with George Gallamore of Baker Communications. I always enjoy attending anything on learning how to negotiate better since I operate under my own authority. Improving my own negotiating techniques improves my skills for negotiating rates and is also useful for negotiating better deals for tires, equipment and other services related to my business. We learned how to identify our personality as well as people we negotiate with. The goal of this exercise was to negotiate a win win situation to where everyone walks away feeling satisfied with the deal.  This put a lot of emphasis to negotiate for the long term relationship versus a very good deal for you which does not lead to repeat business.

The second day we had Mike Beckett with MD Alignment Services Inc. until noon. Mike took the

Mike Beckett

magic out of having a properly aligned vehicle which leads to increased tread life and better handling. With tires being one of our most expensive consumable items in our operation the subject of Mike’s presentation kept everyone on the edge of their seats hanging on every word. Mikes alignment system is basically a laser which replaces the old string and box method. One of the reasons Mikes systems works very well is what he refers to “as driven alignment”.  On a typical alignment machine the truck is placed on turning plates. As soon as you set the front end on the turning plates the front end is freed up which is not how a vehicle is ever driven. The front end is always in a bind.  When the MD Alignment is performed on our truck they have you pull forward to a gentle stop preferably loaded. This way they can take all of their measurements on the condition it would be as it travels down the highway. They also prefer to align the truck with your old tires on so they can see the existing wear pattern.  They can correct this problem so we will get optimum tire life out of our new tires.  When a typical computer readout alignment is printed out showing no alignment problems and yet the tire wear problem persists who are you going to listen to, the computer printout or what the tire is showing you?  The print out you received is useless unless we can figure out how to read the printout to the truck and convince it to wear its tires better. Mike’s final comment on this matter was he has never found a tire that lied.  Later that evening after the class he showed us exactly what was happening with tires on the trucks and trailers in the parking lot.  We were able to clearly see the wear problems he had discussed during class.  We also jacked up several vehicles and he showed us the number one problem that he runs into which is improper wheel bearing adjustment.  We adjusted several of the trucks alignments and wheel bearings in the parking lot with Mike explaining the whole process as he let us align our own trucks under his tutelage.  

The second half of the day the instructor was Bruce Malison, of Pittsburgh Power. Bruce

Bruce Malison

discussed the fundamentals of our diesel engines and how to get maximum efficiency and longevity out of our units. He explains how to use our boost gauge and pyrometers to drive more efficiently.  Bruce discussed the many maintenance issues he has came across over his numerous years servicing diesel engines.  Bruce like Mike Becket spent the evening in the parking lot. Bruce was explaining to many of the owner operators how to properly maintain and work on their trucks.  Till the seminar was over several boost gauges, pyrometers, harmonic balancers, and even a few turbos were changed under Bruce’s careful and thoughtful instruction.  As you can imagine the parking lot was buzzing with activity until the late night hours.   

Day three and four was spent with Kevin Rutherford filling our heads with how to run our

Kevin Rutherford

business more profitably.  Kevin discussed how to increase the revenue and maximize our efficiency keeping more of the revenue we have earned in the bank.  We discussed return on investment and separating the emotional buy from the product that is necessary to benefit our businesses. Kevin discussed spread sheets to track our profit and loss, and keeping proper business records to help us chart our way to the future.   Your equipment selection aerodynamic versus classic, engines and drive line choices and driving habits can easily impact your bottom line by $20,000 dollars or more. I think this was a real eye opener for those in attendance.  Another area of interest for many was strategic fuel purchasing methods to increase our profit.  We spent some time on worksheets planning our loads out differently.  Sometimes what you may perceive to be a good is in reality not the most lucrative load. An example was we can often find a high paying load to Denver, CO and then the freight opportunities out of that are slim. It is important on how all the miles turn out not just that one load. Kevin discussed proper planning of your business and putting away for taxes and your retirement. 

It was very nice getting to catch up with Gina Angsten and Kurt Grote two of the other Slice of Trucker Life Drivers in person at the CMC.  We were able to share our experiences with each other on our how our new Cascadia’s have been performing.  SCR technology is still relatively new so there are many myths surrounding this new technology. The three of us were asked many questions such as; Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fluid usage, frequency of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regens, fuel efficiency, and the reliability of the Cascadia.  Drivers asked to see the inside of our trucks and appreciated the quietness and roominess of the Cascadia.  Everyone enjoyed  the ease of maintenance that Freightliner and Detroit Diesel put into this truck such as accessibility of the fuses, one bolb for all three head lamp positions, top loaded oil filters and 50,000 mile oil change intervals.

One of the most rewarding experiences I had during the CMC was during the breaks and the evenings mingling and getting to know the diverse array of other owner operators in attendance.  We shared stories of triumph and disappointments which can only help to strengthen our own business models. All and all it was great and educational event and I would recommend anyone to attend a seminar of this magnitude.

Until next time,

Henry Albert

Hello everyone,

I”ve  been keeping an eye on the new Empire Truck Sales location that’s currently under construction in Hattiesburg, MS. The new facility is just off I-59 exit #60, conveniently located across the road from the Kangaroo Travel Center.

I met Brian Jackson the sales rep for the Hattiesburg location . Brian gave me a tour of their new building and I found it to be quite impressive.  The floors were brand new and the shop area gleamed of cleanliness. I’ve visited some other Empire locations and they seem to all share the same qualities. The parts department was well staffed and fully stocked. My time there was brief as I had to get moving to my destination. I want to thank the staff at Empire Truck Sales for taking the time to visit with me. Thanks,

Henry

Hello Everyone,

I just finished attending the Walcott Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 truck stop.  I made a lot of new friends, and caught up with some old friends. I met two Dart Container drivers out of Leola, PA my old home town.  I told these drivers that I used to drive for Victor F Weaver Chicken (Tyson Chicken now) out of New Holland, PA which is a neighboring town.  We chatted and figured out we knew a lot of the same people including the dock supervisor who loads their trucks.  I had to go all the way to Iowa to meet a gentleman who works with Rand McNally GPS who lives approximately a mile and half from my current home in North Carolina. I drove half way across the country to meet neighbors from my old home town and my current residence.  It’s sure is a small world.

I had my new 2011 Cascadia with Blue Tec, SCR technology, in the show with Truck Country Freightliner / Western Star from Davenport, IA.  Jeff Baedke, General Manager and his staff offered me warm hospitality during my stay.  At the show a lot of the topic was on fuel mileage and driver comfort which are all areas my Cascadia excels in.  Several topics were discussed among the drivers and myself.

We discussed the ease of  pre-planning when I will need DEF Fluid  as I have a 23 gallon tank and that I am currently getting 547.304 miles to the gallon on my DEF Fluid.  I have not found the DEF Fluid at the pump in many locations, but I have found a few pumps at Pilots.  If I were to run low almost every truck stop is now carrying the DEF Fluid in 2 ½ gallon form.  I only need to fill every two 1/2 to three weeks due to my great mileage with the DEF Fluid.

Many of the drivers commented on the roominess of the cab for tall drivers.  As usual the most common comment was the quietness of the cab.  I was located very near the concert stage that Tracy Lawrence, country singer performed on.  When the drivers stepped into the cab and immersed themselves with in the spacious interior they were amazed at how much of the sound from the performance the insulation package in the Cascadia muffled out the music.  Many drivers made comments that they would have a more restful sleep period while parked next to a refrigerated trailer.  I explained to them that they were correct, you can still hear the refrigerated trailer but it is much muffled. 

There was much discussion about the tag axle that I have on the 6 X 2 axle configuration that I speced on my Cascadia. I told them that I speced the truck this way to obtain maximum fuel economy.  Many questions were asked about how the axle does in the snow but I could not answer that question with this truck as I have not been in the snow yet.  I told them I used to drive a straight truck that did nothing but job site deliveries and in the eight years I drove that truck I never got stuck.  I acknowledged to them that it has its limitations and you have to be aware of where you are taking the truck.  I tried to minimize the risk of getting stuck by having a locking differential in the drive axle.   I will report on how well this configuration does for me this winter, but I am very optimistic that from my past experience I will be just fine.

I met several people that have read and enjoy following my ramblings on my blog.  One in particular, a self proclaimed FLD fanatic, Michael Gully,  had his FLD pulling a trailer with two perfectly restored antique freightliners on its deck. 

The entertainment that Mobil Delvac Oil  provided was greatly appreciated. Tracy Lawrence,  put on a great show Thursday night and the area was packed.  Everyone, including myself enjoyed the show.

 Before I left I had the opportunity to tour the Iowa 80 trucking museum.   When looking at the older trucks I was impressed at how far we have progressed, the top speed on the majority of these vehicles was under 30 mph. Driver comfort and amenities were nearly nonexistent.  It was interesting to me that a majority did not even have doors.  We think we are having a bad day if our cruise control does not work.  The individuals that drove these trucks had to be very tough physically to handle these menacing mechanical monsters.  As I reflected on leaving the museum that a trip we do in a day these trucks could not have done in a week let alone stop at facilities such as the beautiful Iowa 80, Worlds largest truck stop.

Henry

Hello to all,

I had a nice surprise in the mailbox this weekend. A large envelope arrived from my friend “Ryan Swanson”. For those of you who follow my blog, Ryan was the “Make a Wish”child who rode with me during the parade/convoy in Lancaster, PA last year. I was anxious to see him again at this year’s event, however he was sick and couldn’t attend. So you can just imagine my surprise when I saw this large envelope in the mail. I opened it to find a picture of Ryan holding the toy truck and trailer which my family and I sent to him in December on his birthday. He has a big smile and his mother told us he plays with the truck often. He also included a picture he drew himself of my blue truck and me standing beside it. This is the picture above that Ryan drew for me. Ryan has a big smile and a kind heart. I so appreciate him taking time to think of me. I look forward to next years “Make a Wish event… hopefully we’ll meet again.

This week, I’ll leave out for Trenton, Missouri. After, unloading… I’ll be headed to the Iowa 80 Truckers Jamboree in Walcott, IA. If your in the area, be sure to stop by. I’ll be in attendance on Thursday, July 8th and Friday, July 9th. This will be my first time visiting this event.

Henry

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Just in case you’r wondering… the above mile per gallon numbers are for my diesel exhaust fluid useage. According to Detroit Diesel, their DEF range in gallons is 3,600 miles on 12 gallons. Those numbers work out to 300 M.P.G. On my first fill up with this new truck, my DEF M.P.G was 547.307.This works out to a cost per mile of .0054 cents per mile at a cost of 2.999 per gallon. My numbers are nearly double those claimed by Detroit Diesel in their BlueTec emmissions technology brochure. Needless to say,  I am very pleased with these numbers.

I though this would also be a good time to fill you in on my fuel mileage so far. The first trip in my new truck included a run to the northeast, a truck show and a parade. On the first fill up, I ended up with my fuel milage at 8.079. The following are my most recent fuel milages ending each tankful. 8.212,8.542,8.653,8.460 and a 7.145, which included running through a hurricane in Texas. Bad weather followed me the remainder of last week.

I feel these are great numbers just getting started in this new truck. I am hopeful that the numbers will get even better as the truck breaks in a bit. I have noticed with the new BlueTec technology added in this truck, the DD15 engine is more responsive than my previous DD15 powered Cascadia.

To learn more about this new technology, visit your local Freightliner dealer or Detroit Diesel distributor. You can also visit their website at http://www.detroitdiesel.com/

Henry

Last evening, I pulled into a truck stop in Meridian, MS . for my ten hour rest period. My parking space happened to be next to a flatbed. It was dark outside when I stopped. As I pulled into my space, the headlights shown upon the side of the tractor which was pulling the flatbed. I noticed the fuel cap on the tractor was missing. Also, fuel was spilled on the ground beneath the tractor. My first thought was “I hope somebody didn’t steal this driver’s fuel”. After I parked, I went out to inspect the situation. I took my flashlight and could see that the fuel tank was nearly full. The driver seemed to be asleep as it was late and the privacy curtains were drawn closed. There were no lights on inside. Now…. here I was wondering what to do. Just then, I noticed the fuel cap laying between the step and fuel tank.  My thoughts were to:

A – Put the cap back on (hopefully nobody would see me and think I was trying to steal fuel or anything else)…or take the chance of waking the driver.

B – Ignore the situation and not get involved.

C – Wake the driver and inform them that the fuel cap was off.

What did I do??? It was just about to rain, therefore making my decision an easy one. I didn’t want rain to enter the tank if we should have a downpour. I very carefully put the cap back on, went to my truck and went to sleep.

We live in times where we shouldn’t have to contemplate what to do in case of the negative consequences which may arise from doing what’s right.  It’s a shame to even have to second guess something when we already know the RIGHT thing to do.

Henry

Hello to all,

This week, I attended the “Open House” at the new Western Carolina Freightliner Dealership located in Hildebran( Hickory, NC).  The president “Ken Maynard” should be quite proud of this new facility.

I displayed my new Cascadia along with some other interesting trucks. Present were the Chrome Shop Mafia Cascadia and their Coronado.

 Cargo Transporters also had their Cascadia which included a  tribute to the POW’s and MIA’s.

I enjoyed meeting some new people and showing the new Cascadia. I answered lots of questions on Blue Tec SCR. There seem to be many myths surrounding the technology. Upon discussion regarding how the system operates, drivers and owners have a much better understanding and appreciate what the system can  do for them to enhance their operating efficiency.

I met some drivers who are presently operating Cascadia’s and we had great conversation related to our positive experiences. Such as, fuel efficiency, quiet comfortable cab and spacious interior.

The event was a success as many people came by to view new trucks and see the new dealership. It was great to catch up with some old friends since this dealership is not far from my home. By the way… the BBQ was delicious! Great show and I appreciate being invited to the event. Thanks,

Henry

Hello,

I took the beginning of this week off in order to prepare for an “Open House” hosted by Western Carolina Freightliner. The event will be held in Hickory, North Carolina on Wednesday, June 23rd at exit 118 off I-40. This Freightliner dealership has just recently moved to it’s new location. I look forward to seeing the new facility.  I plan to meet some customers of Hickory and share my experiences with the Cascadia.

In preparation for the event on Wednesday, my son “Austin” and I decided to give the truck and trailer a good washing. The picture above is he and I hard at work in 98 degree heat. Looks like most of the country this week is heating up. It was nice having a few extra days at home to enjoy some family time.

After the show, I’ll be heading off to Bridgeport, NJ where I understand it’s still steaming hot… looks like we’re gonna need lots of water to drink this week. Take care until next time…

Henry