On the Road with Henry Albert

    Hello,

I wanted to update everyone on my latest fuel mileages. During the last ten fill ups, Ihad the following averages. These are consistent as they include figures from Charlotte, NC to Laredo, TX.

7,963,7.542,7.242,8.311,7.531,7.433,8.204, 7.975, 8.351 and 7.796. This last fill up, while it’s not the highest, I am particularly proud of this one. The load weighed 44,634lbs. The gross weight would have been approximately 78,500lbs. I almost made 8 mpg on this load with a nearly full load. At one point, the dashboard display was reading 8.32 three quarters of the way into the trip. I experienced Atlanta traffic and rain on my way in, therefore, reducing the mpg to just under 8 mpg.

During this run, I was attempting to make the 8 mpg mark. I usually don’t have this heavy of a load. I ran with my foot on the pedal instead of cruise control.My best fuel mileage was being achieved at a road speed of 63 – 67. I worked hard to make the mark but didn’t quite hit it. Maybe next time. Have a good weekend everyone.

Henry

Hello to all,

I thought I’d mention  an article which was written in Trucker News this month. The article features myself along with Bob and Linda Caffee. The story is in regards to the way we dress professionally.  

As I discussed in earlier posts, I began dressing in a uniform many years ago and the decision has brought me many successes.  Last year in 2009, I met a couple (Bob and Linda Caffee) at the Mid America Truck show in Louisville, KY. They are a team leased to Fed Ex Custom Critical. I became friends with this couple throughout the year and had many conversations related to my uniform. Bob and Linda made the decision to purchase some dress clothes themselves and try out their new look while on the job. They were thrilled at all the positive response in such a short time. They  called me one day when a customer they delivered to came out to shake their hand and tell them that it’s been over thirty years since anyone delivered to them in such a professional manner. This same customer then contacted the corporate office and gave Bob and Linda great reviews. Since then, they have continued to get great results and have  gained more respect in their industry. I’m happy for them and the positive results which have come their way due to just making a few changes in their wardrobe. 

You can read more in The Trucker – March, 2010 issue. Page 8 & 9. Also, don’t miss Around The Bend with Dorothy Cox on page 55, which also discusses professional dress. The website is 

Hope you enjoy…

Henry

Good morning everyone,
I should have known better than to have put off replacing the windshield on my Cascadia. I had a small crack below the wiper blades and didn’t  think it would get worse. To my surprise, over the weekend the crack became larger as it spit halfway across the windshield. The crack came from a stone thrown from a truck which was transporting a mobile home. the truck ran onto the shoulder of the road throwing a large number of stones in front of me. One was large enough to make a nice size crack in my windshield. 

On Monday, I was able to get the windshield replaced at Freightliner of Charlotte. Kevin Digley, the shop manager was able to accommodate me with  an early appt. this morning and my windshield was repaired in less than two hours. The repair was done by Mike Tallent. 

The repair was made easy by the roped in windshield design of the Cascadia. I was quickly on my way to Charlotte, NC to pick up my load. Thanks to the folks at Freightliner Charlotte.

Henry

Hello,

Today In Laredo, TX, I was able to be outside without a jacket. The temperature was in the mid 70’s. This was the first time this year, I was outside with just a short sleeve shirt. The sun and warm weather was a welcome change to the cold winter we’ve all been experiencing over the past several months. The nice weather gets me thinking about the ATV and dirt bike season.

The warmer weather this week has helped my fuel mileage. My last two fill ups have been over 8mpg. During the colder months, my fuel was averaging somewhere in the mid 7 range. I am very pleased with the fuel mpg. this week and the Cascadia continues to impress me. Have a good week everyone… until next time,

Henry

Hello to all,

Well it’s that time of year again that I look forward to. I’m getting ready to attend this years 2010 Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. The date is March 25-27. I will be going early and should arrive on Wednesday.

I am scheduled to attend various events at the show. On Friday, March 26, I’ll be involved in the first Driver Health Walk. (see previous blog for more information). Be sure to stop by the Freightliner booth, as I’ll be working various hours. Also, you can meet the other Slice of Trucker Life Drivers. Kevin Rutherford will be announcing the new “driver” for the program at the show. He will also be hosting a question and answer session which includes the Slice of Trucker Life Drivers. We will discuss the  Cascadia and the Detroit Diesel DD15 engine. You may also catch Richard Petty at the Freightliner display area.

Each year offers a new opportunity to view the latest technology our industry has to offer. I always enjoy the show and seeing what’s new. It’s also a great place to meet  new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.  For these reasons, I would encourage anyone who has never been to the show to  make the trip to Louisville, KY. For those who will attend, I look forward to seeing you at the show!

Henry

Hello again, This concrete marker probably doesn’t mean  much to most people as it does to me. The reason for my saying this is because I have another picture of this marker that was taken over twenty one years ago. The other picture was taken during me and my wife’s honey moon. At the time, I never knew that this marker would be a regular sight in my life. This marker is at the Louisiana welcome center on I-59. The old welcome center has been torn down and a new one has been built in its place. I ’m glad that they kept this part of the old welcome center here because it reminds me of the begining of my marrige to my wonderful wife, Karen. I usually stop at this welcome center every Tuesday morning in my  Cascadia. If you catch me there ,walk over and say hello. Untill next time be safe,

Henry

 Hello everyone,

I will be attending the Mid America Truck Show in March and I am looking forward to the many events in which I will participate this year. Join me and others as we begin our walk on Friday morning, March 26th. Hope to see you there!

Above you will find the information regarding Trucking’s first Health Awareness Walk to be held on March 26th at the Mid America Truck Show in Louisville, KY.

To participate you must pre register online at www.driverhealth.org or you may register the day of the walk. You must be 18 years and older to register.

There will be a pre-meeting at 7:30am in the conference room in the west wing of the convention center. We will be warming up and stretching with the assistance of our trucker fitness trainer, “Bob Perry”.

The walk begins at 8:00am in the west wing. Goody bags will be given to participants while they last. The walk is 1.5 miles.

The walk is sponsored by Airtab, Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation, Driver HEALTH Magazine, Healthy Trucking Association of America, Landstar, Marten Transport, The Mid America Trucking Show, Ramp Media Group, Roadside Medical Clinic and Lab, The Trucking Solutions Health Group, Quality Carriers, Women in Trucking, Fed Ex Custom Critical, Road ID Sleep Dog Mattress, Heathe Trim, US Xpress and Freightliner Trucks. I hope to see you there,

Henry Albert

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to tell you about the Queen City Truck Stop located in Meridian, Mississippi. I visited here a couple of times during my travels. You will find this to be a good old fashion mom and pop type of establishment. They offer good down home cooking  and friendly service. This place reminds me of the truck stops from when I first began driving a long time ago. Each time I’ve stopped, there have been lots of drivers having conversation with each other. I think this type of communication gets lost today in our world of technology. In the past,  the only form of communication was a drivers CB radio. When you finally arrived at a truck stop or restaurant, it was great to see and talk with the folks around you. Today, you can go into a place and never speak to anybody. People are tapped into their phones and computers and often never even look up or have face to face conversation. We are all so busy in our every day lives that we don’t pay attention to how really busy we are. It was a nice change to drop into the Queen City Truck Stop for a reflection of the past. I rather enjoyed the change of atmosphere. If your ever in the area you can try them out for yourself. Until next time… be safe.

Henry

Hello to all,

I wanted to let you know that I’m feeling much better. The beginning of the week was a bit challenging with the virus, thankfully it only lasted twenty four hours.

Yesterday in Laredo, TX, I was loading at the ususal warehouse when I noticed a truck pull too far forward onto a  concrete parking stop. When the driver pulled backward, his bumper got caught and tore the bumper loose. I watched as he got out to inspect the damage. I was loaded and ready to leave but thought to myself “I should help this guy”. He  had no supplies along to repair the damaged bumper. I got out of my truck and went over to ask him if he needed any help. I explained that I had some heavy duty  over-sized zip ties and ropes. I assisted him in attaching his bumper back into place. 

I really didn’t  have the extra time to help this guy, but I’m glad I did. You never know when it will be “you” that needs help. We should all try to assist our fellow drivers whenever possible. Be safe…

Henry

Hello,

I left out on Monday for my regular trip to Laredo, TX.  In a few hours I began to feel sick to my stomach. I started aching all over and made several stops to the restroom. I decided to pull over early in Tallapoosa, GA at the Newborn Truck Stop. I took some medicine and went to sleep. I awoke this morning feeling better. Maybe this is a twenty four hour virus. My wife said there is a virus going around such as this in our area.

  Last evening, I really appreciated the well insulated cab of the Cascadia. I had chills and the Park Smart HVAC system kept me warm. So far, today has been much better and I am making my way to Laredo as planned. Hope all of you stay well and watch that virus… stay safe,

p.s. Wash your hands often!

Henry