Daily Summary for 3/21/2023

  Big Rig Steve found safe parking at 20:00 PDT as hours were running low for this trip. Yes BRS calculations determined best to save our hours for tomorrows travel. 

Title: Psychically impossible to complete 1:00 PDT delivery

  BRT broadcast day began 10:29PDT near Albany Oregon.BRT RC member Mark V new additions of Oregon road signs shields quickly populated the BRT overlay showing 99E and  34 as we worked our way back to I-5 southbound again for towards the shipper for this tight timetable trip. 

  Coburg OR  was first stop was trailer wash out 11:00 PDT. BRS checked in while BRT RC all ran Amok while waiting for Steve to return from check in. 

 TA next door was second stop for coffee and set refer trailer to-20 degrees at 12:10 PDT

 Arrived at shipper Eugene OR at 12:53 PDT Steve switched audio to stealth mode. Moved to dock at 13:00 PDT status bar changed to loading.

  Rolled out of shipper 14:50PDT tour of city as we found way back to I-5 southbound again for the beautiful ride.

  Central Point OR at 17:50 PDTwas next stop at the congested patience testing Pilot for fuel where Steve noted he had in a past stop at this location rode his Segway on the trail here.

  Road crew appeared to greet and meet Steve. Two Medallions were presented on camera in front of BC in the fuel line. 18:00 PDT Steve received 21/2 pounds whole bean Starbucks winter blend coffee. Whoo hoo! Thank you RC

 Steve discussed Pilot rewards as we left to resume on I-5 southbound. Yes the case of missing glasses also occurred.

 19:06 PDT welcome to California sign greeted us back short time later we stopped at pull off inspection area for the (investigation case ) for continue search for night time glasses. Yes Whoo hoo success. 

 Rolled through the California inspection station 19:16 PDT if you Watch back the stream you will find out why load is so light mass/weight. 

  Nearby Airport beacon at end of the day was flashing giving Snowman 24/7 camera (will be live overnight) a light to watch and restrooms were also right next to BC as day ended Steve was in a good spot for the night.

  Numbers for today 678 miles 1,091 kmto delivery currently appointment is 1:00PDT we cannot physically make that appointment time with current hours at California 55 mph. Steve has emailed bosses about current status. Steve advised Two options : A reschedule delivery or B Drop trailer at yard and re power trailer with another driver.  Yard is approximately 300 miles 482 km 6 hours travel away which is possible with current hours. We covered 295 miles 474 km today including trailer wash out and loading at shipper.

Clocks 4:21 hours on the 11 hr, 2:21 hours on 14 hr, 3:18 hours on 70 hr. Gain back tomorrow 7:17 hours. Leaving us at approximately 10 hours for tomorrows travel. 

  Road crew meet up today and yesterday BRS advised “ it’s all good “

 Watch tomorrow to see what happens do the bosses choose Option A or B will we run into icy road conditions will this light weight load affect our travel. Drama continues for Bigrigtravels.com 

Another good day for Big Rig Travels 

Welcome back to California 

Rac and I will be off the truck for next eight days. Most likely a daily summary will not be posted. 

Posted on 7 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/18/2023

Big Rig Steve arrived safely at receiver in Stockton, California 9:05 PDT, completed delivery for the trailer drop and ended the broadcast day.

Title: Another Day in the warmth of central California 

Broadcast started with the return of our tour guide Big Rig Steve 8:35 PDT from Sunny 😎 Lathrop, California with a short trip to Stockton, CA up I-5. 

BRS advised “Yes, we have a longer trip.” We are just not sure when it is going to be ready. 

The BC Truck service was an all day process yesterday and completed around 4:00 PDT, Steve noted.

First stop today was the Pilot to top of refer fuel tank. Steve described the Pilot/Flying J rewards program. Apparently they have improved the app and the rewards. 

Rolled back onto I-5 northbound until near French Camp, exited east on local roads towards the destination. BRS had advised that currently freight is very limited.

As always have patience, Steve has everything under control. 

Numbers covered 12 miles 19 km today including delivery.  70 hours clock was updated on the website  13:54 hrs and gain back 07:59 hrs tomorrow. No need for reset as hours will continue to come back each day. 

Another good day for Big Rig Travels. 

Enjoy another day of sunshine in California. 

Posted on 1 Comment

Daily Summary for 3/15/2023

Big Rig Steve officially done for the day 20:34 PDT clocks stopped safely parked found the secret hideout for the night as 70 hours clock was down to:18 minutes. Long day today, 13 hours.

Title: Hey did you miss me (yes, BRS we did)

Big Rig Travels broadcast day started 8:16 AZ time at Danny’s Big Rig Resort ( insert caption of the Blue Comet hanging out near the spa tub ) in Phoenix, Arizona. Yes, Danny has an angle to get big rigs in to the resort by offering 24 hr security patrols every 15 minutes. BRS noted it was $14.00 per day and well worth the cost. It was raining ☔️ yes, raining in Phoenix. Two local trips completed yesterday in stealth mode due to the short distances. 

Tolleson, AZ was first stop of the day at Loves for fresh coffee. Steve scored three stainless steel tumblers on clearance for bringing back to BRT World Headquarters. 

Next, was the Blue Beacon next door where it was a ghost town. No one was interested in a wash due to the rainy weather. So, we had no waiting and rolled into the wash bay. Yes, a trailer wash out was needed. Yes, woo hoo ! We are back to pulling on the refrigerated team again.

 8:47 AZ time we returned to the yard to get a tire on trailer replaced. 

Steve started the next stream at 10:45 AZ time. The plot was searching for two trailer load locks. Yes, it turned out to be as difficult as some of the trailer hunts in past seasons. Apparently, the last receiver failed to return BRS load locks and the shipper was kind enough to start loading the trailer provided BRS went to get the required load locks. Yes Steve was Bobtail Bob while enriching the BRT RC with tour of Phoenix searching for the load locks. Danny’s Big Rig Resort ended up being the spot to replace them. Yes, BRS company compensates the cost. 

Reconnected with the trailer at shipper 12:41 AZ time. BRT RC Chat Moderator John259 broke out an oldie, but goodie (after BRS suggested RC cover eyes). Fawlty Towers program ( a television show based in England) quotation from Mr. Fawlty. John might be nice enough to post it on BRT Discord page. 

As we waited for completion of loading, BRS started plane spotting as planes ✈️ were flying in front of the Blue Comet on approach to landing into Sky Harbor airport. 

Left shipper 13:33 AZ time and rolled through downtown, near the Chase Field, home of AZ Diamondbacks baseball team. 

13:39 Stopped for commuter train downtown. John 259 had posted a video about just that on Discord earlier today. 

We rolled onto Papago Freeway I-10 westbound into and through the tunnel. Exited off into the Loves 14:00 AZ time to check mass/weight on the Cat Scale. It was not communicating. Steve said “99.285% confident we are legal”. Maybe check down the road. BRT RC member Bruce L met up with BRS while Steve waited in fuel Island line. Steve advised career miles is now 1,941,686.

We continue on I-10 west through rest of Arizona into California. Loves stop for coffee 18:30 PDT at Coachella, California, near Indio, California. Yes, we are finally in Pacific time zone. Banning, California mass/weigh station did not allow bypass so in BRS went in and had no issues.

Numbers update for today 431 miles 693 km to delivery. Appointment is 17:00 PDT tomorrow afternoon. Covered 382 miles 614 km today includes loading at shipper and load lock hunt touring Phoenix AZ.
Clocks update at 20:34 PDT only clock that maters is :18 minutes on 70 hr, 1:41 hours on 11 hr, 1:00 hours on 14 hr, gain back 11:50 hours tomorrow morning.

Another good day for Big Rig Travels

Welcome to California 

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Daily Summary for 3/11/2023

Big Rig Steve officially done for the day at ❤️ near Milan, New Mexico. Parking was tight again, but Steve’s perfect timing and expertise landed the perfect spot. Yes, Steve had to quickly back up the distance of the lot to get in a just opened spot saying “That’s my spot! My spot, I’m not stopping, get out of my way, that mine, go away we’re not stopping!” Clock was stopped at 15:42MST, watch party 🎉 started. BRT moderators may be up late monitoring again tonight.

Title : That’s my spot!

Bigrigtravels broadcast day started at 9:30 CST at the Loves in Amarillo, Texas. Blue Comet rolled back on to I-40 westbound 9:54 CST after acquiring coffee ☕️ for the drive. 

Near Vega, TX 9:54 CST, BRS stopped at a parking area to let Aunt J back in the BC. Steve was done listening to her wrapping on the passenger side of the truck door. Some tape did the trick. 

We entered into New Mexico near Glenrio, NM and stopped shortly afterwards 10:40 CST at Russell’s Truck & Travel Center so we could get a tour of the free car museum. BRS recorded the tour (currently BRS uploading) for a video release later tonight.

Short time later BC left CST time at 11:27 crossed into mountain time zone of 10:27 MST.

The topography changes occurred as we neared Tucumcari, NM.

We stopped at congested Loves near Santa Rosa, NM at 11:55 MST for coffee. Rolling again 12:20 MST.

Wind today was making BC work hard as we continued the elevation climb.

At 14:09 MST we had made it over the Sandia Mountains rolled down into Albuquerque, NM as BRS said “look out for the Road Runner, beep beep whoop whoop”. As we rolled through, the eastbound I-40 was stopped due to an accident for a long distance. We crossed the Rio Grande River on the west part of town. On we rolled. 

Numbers: 345 miles 555 km to go to delivery. No appointment yet, so no hurry, saving some travel for tomorrow. Covered 356 miles 572 km today, rolling out of Texas and through New Mexico 🇺🇸.

Clocks: 4:37 hours on the 11 hr, 5:12 hours on the 14 hr, 29:58 hours on the 70. We do not gain any hours back tomorrow. 
No alarm clock ⏰ in the morning. Watch for the Sunday song from Mom posting tomorrow morning. 
We will continue towards Arizona tomorrow. 

Another good day for Big Rig Travels.

 Welcome to New Mexico 🇺🇸 

Posted on 3 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/20/2023

Big Rig Travels broadcast day ended as Blue Comet arrived safely at delivery 17:30 PDT.  Update 18:20 PDT, BRS reported receiver at delivery advised that 5000+ cases, it will be a 9 or 10 hour unload. No problem, we bobtailed to truck stop and will pick up the empty in the morning. 

Title: Show up early? Show up late?

BRT broadcast day began 9:12 PDT as beautiful sunshine morning was occurring at the Pilot near Weeds, CA, elevation 3,678 feet. 

We rolled back onto I-5 northbound, Steve advised yesterday we had 9.7 miles per gallon and after climbing mountains today, was down to 7 miles per gallon. 

BRS at 9:20 PDT had story about dispatch discussion. 

Near Grenada, CA 9:45 PDT at 2,533 feet elevation, BRS noted today was a beautiful ride. 

Yellow sign at 9:54 PDT noted when lights flashing chains required. BRS said, “No chains required today”

Welcome to Oregon sign greeted BRS at 10:26 PDT and elevation of 3,330 feet.

At 4,200 feet of elevation we reached the summit where BRS had the BC taking the required brake stop test before rolling down the seven miles of grade. The yellow advisory sign suggested 18 mph speed for fully loaded big trucks going down the grade. 

Steve advised we will let the super truckers race down. Safety first “we will be just fine going down safely”. BRS navigated BC down at just over 20 miles per hour without using the air brakes. Yes, the engine brake kept us correctly on the set speed. Steve said the Blue Comet service person had advised that brakes were still like new.  Yes Steve is professional at saving brake pad life. 

10:59 PDT mass/weight station stop no issues perfect weight on truck 33,800lbs and 34,000lbs on the trailer tandem. Yes that is why where running with very low fuel only 1/8 of tank in the truck tanks to keep us legal.

BRS advised at 11:52 PDT, near Grant Pass, that the BC reached 100,000 miles.

Steve rolled into the Loves at Roseburg, Oregon on fumes after the BC was on E coming down the hill. BRT Road Crew member John met while Steve was adding some fuel, just enough to get BC to delivery. Steve signed back of John’s t- shirt in front of the BC after fueling was completed. Steve received an In-N-Out burger t-shirt from John. Also, Steve noted while rolling out that John had checked, prior to our arrival, to make sure Loves had plenty of onions 🧅 ready for Steve to add to his hot dogs 🌭 . BRS noted 84 gallons left to get Gold status. Yes, we are past goal of Gold by 10th of the month. 

BRS exited off I-5 and Oregon 34 road sign shield (thank you Mark V ) appeared quickly due to a change that had been made. He found a place to wait for delivery check in time where a watch party 🎉 started. 

BRS did make an attempt for an early delivery, but was sent away for 2 hours. “Danged if you show up early, danged if you show up late.” Numbers zero miles 0 km  to delivery. We covered the advertised 285 miles to delivery today.  

Clocks: Hours on the 70 hour clock when we started today and hours gained back tomorrow: 16:13 hours and 04:47 hours. 

Steve advised the next trip is going to be a tight 2 day trip that delivers at 1 am on the 23rd. Starts tomorrow. Watch the website for status updates.

Another good day for Big Rig Travels!

Welcome to Oregon! 

Posted on 3 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/17/2023

Big Rig Steve broadcast day ended safely arriving with Blue Comet “Viper Blue” for 100,000 miles service at 8:50 PDT

Title: St.Patrick /Truck maintenance day

Broadcast day began 7:06 PDT In Sacramento California. BRS rolled out of the lot as a beautiful sunrise was occurring through the palm trees 🌴as we left to return to I-80 southbound.

Steve advised that his trailer load locks are safely secured to rack on the back of BC. Freaky Friday was helping to cause light traffic today as we rolled towards I-5

BRS pointed out the perfect time for screen photo of downtown Sacramento, CA as sunrise reflected. 

First stop was to resolve the low fuel issue at Flying hook in Lodi, CA. fuel along with cleaning up windshield  and then coffee. BRS rolled back on the road 8:15 PDT and advised that at this point 10:59 hours remaining on 70 hr clock and unsure how many hours back tomorrow.  (Guessing that based on eight days ago should be approximately 8 hours back tomorrow).

Yes, Steve was in good mood and his takes on what he sees while traveling make BRT must watch programing. For example what occurred at 8:22 PDT in Stockton. BRS pointed out three buildings with businesses next to each other on the right side of the BC. Steve said “Mercedes Benz, McDonald’s and Advent Health, those three are definitely good to be together after you paid for your Mercedes Benz repair you might have a heart attack, or you eat the Big Mac heart attack, you might have a heart attack. Either way, you got the hospital right there. I think that’s a good deal” 😂. 

Numbers for today: 60 miles 96 km covered from Sacramento to maintenance stop. 

Watch the website Bigrigtravels.com status bar for updates and postings of next trip. 

Enjoy another day in sunny California  😎 

Posted on 4 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/13/2023

Big Rig Steve broadcast day ended at 11:41 am Arizona time at the yard in Phoenix, AZ. Trailer was dropped, trip completed. Big Rig Steve posted status update on the website Bigrigtravels.com for upcoming local trip and longer trip starting on Wednesday.

Title: Watch the elevation change today 

Broadcast day started at 8:27 am AZ time after a low temperature of 25 degrees at beautiful location Little America Truck Stop near Flagstaff, AZ. BRS rolled back onto I-40 westbound and then exited southbound onto I-17 elevation was 6,883ft/2098m as we were now on the rough road. Snow and pines 🌲 were abundant at this elevation. 

9:00 AZ time, a warning sign for 18 miles of downhill grade for Blue Comet began after scenic overlook on the right side of I-17. We are not going to race down. Signage noted runaway truck ramp ten miles ahead.

At 9:04 AZ time & mile marker 310 we were at 6,000’ elevation. Mile marker 304 at 9:11 AZ elevation marker of 5,000’. Drop to 4,000’ occurred at mile marker 298. Near Camp Verde, AZ mile marker 297 snow was no longer to be found. Near Mayer, AZ mile marker 263 elevation 3,711 at 10:00 AZ time, BRS exited for 30 gallons of fuel as low fuel indicator light was illuminated, then fresh Loves coffee acquired. BRS advised that goal now was to drop trailer off at the yard. 
Big Rig Steve viewed 1st cowboy cactus at 10:30 AZ time 248 mile marker 3,000’ elevation. Dropped to 2,000’ elevation at mile marker 242 at 10:39 AZ time. 

BRS noted sign that stated at 10:46 wild donkeys next 20 miles at 234 mile marker. 

75 degrees in Phoenix at 200 mile marker, elevation was now down to 988ft/301m as Blue Comet exited on to I-10 west. 

No numbers covered today. We started the day with 24:37 hours on the 70 hr clock. Do not gain back any hours tomorrow. 

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona. 

Posted on 2 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/19/2023

Big Rig Steve officially done driving for the day at 15:28 MDT safely parked at 3,665 ft elevation in northern California. Watch party began with beautiful views of the snow covered mountain. 

Title: Cloudy wet day in sunny California?

Broadcast day started 9:28 PDT cloudy and damp conditions near Lathrop, California as Big Rig Steve rolled on to I-5 northbound. 

We stop at the pilot near French Camp, CA to visit the Cat scale to check mass/weight. Rolled out at 9:52 PDT after BRS adjusted trailer tandems to get legal, just barely. BRS advised “we are going to be heavy heavy going through the mountains”.

11:11 PDT BRS describes a story of an oversize load in Connecticut that was fined for going over a bridge with overweight oversized load. 

Stopped at Loves near Willams, CA fresh coffee at 11:57 PDT.

12:15 PDT fuel mileage was discussed at going 55-56 mph (vs 62 or 65 mph) and getting an excellent average of 9.7 miles per gallon currently.

Near Redding, CA rain was heavier affecting visibility. The reservoir’s water level was much better as Steve went across than the last time we crossed, Steve noted. 

We started increasing elevation and the BC was working hard. 

We arrived for a break at 15:28 PDT with a view of mountains as the sunshine broke out. After the microphone was unplugged static ceased instantly.  Seagulls were also hanging out here. BRS conducted a poll on whether to stay here or roll on north. Yep, we stayed with the view. 

Numbers 286 miles 460 km to go to delivery appointment which is not until 18:30 PDT tomorrow. He cannot deliver the live unload early. 293 miles 471km covered today including picking up the trailer load. Clocks: Hours on the 70 hour clock when we started today and hours gained back tomorrow: 18:08 hrs and 05:10 hrs 

No alarm clock tomorrow morning. Bigrigtravels.com Website 24/7 snowman cam will be live overnight. 

Another good day for Big Rig Travels.

Welcome to northern California

Posted on 3 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/16/2023

Big Rig Steve safely arrived at receiver with onsite parking for the night at after mashing it with the Blue Comet on rodeo rough roads the last two days to make delivery on time. 18:00 PDT broadcast ended as BRS moved BC into the gates for the live off load. 

Title: Cowboy Big Rig Steve 🤠

Jurupa, California 7:23 PDT was starting location for BRT broadcast day. Yes, secret location was used for parking 18 minutes prior to  70 hours pumpkin 🎃 clock running out. Los Angeles area traffic proved to be the norm today.

Castaic, CA 10:30 PDT rolled in to the Pilot for fuel stop as BC had been stretched by running on fumes. 

BRS continued on I-5 northbound through the beautiful grapevine (yes, it had recently been closed due to winter weather) greened up for spring on this beautiful day. Steve pointed out serval opportunities for great photographs to be taken.  Our tour guide was sharing his excellent photography skills of knowing where to get the best images. 

Big Rig Steve advised near Firebaugh, CA at 14:11 PDT on I-5 “Welcome to California suspension testing area”. Yes, BRS Rodeo riding skills were needed today. 

Near Santa Nella, CA BRS stopped for required 30 minute break at Loves 14:11 PDT

Rolling through beautiful sunny downtown Sacramento, CA at 17:11 PDT, BC low fuel warning light was illuminating. 17:21 PDT BRS had a question for the BRT Road Crew as what is the purpose of the double stickers on back of many of the EV vehicles. Several RC members in BRT YouTube chat noted the answer was for allowing them to drive in the HOV lanes.

As BRS arrived at delivery, he flipped the camera to Australian mode as we drove into the receiver. After flipping us back we had large beautiful lot for BC to park for the night after delivery completed.  

Steve went to check in and returned at 17:47 PDT and advised we were all checked in. BRS noted, “nice people here”. Apparently smiles, no frowns here. 

Numbers 0 miles 0km  to delivery. We covered 435 miles 700 km as we moved north up through California valley. Clocks 1:45 hours on the 11 hr, 2:55 hours on the 14 hr, 1:01 hours on the 70 hr. Gain back 12:28 hours tomorrow. 

Shop day tomorrow. Appointment in the morning back down in Lathrop, CA so plan is to broadcast the short trip. Be ready to jump on the BC for the ride tomorrow. 

No snowman camera due to being on property overnight. 

Another good day for Big Rig Travels. 

Welcome to capital city Sacramento, California! 

Posted on 3 Comments

Daily Summary for 3/12/2023

Big Rig Steve officially done for the day at favorite stopping point with plenty of good parking in Flagstaff, Arizona. BRS safely parked with a beautiful view. Clocks stopped at 13:16 Arizona time.

Title: Big Rig Steve is always in control, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Big Rig Travels broadcast day started at 9:47 MDT in Milan, New Mexico 🇺🇸 at Loves and back on to I-40 westbound. 
Blue Comet went up and over the continental divide 7,295 ft on the way to Gallop, NM. Train to the left of the BC near Gallop, NM. New John Deere tractor passed BRS shortly afterwards. 11:10 MDT in Gallop, exited of I-40 and BC bounced like a Tigger from Winnie the Pooh on the rough pavement into the Loves for fresh coffee.

Welcome to Arizona sign greeting 11:43 MDT changed to 10:43 Arizona time.  Rolled near the Petrified Forest National Park on way to Winslow, AZ.  Beautiful mountains views with white snow as we approached Flagstaff, AZ. 

Numbers for today: 147 miles 236 km to delivery. Covered 241 miles 387 km today rolling out of New Mexico 🇺🇸 and into Arizona.

Clocks: 6:30 hours on the 11 hr, 9:00 hours on the 14 hr, estimating approximately 25:18 hours on the 70 hr ( Steve will update the website tomorrow morning with correct 70 hr clock). We do not gain any hours back tomorrow. No alarm clock tomorrow morning and no rush as delivery appointment has not been scheduled.

With the beautiful sunshine Steve put out the solar panels on the Blue Comet hood to charge all the devices on board. Camera was resumed later in afternoon. Steve confirmed that photos of the day were up to date on the website. Bigrigtravels.com under the photography tab.

Another good day for Big Rig Travels.

Welcome to Arizona

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