Portland

Korena says she'll sign a Fedex contract after the first for a dedicated coast-to-coast run...for me.

She also said that she may well go independant; ie start her own trucking company.

I would have the option of remaining with our current carrier or going with her. No contest.

I'd make 15% more and keep hauling the same exact loads (or the coast-to-coast and return).

She mentioned a good deal she could get on trailers, and I said I'd rather buy one than lease one. I have no credit (as in just haven't borrowed any money), and I'm pretty sure she would connect me and back me up. My current lease is 150/week. I think I could arrange the same or lower payments for a trailer of my own. If payments are made through Korena, I'd think it only fair if she skimmed some.

I'd have to maintain the trailer at my expense, of course, but that's okay. That's WHY I want to own it.

Conventionally, trailer tires are recapped drive tires from tractors. A true trailer tire costs more, but offers massively lower rolling resistance. As I got baldies and flats, I'd replace all eight with real virgin trailer tires, and increase my fuel economy significantly.

I'd also install wind-resistance reducing devices and stuff like that. The guys on the trucker channel make me think I can get another mile per-gallon or more with these changes. That's a LOT.

15% more, my own trailer, and Korena? Outstanding.

If I get money ahead, I might even do the tire thing early--if I can get a decent deal on the trade-ins. I mean, the fuel savings could be over 100 bucks a week, so I have to think about it.

Trouble is, actually getting ahead. Ten grand in repairs 3 weeks ago, with more than that many days downtime. Now I've got uneven wear on a steer tire. I'm going to stall as long as I can, but soon I'll need to replace both steers and get whatever caused the bad wear fixed (I suspect the kingpin).

But I just did an oil filter change. My oil capacity is about fifty quarts. I was down TWENTY QUARTS, five gallons, 40%. (I know I'm an idiot for not checking).

Point is, I use the ceramic additive. I saw no hint of a problem. Never got hot, lost power or mileage. FRIKTON works, and might have saved my engine.

I don't check my oil much. I mean, the biggest part of the recent repairs was repairing two oil leaks. That's so I know for sure that I'm not losing any.

But I sure as hell should have checked after the last repair. Because I think they dumped a bunch while fixing my second leak, and never even topped me off.

Anyway after T-Day during which I had a great time with the family, she ran me around east for three quick trips and then sent me out here. Now I'm loading for Charleston TN. I should have some real money coming in soon. Ideally, enough to actually save some for once.

Oh yeah now I'm in daydream mode. Say Jan 15 she helps me get my new (maybe used) trailer, and I can consider doing the tires and the wind resitance reduction stuff right away. Maybe I got 6 grand I can safely spare (always leaving a bunch for emergencies--which happen often).

Opps I'm full okbye