CINDERELLA

Every year the (DOT) Department of Transportation takes a 72 hour period to do a safety inspection blitz. Starting June 6, approximately 10,000 specially-trained and certified officers will blanket North America's roadways to prevent truck and bus crashes and save lives. Inspections involve a comprehensive 37-step procedure which includes items related to vehicle, driver and cargo safety. With this in mind, we wanted to make sure all the "T's" were crossed and all the "I's" dotted. With a window of opportunity to get the truck into the company's Gary, Indiana shop, we called ahead to have routine maintenance and a cracked windshield replaced. What we weren't prepared for was the numerous employees who descended upon our truck and started polishing all the chrome and then waxing/polishing the exterior of the truck. I was beginning to feel like Cinderella going to the Ball. After about 6 hours of primping, my prince charming and I were off to the Ball........well the docks in Baltimore to be more exact.


The three boats we are hauling are heading off to Europe. Two are going to Germany, and one is going to the United Kingdom. I'm starting to feel rather international. We stayed at one of my favorite roadside service areas in Indiana Friday night, where I could grab a Starbucks and the latest issue of People magazine. We have a pretty easy ride into Baltimore over the weekend with only 600 miles to travel in two days. As with most people on the weekends we'll be able to sleep in a bit. Just as well, getting back to the truck at midnight before it turns into a pumpkin makes for one tired Cinderella.