I don't have much to write about this month as I have been home for the most part.  I've had a sort of working vacation.

I came in off the road in the early part of June and stayed home until July 1st.  While three weeks at home seems like a long time, it went so fast I can't believe it.  Thankfully I got a lot done -- and some big projects at that.  I also took on a part time job for the week I'm off.  I'm back working at the trucking school where I worked a few years back.  Just can't get away from these trucks!

Though I was on the road during the 3 day nationwide inspections, I didn't get pulled in even once.  Actually I was kind of hoping that I would because the company pays me for a good inspection and gives me attagirl points, but that's the way it goes.... Inspections rarely happen when you are ready and hoping for them.  Every year during the first part of June The 72 Hour Nationwide Blitz of Inspections occurs.  (That's my little name for them.)  The official name is "Roadcheck 2002."  Most states participate and inspect a lot more than usual.   For what it's worth, here's how this year turned out:

Road Check 2002

49,032 inspections done in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Vehicles  22.1 percent of vehicles were placed out of service due to various defects and violations, with the following the most common:  Brakes, 53.3%, Lights, 12.8%, Tires & Wheels, 8.1%, Load Securement, 6.8%, Suspension, 5.0%

Drivers  A total of 58.1 percent of drivers were placed out of service for hours-of-service violations, 8.4 percent of which were for falsifying records of duty status.
 

Anyway, working at the school again is good even if exhausting.  Maybe I'll be able to provide a few extra viewpoints and stories with you from that front.