Dashboard Confidential – May 2021
As it is with pretty much every driver out on the road, it is usually the same old thing. Clicking off mile markers, dodging crazy people, looking forward to the next coffee stop, getting rid of whatever is riding in the back, and getting on to the next big thing. Mostly it is not really a big thing, but the bills get paid, and the miles roll on.
In my present duty capacity over the past four years, I do what is called power-only. My toughest job is cranking the landing gear handle and pulling the fifth wheel release, then moving on to the next assignment. It’s a far cry from my meat-and-produce days, and even farther from the cool car movements, which were even more labor intensive. I spend more drive time and less waiting and loading time. I also have an ace team in operations that know how to project and plan ahead.
Sometimes it is a new equipment move from manufacturer to dealer or buyer, techie equipment move for industrial calibration, or something interesting.
Having worked hard to gain the trust of operations, safety, reliability and dependability are paramount for critical shipments that could be considered a “cut above.”
Just recently, I was asked about having a TWIC for government facility access. Yep. Had one since they came out and keep it renewed, thanks. I was then asked to complete a background investigation form and was dispatched to get a tank trailer. But not just any tank trailer, this was a compressed nitrogen trailer from the manufacturer going to NASA in Cape Canaveral. The trailer was quite unusual as it had 42 tubes for holding the cargo. I have never seen one like that, but I am just the delivery boy.
The day prior to delivery, I called my contact and was told to go to the main entrance at Cape Canaveral, do my check-in, background verification, show my credentials and get the magic ID card. That went well, and I waited for my escort to my restricted area for delivery of the unit. I was told this was a transfer unit for fuel for the Space X launch prep. Cool.
On arrival, my escort led me back to where I had to go into the fuel and transport staging area, and I settled in until it was verified as to where I was supposed to be. And me, sitting there bug-eyed, taking it all in. I could also see the rocket, not far off, on the launch pad. Did I mention that it was cool?
Also on my immediate right were several big rigs that caught my eye.
I quizzed my escort, who has been with NASA for 36 years, and he filled me in on some history of these trucks and what they do.
It was a 1967 Peterbilt 351, powered by a 600 hp V-12 Detroit, coupled to an Allison automatic trans. In the world of big trucks, these were some bad dudes. I would have given him $100 to drive one, but thought I may be pushing my luck. He also was kind enough to allow me to take a few photos. I asked first, as I was in a restricted area and do not want any visits from the black helicopters.
To some these may be just “trucks,” but to see trucks this vintage, in perfect shape, that get used for something as critical as fuel transport for space launches, just tripped my trigger. One had a fuel heater unit on the rear frame rails used for prepping the nitrogen for loading.
My escort also told me that there was a launch scheduled for that night and told me of a great spot to get my windows rattled. Truly a great experience, and one I shall never forget
Happy trails. LL