#utilitypoles

aspen, colorado 1976

owl creek road

Every once in a while, a load comes along that reminds a truck driver why they got into the business in the first place.

This was one of those runs.

The assignment looked simple enough on paper: haul a full load of utility poles from Wichita, Kansas to Ogden, Utah. The distance was a whopping 939 miles, crossing some of the most beautiful and demanding terrain in the American West.

The trailer was loaded before sunrise. The utility poles stretched nearly the entire length of the trailer, making for an impressive sight as I completed my pre-trip inspection. Everything was secure, permits were in order, and the weather forecast looked favorable.

With the paperwork signed and the diesel engine rumbling to life, it was time to roll.

The first few hours were easy. Kansas highways stretched endlessly toward the horizon as the sun rose behind the truck. The load rode smoothly, and traffic remained light. Mile after mile disappeared beneath the tires.

Crossing into Colorado, the landscape began to change. Flat farmland slowly gave way to rolling hills and distant mountains. The truck settled into a comfortable rhythm, climbing steadily toward higher elevations.

One thing that surprised me was fuel consumption.

Before leaving Wichita, I had topped off the tanks completely. By carefully managing speed and keeping the engine in its sweet spot, I managed to complete the entire run without stopping for fuel. Over the course of the trip, the truck burned 128.1 gallons of diesel, proving that efficient driving can make a huge difference on long hauls.

The Rockies presented their usual challenge. Long grades tested both truck and driver, but the load remained secure and the engine never missed a beat. Hours turned into an entire day behind the wheel.

Finally, after 16 hours and 3 minutes, the lights of Ogden appeared in the distance.

The delivery yard was expecting me.

As I backed into the designated unloading area, workers immediately began preparing equipment to remove the utility poles. The paperwork was completed quickly, and the customer couldn't have been happier with the on-time delivery.

Then came the best part.

The load paid an incredible $60,127.00.

Every truck driver dreams about a payday like that.

After nearly a thousand miles, a full day on the road, and a successful delivery through multiple states, the reward felt well earned.

As the sun set over the mountains of Utah, I took a moment to appreciate the view. The truck was parked, the load was delivered, and another memorable chapter had been added to the logbook.

Some runs are forgettable.

This was probably one of them. lol