We are on a long run now that will deliver close to one of the fires. It is routine freight having nothing to do with the fires. Other than an easily-made detour due to road closings, we will be fine. We were also glad to learn this morning that we have another long run leaving the area the same day we deliver. That will minimize our exposure to the bad air quality now being talked about in the news.
Before we were predispatched to leave the area, we had thoughts about buying industrial grade respirator masks before we reached California. Not knowing what the air quality may end up being or if we might get dispatched on a load that keeps us in the area, the respirator precaution was something to consider. For now, the air recirculate setting on the dash will be enough.
Disaster relief sometimes takes expediters to places where risks increase and services are not available. A blizzard can strand a truck, as can a break down in a remote area. As I read about the California evacuees and how they should prepare ahead of time, I am reminded of the survival pod function an expediter truck can serve. With a little thought and a few extra items carried in the truck, expediters can be prepared to move into or out of difficult areas with relative ease. If stuck in a bad place, a prepared truck can ease the stay.
A positive aspect in this has been the ease of communications from our truck. Listening to broadcast news on satellite radio has been frustrating. It has been endless stories about victims' feelings and reaction, but very little news we can use as we head into the area.
Online, from a moving truck, I have been able to track fire paths, wind directions, road closings, air quality and more.
Trucking sure ain't what it used to be when telephone booths were all the rage, is it?
