Pivot to Boise

Broadcasting from a UPS facility and the cab of a semi-truck in Boise, Idaho, Mike provides an extemporaneous update on the realities of life on the road before receiving a phone call that suddenly disrupts the original itinerary.

Good morning, this is Mike George. At the moment, I am solo. We’ve just arrived here in Boise, Idaho, at a UPS facility. Look how chipper Matthew looks for being up all night! It’s about 7:00 local time.

(An alarm goes off in the background)

Mike:
Sorry about that, a little alarm issue there. Oh, good morning to Adam in New York City! And look who’s joining us... here comes Matthew and Danny Thomas!

(Danny joins the livestream)

Mike:
Who better to have with us on this fine morning than Danny Thomas? How are you, and where are you joining us from?

Danny:
I’m still at work! I decided not to go all the way home because I knew I wouldn’t want to come back.

Mike:
Behind the scenes at your workplace! Where do you work, Danny?

Danny:
I work at Paul Mitchell. Actually, my boss just walked in and asked if I wanted to work some overtime for the holidays.

Mike:
Hey, take advantage of that! Extra money is always good. Well, you have a lovely day at work. Miss you!

Danny:
Will do. Bye, Matt! Bye, Mike!

(Danny exits the livestream)

Mike:
We love you, Danny! So, the reason we’re on the road at this hour is because this UPS load is very specific. We have tight time constraints, which is why we’ve been driving on a "red-eye" schedule. Matthew went to sleep at 16:00 yesterday and started his workday at 22:00. He’s on his 8th or 9th hour of driving now.

(Mike checks the comments)

It’s just above freezing here. I wish we had Al Roker to tell us the weather in your neck of the woods! Hi to Amir and Joshua. I haven’t even had coffee yet —oh wait, I do have some coffee I forgot about! And hi to Amy Peng! She’s a dear friend and a total entrepreneur with a Chinese restaurant empire back in the Steubenville and Pittsburgh area.

(Matt enters the sleeper area)

Matt:
Just fighting with some equipment. My 5th wheel lock is acting up. It likes to stay closed when I need it to stay open to unhook the trailer.

Mike:
It’s being defensive! Well, we’re trying to catch the sunrise, but it looks pretty cloudy. Are we looking for a new trailer now?

Matt:
I’m picking up an empty right now to take to another site here in Boise. Then we’ll exchange it for a full trailer and head to Kennewick, Washington.

Mike:
Kennewick! Shoutout to my friend Crystal Latrell. We worked at Disney together back in the mid-2000s. It was a great co-op program—basically minimum wage labor for college students, but we got into the parks for free!

(The truck begins to move as Matt works)

Mike:
People are popping in and out of the stream. It reminds me of being a professor and seeing a confused student walk into the wrong classroom! I’m going to stay back here for a minute so I don't get in the way while Matthew is on the UPS property.

(A few minutes pass)

Mike:
Matthew is inputting updates into the computer to let "Big Brother" Swift know our status. Matthew, do you have a safety message for today?

Matt:
Yes. ‘GOAL’ — “Get Out And Look.” When you’re backing into a space, get your ass out and look first.

Mike:
Great advice. Man, it’s cold outside, but I’m sweating. I hate that about winter—the constant cycle of hot and cold.

(The truck passes through the facility gates)

Mike:
We’re through the gates! I’m moving to the front seat. We’re right under the landing path of the Boise airport—look at that plane!

(Matt’s phone rings; he takes a quick work call)

Matt: (on phone)
Okay... I appreciate it, man. Thank you.

Matt: (to Mike)
They fucked up. We’re not going to Kennewick anymore.

Mike:
Oh dear. Where are we going now?

Matt:
I don’t know yet. They’re sending a new load. Initially, the plan said I had until tomorrow, but then they changed it to today, and I don’t have the hours left on my clock to make it.

Mike:
Well, let’s get some food. I’ve been dry-heaving for two hours because I’m so hungry.

Matt:
I have 15 minutes before I hit my 8-hour violation. Every eight hours, I have to take a mandatory 30-minute break for DOT regulations.

Mike:
Let’s head to the Flying J. I remember that TA in Boise from last winter; they wouldn't fix my trailer and I was stuck for 5 days.

Matt:
Bitches.

Mike:
Exactly. Alright, we’re going to take a break and get nourished. Live from Boise, Idaho, this has been Mike George and Matthew!

Matt:
Hey girl, hey!

Mike:
Bye bye!