A sunny Monday morning in Albany, Oregon. 28 degrees.
Enroute to the delivery point, we pass a pedestrian clad in winter coat, hat, scarf, mittens, ankle socks, sneakers, and loose fitting, above-the-knee- shorts. The Trucker's comment, "I will never understand." The Passenger neither. However, everyone has a very good reason for their beliefs and actions. It's just not always apparent to the rest of the world. And may only be correct as far as they have been willing to be informed. Oh well.
Upon arrival at ATI, Inc. with his load of titanium powder, the Trucker is greeted by a friendly yet firm guard. The Trucker needed to produce a laminated card from a previous delivery as proof that he has read and agreed to the code of conduct for this facility. He also needed to show proof that he was in possession of regulation hard hat and safety vest as required by this facility. In this complimentary attire...
...the Trucker was not convinced of the need for a photo.
With the Trucker under hard hat (the Passenger at times is not convinced it is necessary for him!), and inside vest, he was directed to proceed to building 21, which was actually the third building, the first being building 20, the second having a number not at all related to those on either side.
Given the preceding events, the Passenger understands that she will not be coming forth from the truck in this place, therefore no further photos will be forthcoming. Instead she learns what it is about from Google.
Allegheny Technologies, Inc. Headquartered in Pittsburg, which explains the Allegheny part. Three locations in and around Albany, Oregon. Revenue of 3.6 billion in the last fiscal year.
"We operate one of the world’s most advanced systems for the automated casting of large, complex, intricate titanium components for engine, airframe, launch vehicle and aerospace applications."
And the description goes on from there, but as the Passenger is lacking an engineering degree, Webster's would be needed to understand much more. Interesting to think that titanium from this load may fly the friendly skies, or head further into space.
Within thirty minutes, the trailer was unloaded, paperwork signed. After shedding his safety attire and carefully exiting, the Trucker is back on 34th street, and points his rig toward Route 5. Destination, 370 miles north to Oronodo, Washington, for a load of apples, destined for the Philadelphia Market, and quite possibly the reader's table. Timing will be tight, to arrive on the appointed schedule.
Route 5 begins in Vancouver, Canada, runs south through Washington, Oregon, and California, and finishes in Tiajuana, Mexico. Would be interesting to drive the length of it one day, the Trucker muses. One day....
But today, the sun is shining, a deadline looms, and apples await.
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