Today’s Random Thought (03-NOV-2025)

“What is that metallic taste in my mouth? That’s weird.” — me earlier today (Not really.)

Driving back to the distribution center with my load of refrigerated food, I was passed by two tractor-trailers placarded to identify them as hauling radioactive material. I didn’t notice any obvious accompanying security presence, so I don’t expect that it was something that would constitute a national emergency if it was briefly held up by traffic or an accident. I doubt that what they were hauling was particularly “hot” and I expect that the containers were well-suited for the purpose of safely transporting radioactive material. However, I found myself wondering whether the drivers would stop for a 10-hour DOT break at a truck stop or a rest area or would they park somewhere more secure surrounded by fencing or walls. Perhaps they were being driven by two teams of drivers so as to minimize the need for stops. I further found myself wondering how I would feel if I found such a placarded tractor-trailer parked next to me at a truck stop or rest area. I guess if the other driver can sleep adjacent to his or her cargo, I could manage to get some sleep next to his or her truck.

So it looks like the “space truckers” in Alien are not the only ones that are hauling cargo in the presence of radioactive material. Of course, the USCSS Nostromo of the film was powered by a fusion reactor that could be set to self-destruct thereby scuttling the ship. I kind of doubt that my fellow truck drivers have that as an option.

.