Feb 1, 2014 5:33 PM

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Inside the garage there are dozens of plows.

My dad's plow. The number on top is an indicator about what shop the plow is from. The 44 numbers are from the Plymouth shop.

The salt pile. We were loaded with 15 tons of salt. Although my dad didn't do any salting, the weight is necessary for helping the plow keep traction.

This joystick controls the side wing. It's like second nature for him to move it up or down when the road can't accommodate the side wing.

The traffic is traveling eastbound towards Minneapolis/St. Paul. If they didn't plan for the snow, I'm guessing the snow added maybe 2 hours to their commute. Drag.

While plowing during morning rush hour is difficult, he finds ways to make it work. Here he is plowing the left shoulder.

It's hard to see but there's a plow up ahead that he's about to team up with to gang plow. You can see the lights from the other plow.

Setting up to start the gang plow, the other driver moves all the way to the left shoulder.

My dad plows just behind him to move the snow from the other plow plus the snow in his lane.

My dad says this is very common and very dangerous. This car is trying to get past the gang plow by going in between them. I was hoping they'd spin out...

...

They made it... but really, nobody should risk it.

While gang plowing, there's quite a bit of open road ahead... behind, not to much.

Here you can see the backup from the plows. I'm sure it pissed off a good share of the drivers. My dad says it's a thankless job and that he get's saluted a lot... with one finger.

This car got stuck between us, too.

...

...

But eventually made it around. Again... it's so dangerous.

This area is congested anyway but hopefully people realize how necessary this little inconvenience is.

Here's my dad leading the gang plow. It's not ideal to only have two plows with a three or four lane highway but they do the best with what they have.

He's plowing right up against the center rail. He has to be careful to not get too close... he's broken side mirrors by hitting street lights before.

Visibility isn't the greatest.

See?

I gave him a toy plow... he loves crap like that.

The back of the plow after three hours.

My dad... and me.

My dad worked for MNDOT and drove plows too. He passed away several years ago, and this post reminds me of him. Cheers to you and your dad!

12 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Very cool, OP. I always try to stay out of the truck's way, driving close to them even when they're not plowing is skurry.

12 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

As a Minneapolis resident, I found this very interesting. Here's to you Mr. MnDot Gang Plow Driver!

12 years ago | Likes 37 Dislikes 0

I always upvote Minnesota =D

12 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

This is really cool and informative, thanks for taking the time to document and post it!

12 years ago | Likes 64 Dislikes 0

Brb, writing a thank you letter to every road commission in a fifty mile radius! Sorry people are rude to your pa, n tell him I say thanks

12 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

YAY MINNESOTA!

12 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

could be a fun simulator, like euro truck!

12 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

"Euro-plow"

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Born and raised in MN. Your dad is the man!! I didn't realize that some aholes don't like the snow plows.. MnDOT does amazing work

12 years ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 0

As a Minnesotan, thanks to your pops for making it safer.

12 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I don't understand why people can be so mean to the workers who are trying to make their drive easier.

12 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

It's pretty simple really...they are assholes. Assholes do things like flip off plow drivers.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Stressful job. Thank him for keeping us safe

12 years ago | Likes 67 Dislikes 1

+1 MNDOT! That's my home town! I know all those freeways so well!

12 years ago | Likes 30 Dislikes 1

Who flips of a plow driver? How would you drive otherwise, you fuckers?

12 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

For whatever reason, I imagined OP as a gentleman the whole way through. Then I saw a gal in the past picture and my mind was blown!

12 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

As a canadian, your dad is the kinda guy I enjoy seeing 10 months of the year.

12 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

Wow this is one of the neatest posts I have ever seen about a seemingly ordinary topic.

12 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 2

they don't get paid enough

12 years ago | Likes 84 Dislikes 5

They get paid lots of over time.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

They're state paid employees, they get paid plenty. Source: my cousin worked for IDOT for a couple years.

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Last picture says he doesn't go hungry...

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 2

Why would anyone flip off a snow plow driver? Where I am from they are heralded as heroes!

12 years ago | Likes 119 Dislikes 0

Where I live, they're are lots of people who throw a plow on their pick up truck so they can drive like dicks in a snow storm.

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Goddmanit. there are*

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm laughing right now imagining that "dicks in a snow storm" is a funny euphemism for something.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Where I live, it's both to drive like dicks and to pretend like they're a hero of the town. Don't get me wrong, though, they can be.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

OP, I was driving in the Twin Cities last weekend, please tell your Dad that he and his colleagues are doing an EXCELLENT JOB.

12 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

my dad also plows for the DOT...during big storms he'll have 3 day shifts sleeping in the truck, i dont know how they do it

12 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

Tell him thanks! I used to live where it snows and the city would be useless 3 months of the year without the DOT. +1 for your pop!

12 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

This is very enlightening. Most "unskilled" or "uneducated" jobs have way more to them than most people know. Tell your dad thanks

12 years ago | Likes 35 Dislikes 4

This always kills me. People act like these sorts of 'menial' jobs don't deserve any respect, but there's a hell of a lot of skill involved.

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Yeah, my dad's one of the best in the area in his "menial" job. That man can do most of what electricians do, plus a lot more.

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Why isn't Mr. Plow written on the side of his Plower? HUH?!

12 years ago | Likes 136 Dislikes 8

You're welcome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVWdf1Ky2bI

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Call Mr. Plow, that's my name, that name again is Mr. Plow

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

♬♬♬♬Señor Plow no es macho. Es solamente un borracho♬♬♬♬

12 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

As a Brit, TIL that that's the Americanization of plough. Before I thought Homer was misspelling it "plow" because he's dumb.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

BECAUSE HIS DAD'S THE PLOW KING

12 years ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 0

*her

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I bet he leaves the jacket on.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I couldn't imagine a town without plowed roads. Bless these plowing souls.

12 years ago | Likes 155 Dislikes 1

I live in a town like that. A small farming town of 2000. The plows always do the back roads last, the tractors come out to save the day.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 3

And this is why the south freaks out with any kind of winter weather. we have maybe a handful of plows for an entire county!

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That and ice. We get ice. And snow melt during the day, and solid... ice... in the morning

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm in austin and I've never seen a plow. I've also never seen a full inch of snow.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I'm in San Jose, California, and having never had a plowed road, I can tell you, it isn't bad at all.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I live in a small swedish town, we don't have plows here either, we have this one awesome farmer that plows EVERY ROAD WITH HIS TRACTOR.

12 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

May you live in Boliden perhaps? We have that too.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Nothing but pure respect for that man. Saw him outside at 6a.m the last 2 days, we've had alot of snow.

12 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

God Damn it! If I ever see someone flip off a plow driver, I'd probably kill 'em. Tell your dad it's not a thankless job!!!

12 years ago | Likes 827 Dislikes 5

For real! I prefer to drive behind a plow on snowy days, at least then I'm driving on a clear and maybe even freshly salted road.

12 years ago | Likes 96 Dislikes 1

They're the best trucks to follow!

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I fucking hate when people insult hardworking government employees. Hey, dickhole, guess who made it possible for you to get to fucking work

12 years ago | Likes 40 Dislikes 0

For real!. He's doing Gods work. I get behind snow plows because it's safe. And I salute with all 5 fingers, and occasionally blow kisses.

12 years ago | Likes 25 Dislikes 1

People, what a bunch of bastards

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I love these guys and driving behind them is the best. The road is driveable and I feel safe knowing these bad-asses clearing the road

12 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

Did I miss some picture? This dude got flipped off?

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

In her description

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

nah, she was just saying.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

It was in text...

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

No kidding! I would NEVER flip a plow guy off! Where my parents people will pay for their coffee and stuff. Go MDot Plow Guys!

12 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

As a person that lives in St. Cloud, MN and uses that interstate, a big thanks to your father.

12 years ago | Likes 579 Dislikes 1

lol, I'm in St Cloud too

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

[deleted]

[deleted]

12 years ago (deleted Feb 1, 2016 1:38 AM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

Yay! More Minnesotans, I'm from Edina though...

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Hey! Me too! Well, work there anyways. Actually from Burnsville.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Ah, damn! It's a St. Cloud party in here.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sauk Rapids here. Thanks a lot! I was just driving on that interstate, and the plows speed things up a ton. Tell him we appreciate it!

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

A Minneapolis bus taker is also appreciative of you guys!!!

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Not st cloud here, but st croix :P and, plowed interstate is so nice

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I know it's been over 3 years, but I'll be damned there are dozens of us in the St Cloud area.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

As a person who lives in wisconsin, I still give him credit! Please tell your dad imgur loves him and will always keep a safe distance!

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Yay! More St. Cloud here!

12 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Marshall Erickson?

12 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

You had me at gang plow

12 years ago | Likes 1580 Dislikes 7

Yep, that term is gonna stick.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

what do 9 out of 10 people love? gang plow ;)

12 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Came for this, left satisfied.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I was really toying with whether or not I'd view all 35 images until, yep. Gang plow. Sold for a dollar.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Put a dolphin in it

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

exactly

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Giggity

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I would like one gang plow, please.

12 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

That's not a gang plow. This is a gang plow. http://youtu.be/ol_NgCsoWLI

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

*swoon*

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

they bukake'd that storm

12 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

But a Brazzers lable on this post.

12 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

It's dangerous to get into the middle of a 'gang plow.' Three or four is ideal for this kind of plow.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Im so glad we're all alike! Lmao

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Its actually pretty cool to see a group of 3 of em clear a whole highway at 50mph

12 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

I know right? I get excited seeing them doing that stuff. So badass!

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Uh I'm here for the Gang Plow

12 years ago | Likes 39 Dislikes 0

right this way sir

12 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Why do people flip off plow drivers? They're doing you a favor, fucknut!

12 years ago | Likes 572 Dislikes 3

Because people aren't smart anymore.

12 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Takes a real jizzvessel to flip off a plow driver. They're making your world 19203810231x safer.

12 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

That's like 19203810231 times safer than not having plow drivers do their jobs!

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

When the weather is real bad, I travel behind them (at a safe distance), knowing the safest road is in their tracks.

12 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

+1 for fucknut.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

people complain about all the traffic cuz of the plows... then they complain about their being no plows. There's just no pleasing people.

12 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

i know! what kind of pshyco hose beast flicks off a snow plow driver!

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Seriously! I'd rather have a plowed rode and go slow then to go fast on an unplowed road. People are fuck nuts.

12 years ago | Likes 50 Dislikes 0

Unless you have a Subaru, find an empty road and let it go. Its a Subaru thing.

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

But I have to get my brats to the piano practice they don't to be at so I can go cheat on my S.O.! my hobbies are more important then plows.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

hehehe fucknut.

12 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

my thoughts exactly.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

don't meddle in my affairs you penguin fucknut.

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

LMAO!!!

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Seriously, and why would you ever pass one and drive instead on an unplowed road?

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I've never had a car in which that would be smart. It cannot save you time. It can only cause you pain and misery.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I occasionally pass plows (dunno if I've ever met gang plows) when I'm out on the road. (1/?)

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Most of the time it's not so much "plowed" vs "unplowed" road so much as "plowed" vs "slightly less plowed." (2/?)

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

And if they're salting, it needs time to work so you're not going to see much benefit right behind one anyway. (3/5?)

12 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

So if I feel like it's safe to pass, then I'll do so. But holy cow... flipping them off? That idea is *so* foreign to me. (4/4)

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

because I drive a jeep wrangler and have studded mud and snow tires. I can drive in 2 1/2 ft of snow before it becomes a problem.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 11

I DRIVE A JEEP WRANGLER. RESPECT ME. http://youtu.be/9YD_1ObUrhE

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'd respect you more if it were an actual Jeep, like a CJ-5 or CJ-7 (Sorry, am a Jeep snob^.^)

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

And he can fuck the shit out of an empty chapstick container

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Good for you, but not everyone else has the same means of transport.

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I read it all in a guys voice and then was pleasantly surprised you were a girl OP

12 years ago | Likes 1983 Dislikes 8

I live in UT and see this. Didn't know it was called a gang plow :-)

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ha! I knew it was a girl all along. Just something about the way she talked about her dad.

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I saw your comment before the end, and expected a selfie. Is that bad?

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Same here. Great. Now I gotta back and read it in a girl's voice....

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Totally got me, too. Nice one, OP.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Her dad is one hell of a good man.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Spoiler alert! :(

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You didn't just read it in your own voice?

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

knew it was a girl by the picture that had a little bit of her pants and boot in it

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hey, me too!

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

saw the comment before the end, had to scroll down to look at gril

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

same here, good to see her take interest in her dads job at least.

12 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

Give your dad a hug and tell him that us Minnesotans know we couldn't brag about our winters if it were not for people like him.

12 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I was too, this whole album just to sneak in a selfie!

12 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 2

me too... +1 for a good read tho!

12 years ago | Likes 96 Dislikes 0

Me three!

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The first shot inside the cabin, you didn't notice her legs? Tsk tsk.

12 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Also cute.

12 years ago | Likes 73 Dislikes 7

Strangely I read it all in a girls voice... but I'm a girl so maybe that has something to do with it?

12 years ago | Likes 44 Dislikes 0

Nyahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm a guy and I instantly starting reading it in a girls voice.

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I am a girl and I read it in a guy's voice

12 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

Same.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You liar, there are no girls on the net until proved, like OP did!

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

i read it in a guy's voice, but a little guy, so almost a girl. that counts?

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I thought that too, but if you look early on you can see she's wearing uggs

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Tom Brady wears Uggs...oh wait, that just makes your point more valid

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Not sure if serious or just a rouse to make me go looking through all the pics for ugs

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

As someone from Atlanta... What kind of an idiot gives a snowplow the finger? If I had seen one I would have hugged them

12 years ago | Likes 235 Dislikes 0

Beats me... I don't usually see them at work, but if I did I'd give them a wide berth and enjoy my plowed road, TYVM.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

How are you guys doing down there, by the way?

12 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Doing well now, but the first two days were impossible. I had to drive in to the city to fly out on Wednesday, it was a nightmare

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Glad it's better now. DC is in for more tonight thru Tuesday. Hope it doesn't come your way!

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It was 65 and beautiful for last two days. Our weather is bipolar in Georgia.

12 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I live in DC, and ours is also. It was almost 50 today, and we're expecting 5"+ inches of snow Sunday night.

12 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I live in Minnesota. And its Hella-Cold -55 where I live.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You win the "Cold As A Witch's Tit" award, sir/madam. Also? No fucking thank you. We flip out over -7 (after windchill) here.

12 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0