I asked a question a few days ago about wannabes talking to truckers at truck stops and rest areas. I asked if anyone had done it and with what result. I got a few replies - which I appreciated. The suggestion I'd like to offer is this. If you're reluctant, as I am, to interupt someone who is working, just sit there at the truckstop (out near the pumps) and just observe these men and women. Get a cup of coffee, soft drink, whathaveyou and just use your eyes (a picture is worth a thousand words, right?). I sat under a small oak tree the other day at a Flying J and just watched. No one knew I was a dumba## wannabe. I could've been a trucker just sitting under a tree drinking coffee. Great education! I'm gonna do it some more. Just a suggestion, okay!
Oldnewbiegonnabe

__________________
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."
Jack Handey

thats a good sugestion my friend you learn a lot just buy looking , fortunatly i dont no many of old school drivers that will hesatate to help any one in need just wish there were moe of us left.
southernpride

Did you happen to notice how many drivers got into their trucks and drove off WITHOUT doing a walk-around? How many were wearing PJ's and flip flops? How many had 2 large dogs aboard? How many dilly dallied while on the fuel island? How many had trashy dashboards? How many came out from the store carrying bags of chips and sodas? Inquiring minds want to know.....

Better yet. How many pulled into the pump? Then went inside for 15-30 minutes and never pumped an ounce of fuel.

Your post needs additional clarification as well, since mearly watching a driver....can be very misleading.

A "cluttered" dash, and a trashy dash are not the same thing. I keep my log book, note book, and truck stop guide on mine, within easy reach. Not every truck has "handy" storage.

Carrying bags of what? Unless you check the bag, you have no idea whats in it. My last "stop" on the way out of a truck stop, is to pay for my drink. I ask for a bag while at the counter. I stick my "lunch" (subway or chester) and thermos in, to free up my other hand. Especially if I brought my cup in for a refill too.

I was carrying this "sack" last night (6pm). It had 2 Mtn Dew, one candy bar, and a 3 piece snack in it. I've taken ONE bite out of the candy bar, and the FIRST Mtn Dew, is sitting on my end table now. It's 10:41am

As for the walk around.... I didn't do it at the pump. I parked, then done a more thorough walk around, in a less rushed environment. Which is common for many drivers. Then another, after I got home 4 hours later.

__________________
He has erected a multitude of new offices,
and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people,
and eat out their substance........

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution,
and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

Declaration Of Independence
__________________

King George or Obama ????

Good morning AM,
I saw all of the above except for the pjs and dogs. So, I learned what NOT to do, right. Debit/credit!
ONGB

__________________
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."
Jack Handey

"Better yet. How many pulled into the pump? Then went inside for 15-30 minutes and never pumped an ounce of fuel." What I did see was one driver (we'll call him Driver #1) finish fueling, pull away from the pump, then walk into the ts, BUT he didn't pull away far enough for Driver #2 (who was right behind him) to pull out and continue on his merry way if Driver #1 piddled around inside. Maybe that's common, maybe that's just what happens sometimes, maybe Drivers #1 and #2 were communicating via CB. Or maybe Driver #1 is an inconsiderate a--hole. You tell me!

__________________
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."
Jack Handey

During my two weeks out with my trainer, when we fueled, we would do a load check and walk around while the pumps were running. When we finished fueling, we pulled the truck forward to allow the truck behind us to fuel and then run inside to take a leak and grab something to eat. From my observation during my short time on the road, this seemed to be standard operating procedure, as it appeared that everyone did this.

Observations are always good. You can tell alot about folks just watching them and seeing how they do things and react. On the flip side, just watching some people could probably tell you nothing about them or how they feel. There could be this guy working for the crappiest company there is and have the worst dispatcher, and without talking to him you would never know it because his attitude is all happy go lucky. Then the other guy, best job etc.....but by just looking at him you would think the world is coming to an end by the scowl on his face. Even though he might have the best things to say about where he works and have an upbeat attitude, the way he/she looks might not convey that. So talking to someone is best. If they brush you off oh well, there are probably 50 more at the same time that will take a minute to talk to you.

I'm guilty of the same. However, I apply ONE rule when I go in and grab a quick bite to go.

Do I think I can get it done before the driver behind me finishes ?? If not, I park.

I'm not waiting in line, and I'm keeping my eye on that fuel island.

There are and will always be exceptions to the rule...slow pumps, exit blocked, computers down in the store, etc, etc.

I personally don't want to become part of the reason a driver was 3 minutes late on his delivery appointment.

__________________
He has erected a multitude of new offices,
and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people,
and eat out their substance........

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution,
and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

Declaration Of Independence
__________________

King George or Obama ????

Your point is well taken. Maybe I'll be a little more assertive. I've already got a habit of saying "Good morning, (or afternoon, evening)" to folks who look like they'd just as soon bite my head off. It's funny as ###### when I say "Good morning" to the baddest lookin' dude I've seen all day and he comes back with the biggest smile and the heartiest "Good morning" of the morning.
It's not that I'm timid, I'm just respectful of a man's/woman's time. But from what you've said, I just might get an earful of good stuff, even from some one who seems to be too busy to talk.
Thanks,
ONGB

__________________
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."
Jack Handey