Those who accuse you of caring too much are the ones who give "office people" in the Trucking industry a bad name. They consider Truck Drivers as the lowest common denominator.

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I've got to agree that people that have power to make rules or supervise trucks should have a basic knowledge of how they work. My company would have the office people that had any control over the trucks go out and go for a ride along so they would get an idea how we worked. You can never explain the difference in the feel of a truck vs a car.

To the OP. Why would you be scared of trucks while you were in a gas station? Was it the gasoline truck that comes into the station or trucks in general? If I saw people getting gas and freaking out when I came into a station I would take a few minutes and talk to them and explain the safety of the truck. It was fun.

that probably didn't come out right....I meant I was scared of being around truckers when I'd have to stop to get gas at a truck stop type station. Like a Pilot, etc. Now, after working around 1500+ drivers on a daily basis, I realize that about 99% of them are really great guys (and a few gals).

My perception was WAY off, and I am embarrassed to admit it. My immediate coworkers and the many drivers I work w/ day in and day out are a big reason I'm still working where I am. I truly enjoy my job.

Our fleet managers used to go out w/ a driver for a week when they were hired, but they dont' do that anymore. Shame really, b/c they would have a whole new perspective on their drivers that they manage. We do good to even get them to come thru Orientation.

I wish the freight would pick up, but I'm afraid this economy is tanking, and fast. Hopefully it won't last long??

Keep your heads up and drive safe and get good fuel mileage!! every little bit helps!

If they can't do that, I'd suggest the one's who can't --- turn off their home and office air conditioners and heaters for one year.
Ya reckon that'd get their attention?

Welcome to the forums, JH!
Glad you found us.

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Pontificating Dogmatist

anyone tell me if 1-95 though philly is open? been on forced vacation last 3 weeks now,so i'm out of the know

I-95 was open 3 days later.

I agree with jh21 100%. I have been installing aftermarket equipment on tractors for about a year now. I have been on-site at a fairly large reefer hauler the whole time and the way I think about semis and drivers in general has changed completely.

I still have some gripes but that is pretty specific to certain drivers that I have encountered, not a general 'image' like I used to have.

Thanks to all of those that remain courteous on the road and follow the rules. I know it is much appreciated by 4 wheelers like me who do the same. Also, thanks to those who remove the pee jugs from the truck and try to clean up a little when you know someone will be working inside the sleeper.

Thank YOU Tim!

You mentioned "appreciation".
I think that just might be the key to open the door to understanding. As long as we all appreciate each other -- I'm cool with that. Smooth salin' ----- it's lack of appreciation that rocks the boat.

Back in the day, I had a gig that allowed me to see more motels and hotels than I preferred, .... Sometimes driving a Big truck that drew attention from the 4-wheeler folks too. But I think that was probably the best part of the gig, because I could get up close to them.

At the BIG Boat show in San Francisco located at the Cow Palace -- of all places -- I found myself in a company Big truck parked betwit two of our "painted" show trucks -- read 'rolling billboards' -- they alone, attracted attention.

This time, a whole big group of folks were gathered 'round askin' questions -- and some I let take a peek inside my Nicely specd' T-600.
Many were amazed -- especially when I assured them that the "painted" Big trucks were even nicer.
Several had questions about entering the truckin' industry. I told 'em what I thought I knew, and I what I'd learned.
Big difference sometimes.

But the crowd grew too large and security put the nix on it.
Imagine that.

It's twue!
It's twue!

I think it's great when we, who share the highways, can understand and accept each other NEEDS on the highways we share.

I thank you --but not for agreeing with me, Tim, but rather for coming to your own conclusion --- which I just happen to agree with.

It's all about safety.

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Pontificating Dogmatist