Here is a Trucker Buddy letter I wrote - Truckers' Trucking Forum

HardlyWorkingNeverHome · **^ Top** #1 03.21.2008

Here is a sample trucker buddy note I sent to my class in Connecticut. Figured I'd share.

Hey Guys its been a while,

Since I last wrote, I have changed companies. I'll send some pictures next time I get a chance. I'm in Ohio tonight at a rest area and I wanted to share an experience I had. As you might know, a truck driver has to grab a shower at a truck stop or rest area as they are always miles away from their home. In Ohio the showers are free of charge on the turnpike because they charge a higher fee for the tractor trailers crossing their state. This was the first time I've used the showers on the turnpike, I usually shower at a truck stop so I wasn't sure what the process was for getting access to the shower room. I came across a woman that was cleaning the cafeteria area. She was working very hard I could tell, and the place was absolutely spotless. As I approached, I began asking about the showers. she looked up at me from feverously wiping down a table and gave that "deer in headlights look". I stopped mid-sentence thought a millisecond and said, "No English"? Turned out she was a Croatian but she was able to get the gist of what I was needing. She even went so far as to clean a shower quickly for me. I thought to myself wow, I never see this kind of service out on the road. After my nice warm clean shower I walked back to the cafeteria and ordered dinner. As I was eating, I noticed the woman named Nadia looking at an apple pie box that was placed uneaten on top of a garbage pail where one would put a tray when they were done. She picked it up and looked inside when she thought no one was looking, then placed it in her apron pocket. this brought back memories of my younger days struggling to get by. Like a bad movie, I used to wash dishes and pick scraps off plates of wasted food. When you don't make much money you do what you have to do to get by. It almost brought a tear to my eye and at this point I knew what I had to do. Whether it was right or wrong I decided to buy a gift card for $10 so if in fact she was hungry she could eat something proper. I justified that since the shower was free anyway and that she was working so hard how could I not? Now I know that a hard worker sometimes has too much pride to accept a token of appreciation. I have to tell you I was quick. I got her attention, handed the gift card and released as soon as she touched it. I said thank you and gave her a thumbs up and walked out quickly before she could figure out what just happened. Compassion can be an amazing thing if you can learn to show it.

I have a vocabulary word for you.--- BROKER

This word can be used as a noun and verb. For example when you send out mail second or third day service thought the US Mail, they in turn broker that freight to Fed Ex Ground. Fed Ex Ground is the trucking side of the Fed Ex company. when mail doesn't have be be somewhere overnight it can go by truck which takes longer but is much cheaper. When Fed Ex is running at full capacity, they in turn have to broker out the loads they don't have the equipment to pull with. They broker it to companies such as the one I work for now, Barr Nunn. I was given 11 hours to run a 10 hour trip from Indianapolis Indiana to Hagerstown Maryland. I've also picked up for DHL. On one pickup, I actually drove on the concrete that they taxi the big cargo planes across at the airport. When the cargo plane comes in they divide the mail into 6-7 trucks. Once loaded each truck drives about 300-400 miles in a different direction to a smaller distribution center. Mine was just out side of Washington DC. when I got there, I could see all the smaller vans lined up with the back of the truck facing a conveyor belt. As the totes came off the back of my truck it would slide down the conveyor and the drivers would pick up their own totes and keep sliding the rest down the belt.

As I learn more about my new company, I'll give you guys updates.

Till Next Time,

notarps4me · **^ Top** #2 03.21.2008

I tried to sign up for that. I think it is a good program and kids need to see a positive outlook from drivers. My problem was that on the application they wanted my SSN. I understand they need to do a background check and they ask for your CDL number. I just do not like listing my SSN on anything. The only time I do is for a credit check or a job application. I know the website is secure, but I am not thrilled with giving out my SSN.

HardlyWorkingNeverHome · **^ Top** #3 03.21.2008

I have to say it's been a pleasure to write to my class. I don't write as often as I should but I do try to make it good. If i'm looking for subject matter for the class as I drive my time seems to pass qicker!

seansolo · **^ Top** #4 03.29.2008

Not that I think it's a bad thing to write to school children, but the term "buddy" just gives me the creeps LOL.

kent0242 · **^ Top** #5 04.13.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardlyWorkingNeverHome

Here is a sample trucker buddy note I sent to my class in Connecticut. Figured I'd share.

Hey Guys its been a while,

Since I last wrote, I have changed companies. I'll send some pictures next time I get a chance. I'm in Ohio tonight at a rest area and I wanted to share an experience I had. As you might know, a truck driver has to grab a shower at a truck stop or rest area as they are always miles away from their home. In Ohio the showers are free of charge on the turnpike because they charge a higher fee for the tractor trailers crossing their state. This was the first time I've used the showers on the turnpike, I usually shower at a truck stop so I wasn't sure what the process was for getting access to the shower room. I came across a woman that was cleaning the cafeteria area. She was working very hard I could tell, and the place was absolutely spotless. As I approached, I began asking about the showers. she looked up at me from feverously wiping down a table and gave that "deer in headlights look". I stopped mid-sentence thought a millisecond and said, "No English"? Turned out she was a Croatian but she was able to get the gist of what I was needing. She even went so far as to clean a shower quickly for me. I thought to myself wow, I never see this kind of service out on the road. After my nice warm clean shower I walked back to the cafeteria and ordered dinner. As I was eating, I noticed the woman named Nadia looking at an apple pie box that was placed uneaten on top of a garbage pail where one would put a tray when they were done. She picked it up and looked inside when she thought no one was looking, then placed it in her apron pocket. this brought back memories of my younger days struggling to get by. Like a bad movie, I used to wash dishes and pick scraps off plates of wasted food. When you don't make much money you do what you have to do to get by. It almost brought a tear to my eye and at this point I knew what I had to do. Whether it was right or wrong I decided to buy a gift card for $10 so if in fact she was hungry she could eat something proper. I justified that since the shower was free anyway and that she was working so hard how could I not? Now I know that a hard worker sometimes has too much pride to accept a token of appreciation. I have to tell you I was quick. I got her attention, handed the gift card and released as soon as she touched it. I said thank you and gave her a thumbs up and walked out quickly before she could figure out what just happened. Compassion can be an amazing thing if you can learn to show it.

I have seen that same gal that you described!!

I always manage to leave a tip for the staff that cleans the showers, whether it be at a truckstop or out on the Ohio Turnpike.

Well, except if the shower isn't clean .... and there's plenty of those out there!!!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Trucker Forum	Replies	Last Post
So long, good buddy: CB radio calls waning	Cybergal	CB Radio Forum	22	04.29.2009 08.21 PM
Lookin for an old Army buddy	Tricky Nick	Community: Keep In Touch	13	11.28.2008 09.23 AM
Bush Buddy Defeated	bbkeo	Politics	4	11.25.2007 12.25 PM
A letter I wrote.	PackRatTDI	Spiritual Gardens - Remembrances & Virtual Memorials	6	09.11.2006 02.00 AM

Truckers' Trucking Forum/Message Board - The Premiere Truck Driver Forum

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)