Definition of a swamper

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by sawmill, Aug 15, 2016.

  1. sawmill

    sawmill Road Train Member

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    I was talking with Mrs. Sawmill today and we were discussing how sometimes she goes with me. Not being one to sit around she is always willing to help with things around the truck. Cleaning, preparing meals, anything to help. This ol' truck ain't a passenger train anyway. Long ago she learned how to throw chains, straps, everything that goes with proper securement. She also knows how to tarp a load. But it was only today that she learned that her job title is "swamper". She was so sad about it. She says "Can't we change it to executive assistant?" LOL
    I told her it's a pretty standard job title in the industry. She said she doesn't see how it came to be that the helper was called a swamper. I even looked it up:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamper_(occupational_title)

    Kinda interesting sometimes to learn where our language comes from and how it evolves.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2016
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  3. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    If you ever, ever, ever, let this woman get away{AKA Saint}you will be Tar and Feathered!!!!!!!:eek:
     
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  4. strollinruss

    strollinruss Road Train Member

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    That ain't no lie. I can't even get mine to ride on a short day trip. Not sure I'd want anyone with me anyhow.

    Most swappers I know are on the work end of a winch truck.
     
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  5. KillingTime

    KillingTime Road Train Member

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    So, sawmill... If she can hack it why aren't you sitting on your duff at home!?!? :p
     
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  6. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    I call my wife a swamper also. We run a lowboy. She will spot me when backing and helps setup the chains and she does help tarp..
    We have run oil field and wind farms. Right now on a pipeline line job
     
  7. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Use the British meaning with her; all purpose assistant.
     
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  8. sawmill

    sawmill Road Train Member

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    Well I should be....but I guess her lack of CDL is the roadblock. Not that she can't drive a truck though. One time several years ago I had two trucks up at a small gas plant we were running, one I drove up there with her sitting jump seat and one that had been left there for one reason or another. I needed to get both trucks home so I convinced her to follow me with one. Once I saw the was picking up speed behind me I poured the coal to it and went home. I was standing at the back door of the shop watching the sun go down and about fifteen minutes later here she comes down the road. She had never sat behind the wheel before that day. That truck was a '02 W900 with 550 Cat and 18spd pulling a tanker.
     
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  9. sawmill

    sawmill Road Train Member

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    She said that'll work, but she thought that was the general job description for "wife"
     
  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    WIFE:

    Washing
    Ironing
    Folding
    Etc.
     
  11. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    You should get married , have a couple of kids and see if she'll do the housework
     
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