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Hanging out at truck stops for a better insight. Good idea?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by elusive1, Jan 19, 2010.

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  1. Jan 19, 2010 #1
    elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
    0
    Hey everyone --

    It's been awhile since I've posted here, just over a year now. I've been juggling the idea of becoming an OTR driver while working other dead end jobs in the meantime, and now I've started to give it serious thought.

    I've learned a lot while browsing this message board, reading books, and watching video clips, but what I'm really looking for -- before jumping into this industry -- is a firsthand glimpse at the trucking lifestyle. Something that I can see in "real life" that might give me a true understanding of what it's all about.

    For example, I've heard of some guys going to truck stops and hanging out, listening in on the conversations of other truckers, etc. I guess something of that nature would be beneficial. Even just to stand in front of a truck and get a sense of scale or to see the layout of a typical cab would help.

    My question is: Would spending time at a truck stop give me a real sense of things? Is this a good idea? Think other drivers would be cool enough to chat with a newbie like me? haha

    Thanks in advance for any advice!
     
    elusive1, Jan 19, 2010
    elusive1, Jan 19, 2010
    #1
    JustSonny Thanks this.
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  3. Jan 19, 2010 #2
    cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2009
    oklahoma
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    You could but i think you would get bored and some of the folks are in a hurry ...pop a few groceries make a deposit of last nights groceries and boogie on down the road.... unless they are laid over and then you might get a rendition of just how much they hate their company....
    You can get a good sense of what truckin is all about by hanging out here and just read and research... ask questions and you will find all kind of responses...mabey not what you want to read but look between the lines and you shall find the truth...
    Research the experienced threads and the newbie threads and you will get a good sense of it all !
     
    cactusjack, Jan 19, 2010
    cactusjack, Jan 19, 2010
    #2
    elusive1 Thanks this.
  4. Jan 19, 2010 #3
    elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

    63
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    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
    0
    Cool. Yeah I've been reading as much as possible on here, for sure. I guess I'm just the type of person that likes to get a real grasp about things as well.
     
    elusive1, Jan 19, 2010
    elusive1, Jan 19, 2010
    #3
  5. Jan 19, 2010 #4
    Stump

    Stump Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2009
    Modesto CA
    0
    Well your on the right track. Trucking is not a job but a complete lifestyle change. Most newbies don't think this part out before jumping in only to not like the lifestyle change. Hanging out at a truckstop might help but most truckers are in a hurry to get out of the truckstop.Alot of truckers like to keep to themselfs. I can't tell you not to do it, but i guess you won't know untill you try.
     
    Stump, Jan 19, 2010
    Stump, Jan 19, 2010
    #4
    cactusjack and elusive1 Thank this.
  7. Jan 19, 2010 #5
    cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2009
    oklahoma
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    Well you have heard the expression 6 one way half a dozen another....
    There is good and bad in all of trucking... pro's and con's....
    There is many threads expressing both on here.....
     
    cactusjack, Jan 19, 2010
    cactusjack, Jan 19, 2010
    #5
  8. Jan 20, 2010 #6
    elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

    63
    21
    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
    0
    Yeah, I realize that. I mean.. to me, everything in life has pros and cons. They just seem to be a little bit more obvious in the trucking world! Not a problem though. Like Stump said, I won't know until I try.

    I was thinking drivers might be rushing in and out of the stops. Is there a time of day where more of them might be just hanging out though?
     
    elusive1, Jan 20, 2010
    elusive1, Jan 20, 2010
    #6
  9. Jan 20, 2010 #7
    Paddington

    Paddington Medium Load Member

    454
    319
    Jul 5, 2009
    Cleveland, Ohio
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    Oh boy, you'll catch a glimpse of the trucking that the recruiters don't want you to see:
    Trash strewn everywhere.
    The stench of piss wafting through the air.
    Panhandlers, hookers, and people selling chrome polish and fake gold jewelry.

    Drivers waiting in line to take a shower.
    Exorbitantly priced food high in salt, sugar, and mono-sodium glutamate.
    Grown men dumping their hard-earned money into the cherry master and skill crane.
    Lots of people smoking.
    Nearly everyone is overweight, unshaven, unkempt.
    Mullets still in style.

    Now figure that places like this will be your home for 2-4+ weeks on the road and you will begin to figure out why the turnover rates are so high in this biz...
     
    Paddington, Jan 20, 2010
    Paddington, Jan 20, 2010
    #7
    billsgirl, Farrell 67, Johnny99 and 1 other person Thank this.
  10. Jan 20, 2010 #8
    Stump

    Stump Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2009
    Modesto CA
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    Wow, thats just to true. I guess it is that bad when you sit back and look at it.:biggrin_2559:
     
    Stump, Jan 20, 2010
    Stump, Jan 20, 2010
    #8
  11. Jan 20, 2010 #9
    cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

    616
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    Aug 2, 2009
    oklahoma
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    most truck stops start getting filled up before 5 pm and most drivers like to get out by 4 am to start their day
     
    cactusjack, Jan 20, 2010
    cactusjack, Jan 20, 2010
    #9
  12. Jan 20, 2010 #10
    cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

    616
    230
    Aug 2, 2009
    oklahoma
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    Hey paddington .... You mean to tell me that mullets are not in style any more?:msad:
     
    cactusjack, Jan 20, 2010
    cactusjack, Jan 20, 2010
    #10
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