Doesn't at Least ONE Trucker Enjoy Their Career? Stop Whining!

We all have our days. I can snake through a triple 90 in Jersey backwards to offload while half awake, run all day, grab another load in the middle, and ###### if I can get into that spot at the end of the day. I figure as long as I avoid that crunch, it doesn't matter how long it takes to fit it in there. And at least I'm providing some entertainment.

 

Actually, my sitting around time has been virtually non-existent for the last few weeks. This particular load, even though it has a way, way too distant delivery time, provides me with an opportunity to rest up and do a few things that I might enjoy. Trucking is a very unique way to earn a living. I can say that with confidence because I've been a tax-paying worker for over 40 years and have had several jobs that I thought were unique. I'm enjoying the hell out of what I'm doing. That doesn't mean that I'll continue to enjoy it. But, if I quit driving, it won't because there's something wrong with being a trucker, it'll be because there's something wrong with ME being a trucker.

 

Mr. RowAshore, SURELY you didn't expect to come on here, bash our ways of life/careers, and not get the exact thoughts and opinions of a bunch of true truck drivers. Get on out there, try out your adventure, and let us know how it goes. We won't listen to any whining from you, but we will, however, accept your apologies.

Drivers, my hat's off. It's been a long day. You've made it all worthwhile.

 

my dad hated his job but because of family duties he worked his job he hated cause he had to.

i would rather stay off the road then just work for any company.
my way or the highway

 

Many 'good' jobs fall into unskilled labor and pay less than this.

Security guard for example.

 

I should get upset with Halfburn for making a comment indicating people who begin their careers with large companies don't belong out here. I could allow him to watch me spit nails and get my sorry butt kicked off the forums. I would tell him to go pound sand except that he's just not worth my time with such a snobby elitist attitude.

What he and others don't seem to get is not everybody knows somebody in the biz. If they think the only people who belong in a truck are those whose Granpappy's drove mules across the desert, the talent base would be narrow indeed. Sure, freight rates would be high...but so would prices on store shelves on the products their families buy.

In another thread, a lament was placed out basically asking why there isn't any fresh talent coming out these days. Halfburn's comment above is a great example why. It's because y'all elitists keep running them off. How can you expect a guy to learn anything if all you do is look down your nose at him because of what it says on his wagon? You want these "new breed" drivers to learn something? Teach them. Unlike your perception, most are willing to listen to the voice of experience. I know I was...and still am. But I'm also willing to pass on what I do know.

Yep, it sure does say Swift on my wagon. Before that, it said Prime. Before that, Star Leasing (the truck said Celtic) and before that, yep, Swift...where I got my start. I have had to help 15 year veterans set their fifth wheels. I have helped 25 year veterans with their tandems. I have helped 20 year veterans hang chains properly on their chain racks so DOT could count the chains without dragging them all off. I have helped 18 year veterans fix lights. I have loaned tools out to veterans from 10 years out all the way up to 45 years out.

So you can take your snobby, elitist, condescending attitude and, well, you know what you can do with it.

 

Does it involve a bowl of rainbow sherbert?

 

Rainbow? Where?!

 

Come to think of it, the 'new breed' that are here are showing they ARE willing to learn.

I look forward to learning more, and eventually helping out more (More I learn, more I can help) Right now im just trying to get past driving school jitters (only 7 more days till it starts) and "Prehire fears" (The 'what ifs' of it all) but that belongs in my thread

Long story, short: As Injun says, the name on the trailer dont mean squat but who the person pulls weight for.