New Career ... From the beginning.

You have to realize you are dealing with people who are wearing a plastic badge and are being paid $7 an hour. (and couldn't make it as a cop) They take their position of authority very seriously because they literally have nothing else in life! You are going to get this at a lot of places. Whatever you do just smile and be courteous. Don't forget you are representing your company and they would love nothing more than for you to be a problem so that they can use their little plastic badge!

Hang in there Markus, you are just getting to experience some real trucking!

As for the GPS, just use it as a guide. Do all of your trip planning with your Road Carrier Atlas. I would write all my directions on the side window or on the windshield with a dry erase marker and when my GPS went array it was no big deal. This will save your butt many times over! Keeps you from taking your eyes off the road too!

 

Hey Chompi, I dont mean to horn in on Mr Markus's thread here, but what color works best in your experience?

 

Yes, it really bites to be treated like the enemy when the truth is we are just the opposite. We can take solace in the fact that others (LEO's, among others ) aren't treated fairly a lot either. Makes me understand a little better how the Vietnam vets felt at the airport getting 'home'. Although that must have been 100 times worse.

 

Mark
before I was 'in' this industry and was just another 4 wheeler like the majority of people....I never noticed ''big trucks'' except when they were a PITA driving on the road going slow or blocking my view or throwing rain or snow up in my windshield. I never realized until I was ''in'' this industry that EVERYTHING we use in our life is dependendent on the truck and driver getting the load safely from point A to B!!! (even dogfood and toliet paper LOL!) Once I started to learn about the transporation industry and trucks I had a shock and soon understood how the 'average' person views this whole industry. It's really sad that you, as a driver, are the life blood of the entire american commerce industry, are looked upon that way. I am glad that I finally had my eyes open to what you all do every day, to make my life better and for that I thank you all!


Stay safe and keep using those maps!!!! Sometimes the ''old'' way is the best way!

 

There was some kind on solar storm on the sun and they were saying how it may affect electronic devices. I am not sure how long it will last but, hopefully it will end by the weekend. I really enjoy the post. Be safe everyone.

 

Truckers... Another example of the quiet, under appreciated, unsung heros of America.
Without which, there would be no America as we know it today.
Be proud of what you do, look out for one another and never let the thankless wear you down.
Truckers DO make a difference.

 

Hey buddy , where are you at? Safe and sound I hope.

 

Hey Markus,

Thanks once again for sharing your story and keeping this thread going. I was going to try OTR last year and ended up backing out at the last minute. I now drive a bus for the city, which I actually enjoy, but I still think about OTR and reading your thread reminds me of all the reasons I should keep driving the bus!

My hats off to you and everything you have dealt with and overcome, it's not easy out there. Best wishes and good luck to you.