How do most veterans view rookies

I agree 100% with that statement.

 

I am fine with wide-eyed rookies, especially the ones with antiquated, romantic visions of OTR grandeur. When they need help, I am quick to offer if asked.

In truth, I am no better than anyone and wish them luck and safe travels.

 

I agree 100%. I've been out here 27yrs. I'm still learning. You have to humble yourself. Nobody knows everything

 

When I first started the only grief I got from old timers was 'why would you want to drive a truck' .

I kept my ears open and my mouth shut and soaked up everything I could and filtered out the junk.

Been at it more than a decade and I still consider myself a rookie. You learn something new every day.

 

There are a lot of problems in the trucking industry. We ARE the economy of this country. However most of us are disrespected by both the Government and our employers. Were treated like dirt by shippers and receivers. Held hostage by them in most cases just because they can. We have to drive junk and pull trailers that are junk. Now are there exceptions to what I just wrote, yes there are but that's the point, their exceptions. Its irritating when you know full well that you can't take a stand because a carrier will just fire you and take their pick of ten new trainees ready to get in your tractor and drive for peanuts. Do I blame the greenhorns, yes I do. However I know most of them are just trying to make a living. Because of this I have spent lots of time helping them with things like backing, doing paperwork and fixing small problems with their equipment. But it bothers me that so many of them don't last. I consider myself a veteran driver I have logged over two Million miles total over the road. The above sums up how I feel.

 

Yep, I never act like a know-it-all. Try to learn everyday or at least a reminder. Heck, the rookies remind me of enthusiasm and that is ok too.

 

You see there's some old timers that treat the job as it should be. It's my job to show the new drivers any of my pass experiences that can help. Also I consider it my job of showing or where to look for any law and regulation that we have. All else is story telling fun sometimes but not my job. I'm very strict on passing on the correct and legal way to do things. Sure I'll show you where and how to take short cuts but I'll also tell you that they are just that and not in accordance with. I'll do this until the cows come home unless the new driver lets me know that he or she knows more. I will never treat a new driver like he or she doesn't know a thing because they just went to school. Or I should say I haven't yet. I will give a new driver a even chance until I'm proved otherwise. None of this I know it all from anyone. I've been at for years and still learning. Anyone tells you they know it all then that's an indicator right there they know squat.

 

The most important thing I've learned over the years is. You can't let anyone intimate you. They're to many jobs out here. Stand up for yourself.

 

exrayman....please change your AVI~!

 

That's not surprising when you consider that so many of them - well, I won't say lied to - but weren't given the full story before they were put behind the wheel and shoved out here on their own. I think that's why a lot of them don't last 50,000 miles (let alone 2 million). Sometimes all they really need is for someone to give them the straight dope about what they've just gotten themselves into and point them in the right direction. That's what I try to do. But it's still on them to take that advice and apply it.