It was maybe 2005, and I was maybe just over a year in the industry. I got out of my pumpkin truck next to this old timer who was pulling boats in a specialized trailer. I thought that was kind of cool, so I struck up a conversation.
We stood there a good long while, and he finally asked me if I had enough spare time to get a meal. I said sure.
Over lunch, he gave me the GAME: what Schneider was for me, what I needed to be looking for in my next company, specializing the type of trucking you did...this guy was WISE. It's not an exaggeration to say that I modeled my entire career after this guy's advice. I think about him often.
He picked up the check at the end of the meal, and said I should do the same for a rookie down the road once I'd found my way. Just a beautiful guy. I've done that for probably a dozen guys since then.
But where it goes awry, I went to the bathroom while he was paying the check, and when I came out, I didn't see him, and out the window I saw the tail end of a blue specialty trailer leaving the parking lot. I hightailed to my truck not paying attention to anything but catching up because I wanted to continue talking to him on the CB.
When I caught up to the truck a little while later (I had a retired team truck that did 67), I realized it actually wasn't him. I had seen the tail end of a blue car hauler. I didn't even look to see if the guy's truck was next to mine when I got in my own truck because...well, 24 and ####ing stupid.
I ditched him back at the truck stop. Oh my God.
I still wonder if that old man thinks that I am an ungrateful jerk, because I literally could not be more thankful to this day. What that man told me is the gold standard I have lived by for the entire rest of my career.
It's funny. I've sat here typing this out, and I just realized that this is the very first time I have ever talked about this, because it bothers me so much. For 15 years.
Well if you're out there...thanks man. I'm sorry about the misunderstanding, but I've tried to do you proud. And I've done my best to pass it on.
A misunderstanding that still haunts me.
Discussion in 'Road Stories' started by LtlAnonymous, Apr 19, 2020.
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gekko1323, NightWind, Brettj3876 and 20 others Thank this.
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Ahh hell hes a truck driver probably just thought u had somewhere to be . Great story tho man . Is funny how life works like that, where u could remeber things like that
alds, bzinger, LoSt_AgAiN and 7 others Thank this. -
There are times human situations do not end as well as they could have. Thats one reason I liked to be alone. Everything is in or...
hello pretty, going myway? //paraphrasing.G13Tomcat, Rideandrepair, LtlAnonymous and 1 other person Thank this. -
Terrific story. It almost made me cry.... and I don't effin' cry.
NightWind, LoSt_AgAiN, G13Tomcat and 6 others Thank this. -
I had this waif deep in the lombardi. (New Jersey) friday night, storm conditions. Crime all around.
I need a ride out of here.
Hum. Let me think about this.
There is nothing to think about get me out of here can you? PWWEASE?
How the hell did you get here?
(The resulting answer will decide the question....)
Instead of leaving all of you hanging at the end for this story, I had the law come along and collect her. They were good about it. Happens all the time. Treated her right too they did. Normally they want to throw people into walls....LtlAnonymous, Rideandrepair and D.Tibbitt Thank this. -
That’s a great story. I’m sure His main goal was doing what he thought was right, by helping you out. Now you are doing the same, and reaping the rewards, whether anyone appreciates it or not. Doesn’t matter. Only the motives matter. Same reason you treat everyone equally, for your own Character. Not for the praise or glory.Good for you. We need to help each other, it’s really an honor. makes your life experience more worthwhile. My Father trained Drivers, the last 10 yrs He worked, and really enjoyed it for the most part. Helping others gain a decent living. They would send him problem Drivers, some that needed a lot of patience. I met quite a few, heard stories of getting kicked off Trucks, Hollered at etc.by other Trainers. They all complimented my Dad, as a good, Patient Trainer, and what a great Guy he was. Makes Me Proud to this day.
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Rocks, LoSt_AgAiN, Swine hauler and 8 others Thank this.
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Don't worry. I didn't take it personally. I just thought you had somewhere to be and then went on with my life.
LoSt_AgAiN, Rideandrepair, LtlAnonymous and 1 other person Thank this. -
ps: You're a helluva guy, in my book...FWIW. Thank you.
Carry on, gang!
Rollin' wheels in a few~
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quatto and Rideandrepair Thank this.
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