questions/observations of truckstop from a non-trucker

I always kept a box of big wet-wipes as a shower substitute for when I either didn't have the time, money, or whatever to take a proper shower (including nasty ts facilities). When you're merely 'not fresh' after having driven a while, it's a fine stop-gap measure, and I could also brush my teeth, shave, and apply deoderant in the truck, even though I've rarely been graced with a condo sleeper.

When I got *really* grimy, though... I'd take the time, as I didn't want the truck to start looking and smelling like me. Yeah. You know the ones, with the seat bottom all shiny and dark with body-grime, along with the steering wheel and arm rest. Many times I'd be assigned a truck like that, and spent hours trying to get it passably clean before living in it for a few months. And then there were the rolling ash-trays. Whew!

Gawd, I hated slip-seating.

 

I just don`t get it. Its a truck stop. Not a five star hotel. This is where big rigs fuel and park. Its like going to a construction site and asking why everybody is dirty and sweaty. However this is not an excuse to be filthy. I love my job but hate the image that the public has of us. I always stay clean and well groomed. I do it for my own sake.

 

His (joe1)reasons are some of the many of why truckers have a bad image. We have had people come in that looked and smelled horrible. We send them away. They do not work for us but we will not let them around our customers. The people that deliver our products are the last contact for our business. I know it is criticismand it stings a little. The more we improve the more respect we get.

 

I do the similar thing. I bought three 2 liter bottles at Walmart and usually keep them filled at TS's, terminals or rest stops.They have the pop up lids like drink bottles, providing an adequate stream to wash my hair. I use an electric shaver and baby wipes for the rest and am able to stay pretty clean and presentable between showers. When I trained, I went a few days without shaving, showering and I couldn't stand it!

Not mentioning any co names, but when I was at one of my prev co terminals in Laredo, TX, I could smell some of the drivers before I saw them, this in the terminal with the best showers the co had...

 

I am amused at some of the defensive answers. The poster has a valid point. Bottom is he talking about the scum bag that flat smells like " ###". That person can't take the stand he just put in a hard day. To develope that secial odor takes more then one day. Bottom line,, there is no excuse, other then some don't have their mommy to tell em to wash their nasty aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

There have been times yes I'm tired and dirty. But a shower only takes what 30 mins.??

My wife travels with me also. We carry wet wipes and water, plus soap.
I haul equipment for a living and yes I sweat to much and get dirty.
Well guess what?

I carry hand cleaner and paper towels to get most of it off untill we get to the trkstp. or hotel..

Yes there are times we were so dirty for a job and no trkstp that I've gotten a hotel so we can have a shower.

You have no time you say?
Well stop sitting in the buffett and take a shower...

That's why most of the times we just stay away from the trkstps..
To many dirty and lazy drivers..

 

We use baby wipes for in-between showers. There are times though after sweeping out a trailer in 100 degree weather, gone in to get a coke, smelling rather ripe.

There are times when drivers have plenty of time to get showers, they have chosen not to take them for several reasons.

But I have several questions going back to the general public.
When we are in the bathrooms brushing our teeth, shaving why do you then stare at us and make fun of us after you leave the bathroom?

Why is it that the general public think that truck drivers are their ATM?

Have you even seen what some of these showers look like?

 

Same as in the girls room,these prissy ### women come in and look at you like your no good or how gross...One day i was so fed up i asked the woman staring at me what are you looking at?Do you not brush your teeth or brush your hair?She got all bent out of shape and left...

 

I also do the baby wipe thing. After hearing about a new diease that happens to be prevalent in public showers, im leary to shower in them anymore. They say if you spray the shower with bleach and water it kills it. Guess i will have to get some bleach, or just keep using baby wipes.

 

Sometimes I feel the general public views truck drivers as no more than objects that get in their busy way. I'm glad I don't live for the validation from the public.