Proper attire

I look homeless, holy, and handsome as hell most days. Finger in my nose when passing dot so they double think touching my license. Gun in the waistband, katana on the back. Just an everyday Mexican looking Asian. Clothing is a bad assessment of character. My sandals may bring judgment, but my feet have put in 99% more work welding than most drivers who buy boots trying to avoid being called a wheel holder

 

You only get one first impression.

 

I always shave my legs before go to the shipping/receiving office.

 

You ever had an arm so seriously busted that you physically couldn't button your own pants, you'll hate sweatpants then too. I've never owned a pair of flip flops, how do you even walk in those? You think expecting just a clean Tshirt and jeans is bad, I know people who just work on the farm and wear nicer shirts doing that than I wear to church.
Honestly, if you want to walk around in public looking like you just crawled out of bed that's entirely up to you. When you want to know why driving doesn't pay like it should and the general public treats you like slime you're not going to like answer.

 

how about instead of competing and comparing you just wear safe clothing for the job. i dunno about everyone else but i would like to keep my toes

 

If I wear regular pants or jeans while driving they always ride up on me. And since I keep my driver's side door closed for 10.25 hours a day at least, there just doesn't seem like much reason to be uncomfortable by dressing up for people on the highway. When I get to a customer, I usually size up the environment. If PPE is required, then I put on some jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. I always keep a vest, boots, and a hardhat with me. If I see everyone and their momma going in looking every which kind of way or not going in at all- I plop down in whatever I'm wearing, get the info and I'm back in the truck.

At customers, sometimes I get out to exercise or just get back in the truck to catch some shut-eye, so unless it makes sense for some reason, I'm going to dress for the job which is driving, not strutting around like a peacock.

 

I created my own uniform after I stopped workingvat companies that required uniforms. Having a uniform has benefits for OTR, such as not making it obvious if you have to wear your clothes for more than a day, not wastingbtime deciding which clothes to wear, etc. The uniform I made up has frequently gotten me better treatment by customers and several times customers allowed me inside their building because they thought I may be an unfamiliar manager or some other non-trucker. I routinely hear from other drivers and customers something aling the line "you don't look like a trucker" or "I didn't know you were a trucker".

Philosophically, everyone wears a uniform. This is especially true of the "non-conformist". Their uniform may be long hair, faded concert t-shirt etc. Their uniform may be skinny jeans and an ironic mustache & Pabst Blue Ribbon cap. If they aren't preppy on one day goth on another hip-hop baby gangsta on another day but consistently in a similiar style every day they are in their uniform. Pajamas, flip-flops and filthy socks is a uniform for a certain type of undesirable. It's not a coincidence those types also have all of the modern terrible habits that were unknown or rare in the industry just 5 years ago. You are either "squared away" or you aren't it is almost unknown to be sloppy & strict in behavior.

 

Proper attire is subjective but there is no argument when it's weather related.
Upper midwest will be ugly for the next week or so.
Prepare accordingly for below zero highs and negative 50 wind chills...
I'm leaving my flip flops at home.

 

I’m REALLY surprised at some of the responses here. I’m with @kylefitzy and @TripleSix and others in that sector and mindset.

I won’t employ pilot cars if they’re not in correct attire with compliant equipment, nor tolerate unprofessional behavior on the job. I expect the same critical view from them.

Why not strive for a higher standard?

I’m representing many, from the time I step into the cab, till I’m back home.

Judging others is a human trait. Whether we’re supposed to or not, I can’t help it. It’s a defense mechanism I guess.

So, when I see pyjamas and flip flops, my first thought isn’t‘professional’.

 

You know you always hear drivers complain about piss jugs and crap bags thrown in parking lots? It’s not that driver with pride in his ride. It’s not the person who cares about his appearance and hygiene. It’s not that driver who brings that A-Game every day.