The future

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by 54kenworth, Mar 13, 2010.

  1. snowbunny

    snowbunny Medium Load Member

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    Apr 17, 2008
    Ottawa, ON
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    Well very nice to have you here! And I already see some interesting coverstation starting! Thats Awesome! Have fun!
     
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  3. 54kenworth

    54kenworth Bobtail Member

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    Mar 13, 2010
    Ada, Oklahoma
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    Welcome 54Kenworth! What does it mean, in your opinion, to be a "truck driver"? And what has happened to trucking during your years in the industry?
    My answer may make someone mad, but here goes.... A truck driver is someone who desperately Loves Trucks, and what they do. You can tell them in several ways, 1st) They Always look good. Clothes nice, boots polished, HAIR WASHED! 2nd) Their trucks always look good. Inside and out. They all own stock in Armor all, and you never see a bunch of crap piled up on the dash. 3rd) They want to learn Everything they can about the industry. And be good at it, too.
    They don't think driving fast makes them great, they think driving safe and looking good doing it is enough.
    They don't get out of the truck dressed in sweats from 3 days ago, or shorts and sandals, have not bathed, and run their loud mouths with language we have all used, but not at the fuel counter in front of a woman and her children. In other words, a truck driver is good, knows he/she is good, and doesn't have to prove it, cuz the actions & pride exercised in their everyday abilities shows it.
    AND... They aren't afraid to carry tools and fix it themselves!
    That should get the ball rolling.
     
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  4. PinkPedal

    PinkPedal Light Load Member

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    Feb 25, 2010
    Fairbanks, AK
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    Cool! That should be some standards for many professions!

    Welcome!
     
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  5. bigrigbuckmaster

    bigrigbuckmaster Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
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    Good to See you Here!
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  6. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

    6,645
    11,573
    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    Well stated, sir.

    Take pride in y'all's ride.
    A proficient Big truck truck driver can make a dumpy truck look good.
    Those lacking proficiency are obvious, and would make a show-truck look like krap.
    The driver makes the truck.
    The truck does not make the driver.

    Those in the know can spot the difference in a New York minute.
     
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  7. 54kenworth

    54kenworth Bobtail Member

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    Mar 13, 2010
    Ada, Oklahoma
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    "The driver makes the truck.
    The truck does not make the driver."
    I agree! But you can be in the oldest ugliest truck on the road, YET when it is clean, tires armoralled, windows clean, and You"re dressed nice, you still portray an image of someone who takes pride in what they do.
    I don't drive anymore, but I did it for 20 years, and the last 2 or 3 years made me sad. (say from 2000 to 2004, when I moved into management) You would go into a truck stop, (I liked Flying J) and need to use the restroom... You open the 1st stall, full of unflushed shi shi... Then the same down the row. Do these people live like pigs at home, too? Then, you see some travelers from the general public bring their son in and he is in dire straits, and they SEE the same crap! (no pun intended) I was becoming ashamed, and to be honest, for the most part, now, I am ashamed. Not just for the trucking industry, but for America. This is a profession where anyone can earn 50 to 75 grand a year, and they can't flush the toilets? What are the men doing who work at McDonald's?
    Spooky
     
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  8. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    No doubt about it.
    I couldn't agree with you more.
    Never pre-judge a Big truck truck driver by the Big truck he drives without taking a closer look.
    If nothing else, keep the dad-gummed windows, mirrors, head and tail lights clean.
    Me neither, amigo. But I sure do miss it.
    At this stage in my life, I doubt I'll ever fully shake the lure of the open road. When they say truckin' gets in your blood, they ain't kiddin'.
    The J's were my preference too.
    I know that feelin'
    I'm not sure "anyone" can earn 50 to 75 grand a year. But I'll agree that the opportunity is there for those who can do it. There are those in the truckin' industry who wouldn't be successful anywhere they work. I'm sure you can spot the types.
    IMO, it goes to attitude. And a good attitude can even trump aptitude. A good attitude desires to learn, aptitude follows there after.

    I appreciate the attitude you display here, 54Kenworth.
    Yes I do.
    I'd run convoy with you any day.
    And that's one of my most genuine complements.
    I won't run with just anybody.
    They have to meet or exceed my high standards.

    What I keep uppermost in my feeble mind is
    Y'all never get a second chance to make a first impression.
    Do the right thing
    Even when no one is lookin'.
     
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  9. simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

    Shock, thanks to TRUE drivers like you, and 54kenworth, the rest of us can take pride in what we do.

    Doing all of the things you both have stated, and TRULY FEEL, inside, that we can make this profession, once again, be a PROUD one.

    ***and, yes, I am "just" a drivers' wife...but at one time, I, myself, was a driver.
    At this stage in my life, I travel WITH my husband, who IS a REAL professional driver, of 25 years. The way I conduct myself, in both appearance and manner, reflects upon HIM, as a professional***

    Judi Kay
     
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  10. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    And might I add,
    you two look "just" marvelous.
    :smt045

    Do you want to take the lead,
    Or ride in the rockin' chair?
    This convoy is lookin' ever so fine.

    Those who can't run with the Big dawgs ---
    Better stay on the back porch.
    10-4?


    BooP!
    BooP!


    Blink
    Blink
    Flash
    Flash


    :cya:

    HeY!
    Who stepped on my rubber ducky?
    :laughing-guffaw:
     
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