For all the Veteran Truckers out there...

Go to a truck stop and post on the bulletin board for a seasoned driver of 25+ years to get in contact with you about this project. State that you would like to interview him, and if possible, do a ride along on a short trip.

Maybe someone on this site would be willing to do this.

Just be sure to do the initial interview by phone first, as there are some loonies out here.

 

Well, let me first preface this by saying I'm not an American trucker but an Australian one. The difference in nationalities however, is the only difference in the two industries.

Yes, it's lonely out on the road alone.

The reason we do it?

Plenty!

1. So we don't have bosses looking over our shoulder every minute of everyday.

2. We love driving.

3. Generations of truckers in the family tree.



What keeps us in the industry?

We love what we do, we're #### good at it and we're also #### proud to know that the cereal, toilet paper etc on the shelves in the supermarkets is there because one of our brother or sister gearjammers trucked on through the night to bring the community what it needed.


How has the industry changed?

Personally speaking, I can say that wages have at best have stagnated, but in the main have not kept up with the cost of living.

Fuel costs have skyrocketed.

Freight rates have been cut to the level where it's hard to understand how some trucking companies keep afloat.

The equipment has changed.

You actually sit IN the seat now instead of on something akin to a park bench with padding.

Tractors have auto shifts, A/c, heaters that actually work, GPS, Cell Phones, Microwave ovens, mini televisions. Some are in fact a mini mobile hotel room.



This is what I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure others have their own answers to your questions and like you will be interested to read them.


Good luck with the movie!


Rod:smile_1:

 

You forgot another important difference between the two groups. Most of us on the American side of the pond can't remember all the words to Waltzing Matilda......

(I can but I have some Rolf Harris CD's here at the house.!!!)

 

That's okay Burky. Just don't ask me to interpret the words and tell you what the song is all about!


Rod

 

I may consider talking with you if you want. One thing to consider is I live in North Carolina. I don't know if that would be a problem or not, since you are in Ca.

 

I'v been driving 11 years and riding with my father fr many years before that.
I remember when you used to walk into a truck stop and there was signs saying "profesional drivers only" you don't see that anymore. We are viewed as steering wheel holders these days. Back when I started I was told where to load and unload and everything in between was up to me. These days companies schedual you entire trip including route, breaks, fuel locations etc. Not to mention tracking your every movement by satalite.
In my opinion much of the freedom that enticed many of us to the road is gone. Pay went up pretty good in the late 90's but has since stagated and is nowhere near keeping up with inflation. Personally I know that although I have a very good paying job I still havn't had a raise in over 3 years. You have to work more to make more instead but unfortunatly we are at the point where we can't work any more.
My biggest issue with driving truck these days is th eimage people have of us. People hear you are a truck driver and instantly think yu are stupid, lazy and a dirtbag. This bothers me greatly to the point that I sometimes don't tell people what I do.

 

Don't just limit this documentary to the men in trucking, if you do I think the film would be sorely lacking an important part, the women in trucking.