Moment of clarity

I dont do this job for the money. I do it just to do it. Yeah the money thing matters, but if you are good and know what you are doing, the money will follow. I was at my high aschool reunion a couple years back and someone asked what I was doing. I told him I drive truck. He proceeded to laugh and walk away. I recently heard he was laid off from his corporate job and is now getting food stamps. If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing -Nikki Sixx

 

I am currently in the same boat. I am a Paramedic and after 11 years I have decided that it is time for a change. I realize that I have reached the end of a long road. I have thought about what I want to do now that I have reached this point and for some reason I have been drawn to this. I ask myself wtf am I thinking going out over the road for days at a time, driving this big ### truck down the road going to weird places, being alone for days on end, etc. I tell people I am leaving EMS to go drive tractor trailers and they look down at you. I wonder why? People wouldn't say that if you were to say you are a pilot. We do kinda the same thing as pilots. I just do it on the ground. They haul people and I haul freight. We both haul freight but theirs is just a little different. I think the stigma surrounded with the profession is that we are all wearing wife beaters, snorting a #### ton of cocaine, and of course we all wear the 80's trucker hats. No one considers the logistics we deal with, hours of service, manuvering these things in tight places, etc. I just don't care anymore what other people say. I will be ok and my family will be ok. I knew it was time for a change when I saw the 4 year old beat to a pulp the other night and mom sitting in the corner trying to justify why she thought it was ok to put her cigarettes out on her son. No thanks I have done my time. I'm used to peoples stigmas about what I do for a living, after all I'm just an ambulance driver. AJC

 

road_runner, you are not wrong with the things you are thinking. You are sitting up in that truck for hours on end, so that gives you a whole lot of time to think, and sometimes over thinking can be a problem, which can play tricks with your head.

I think that the early stigma of truck drivers that, if you can reach the pedals, or if you've got a fourth grade education, that you can certianly drive that truck. And, it certianly doesn't help matters any that the so-called bad apples of the bunch, or even the press, when they do those special reports on how dangerous these 80,000 lb missles are going down the road. I think, among a whole host of other reasons is why the truck drivers are being treated like second class citizens, even from some of the companies that half to deal with drivers on a daily basis.

So, next time someone asks you what you do for a living, and you tell them that you drive a truck, and they laugh or joke, ask them, If you can name 1 thing that you own, whether it be food, clothes, cars, anything that in it's existance hasn't seen the inside of a trailer, on a flatbed, or what ever the case may be, just watch their reaction. Then, I think you will be the one laughing!!

Ok, rant over!!






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Stay Safe Out There.

 

Well said sir!

 

Believe me Roadrunner you are not alone! Not that I am trying to take away your "special" feeling. I can at least speak for myself in that I have often had the same thoughts as yourself. Especially now at the ripe age of 37 I feel as if my days are numbered and am hoping I didn't make a bad decision in life as to which direction to go. Besides driving, I do have a thriving horse training business in which was the reason my wife and I drove together in the first place. I still sometimes feel as if I need to do something for myself though. Almost everyday as I sit behind the wheel I think of how long I can actually do this for and what else is out there that I could get into. On the other hand, after a few days back home I am itching to get back out there because I feel as if you guys are passing me by and carrying on without me out there.

When I think of all the different things I could do or could have done and still can't help but to remind myself how free my life has been due to my driving career. I do as I wish, work when I want, take off when I want etc... While everyone else works their 9-5 and are all members of the rat race I am out there making my own schedule, toodling around the country. It is a lot more work staying healthy and in shape while partaking in this career and doing everything in my power to make sure I don't have an early heart attack due to this sedimentary lifestyle. I also wonder the toll my vampire schedule takes on body.

Anyway that's my two pennies! Don't think you are alone....

 

Hey TraumaDrew noticed you are my neighbor! Who are you driving for?

 

Holy #### Chompi we are neighbors! I'm looking at driving for Roehl. Just got the DOT physical for them Thursday. Just waiting for a date to head up there. Who do you drive for?

 

I'm driving for DTL. I would highly recommend them however you need three years experience to drive for them. Have you looked into Armellini? You can make some serious money running for them and they have excellent home time. Average trips run 5-7 days out and all loads originate out of Florida with pre-arranged back hauls. During your days off you have the opportunity to run local for extra money. Reason you can make better money with them is because they not only pay by the mile but they pay per stop. They are a floral company and deliver to all the flower shops around the country. Only stipulation is that they are team only. Earning potential would be about $1100-$1300 a week!

If you are interested give them a call.

If not I would recommend Central Refrigerated, Windy Hill, or maybe Knight.


Good luck man, let me know if you have any questions or feel free to "pm" me.

 

I have seen DTL before! Beautiful equipment. I actually just looked them up the other day. I'll look in to the others. Pm me if you need anything too. Andrew

 

I am a "transportation and logistics distribution coordinator and engineer". Sounds better than "truck driver".