Truckers....not what I was expecting.

It is a shame. Drivers, truckers, whatever you want to be called; are one of a kind breed. they go by different rules then the four wheelers, who by the way are inconsiderate, rude, selfish and dangerous out there. A trucker should always be willing to offer help or be courteous, friendly to another driver. You yourself might be there some day some time. i am new to this world and seem to have more respect for some of you than others that have been apart of you for years!!!!1

 

How can you respect "drivers" who run the middle lane all day, throw piss bottles and trash along the roads, would skip you in line for fuel, park you in even if there are empty spots that they cant back into, park/sleep in fuel islands, don't bathe for days and the list goes on....where i come from respect is earned not given.

 

After all the "skidmark" stories, how about a nice one?

When I 1st started, I had to deliver to a busy Costco DC. Sure enough, my dock was between 2 very pretty chromed out rigs. Since it was my 1st week, I was nervous as heck backing in between them. Both drivers saw I had a poor set up, and came out to help. After getting me docked, we stood around swapping stories and drinking coffee. Outside of a little "baby brother type" teasing, they treated me very well, despite the fact I was in a Swift truck. Of couse they were protecting their rigs, but they did so in a kind and friendly fashion.

I think the brotherhood is still there, it's just kinda hard to find most of the time.

 

Exactly, back in the 70's, deregulation in early 80's(was it 1982?) canceled the consistent money,job security and any sense of I know you,you know me and we both understand it's up to us to survive out here mentality.

 

As I see it what some would call helping out does not exactly workout in modern trucking. Take for instance a flat tire on the side of the road- you are not allowed to stop and assist even if you felt like it.A tight backing situation? Again for every two-three grateful truckers there will be one who will make you regret that you offered to help,some folks actually just prefer GOAL as many times as it takes on their own and rightfully so.
I strongly believe that if I do everything correctly I will never have to ask anything from anybody and if I do, consequentially, I just did something wrong. Flatbed is likely a different story because the skill of securing a load comes with experience,with dry van the only thing that comes to mind is sliding tandems . Still with the right tools and a little common sense it can usually be done on your own.
A couple of months ago someone asked me to look up smth on GPS, I gladfully did, not everybody has to have one and I had time and desire to assist. Then the guy asks to use my cell- I had to refuse because it was clear he came to OTR trucking unprepared and for me a cell phone is a personal and important tool like for most others.
What about assisting fourwheelers or truckers that ran off the road in winter? Do you stop and help? I have to admit I never did. I would never get to my destination ,sometimes you drive and it is like a war zone,I might as well go to National Guard to do that. Besides if there was a clear shoulder to pull over you can be easily rearended. I did call 911 a few times and stopped once to make sure the guy is ok after a serious collision I witnessed.

 

Cant say how many times I pulled over to help someone out. What I can tell you is I learned a lot more from those drivers having a bad day and telling me what needs to be done at the time.

 

Regretfully, manners are disappearing from American culture. I am actually grateful I had them beat into me as a child. The rudest, most angry and bitter person you might have chance to cross paths with can be softened by simple courtesy and kindness.

If not, I have no problem wishing them into the cornfield. They don't pay my bills, nor will they be guests at my dinner table.

In my driving life I've always lent a hand when needed. Consequently, whenever I need help it's always there.

 

i see that some people on electronic logs couldn't stop because that darn computer in their truck...

 

we're nasty becuase most of you all are rookies. and you all gotta do the initiation first before being treated with respect.

that takes 10 years.

and on the other side. most of the truckers are rookies with less then 5 years. and just don't give a crap what they do.

the trucker of today isn't the same as the trucker of yesterday. when rookies virtually didn't exist. and the attitude was more positive with the lifestyle.