After only a couple of weeks on the road, I have made some very interesting observations. It seems there are 3 things you do on this job. You drive, you wait and you sleep. It is an endless cycle on an ever changing schedule. I am speaking of course for the coast to coast over the road truckers.
I started out on the adventure full of hope and optimism. The freedom of being a truck driver No boss hanging over your shoulder See the USA and travel Yes, the excitement of being a professional driver. Respected by all, and rewarded for your dedication that keeps America going.
Freedom? I am told, where to go, when to be there, where I can stop for fuel. Stopping for fuel also allows me the freedom to eat at that particular truck stop, and maybe get a shower, if the line isnt too long. Hmmm that is much better than the freedom I had at my old job.
Yes, I get to see the USA, and travel where most people only with they could. What a dream job. I have seen a lot of it, going by at 60 mph and looking out the window. Its hard to see sometimes, because you wind up driving it at night. The receivers want you there early in the day, and the shippers dont want you until the end of day. The accommodations are wonderful for you travel adventure. I am sharing space, with a man I have never met before, in an area smaller than a prison cell.
Being a professional. I have been in the workforce for the last 35 years, including active duty military. I dont think I have ever seen an occupation that is offered so little respect. Nobody wants you there, because that means they have to go to work. Its your fault they had to pay so much to get their freight moved. And wheres the respect for each other. The brotherhood of this trucking industry. I am a student. I am trying to learn so I can drive with you guys in a safe and professional manner. I am a little slower at entering the truck stop. Maybe have to pull up a few times to make a correction. A few have offered me sincere advice, and told me not to worry about it take your time it will come to you let me help .etc. The vast majority want to get on the cb to tell me what a stupid idiot I must be, and I shouldnt be allowed on their road. Perhaps, if we show each other more respect and courtesy, the other industries might, as well.
Wow I got way off my original thought for this post .I will get back to it later. And please I am not looking for sympathy, I dont need you telling me youre not like that I am merely posting some random thoughts as I second guess my decision to do this. (I feel like I have to put a legal disclosure here or something)
The road is a harsh mistress
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by larry_underwood, Mar 29, 2008.
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Larry, one thing that'll give you a bit of a laugh. All those guy's who put you down calling you an idiot and such. Just call them a former rookie. Yup everybody driving a truck had to start somewhere I bet those jack ###' weren't any better.
"I think anyone who wants to be OTR trucker needs to do one thing before they get into it. Ride with a driver for 2-3 weeks to see what it's like. Despite all the hardships I saw when I rode with my Dad I still want to do this."
I'm with snorelord on this one because I'm in the same boat. Been there, done that, got a truck load of T-shirt's. I'm serious, a truck load of T-shirt's.
Thing is even though I've seen some of the worst thing's a man can possible see which I won't mention because it's entirly to graphic and horrid but also been through some crap with shipper's and receiver's as well as putting up with BS dispatchers who don't care about doing their job and there only for a paycheck.
Dispite all the headach and BSI've been through, I still want to do it. -
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hey larry i don't know if u remember us but my wife was in your class and is doing the training to but the difference with her is that i am training her she was the blonde she will be testing on monday the 7th we were hoping to see u here but we totally understand where u are coming from she would have gave it up to if it weren't for my training her it's a harsh world out there and she has seen it first hand but for some reason she loves it and all the negativity just gets her laughing she says it's because she knows they have all been in her shoes once they just don't remember anymore lol.... anyway she has been called everything but a woman out here while backing up or pulling in somewhere but she isn't alone out here because i'm here with her so i'm sure that's the differnce it's hard out here sometimes but believe it or not it does get easier as time goes by we hope u keep posting on here and maybe someday when the time is right u and your spouse can be together out here that makes it all worth while we love it and she says she wouldn't give it up for the world she has come along way and put up with alot of crap but it's in her blood now lol good luck in whatever u decide to do in the future and don't feel alone we all know where u are coming from with no respect, long days, long nights, never ending but you either like it or u don't and it's that cut and dry
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