Trucker's opinions on hitchhikers, or people needing rides.

Well, he had to pay the fine, the judge saw no exception. The weather was fine etc.

 

You're working on a book about truck life? Have you considered actually going OTR for a month? Even just riding with another driver for a month or so? I see there's no answer whether or not you're an actual driver, but I feel the only person who should be writing a book on it is someone that's actually experienced it--not read about it.

And, no, I won't pick up hitchhikers. It's not my truck to do whatever I want with. Now, if it was mid-winter in Wisconsin and they shut down the highway with all the cars stopped right where they were and someone ran out of gas, I'd be sure they didn't freeze to death. Perhaps not in my truck, but I could get on the CB and find someone who doesn't have to worry about company policy so they could keep warm.

 

Hitchers, no. It's a choice they made to be there. My choice is to let them enjoy their choice.

Emergency (breakdown, whatever) is another thing entirely. If I'm loaded, I'll probably not stop, but will get on the horn to get some assistance out that way. If I'm carrying Dispatcher Brains... maybe. Will depend on my mood and the feel of things.

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My apologies to dispatchers everywhere. But be it known to all, I got that term FROM a dispatcher.

 

I've picked up one hitcher in 30 years. NEVER again.

I picked this one up in Colorado in route to MS. Ask where they were going. The response was OKC to meet Jesus. They got out at the next off ramp.

I will picked up a stranded truck driver though...just not hitchhikers

 

Here's your other post:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...oad/42444-the-freelander-s-tale-and-song.html

 

I'm not the OP, but I am the "Trucker Researcher" that has been hanging out on here for a while now.

I think it's difficult to get permission from a large (or small) company to get a ride-a-long. Doesn't it have to do with DOT laws and insurance regulations? I haven't asked anyone for a ride-a-long, but I imagine that it's not easy to find someone who is willing to let you.

 

Hitchhikers, nope never will....... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091209/

This guy, hmmmmm........maybe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aO3TO5L0bM


Breakdowns you betcha.

 

Socy Grad -

Every carrier I've talked to has provisions for ride-alongs. Sometimes the trucker has to pay for extra insurance, sometimes not. Sometimes it has to be a relative. And it almost always has a lower age limit (usually around 10 to 13 yoa).

Given that I have a family, and (believe it or not) friends, a ride-along policy is important to me. So, I've not talked to all carriers - not by a long shot.

 

You are correct, but all require the paperwork to be in the truck. There have been truck accidents even though minor, and no paperwork supporting the passenger. Tickets are issued for unauthorized passengers in a commercial motor vehicle. It does happen.

 

Oh, I have no doubt about that at all - not even trying to suggest otherwise. Just pointing out that most companies do permit ride-alongs. Details are left up to the student to ascertain.