Everyones views on foreign drivers

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by V8Wookiee, Feb 4, 2016.

  1. V8Wookiee

    V8Wookiee Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2016
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    I am an Aussie who is keen to do truck driving in the USA, but I see some posts on this site and others on the internet where U.S truckers dont appear to be too happy about foreign people working in the industry.
    Not saying this is the norm, but I have seen some posts were people don't seem too happy about foreigners etc.

    I am just wondering if I were to obtain a job amongst you guys would I be ostracized or shunned by the trucking community?

    I expect there would be a certain amount of resistance from a certain percentage of the drivers out there, but just wondering what the overall perception is of foreign drivers?
     
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  3. kw550cat

    kw550cat Medium Load Member

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    Only idiots do. There are plenty of Anerican drivers who are terrible. The only reason people mention foreigners because some of them have no buisness sense and lack common sense.
    (Polish immigrant who started out as an o/o and have done pretty well.)
    Don't let others knock you down and ruin your hopes because of who you are.
    Just laugh at them on the way to the bank.
     
  4. CasanovaCruiser

    CasanovaCruiser Road Train Member

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    I think you'll find most of us don't have any problems with foreigners.

    It's more of a frustration with drivers who can't speak English properly, have no courtesy, and don't drive how we were raised to. Such as holding the left lane at 60, parking in fuel islands, etc...

    That being said the majority of immigrants I've met driving have been a pleasure to meet and even learn some things from. It's the one or two bad apples that makes some people generalize things into a whole category of "foreigners".
     
  5. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    I'll trade places with you....

    What's the paperwork for a us citizen to live/work down under.
     
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  6. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    If you don't wear Adidas pants and flip flops, nobody will even know you are a foreigner.
     
  7. V8Wookiee

    V8Wookiee Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2016
    Western Australia
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    To be honest mate I have no idea.
    Our roads aren't anywhere near as good as yours. Very few 4 lane highways between major cities and none between smaller cities/towns.
    Where I live there it's a 454km (282 mile) run to the nearest major city and there are three roadhouses (truck stops) in that stretch and they couldn't hold a candle to your truck stops as far as amenities and food etc go.
    The Aussie dollar stinks compared to the USD and housing and food are very expensive as well.

    Not trying to discourage you if you want the adventure, but if you are wanting to make money it's not a good time at present.

    There is a user on the forums called aussiejosh who would be a better person to message and ask. Pretty sure he has driven stateside as well as here.

    Watching the 4, 5 and 6 trailer roadtrains moving at 100km/h (60mph) down the road is something you will never forget tho :)

    Best bet would be to do some research on google about visa's and truck driving in Australia. That would be more helpful than me :)
     
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  8. V8Wookiee

    V8Wookiee Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2016
    Western Australia
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    I don't own Adidas pants, but I am an Aussie so flip flops are part of my DNA lol
    I guess I will buy some other form of footwear hahaha
     
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  9. V8Wookiee

    V8Wookiee Bobtail Member

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    Feb 4, 2016
    Western Australia
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    Would I be able to gain training and work over there with minimal trucking experience?
    I have run small trucks, but nothing articulated (on public roads anyway) for a while.

    I am guessing I would need a few years of experience here before I would be eligible to be trained and operate trucks in the U.S?
     
  10. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Now is not a good time here either...

    Freight volume is down and rates are even further down. And for a 1 truck show the Heath insurance is a mess.....

    Always dreamed of moving some place exotic .... How would a us driver be received down under?

    I feel that you would be received well here... Assies and nz would probably be looked up to...

    Some others not so much.
     
    kiwi23 Thanks this.
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