Am I A Real Trucker?

Discussion in 'LTL and Local Delivery Trucking Forum' started by TruckingStraight, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    Fake trucker checking in.

    Don't you guys know that you're only a real trucker if you leave your family behind for 3 weeks at a time to take unpaid 34s at a PFJ?
     
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  3. hammer496

    hammer496 Bobtail Member

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    It's doesn't really matter to me, I started out last year driving straight truck for 4 months before I got my class A at the start of this year. OTR guys will always look down on us local guys from what I've experienced, but I rather be a professional than to be considered real.

    Plus on average is local are hitting docks back 2 back daily, navigating city streets, Dodging pedestrians, making sure we don't miss our exits or that sets us back.

    Each branch has its challenges, and each had something to be respected from every side.
     
  4. TruckingStraight

    TruckingStraight Bobtail Member

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    Solid point and congrats! How did orientation go? I would imagine once you got the hang of driving a straight truck, the transition to tractor and trailer would be less rough
     
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  5. hammer496

    hammer496 Bobtail Member

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    Thank ya
    Bobtailing was the easy part, cause it felt almost exactly like driving a straight truck, but when we had the trailer attached it was a whole different ball game. Having to worry about making sure you don't curb the trailer was a whole new experience for me, and don't even get me started on backing. The 90 nearly did me in on test day. And hualing 40klbs is a much different feeling compared to a fully loaded straight, at least for me. I had to break some habits that I acquired while I was driving straight truck, but it's been pretty much smooth sailing. I just got one more week before they put me on my own.

    Once that happens we'll be getting into the real gritty stuff.
     
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  6. TruckingStraight

    TruckingStraight Bobtail Member

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    Hell yeah man. Just remember to keep it slow, keep the shiny side up and dirty side down
     
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  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Since I drive a single screw day cab pulling a 48 foot liftgate trailer that I have to unload myself like you do I suppose I’m a fake trucker too, despite the red oval on the hood and CB in the bulkhead. Don’t forget to take your 34’s at the fuel island.

    Of course all the “real” truckers are welcome to come try it. We’re hiring and pay handsomely.

    Oh wait.... That’s too much like work. :rolleyes:
     
  8. kidz bop

    kidz bop Medium Load Member

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    I think asking a question like "am i a real trucker". Is a question in my opinion that doesnt matter much. And if asked can mislead. Putting class b in same catagory as guys doing ltl class a, otr class a, or local class a.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
    Mike2633 Thanks this.
  9. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    If one has to ask "Am I A Real Truck Driver" or " Am I a Professional Driver"... Then I dare say you have a little ways to go still.
     
  10. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Your a real driver, but your not a truck driver.
     
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  11. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    I was just about to say “sounds a bit too much like work to me”... and then you beat me to the punch.
     
    Bob Dobalina and Mike2633 Thank this.
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