Anti Idle Advice

I see a lot less trucks idling nowadays then I did when I first started driving. and its rare because that's what people are accustomed too. this nation has become a nation of wimps in many ways. wonder how many people would have the ability to survive if something happened tomorrow and everything electronic stopped working? I never said I like being cold because I don't but I like saving money, fuel. wear and tear ect ect. this is the lifestyle I chose and I enjoy the road.

 

My theory is that the folks that idle likely never spent much time in non-AC conditions in their life. With all the scare stories bouncing around the media perhaps we've now got a generation that's been sold the idea that they'll die without it, that life sucks without it, etc. etc. Think any electric companies or AC companies might be behind marketing dollars on those stories? Possibly...

I don't know, it just seems that folks aren't getting out in the great outdoors these days for extended periods of time and therefore have built up these irrational fears. When I was a guide I can't tell you how many times the number one issue for many of my clients was the fear of "sleeping outside". They were sure to get eaten by bears, bit by snakes, die of cold, die of heat,.... you name it, they feared it. Sleeping that first night outdoors was really a big accomplishment for many of them, like they'd just gone through a right of passage. Kind of like in that movie City Slickers.

Folks... the big bad outdoors ain't really that bad.

Oh yeah, that comment above about looking forward to hearing about me getting sick because of the cold. Wow, that's another scare story. If you know how to take care of yourself in the cold it isn't that big a deal. I once spent two months sleeping on a glacier (nothing like going to sleep with the pops, groans, and whistles of the ice crushing rock 300 feet below your head). Best two months of my life. Now I might be a little "longer in the tooth" today, but I really don't think that being a little cold is going to get me sick. Eating crappy food and not getting enough sleep, that'll put way more stress on your body than getting all nice and toasty warm in a sleeping bag.

 

So let me see if I have this straight. Some here feel carriers can not only cut or keep pay rates flat, they can also impose more contractual obligations of new drivers to work as indentured servants, and they should also be allowed to force drivers into unhealthy work environments in addition to all the other crap they heap on them and expect them to do for free? Do I have that about right?

And then we wonder why drivers are stuck in this poor pay/lifestyle job and carriers give them no/little respect. Why should they when a few drivers beg to be dis-respected and abused on the job and publicly and "officially" declare this stance to all the bosses who read these forums? (and they do pr have reps do it for them) They (upper management) will respond to the lowest common denominator in an environment where CDL mills are cranking desperate drivers out like pop corn.

 

Plain and simple, if you dont like company policy, move to a different company.
If you need to break the law, then it's time for a career change..

This new me me me mentally has really ruined our industry.

 

it's not a matter of what climate you came from it's a matter of age.

18 and in boot camp in 120 degrees is no big deal for you. as you get older. the heat is harder to take. and if your career involves being the heat. and your not a kid anymore.

that's all i''m gonna say.

you want me to take a load to phoenix. fine. but if it's tarped. you can kiss my A. and if you want me to pick up a tarped load. you can double kiss my A.

let me rephrase that.

a tarped load down AND pick up a tarped load. on the same day. you can OCTUPLE kiss my A.

granted, lots of water will help in the heat. but 10 gallons of water will kill you. you'll drown to death.

few years back. 2 radio dj's in new york held a contest. how long can you hold you pee for a wii. a lady won. and 2 hours later died. from drinking so much water she drowned to death.

 

I do seem to recall quite a few octegenarians at that day spa sleeping all day long in 120 degree rooms or baking next to huge brick kilns they rolled out on tracks fresh and hot from the furnace. Old bodies do very well in the heat. Helps loosen old bones.

But maybe that's old bodies that aren't fat or bloated up from all those 64 oz sippy cups... just seems like we indeed have raised a generation of wimps.

 

Yes, and when they left there they went home and did nothing and slept in a comfortable environment, furthermore they were in a job where their rested state was not questioned or an issue when they reported for work the next day. What is your point?

 

and what about all the old people., don't don't sip 64 oz sippies. aren't overweight. and die from the heat.

were they wimps too. or just too old to handle the heat.

how many sippies do i drink? cuz i'm right there in my avatar.

 

You can't argue with a person who likes abuse and/or is a clinical masochist.