Hanging out at truck stops for a better insight. Good idea?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by elusive1, Jan 19, 2010.

  1. elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
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    Oh ####. See, that's the thing though... I've thought about how dangerous it might be.. especially when I hear about vandalism and theft.. people trying to steal goods from inside the trailers.

    But, again, that's everywhere. Someone could bust into my apartment right now and rob me.. even though I feel totally safe.
     
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  3. cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

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    If you are street smart you will be ok....
    If your trainer is any good he / she will train you to be safe and how to keep your freight safe....
    If any one wants your freight ....let them have it.... nothing is worth your life !
    I have been doing this since 1993 and knock on wood nothing bad as of yet !
    But then again I have never allowed my self to be put in harms way....
    BTW i used to drive for Dollar General and they have the trailers just plastered for advertisement....
     
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  4. elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

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    Los Angeles, California
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    Hmm.. yeah.. good to know. I'm sure I'd do my best to keep safe.
     
  5. cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

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    Like i said research and invest time into it do not go with the first one that will sign you on......
    Make an educated decision....
    You will just be fine !
     
  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Elusive 1, yes, go and hang out at truckstops. Don't bother drivers on the fuel island. Either talk to them in the restaurant or the lounge area. Or, at their truck. A driver kicking around his truck will usually have time to talk to you. Just explain yourself right up front. I say that because truckers get hit up constantly by low lifes wanting to polish your rims and sell you fake rolexs and hookers and hitchikers especially.
     
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  7. elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
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    Ok, I might give that a shot. Thanks for the advice!
     
  8. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Troutman NC
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    I've gone to truckstops myself mostly to panhandle from the supertruckers...the rest of those guys ain't got no money!:biggrin_2559: Just kidding, but I have done it, not panhandle - gone to truckstops. What I've done 5 or 6 times was I just got myself a cup of coffee and then went and sat in the truckers' lounge (TV room). I didn't have to say a word to anyone. I just sat there and listened to their conversations. I also found a spot near the fuel islands and just sat there and observed. Sometimes being a fly on the wall works real good. I didn't have to bother a soul but I still learned a little bit.
     
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  9. chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

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    Flavor Country, NC
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    like I said - go to the truck stop - look at the kind of people who drive trucks. if that is NOT who you want to be, forget it. if, on the other hand, you can hang out there for more than a few minutes, and manage to keep your lunch down, then you might be trucker material.
     
  10. cactusjack

    cactusjack Medium Load Member

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    I don't know where you have been stopping at but that is messed up.....
    May be you had a bad experience a time or two but for the most part truck drivers care about themselves and portray an positive out look .:biggrin_25513:
     
  11. elusive1

    elusive1 Light Load Member

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    Sep 24, 2008
    Los Angeles, California
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    Thanks again for all the responses guys. I'm going to take a trip to the local stops sometime soon. I'm sure I'll get something out of it...don't know what, but it'll be better than to sit here and keep speculating.

    I'll keep you guys updated!
     
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