Is it okay to ask truckers...

Just walk up to them at truck stops or wherever and make your pitch. Don't be advertising your services too much or the truck stops might kick you out.

 

If you are homeless, & without a job -- you can apply for veteran-eligible housing via info in the following link:

Housing for Kansas veterans -- priority determined by greater need

If you need help with the above application (or something else) -- you could certainly ask for assistance at the following nearby:

New Hope Shelter, Inc. (newhope-shelter.org)

THANK YOU -- for your service to our Great Country!!!

-- L

 

I have used the services of people like yourself. Fellow polished my wheels for what I thought was way too cheap. Guy said $20.
I gave him $50, though that was 20 years ago.

 

I'd have no issue with it, but you want to ask the right people. Ask people who's truck looks pretty nice already, but just needs a refresh. Don't ask company drivers (Old Dominion, UPS, Knight, Estes, JB Hunt, Swift, etc), we don't own the trucks, so we typically care enough to pay someone to polish our rims. Plus what another driver says is true - you could attract unwanted attention if you ask too many people.
I have another idea, hopefully it can work for you. Ask the truck stop if they'll hire you. Truck stops have food, bathrooms, showers, and usually laundry. Mention you're a vet on hard times and need a job. Be upfront and mention you're homeless, but it would be easy for you to come prepared for work if you could use one of the showers before your shift starts. You could also see if they could let you use their laundry facilities for free or at a reduced cost when you need them. When food is about to expire and be thrown out, you might be able to keep it instead. There are many ####ty people in this world, but I've also met quite a few great people, some of them are managers at truck stops.

 

Keep a fair distance from the driver and ask your question. I was always leery of ANYONE getting too close to me, like while I was fueling or getting in/out of my truck. I started driving in the 1990s when every truck stop had dozens of people wanting to offer one thing or another. "Hey driver, I can polish your wheels for X amount per wheel... If not have a blessed day" or whatever your pitch would be. The very first thing most drivers will assume the instant you make contact is you are looking for a handout.

Good luck.

 

I have seen folks come offering $20 polishing. I usually say no, but I am also not sure if that was for all the wheels on the truck or $20 per wheel. Maybe I should say yes next time and help somebody out.

 

Sure it's OK but don't expect company drivers to pay you they won't get reimbursed.