Questions to Truckers... For a fiction story!

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by OzzleTheGreat, Oct 28, 2024.

  1. OzzleTheGreat

    OzzleTheGreat Bobtail Member

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    Oct 28, 2024
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    Hi everyone! I am not a trucker... But I am a writer, and I'm looking to write a story with a trucker as the main protagonist. A goal of mine with this story is to really showcase the life of the protagonist, while respecting and paying tribute to all of you who help the world turn!

    Any experiences, things most people wouldn't think about but are interesting, etc. In relation to trucking would be greatly appreciated! Whatever you would like to share. I want to really understand what it's like, or at least gain a better understanding of the job than I currently do. If you need ideas, I posted this thread to reddit yesterday.

    I also have a few specific questions:

    - I'm from the western US, and driving down those one or two lane stretches of highway (Such as I-15, I-80) where there's seemingly nothing but wilderness for miles, and on road trips it gives me almost a bit of dread. Like my tiny car is going to break down and I'm going to be stranded in this wilderness. I know it's an irrational fear, and that in the modern day there's lots of ways to get help, but is this a common feeling? At the same time, that open expanse of highway awes and excites me! It's a fear of the unknown, mixed with a curiosity and excitement of seeing new things. I feel the same way thinking about the ocean, and outer space. Does this feeling diminish after you've driven those highways time after time? Does it stay the same? Is it there for some of you at all? Is there a different feeling you get when driving?

    - What is the culture around trucking like? I've seen on social media that radio is used to communicate with other truckers. Is that still common, or less so? Is there a feeling of community, or more "Everyone is independent from each other"? Do you often interact with other truckers when not on the road? Is sharing stories, or tips about the job, common?

    - I haven't done much research on this and intend to do more, but do you often drive with the same company for multiple trips? Or is trucking more like freelance work, where you pick up jobs as you go, with different companies?

    Thanks in advance. I appreciate any answers or comments you may have. I understand that everyone is different, and am not expecting a single, solid answer to any of these, but having a variety of responses to look through would help greatly. Much appreciated!
     
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  3. cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    There are quite a few videos (too many,really) of truckers on youtube. You could get alot to glean from them.
     
  4. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    Never had that feeling. You seem to suffer from agoraphobia. I doubt there are many people who drive for a living who do.

    CB radio is barely used anymore. You've been watching too many shows from the 1970's.

    You work either for 1 company, you are an owner operator who works for 1 company, or you are an independent owner-operator who drives by the load.

    I'd suggest that if you are writing fiction, you stick with something you know. You know nothing about this business.
     
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  5. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    The true daily grind can be rather repetitive.

    That long open interstate is just the ribbon to an end.

    Had a short haul guy doing several 100 mile round trips every day, 5 days a week, described it as"wearing a groove in I-295"

    Rinse and repeat.
     
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