What is YOUR definition of a "steering wheel holder"

Then you only have to hold the wheel with one hand...

 

Someone who does nothing but steer the vehical, does not have even half a clue, needs a hand with something as simple as a light bulb change. Thinks all he/she has to do is drive.

 

Now that is a good summation right there.

There's a lot more to this job than just driving. This is the mental block that prevents new O/O's from being successful. I can paraphrase some of the statements in the O/O threads in regards to some of the self dispatching leases.... "You say I need to contact brokers and beg for loads?" "All I want to do is drive, why do I have to also chase loads?"

Even for company drivers I hear statements like "Why do I have to be nice to customers?"

 

If your a o/o with a good broker you shouldn't have to chase loads. My buddy is leased on to a broker and he never stops running unless he tells them he wants to stop. He pulls reefer loads not general box bs freight.

 

I suppose I'm still new to this. Started driving OTR in 98 and bought my 1st truck on 02. Have been an O/O ever since for the simple reason, I didn't want to be restricted. I take great pride in my ride and my work, always learning, asking questions and pushing my skills and abilities to grow. There were no driving schools when I started, I had to work my way into trucks through wreckers and concrete trucks to get to OTR
I guess because of that, when I see other drivers doing stupid stuff or not thinking through what they are going to do before they do it, showing no respect for others, not monitoring the CB, parking wherever and just generally not using any common sense it bothers me and I chalk it up to steering wheel holders.
The industry and the culture has changed. More trucks more regulations less parking, the list goes on and has been mentioned in previous posts.
I pull a flatbed, step deck and an RGN. Specialized work, more responsibility, more pay and takes a lot more thought than a van or reefer. It's hard work and it's NOT for everyone despite what some ads and companies may say.
You have to constantly learn, think, plan, check and recheck in this business if you want to survive and thrive. I try to do my job better safer and smoother than the other guy so I can grown my customer base. That's what.a professional does.
In my mind, that is what separates "operators" from steering wheel holders. The mind set that you will learn, grow and put your very best into every load.
IMO, I think every person out here should be an OO. It will make you or break you.

 

I first heard the term "Steering wheel holder" when I took a job as a diesel mechanic. My boss called all the drivers that behind their back. especially when they did something stupid.

 

I see it as nothing more than yet another pejorative insult used to separate people into groups and sub groups. Oddly enough the same people that use it often decry the lack of unity in the industry in regards to rates for o/o or cpm for company drivers.

 

Being a holder vs a professional vs a super trucker (with stories) is a distinction you can always tell when you see it. Sort of like asking if it's "art" or "pornography". You know the difference when you see it.

 

A Steering Wheel Holder is a parasite on our Industry. Just one of these will destroy and totally tarnish our Collective Goodwill, Image and perceived skills, flexibility and just plain "Can-Do" attitude from everyone else in the eyes of a Public who encountered a Steering wheel holder.

As a Professional when I run into a Steering wheel holder it is all I can do not to get really loud with properly framed horrible words and just bawl em out for being such parasites on me, you and you and you... all of you skilled, experienced and motivated truckers. They are literally boiled down lazy shiftless stupid sons of guns who will not lift a finger or go to doing the labor needed of them for one thing or another.

It's best they stay home on the big porch if they think they can slouch into the airride seat and let her rut in the grooves of the pavement being too lazy to hold the wheel.

 

You caught me.

Im one of those who cannot leave a truck alone, I have to go over it to make sure she's ok before grabbing a meal. If I could take it into the restaurant like a large pet... I would. And some of you wonder what is it with trucks and women LOL.