What is YOUR definition of a "steering wheel holder"

I have to interject here. I did flatbed otr in the late '80s. Today I run statewide and the occasional regional and will say without reservation or hesitation many (not all) local and city drivers can drive circles around (nothing but interstate) otr drivers. Why? Simple. Many (again, not all) are dealing with city driving several times a day, heavy city traffic, tight stops and backs and turns on a regular, daily basis. When you're doing this repeatedly for the majority of your driving job several times a day, shift or week, you're bound to stick that trailer in a difficult slot or situation much easier than someone who does it on occasion.

 

Many years an old trucker told me how to spot a true trucker who cares about his profession.
Watch a driver as he gets out of his truck and walks away.
Some will just keep walking and never look back.
Others will take maybe a dozen steps, stop and turn around to look at his truck.Make sure it is parked correctly,all appears OK, and to just admire his truck:smt054. These are usually the ones who take pride in their ride, probably O/O's:smt041.
I have often thought about this as I watch a driver leave his vehicle and walk away.
Have to say that old hand seemed to be on to something.

 

Wow, hahah i think you just painted a perfect picture of a steering wheel holder for everyone here... He thought he'll get away with a boulder under his skirt lol

 

Sorry, no. The driver pictured above is capable of independent and creative thinking, and therefore is overqualified for the position of 'steering wheel holder'.

 

I went OTR for years pulling a reefer. I went regional for years pulling a dry van. I worked local for years pulling a flatbed.Nearly all O/O. Each requires a separate set of skills , but when you stop and think ,it is all just driving a #### old truck..

 

It is an ignorant truck driver who is lazy, just does enough to get by, doesn't know much about anything like logging, will never put the effort into any professional behaviors, blames everyone else for their screw ups and most of all thinks of this as just something to make money.

 

Don't sell yourself short because you're local, the way I think of it I just deal with what an OTR guy deals with all over the country, just in a more familiar territory, by no means does that make us a steering wheel holder. To me a steering wheel holder is the guy that rides the center lane, at 62mph, not giving a dang about the traffic behind him who are having to pass on the right, there are so many definitions that come to mind. Simply put, the driver that doesn't give a rat's a s s about anyone but himself when it comes to the motoring public, especially other professional drivers!

 

I'm a steering wheel holder. I'm not ashamed. I'm extremely safety conscious. I get out and look EVERY TIME I'm backing, I maintain proper following distance, I will not let anyone make me get in a hurry, I do a thorough pre-trip before I drive an inch, going for days without a shower is unacceptable, I never block the pumps when I go eat or shower, and I'd rather lump freight than drive 600 miles a day. So that's me and I'm a steering wheel holder.

 

Pretty much NAILS it right there--in other words--just look--YOU'LL SEE THE DIFFERENCE