Why did you get into trucking?

My dad was (kinda still is) a o/o back in the late '60's till late 80's and I rode with him ever chance I got. The diesel just got into my blood and I was a trucker ever since. He taught me that the only way he found happiness in trucking was to become a o/o and for me it turned out true also. Even in high school I knew this was what I wanted to do and took the classes that would help me acheive this. I took accounting, all the ag. ed. and all the shop classes that still benefit me today. I also worked for my dad doing what ever he needed done with the trucks (garbage trucks by this time) and even worked for another local steel hauler as a wannabe mechanic.

After high school I went with a custom harvesting crew and really learned what hard work was about. This is the type of training that newbees should get. I did the harvest for 2 years and then moved back to Ohio to drive for the steel hauler I wrenched for. This lasted until I had enough money and expereince to buy my first ride.

Today I love to be behind the wheel of my truck. Not only for the people I meet, the interesting places I see, but for the pure enjoyment. I love the feel of a heavy load on a twisty mountain road and a high horsepower motor at the control of my right foot. To be honest I wouldn't get out of this industry even if I won the lottery. I have to many friends (pretty much everyone I meet) and I can't wait for my next challenge. Wether it be a tight dock, a grumpy shipper/reciever, or whatever else comes at me. For some reason even in rush hour traffic I enjoy it.

 

well put !!!!! I agree with everything you just said. I too have started out pretty much the same way except it was an uncle and we work oil feild but the passion for the job just can not be deneid

 

I've been reading some of the above post...the one thing I would like to comment on is the 'meeting interesting people'...

That's something you must go out of your way to do...I mean like away from truck stops...

Cause to me, the trucking pool is the same wherever you go...same acts, same personalities, same voices...

That's just been my experience anyways...
If I want to meet 'interesting' or 'different' people, I usually have to stray away from the truck stop...

 

I am by no means a trucker. What I want is to enjoys the open road, the country as well as meeting new people and seeing new places. I will call myself a trucker when I earn that right. I am going to national training in florida for my cdl, I know now that it is looked very negetively on, to go to a school to get your cdl. I hope in time that that perception will fade from me. I have been a sous chef for many yrs now and I love it, however my heart and the man upstairs pulled me into the idea of driving semi's.

I knew nothing about being a trucker, well I still dont, but I go where the God pulls me so here I am. I am very humble and do not make myself known a lot, however im always up for a friendle fight
My values are always respect a person even if we dont agree. As I venture into the known world of trucking I cant help but be very awed at the idea of being on the road. No kids, wife, and very independant, what better adventure for me.

This is my reason why I want to earn the right. in the end its not the school one goes to but the heart of the person going. I am very happy cooking but my soul has found something that excited it.

 

My dad was a driver. Im one of those drivers that believe driving is either in your blood or it isnt. I can remeber riding in the ol mans cab over right on the doghouse. Man them was the days.

 

Very true.

But you will meet some very interesting people in a truck stop too. Especially if you drive long enough.

 

Man, I read this forum and got pretty stoked about truck driving. Don't know if I'd be happy doing it til I try, but I think I could make a good go of it.

But I got an offer to go back to my old accouning job and I have to take it so I can pay my debts and get squared away. I'll be back though. Good luck to all you rookies, and to all you veterans. One day we'll nod good morning to each other somewhere.

Be safe,
Bill

 

I didn't...truck driving got into me.

Driving is the only job I have ever held for more than a few months...I simply can't stand being around people all the time.

Maybe not the best reason...but its the truth.

My Dad and all 3 of his brother are/were drivers...and yes, those were the most memorable days of my life. Driving across southwest Texas when I was 12...from Fort Stockton to Del Rio...we were on our way to McAllen, TX from San Jose, CA and he looked at me and said "You wanna drive a while?"