What Kind Of Truck Driver Are You?

I've been away for 13 years and am just getting back to where I belong. Completing a CDL school for the second time in my life has been a blessing. Just as finding this website has been a blessing too.

I was able to meet with the President of the Technical school I attended along with the Dean of Studies. It was an o.k. meeting, but a whitewash none the less. They are doing some things to make changes for the better and I am glad to see that. Everyone here knows that the schooling that we all go through can be rough and we can all see things that can be done to improve it. Most of the time though we just get our CDL's and run.

I watch the news on a regular basis and read a great deal of article's on a variety of subjects. Lately they are mostly on the trucking industry and truck drivers. I goggled today the phrase,( "real truck drivers of the 1970's ). It took me to this page, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trucking_industry_in_popular_culture_(United_States)

After reading it I have really been thinking about myself and who it is I want to be and or what it is that I want to be.

A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER !

Not a guy who wears fancy cloths or fancy hats. Not a guy who drives drunk or takes pills. Not a guy who cares nothing about the other driver on the road or the driver who tells automobile drivers they are #1. And not some guy who is just in a truck making a paycheck because, I can get by with shifting gears and turning a steering wheel.

Yep, a real truck driver. One of those modern day cowboys that the country singers sing about, in a nice way. A "Knight of the Road", as they were called back in the 50's. A driver that cares about where he/she drives, what he/she drives, who he/she drives for, why he/she drives, who drives with him/her.....etc. ( Don't even think about making a comment about the he/she thing, just trying to be politically correct. )

Seriously, what kind of truck driver are you? What does it mean to you to be in the truck that you are in? Why do you want to be a truck driver?

Is it in your HEART or in your MIND ?

Have you read, Becoming A truck Driver section of the website? I recommend it! Have you read Brett's book? I recommend it.

Tomorrow the trucking industry will maybe take another hit for the bad. I hope we don't We have been called enough "names" as it is and they haven't been, 'truck driver'. At least not just the two words alone. Seems they always add a word or two...#&^$%(*@ something like that.

Have you had a child ball up his fist and yank his arm at you lately? Did you pull your horn? Keep an eye out for that little guy today. He's keeping an eye out for YOU, "Truck Driver". He can't wait for the day that he's big enough that he can pull that horn too!

So, "What kind of driver are you" ?

Tracey, I found out what kind of a driver I am yesterday because another driver told me so.

Here's my story: I woke up in a truck stop in Ohio and was going to go into the truck stop for breakfast. I gathered up my trash in the truck and, as is my custom, I picked up other peoples trash in the lot on my way to the trash can. I even picked up a few pee bottles that people had left in the lot. I just happen to be of the opinion that people treat truck drivers like lazy slobs because we prove ourselves to be lazy slobs. As I'm headed to the trash can another driver leans out the window and asks me "Hey driver, why are you picking up other people's trash?" Just trying to improve our image, I respond. "You're an odd bird" he says. My response: "Yes, you should try it sometime"

So that's my story. The kind of truck driver I am is an "Odd Bird"

The kind of truck steering wheel holder thst bugs me the most are the one's that's always in a hurry, they drive 30mph up to the fuel island and use the sqeegy to wash their truck. Drives me nutts.

Tracey, I found out what kind of a driver I am yesterday because another driver told me so.

Here's my story: I woke up in a truck stop in Ohio and was going to go into the truck stop for breakfast. I gathered up my trash in the truck and, as is my custom, I picked up other peoples trash in the lot on my way to the trash can. I even picked up a few pee bottles that people had left in the lot. I just happen to be of the opinion that people treat truck drivers like lazy slobs because we prove ourselves to be lazy slobs. As I'm headed to the trash can another driver leans out the window and asks me "Hey driver, why are you picking up other people's trash?" Just trying to improve our image, I respond. "You're an odd bird" he says. My response: "Yes, you should try it sometime"

So that's my story. The kind of truck driver I am is an "Odd Bird"

The kind of truck steering wheel holder thst bugs me the most are the one's that's always in a hurry, they drive 30mph up to the fuel island and use the sqeegy to wash their truck. Drives me nutts.

Yeah, they never see what is before them in the 'Worlds Windshield'. Maybe next time you can offer the guy a cup of coffee. See if you can engage him in a short conversation over a cup a joe, just long enough to maybe save his life.

I know that sounds strange, but it does work and you would be surprised at what it does for you.

Thanks for the post. Safe driving

Tracey, I found out what kind of a driver I am yesterday because another driver told me so.

Here's my story: I woke up in a truck stop in Ohio and was going to go into the truck stop for breakfast. I gathered up my trash in the truck and, as is my custom, I picked up other peoples trash in the lot on my way to the trash can. I even picked up a few pee bottles that people had left in the lot. I just happen to be of the opinion that people treat truck drivers like lazy slobs because we prove ourselves to be lazy slobs. As I'm headed to the trash can another driver leans out the window and asks me "Hey driver, why are you picking up other people's trash?" Just trying to improve our image, I respond. "You're an odd bird" he says. My response: "Yes, you should try it sometime"

So that's my story. The kind of truck driver I am is an "Odd Bird"

An "odd bird" is someone who does not conform to, or refuses to be bound by, accepted beliefs, customs, or practices.

Sounds to me like you are a very special person. One who stands out in a crowd. Wow what a compliment they paid you and probably didn't even know it. Just the one little gesture of picking up ones trash is the sign of a true servant. It is those kind of people like yourself 'Old School' that make living in this life a blessing and a pleasure.

I believe today, I too will begin to pick up another persons trash! Thank you for the encouragement to be a better person.

Prayers for traveling mercies to you today and everyday.

Prayers for traveling mercies to you today and everyday.

I like that. That's great!

I'm a driver that is considerate to other drivers in the truck stop...I am never is so big of a hurry that I can't wait for another truck to park. Or get and spot him. I also take my trash to the dumpster, and pick up what I can on my way there. I hold doors for others, and say thank you when they hold a door for me. I am polite to employees whether they deserve it or not. I don't drive like I'm the only one on the road,..it could be someone's children in that car I scared. I gladly pull the air horn when ANYONE gives me an arm pump. I politely ignore the ones who give me the finger. I also ignore the knuckle draggers on the cb, when they make rude comments aimed at lady drivers....because thats what I am...a lady...but I am also a darned good truck driver. I stop and help at wrecks, and I wish I could stop for the folks who are broke down on the road. When I'm in my 4 wheeler, I do. Being a professional truck driver isn't for sissies. You have to hold your tongue, when it would be easy to cuss someone out. You have to forgive stupid drivers hourly...and you have to remember that every rolling vehicle has someone's loved one in it...even if they are a jerk..they are a loved jerk. You aren't born a Pro...it takes experience, and self respect, and above all, tenacity. You can't choose to do it one day, and not the next. Its a life style within the trucking life style.

Prayers for traveling mercies to you today and everyday.

I like that. That's great!

Thank you Steven. Prayers and traveling mercies to you as well.

I am an excellent driver, yeah (not to invoke a Rain Man reference). Just keep me away from motorcycles (Pee-Wee Herman on that note).

Well, I got back on that horse but it was just for the power trip (puddles are better to hydroplane with more wheels).