Don't Understand All The Negativity In Trucking

So as I PATIENTLY wait for the call from Swift recruiter I gave been looking around on YouTube for videos on the school in Richmond that she said I would have to attend but I keep seeing negative truckers downing Swift and their drivers. I'm no professional YET but just thought to myself, this is after all from what I know so far mostly a "starter" company for BEGINNERS. It seems all these truckers have so much time to down the things these drivers do wrong or don't exactly use common sense while on duty. Why not reach out a helping hand and advise these guys what they are doing wrong or give tips on whst they can do to better a situation. For instance one individual was so caught up on a Swift truck blocking his exit that he decided to post a video about it. I mean after all MAYBE this guy did see your truck but Maybe he didn't see u in it or realize you we r ready to go. Instead wouldn't the professional thing to do be use ALL that time to either advise him he is holding u up or suggest he leave room in the future as to not block others. Several others are bashing them for the amount of accidents that take place. Well from what I have learned in the past is if someone hasn't been taught the RIGHT way then show them or help them understand, then if they don't get it MAYBE u have room to be frustrated. Afree all these drivers as well as OTHER company drivers are driving everyday beside your family members, friends and billions of others, lend a helping hand and advise or tip ROOKIES instead of using the time to down them. After all I'm not the smartest in the world but I'm sure NOT ONE TRUCKER was born with a shifter or steering wheel in hand with a single wide trailer trailing behind, just my opinion :) I'm nit even in a truck yet abd I can assure u whether be old school driver or new if I see something that could help another with safety, productivity, or handing them my last shirt I'm all for it. Twenty year veterans in all professions can still learn something from a Newby and vise versa. Sorry for the rant but just thought I would put it out there and curious on you "seasoned" truckers thoughts. Also I'm guessing if u have ALOT more trucks and drivers then most other companies it would be obvious that hearing of more accidents, rookies messing up and seeing these trucks EVERYWHERE would be the norm. A chicken farmer with 2,500 chickens is less likely to see more chicken hawks than the farmer with 15,00 chickens. JUST SAYING Help them instead of criticizing them and problem solved

There are a lot of "experts" and they'll act as if they never made a mistake and they were taught "the right way." Sure.

Yeah, you have a number of things going on here.

For one, trucking attracts a lot of Type A personalities who often act like the toughest, smartest, most experienced person in the room. That's just who they are.

These types also have a long-standing tradition of harassing rookies, regardless of the industry you're talking about. Could be anything from auto workers to NFL players to coal miners. Harassing the rookies or jumping on the bandwagon to make fun of certain companies is just how they operate. They consider it part of the rookie initiation.

On the other hand you also get quite a few people who really don't belong in trucking in the first place and things go terrible from the start. In the end they never really get their career off the ground and they normally blame the company for it (naturally) and the major companies that hire new drivers get the majority of the attention.

And finally I'll wrap this up with the fact that we now live in quite a selfish society. Our society has had such a high standard of living for so long that people became very soft, spoiled, and needy. Everything is about "me, me, me" for a lot of people. They don't even know what you mean when you say, "Walk a mile in another's shoes", nor do they care. They want what they want and they don't expect to give anything in return. So every little thing like being held up in a parking lot or getting a short run turns into a hissy fit.

I guess in the end all you can do is live by your own high standards the way you believe is right and try not to get too upset when others choose to live by lower standards.

Yeah, you have a number of things going on here.

For one, trucking attracts a lot of Type A personalities who often act like the toughest, smartest, most experienced person in the room. That's just who they are.

These types also have a long-standing tradition of harassing rookies, regardless of the industry you're talking about. Could be anything from auto workers to NFL players to coal miners. Harassing the rookies or jumping on the bandwagon to make fun of certain companies is just how they operate. They consider it part of the rookie initiation.

On the other hand you also get quite a few people who really don't belong in trucking in the first place and things go terrible from the start. In the end they never really get their career off the ground and they normally blame the company for it (naturally) and the major companies that hire new drivers get the majority of the attention.

And finally I'll wrap this up with the fact that we now live in quite a selfish society. Our society has had such a high standard of living for so long that people became very soft, spoiled, and needy. Everything is about "me, me, me" for a lot of people. They don't even know what you mean when you say, "Walk a mile in another's shoes", nor do they care. They want what they want and they don't expect to give anything in return. So every little thing like being held up in a parking lot or getting a short run turns into a hissy fit.

I guess in the end all you can do is live by your own high standards the way you believe is right and try not to get too upset when others choose to live by lower standards.

Yep. It is a constant battle for me to keep myself in check around some of these "road warrior" wannabes. I got razzed today by a couple of drivers with a company I have never heard of. I guess it is small based on the crap they were driving and the lack of a speed limiter. I was heading down I24 East just outside of Nashville when I hear "mama told me to watch out for those Averitt drivers, they will just get in front of you" (implying I would slow them down), so I did. I moved to the hammer lane to go around another slower truck, of course making sure I left plenty of room and was carrying enough speed to get around him quickly. They both cut loose then and I just laughed then got on the CB and said "did your mama tell you if treated another driver with respect he might stay behind the slower truck for a few more seconds to let you go by"?... Crickets.

them thinking "should have kept my mouth shut" lol its just funny that I'm not even driving yet and already have more respect for then SOME experienceed drivers. I've been looking as I'm sure alot of newbies do on you tube at videos just trying to get heads up of what to expect from the schools, on the range and what not but am really starting to learn this is by far a better place to be. Seems to be full of positive and informative truckers just sharing the love. Just couldnt get over how someone could sit and video another truck that was probably non knowingly "in his way" and in such a rush he couldn't ask the guy to pull up or suggest he try to clear the path for future reference. Bet he would also be the first one complaining to his dm that he isn't making any money because someone always holding him back. Literally video the side of the other truck for several mins. Same guy that watches the next backing up while cargo falls out the truck instead of stopping the guy to say "hey bud, might be wise to throw a strap around that load next time before backing down the dock", but proceeds to tell the video camera instead. Just a waste of breath :) maybe no one has ever suggested that info to the oth er driver before. Just blows my mind how some people are willing to waste time and energy for something negative instead of turning it positive. Anyways. Been busting my brains on the high road training and I have to admit it's fun and educational at the same time. Helped my brother out today with some landscaping and mowing and in my phone between each job Answering the questions, he knows how bad I'm wanting this so he decides to join in the fun. "got to get it all in my mind" I tell him everytime he gives me the look. Don think I'm doing too bad so far. Finding that alot of the stuff to learn is really common sense And to keep it slow and read the questions clearly. The few I have missed so far were from not reading it clearly before jumping the gun and when I went back to see what I had done, had to tell myself to SLOW DOWN.

Also to add, if they don't take or want your advice at least you've done your good deed for the day and just MAYBE you've made another guys life and job a little easier because you shared some good points at the same time.

Brett says:

I guess in the end all you can do is live by your own high standards the way you believe is right and try not to get too upset when others choose to live by lower standards.

Meggs pointed out that everyone is a newbie once. They just forget. Brett had the best advice: DO YOUR OWN THING.Don't get all bothered /embarrassed while you're backing into a spot. Get Out And Look as many times as you need to. People watching can be amused, and be stupid on the CB, but for you, it's another chance to practice.

I used backing as an example here, but it goes for everything else in your career. Also, the dummies on the radio is one reason I'm going to get a 12v fan way before I get a CB - I need the fan way more than I need the squawking on the radio.

them thinking "should have kept my mouth shut" lol its just funny that I'm not even driving yet and already have more respect for then SOME experienceed drivers. I've been looking as I'm sure alot of newbies do on you tube at videos just trying to get heads up of what to expect from the schools, on the range and what not but am really starting to learn this is by far a better place to be. Seems to be full of positive and informative truckers just sharing the love. Just couldnt get over how someone could sit and video another truck that was probably non knowingly "in his way" and in such a rush he couldn't ask the guy to pull up or suggest he try to clear the path for future reference. Bet he would also be the first one complaining to his dm that he isn't making any money because someone always holding him back. Literally video the side of the other truck for several mins. Same guy that watches the next backing up while cargo falls out the truck instead of stopping the guy to say "hey bud, might be wise to throw a strap around that load next time before backing down the dock", but proceeds to tell the video camera instead. Just a waste of breath :) maybe no one has ever suggested that info to the oth er driver before. Just blows my mind how some people are willing to waste time and energy for something negative instead of turning it positive. Anyways. Been busting my brains on the high road training and I have to admit it's fun and educational at the same time. Helped my brother out today with some landscaping and mowing and in my phone between each job Answering the questions, he knows how bad I'm wanting this so he decides to join in the fun. "got to get it all in my mind" I tell him everytime he gives me the look. Don think I'm doing too bad so far. Finding that alot of the stuff to learn is really common sense And to keep it slow and read the questions clearly. The few I have missed so far were from not reading it clearly before jumping the gun and when I went back to see what I had done, had to tell myself to SLOW DOWN.

Yeah, the way I see it is there is something bad in their life that gets "fixed" by belittling others. I just refuse to be a target for these types. My first move is to try to use humor (this usually gives other drivers within ear shot an opening to join the conversation to lighten the mood and eventually mute out the butt head). If that fails, I will either just turn off the radio or try my best to make them experience exactly what they are whining about.

If it is another driver needing assistance I will, if possible, help them out.

Swift has been getting bashed for lots of years. And the idiots who got time to sit and video now, someone else's headache, rather than help! Like Brett says, todays society is all about ME ! gimme gimme! Me, I'd get out and help if needed, who couldn't use a spotter at some point? The CB sure has changed for the worst since the '70's Our family was big into them then. Club functions, get-togethers, picnics, and made many lifelong friends thru it all. Now? pffft I'd only have 1 (OFF) as a back up way of emergency use. Everyone's in a rush to get 1 car, or truck length ahead of the next guy.... Life's a journey, enjoy the ride!

Yeah just like yesterday when I was trying to warn a bunch of trucks about the accident just around the corner they were heading for. Not a one of them had a radio on. Life flight had lifted off as I was passing the scene.