Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a week since I got hooked up with my trainer. This has probably been the quickest week of my life! I just wanted to share a few observations that I’ve made of the industry as a rookie driver. First of all, to make it in this industry, you can’t be easily offended. You’ll hear a lot of crap on the CB. Everything from extremely ignorant racist comments, to people yelling at you about your driving, and people simply saying things to get a rise out of others. You’ll hear some nasty stuff out here. I personally find a lot of humor when these “CB Rambo’s” start talking, and other times find it to just be annoying. Simple solution? Turn the CB off. Problem solved. But be prepared to hear some nasty things, and try to find humor in it.
Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not a pre-requisit to have a mouth like a….well…truck driver to be out here! In fact, most of the people I’ve met are really, really good people just trying to make a living like the next guy. And I’ve heard some really great conversations on the CB. Some of the stories these guys tell are just classic. Most of them aren’t true, but it helps pass the time. What kind of stories you ask? I’ll tell you one I heard on the CB last night.
*Insert heavy southern drawl here* “So last evenin’ I was drivin down the road and a bird done hit my windshield. It hit my windshield so dern hard it actually stuck to my window. So I turned on the wipers to get it off and I’ll be darned if that bird slung off and hit the bear (cop) in the lane right next to me. He gave me an evil look, then pulled me over and gave me a damn ticket!”
Of course, I fall for it and ask; “What did he give you a ticket for?”
His response: “Flippin’ him the bird.”
That’s just one story of several that I’ve heard already. And trust me, it’s more funny hearing it than reading it. Most of the stories are too long to post here, but some of them are absolutely hilarious!
I’ve also found that I love driving at night. I was coming through New Mexico the other night between about 2am and 4am. I must have gone 2 or 3 hours without seeing another vehicle traveling in my direction. The road was all mine. It becomes easy to forget that you have a 53ft trailer strapped on the back. Just turn the tunes up and drive. Who knew driving could be such a stress reliever at times? Driving during the day is also nice because you can take in all the sights. My trainer said he hates New Mexico because it’s so boring and there’s nothing to look at. Maybe it’s just because I’m new, but I don’t think he’s looking hard enough. New Mexico is full of some great rock formations, very interesting little towns on Indian Reservations (lots of poverty, unfortunately), and mountains in the distance. What’s not to enjoy?? I already love traveling this country, for the people, the sights, the freedom, and the relaxation. continue to page 2 –>
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I remember driving through the Ozarks, too. Your blogs are forcing memories to the front, Trucker Mike! And if you happen to travel through the St. Louis area, there is a fuel stop across the interstate from Six Flags that used to have sandwiches that were thicker than my hands! And they tasted great!!
Wow, TruckerMike!!
Not long ago you were wondering where your mind was at going thru school to drive a truck and wondering if you ever get used to the truck/trailer that is 1 mile long. Now I am reading how RELAXING this is for you and what a blast you are having! Sure have come a long way and I’m cheering you on too.
I was only in 20 states, but each state has something to offer the motoring public. I think most of us sterotype a state to what we have seen on TV or what we think a state is. And those hills in eastern Missouri are awesome!! In a semi, you can see more of that country at a slower pace! Yup, those hills are not nice to big trucks. Maybe it was my load each time I passed thru.
Glad to know all is going well. Keep the stories coming!
Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself truckermike. I hope I can say the same in about a year, when I plan to have my CDL. I have a feeling the real fun will start when the trainer leaves the truck for good. Keep up the great writing and trucking man.
Tumbleweed: I’ll have to keep that in mind! It sounds like we’ll be going through there a lot! Glad I can help bring up memories past!
Rhonda: Yeah now that you mention it, I really have made a ton of progress! I was terriied the first couple days driving a truck, and now I’m relaxed? How did that happen?!?
Jim: I’m having an absolute blast right now. I hope it continues once the “newness” wares off. And yeah, while I have a fantastic trainer, I can’t wait to get my own truck. That is going to be awesome! Thanks for following along!