Proper Trucking Etiquette Or A Whiney Rookie

Ok, so I am still a rookie within the trucking industry and I still have a lot to learn. I know this conversation will probably heat some drivers up or they will call me the whinny rookie! What is proper trucking etiquette? Is helping each other on the road? Being courteous to each other at the truck stop? or is it just a term and a way of life that was used when the Knights of Highway existed?

This last year I have noticed many things in regards to lack of proper etiquette; from taking the 30 minute break at the fuel island, not pulling your truck up after fueling, stealing the parking space when the other driver is backing into, throwing your bags of trash and body waste on ground, and most of all tampering with each other loads and/ or tractor.

But the one thing that bogles my mind - inside the truck stop, drivers are mostly respectful! I can remember holding the door open for another driver on the way into the building - that driver made a comment that will stick with me for a while - "why can't we all do this on the road?" I wish I had an answer for that! Why can't we?

Now don't get me wrong - I have been helped by some great drivers out there - from backing into the truck stop while other drivers giving me the extra eyes or letting me get into the center lane to make that pass.

Was the trucking etiquette always the same or has it lost it's meaning? Our we not being trained right? Or is it the new generation? Or am I just that whinny rookie?

I don't think it is just Truck Drivers. It has become a societal problem. Poor manners, etiquette, etc We are living in a different world than the one i grew up in during the 60's and 70's. I think America's better days may be behind her. I sure hope I'm wrong.

I don't think it is just Truck Drivers. It has become a societal problem. Poor manners, etiquette, etc We are living in a different world than the one i grew up in during the 60's and 70's. I think America's better days may be behind her. I sure hope I'm wrong.

So true.

I think you're spot on. The trucking industry needs more people like you.

I've only started in the trucking industry myself, but I can't figure out what it is the has gotten truck drivers to this point. Why are they generally surly, often self centered, and rude? I know that not all are this way, but you do see it.

I suppose it can be chalked up to a hard life on the road perhaps? Years of solitude and living in cramped quarters maybe? Or is it that over time, drivers get slighted by other drivers so much that they lose the ability to have proper social interaction with others.

I know I'm new, but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude toward other drivers, bit it is hard, when you need that fuel island and another driver is parked there and inside doing other things. We just have to remember that positive change will have to start with those of us who want to make a difference, those of us who want to recreate the persona of the trucker.

Old school mentioned in a post awhile back that he is doing this very thing. Things like picking up trash in the parking lot, even others pee bottles. I am trying to follow suit by do the same thing, and by helping other drivers where I can, and being polite.

It won't be a quick turn around, but if we can, one by one, change the outlook of others, it may be possible to change the public perception of what a trucker is.

So, to that end, keep doing what your doing, and know that you are not alone.

My codriver is HUGE about helping out others and consequently taught me to be the same way. If we need to go inside for more than a couple minutes, we PARK the truck (and never use what he calls the lazy fat fcker parking (fuel island or no parking zones), pick up trash, and yes, help others.

Last week I was sitting, sweating to death in our non-idling truck wondering where on earth he was or had he "fallen in" lol. We were parked in a space, but 20 minutes later, still sweating, getting irritated, I finally spotted him standing a good distance away? Turns out a brand new solo driver from a different company was having weight problems and his tandems were stuck on top of that. He showed the guy how to get his tandems unstuck, using windex, and then taught the guy how to slide his 5th wheel, because apparently when that guy was being trained he was never taught how. He spent 40 minutes or so with the new driver and waited until he had rescaled again, to make sure he could get his load legal before we left. The driver was quite appreciative and it really makes me proud that even when we really needed to leave, he still took the time to help and teach a new driver, because in his words, "It's very important. "

I know when I was solo and needed help I was lucky enough to get it many times.

Yes the 60s when truckers were considered knights of the highway. Like, Tractor I too remember those days. Drivers smiled and usually were respectful and courteous.

All you can do is be true to yourself in the hope it has a positive influence on the people around you.

When ever a truck passes me or I pass them I almost always acknowledge them by a tip of my hand, a quick wave. More than half the time it's returned.

Stay positive and be safe.

Like Tractor Man says, it's not just truck drivers. The term "road rage" comes from our friends, the four wheeler driver. If you've ever done one of those Rd-Rg things to another driver, tell me you haven't had this thought as you and that other car pull into the same parking lot: "Gee, now I hope it's not someone I know!"

My theory is that since you are "hiding" inside a steel box, you enjoy some anonymity, and feel you can get away with a bit of nastiness. And the other car is just another steel box, too.

But instead, why not some real courtesy. Sue's story is one example. But we don't have to get out of our trucks to be nice. Moving left one lane so the red Altima can get on. Waiting and waving the cars through on the cross street so you can make the single-lane right turn you dread. In stopped traffic, make sure you don't block a driveway, so the Chevy pickup can get out and get home today.

Not only do those little favors help out other people, you get the do-gooder's buzz yourself. On top of that, people see a big name on the side of your trailer. Nothing wrong with doing something that even makes your company look good, too!

Exactly, Errol. On our trailer, they see a huge logo and the company's (very large) toll free phone number plastered on every side. And YES they say 4 wheelers call in all the time to report less than courteous drivers and rarely for a super polite one. I've never had a call in thus far.

My codriver is HUGE about helping out others and consequently taught me to be the same way. If we need to go inside for more than a couple minutes, we PARK the truck (and never use what he calls the lazy fat fcker parking (fuel island or no parking zones), pick up trash, and yes, help others.

Last week I was sitting, sweating to death in our non-idling truck wondering where on earth he was or had he "fallen in" lol. We were parked in a space, but 20 minutes later, still sweating, getting irritated, I finally spotted him standing a good distance away? Turns out a brand new solo driver from a different company was having weight problems and his tandems were stuck on top of that. He showed the guy how to get his tandems unstuck, using windex, and then taught the guy how to slide his 5th wheel, because apparently when that guy was being trained he was never taught how. He spent 40 minutes or so with the new driver and waited until he had rescaled again, to make sure he could get his load legal before we left. The driver was quite appreciative and it really makes me proud that even when we really needed to leave, he still took the time to help and teach a new driver, because in his words, "It's very important. "

I know when I was solo and needed help I was lucky enough to get it many times.

That is so awesome!!! I do hope to run into you guys on the road some day!

Sue says:

And YES they say 4 wheelers call in all the time to report less than courteous drivers and rarely for a super polite one. I've never had a call in thus far.

Now, for fun, think of trucking company reviews you can find online. Aren't most of them negative, also?