Need Tips For Supportive Spouses

Hi! My name is Alisa and I'm very appreciative of those that choose to share their knowledge of this trucking industry, as my husband is about to go to a company-sponsored CDL school and I'd like to know all I can to support him in his new career. I DO plan on riding along with him someday, after his training is over and he feels it appropriate. This is an exciting endeavor for us both. He is in his late 30's and I, well, I robbed the cradle and in my mid 50's. hahaa We are VERY close and have been married now for 9 years. Children all grown up and have their own lives, except for our two dogs - Camo and Girlie. They'll have to stay with friends when we are both on the road, but would like to take one or both with us in the future, if the company allows such.

So, my first question to all that read this is... What advice, or experiences can you share with me about the trucking industry that could help me understand better your way of life, so I can be more supportive to my husband?

Lil' background: I was a trucker supporter for about 3.5 years, and then I got my CDL too, I still play supporting role as I tend to not work as much as he does for the past 1.5 years. Just not as much as I used to now that the kids are older and we don't have any pets anymore.

I suppose the hardest part will be understanding what he is talking about when he needs to vent about whatever, at least until you get to see it first hand by riding along or start to pick up on some of the trucker lingo. You can actually look up trucker lingo on the internet there's a wikipedia page "List of CB Slang". Might help him out too actually. I have found myself asking too many questions if I didn't understand at all what he was talking about in the past.

Depending on what routes he'll be assigned to or if he gets a truck with a fridge will determine if you can help him stay fairly healthy while on the road by packing up some food. There are more than a few threads on here for that subject. I think the biggest thing I can think of that I also enjoy if I end up working more than my guy does....is coming home and everything is already taken care of. But basic things like clean laundry and a good home cooked meal are always winners.

I think it's great that you both are very happy and you are reaching out to be more supportive :D part of it is what your relationships dynamic is already as a couple. I don't really find it too different from how I would handle things if my guy was in a different occupation. If anything, stay available when he will be home and if you'd like to plan stuff (outings or trips) more than likely he'll appreciate a heads up instead of a surprise.

Hope this helps :D and Good Luck!

Side note: I'd share my experiences but they've got nothing to do with OTR O.o! From my brief commercial drive from Louisiana back up to Alaska with side trips....well I guess that's a whole story/adventure in itself hah.

Thanks for the reply, Kemo! Some good tips. Going to look for those traveling meal tips now.

Stay in touch often. We've found just texting randomly throughout the day helps (patience for response sometimes) and I plan to be home when he calls at night. during school and training it was a fairly regular schedule. if you know your man, when the time comes you'll know what to do. be patient and flexible. send things to laugh about. remember the why for the sacrifice you are both making. be the best most unselfish person you can be. be strong, positive, and have goals for yourself while he's away. read sites like this one. listen. and yes, i sent food and we do it like rabbits when he is home.

ps. if you read this w.c. i love ya!

Alisa, I've been a trucker supporter for 26 years. Here's what I've learned; keep a clean house, always have something yummy to eat, be spontaneous for anything my husbands schedule varied in the early days then he got a set run. Remember sometimes he's very tired the trip may not have gone as planned. Lots of stupid near miss accidents possible and he may not tell you so you won't worry.(remember he is a trained professional car drivers not so much). Don't plan too many activities outside the home. He's spending so much time away from home he may just want to lounge around with the remote. Listen to him, love him, and don't complain. Good luck and God bless!

Hey there,

So I grew up with a dad who was a driver, I did time as a dispatcher , and even worked in a truck stop for a while. Then I married my best friend who had, along the line of me knowing him, finished time in the Air Force and moved on to being a truck driver. This is a profession he loves dearly.

Remember that he is not perfect and neither are you. Try not to worry too much. Talk often when you can, bluetooth headsets (The Blueparrot is a good one) and video chats are great life lines. Know that you will take on a lot, and while he will never really understand how hard your job is from your side. You will not understand his either unless you live it first hand, and that is okay. Remeber to thank eachother, and try your best to enjoy the time you do get together. Work as a team, which evetually will become how you function.

Allow both yourself and him to be tired. This life is tiresome. Trucker wives and other halves are strong and truckers themselves are too. There is very little the two of you won't handle when push comes to shove if you keep love at the center.

You are gonna miss him. He will miss you, you will find ways to make it cope. I cover a teddy in his cologne when he leaves and he takes one covered in my perfume :)

ps. if you read this w.c. i love ya!

Good advice Mrs. W.C. Love ya!

Thank you all so much for your comments and tips!!

Sean started school Yesterday at Millis in Alvarado, Texas! I miss him already, although I do get to drive over there and have dinner with him tonight. (we only live about 45 minutes away from the school) Yay!

He seems to be very excited and really enjoying the training today. (He got in a truck for the first time this morning. )

Looking forward to this new adventure.