I Want Out Of Trucking As A Driver

Let me start out by saying I entered trucking in 2001 because I needed a job. A job that paid a livable wage. So I entered as a warm body that companies put in the driver's seat. My pleas for an office duty/inside job were not being heard.

At first this new driving thing was not too bad, but soon the newness and "fun" wears off. I did enjoy being in charge of my day and no one watching over me, except the Qualcomm. Even that did not bother me as it was comforting to me knowing that someone did know where I was at all times in case of problems/my safety. Trucking also gave me the opportunity to be successful. My other jobs never did that. In a truck you are the only one responsible for what you are doing - driving, trip planning, getting the job done. No one else can do that for you.

I got used to the rules of trucking that pull you in different directions, each one contradicting the other one. Somehow you figure it out and wonder why those who make these rules don't drive a truck. Why is it that those not in said job are the experts in said job? The things that drivers have to do, the things they have to put up with, and the way they are treated by the public would not be tolerated at other jobs. There would be lawsuits, and most employers would never treat their employees the way truckers are treated. Even those employees that are treated poorly are allowed to eat.

You can get in trouble just for doing your job. Make a 15 minute mistake on your log and have a wreck, you will be at fault because you were not supposed to be there at that time. You can get pulled over by the police when leaving the lot so they can weigh your vehicle to see if you are legal, before you can even get to the scale, and give you a ticket (this happened to me and that is a story to work on).

The roads are congested, drivers do stupid things, and all are in a hurry to get somewhere fast. Now, trucks are not allowed to idle in many places. No one cares if you die from the heat or cold, but if you have a pet, you will be allowed to have the truck run for your heat/cold. Wasting fuel is not acceptable in trucking, but it is OK for others to start their vehicle up and drive it across the street instead of walking. My tolerance level is now down to zero with the anti-truck sentiment from so many sources. It did not help when I lost my office job at another trucking company due to the economy. I never wanted to be in trucking as a full-time steering wheel holder and for sure not this long doing it.

Then one day I stumbled onto TruckingTruth and got hold of Brett ASAP! "I love writing stories and I want to help teach others that are entering trucking, and those who would like to learn more about it," I told him. I will do all I can to help others achieve their dream in this strange world. You must try to reach your dreams, because no one will do it for you. This website is so much fun for me, and I have made many friends now because of TruckingTruth. Even met a few in person too! And I look forward to meeting more. I enjoy being a part of helping everyone learn through our stories, so you know what trucking is about if and when you decide that it is for you. As I continue to work on getting out of the drivers seat for good, I will do all I can to help you get in the drivers seat! And I'll keep on writing too.

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