Too Dumb to Retire

Who are Truck Drivers?

Why does one want to become a truck driver?

Where do truck drivers come from?

Is it an easy job?

What training do I need?

There are endless questions and equally endless answers, but deep down inside I think we really enjoy what we do. OK. Stop right there. If you were to listen to many drivers you would think that most hated their jobs, the people they deal with, the DOT, Police, 4 wheelers the company they work for and on and on. Now after that’s over, ask one what he or she would rather do and not too many would pick any other profession. No one I’ve talked to would want to work in an office, or punch a time clock or have a boss or manager hanging around. To an outsider, driving a truck seems simple work, but there are challenges apart from traffic. There’s weights, appointment times, schedules, equipment problems, log books that need to be accurate, weather, road construction and accident holdups to contend with. But when you get right down to it, I think there’s a certain freedom in the work. You get to go and see places you otherwise wouldn’t see. You’re on your own most of the time and some people like that. Truthfully, I think it gets in your blood. I’ve retired twice from trucking and where am I now? Right back in it. My youngest daughter says I’ll retire when they pry my cold stiff fingers off the steering wheel. Maybe she’s right, I don’t know.

Today’s trucks are almost like campers in a way. Your seats are air ride with cushioned vertical as well as lateral ride. Many have lumbar back support and frankly I can travel more miles in a truck and be less tired than I can in a car. Visibility is much better as you can see over traffic and know what’s well ahead of you. Bunks are comfortable. Many trucks have refrigerators and closets and space set up for TV and Video players. Some come powered with inverters to provide 110 volt AC power for microwaves, and coffee makers. I’m also a ham radio operator, (call sign KN4WX) and I have a mobile rig and can communicate with people all over the world, when atmospheric conditions are right.

Yes there are negatives to trucking, being away from home and family for weeks at a time. Being restricted to certain places you can go with an 18 wheeler can be a problem. You’re pretty committed to parking and eating and showering at a truck stop. But with cel phones and internet accessibility staying in contact with friends and family is a lot easier than it used to be. Personally I use Nextel service with direct connect so I can stay in contact with my wife 24/7 if needed.

There are things one can do, while driving to make the miles go faster. Many drivers have satellite radios. Some will use the CB to amuse themselves. Personally, the only time I use it is when I’m waiting to load or unload and need to listen for a call in. And there are times if I am traveling with a friend that we’ll get on a dead channel and ratchet jaw for a while. I love to listen to mysteries, so when I’m home I go to the public library and take out some audio books. I also carry a collection of favorite CD’s to listen to. And then there’s always talk radio to keep a person entertained. Most truck stops have audios for rent. Pick them up at one location and turn them in at another when you’re finished. I’m always taking pictures of scenery and oddities I see on the way. So the miles go by and I’m usually never bored.

Some people are truck drivers because a parent is and it’s what you have been brought up on. Some think it’s a lifestyle they want to explore. Some stay, some don’t. Some are team drivers, and believe it or not, a good husband and wife team, (of significant other) can make a very good living trucking. It’s not uncommon for a good team to earn $100,000.00 a year combined gross income. There are a good number of young couples who see this as a way to build a very nice nest egg before starting a family. And there are other older couples whose families have grown up and moved on and decide on a truck driving job. Some are divorced and want to get away, so to say. Others escape the stress of a corporate lifestyle. I’ve met a number of men who have retired from a life long job in industry who can’t stand retirement and want to go back to work again and find trucking a rewarding new career.

The easiest way for a person to get started in trucking is to find a company that will train their own drivers. The downside is that you usually are committed to that company for about a year. There are numerous driving schools around the country. If there is a trucking company near you, call their recruiter and ask for advice on a good school. When you are first hired you will spend some time with a trainer until he feels you are ready to go solo. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a truck and trailer. Frankly I find it easier to drive a truck than I do a car. That may sound odd, but after a while you will understand what I mean.

Comments always invited.

Enjoy the day

Geezer

Category: General