Unwritten Rules of Trucking????

[DIESEL BEAST]

As a rookie driver who is soon to begin a career in trucking I was wondering from you Super Truckers what are some common trucking etiquette.

I'm sure that trucking is somewhat like a brotherhood or fraternity. Hopefully someone could elaborate on some of the unwritten rules of trucking.

1. Sharing the road....

2. Truck Stop dos and don'ts...

3. Rookie and Super Trucker relationships...

4. Helping one who is in need of help...

5. General things that every trucker should know...

[Piece Of Work]

I think that sharing the road is very important for obvious reasons. Pulling forward in a fuel island and not taking too long to grab a burger inside the Wendy's at a Pilot is a biggie. Some guys will wait a long time for poor service and figure they will wait to get what they want regardless of how long a fellow trucker may be waiting behind them outside. But seriously, the way I hear it, the lack of etiquette on the road is what distinguishes the past from the present in trucking. It really not a free for all in behavior, be as decent as you normally should and hope for the best in return.

There's an awful lot of etiquette that should be adopted.

[VitoCorleone99]

Categorize it in either #1, #3, or #5, as you wish:

If it takes longer than a minute to pass another truck, you don't need to pass it. Just back it down half a mile per hour and stay the hell out of the left lane. (Yeah I'm talking to you, JB/Swift/Schneider/ConWay/WalMart/US Express/UPS/anyone else governed at 65)

[Skywalker]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances do any of the following!!

1. Park on the fuel island and go take a shower, go to Wendy's, Mickey D's, the BK lounge or go take a shower.....or bs with someone. Fuel and get your receipt....and leave, or park the $#@*& thing in a PARKING PLACE!!

2. When you park in a parking spot....center it up and do not straddle the line and take up two spots.

3. When you take a shower...get in there, take care of how many of the 3 S's you have to take care of and get your tired butt out. While your ego may tell you that you are god-like and special....you are not. Others are waiting.

4. Truckstops and rest areas are not $%#**&% nascar racetracks. Move slowly through them, lest you screw up and hit someone or something and ruin your day or even your life.

5. You are one of a couple of million...drivers...learn a little consideration and humility. Your ego doesn't count for squat. Be humble, and be polite, to everyone. It will help keep your blood pressure down. And who knows, you might find yourself being treated better by your fellow man.

6. If a sign says 55mph....don't exceed it. Do what signs say. If it says "All trucks use left lane"....do it. There is a reason.

7. If you want to hold a "lovefest" with your buddy on the cb, do it on another channel.....like "41". No-one on the planet wants to hear you babble and blather.

8. Act like a professional....not an FNG.

9. Act like an ADULT, and you will be treated like one.

10. If you are a "racist"....shut the %^^$#%^&&** UP!! and keep it to yourself. No-one gives a rats ^&&%%$$#$^Y&U what you think.

11. Dress like a professional....not a homeless bum who stole the truck.
If you want to be treated with respect....act and dress like you deserve it. Your "mere existence" does not, I repeat DOES NOT qualify you to receive any more respect than you appear to deserve. And frankly if you look like a walking "turd" and smell like one....you will be treated like one.

12. Just because you drive a large vehicle...this does not mean that you own the road. You DO NOT!! You are supposed to be the "professional", act like it. Be considerate in traffic. There are enough *******s on the road now....we do not need more.

Those are but a few "suggestions"..... 8)

[Trucker4Life]

11. Dress like a professional....not a homeless bum who stole the truck.
If you want to be treated with respect....act and dress like you deserve it. Your "mere existence" does not, I repeat DOES NOT qualify you to receive any more respect than you appear to deserve. And frankly if you look like a walking "turd" and smell like one....you will be treated like one.

Well said Skywalker.

This cannot be emphasized enough. Remember, no matter who you drive for, you are the representative of your company, like them or not. No matter where you are at...in the yard, at the shipper or receiver, or on the fuel island, ACT like a professional, DRESS like a professional, BE a professional and you will be treated accordingly. Enough said.

[LostProphet]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances do any of the following!!

1. Park on the fuel island and go take a shower, go to Wendy's, Mickey D's, the BK lounge or go take a shower.....or bs with someone. Fuel and get your receipt....and leave, or park the $#@*& thing in a PARKING PLACE!!

2. When you park in a parking spot....center it up and do not straddle the line and take up two spots.

3. When you take a shower...get in there, take care of how many of the 3 S's you have to take care of and get your tired butt out. While your ego may tell you that you are god-like and special....you are not. Others are waiting.

4. Truckstops and rest areas are not $%#**&% nascar racetracks. Move slowly through them, lest you screw up and hit someone or something and ruin your day or even your life.

5. You are one of a couple of million...drivers...learn a little consideration and humility. Your ego doesn't count for squat. Be humble, and be polite, to everyone. It will help keep your blood pressure down. And who knows, you might find yourself being treated better by your fellow man.

6. If a sign says 55mph....don't exceed it. Do what signs say. If it says "All trucks use left lane"....do it. There is a reason.

7. If you want to hold a "lovefest" with your buddy on the cb, do it on another channel.....like "41". No-one on the planet wants to hear you babble and blather.

8. Act like a professional....not an FNG.

9. Act like an ADULT, and you will be treated like one.

10. If you are a "racist"....shut the %^^$#%^&&** UP!! and keep it to yourself. No-one gives a rats ^&&%%$$#$^Y&U what you think.

11. Dress like a professional....not a homeless bum who stole the truck.
If you want to be treated with respect....act and dress like you deserve it. Your "mere existence" does not, I repeat DOES NOT qualify you to receive any more respect than you appear to deserve. And frankly if you look like a walking "turd" and smell like one....you will be treated like one.

12. Just because you drive a large vehicle...this does not mean that you own the road. You DO NOT!! You are supposed to be the "professional", act like it. Be considerate in traffic. There are enough *******s on the road now....we do not need more.

Those are but a few "suggestions"..... 8)

Pretty much got everything.Only thing I could add is WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER YOU COME OUT OF THE BATHROOM.So many times I see drivers walk out of the stalls and head straight for the door.I usually keep my gloves on when im on duty anyways,but its amazing how simple hygiene is neglected.

[golfhobo]

DANG!!! Skywalker! You need to let it out now and then! I HATE to see you bottling it all up inside!

To the original poster...... first thing...... quit refering to any of us as "Super Truckers!"

As far as this board is concerned, it is ONLY a method of rating us by our number of POSTS! :shock:

There are NEWBIES (wet behind the ears, but worth our effort to help,) ROOKIES (lesss than 5 years.... myself included,) and EXPERIENCED Drivers (do I have to spell it out?)

You are NOT a "rookie driver" if you have YET to begin your career. That's just a fact. Right now, you're a wannabe, or a newbie at best. No big deal..... we love you guys! Just don't address us by our "label" as applies to our level of posting!

There are three types of drivers, Billy Big Riggers, Rookies, and Professionals. So.... let's start THERE, and start over. Now..... what was your question? And WHO were you addressing it to?

[Skywalker]

DANG!!! Skywalker! You need to let it out now and then! I HATE to see you bottling it all up inside!

Hmmm, are you suggesting that maybe I should just tell y'all how I really feel?? 8)

[TheBigR]

DANG!!! Skywalker! You need to let it out now and then! I HATE to see you bottling it all up inside!

To the original poster...... first thing...... quit refering to any of us as "Super Truckers!"

As far as this board is concerned, it is ONLY a method of rating us by our number of POSTS! :shock:

There are NEWBIES (wet behind the ears, but worth our effort to help,) ROOKIES (lesss than 5 years.... myself included,) and EXPERIENCED Drivers (do I have to spell it out?)

You are NOT a "rookie driver" if you have YET to begin your career. That's just a fact. Right now, you're a wannabe, or a newbie at best. No big deal..... we love you guys! Just don't address us by our "label" as applies to our level of posting!

There are three types of drivers, Billy Big Riggers, Rookies, and Professionals. So.... let's start THERE, and start over. Now..... what was your question? And WHO were you addressing it to?

I think you forgot The Steering Wheel Holder.

[golfhobo]

I think you forgot The Steering Wheel Holder.

Ah yes..... you may be right! But then..... I WAS talking about DRIVERS, now wasn't I? :wink:

[Chevian]

My list:

1) do not use your fog lights unless it is foggy

2) if your tired-go to bed

3) if you can't handle the weather, get off the road till it clears.

4) pull up after fueling and park before doing your business

5) watch your language, at customers, in truck stops or on the CB

6) shower everyday or at least every other

7) use a toliet or urinal for your business not; the side of the road, behind your truck, in your truck

8) don't wear or even bring a single pair of sweatpants on the road

9) do not wear leather fingerless gloves when you drive, this is not 1975

10) do not wear a duster, you are not Wyatt earp

11) do not use a chain on your wallet, your not on a Harley.

12) wash your hands everytime you get a chance

13)if you eat at the buffet limit yourself to one salad plate and one dinner plate.

14) be respectful and paitent with ALL truck stop employees

15) flush

16) if you see an older driver trying to slide tandems offer to help

[harleypiper]

Unless it's an emergency- STAY OFF THE PHONE- shut up and drive

[bean head]

Dang skywalker, I just might write you in as my choice for President. Good post.

[inmate1577]

My list:

1) do not use your fog lights unless it is foggy

2) if your tired-go to bed

3) if you can't handle the weather, get off the road till it clears.

4) pull up after fueling and park before doing your business
Actually go park if you plan to do business, if you plan to take a leak, make it a quick one

5) watch your language, at customers, in truck stops or on the CB

6) shower everyday or at least every other

7) use a toliet or urinal for your business not; the side of the road, behind your truck, in your truck

8) don't wear or even bring a single pair of sweatpants on the road

9) do not wear leather fingerless gloves when you drive, this is not 1975

10) do not wear a duster, you are not Wyatt earp
Yeah, I dont get this "old west" look. Hell they didnt even wear that crap in the "Old West"

11) do not use a chain on your wallet, your not on a Harley.
Been riding for almost 30 years. Never lost a wallet, never had a chain on it. Its just poser biker/trucker bling bling
12) wash your hands everytime you get a chance

13)if you eat at the buffet limit yourself to one salad plate and one dinner plate.
Afraid Flying J is going to run out of food? Who cares, it aint prison eat as much as you want.

14) be respectful and paitent with ALL truck stop employees

15) flush
Yeah , no kidding!!!

16) if you see an older driver trying to slide tandems offer to help

If you see ANY driver having trouble sliding their tandems, offer to help

[Fredog]

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances do any of the following!!

1. Park on the fuel island and go take a shower, go to Wendy's, Mickey D's, the BK lounge or go take a shower.....or bs with someone. Fuel and get your receipt....and leave, or park the $#@*& thing in a PARKING PLACE!!

2. When you park in a parking spot....center it up and do not straddle the line and take up two spots.

3. When you take a shower...get in there, take care of how many of the 3 S's you have to take care of and get your tired butt out. While your ego may tell you that you are god-like and special....you are not. Others are waiting.

4. Truckstops and rest areas are not $%#**&% nascar racetracks. Move slowly through them, lest you screw up and hit someone or something and ruin your day or even your life.

5. You are one of a couple of million...drivers...learn a little consideration and humility. Your ego doesn't count for squat. Be humble, and be polite, to everyone. It will help keep your blood pressure down. And who knows, you might find yourself being treated better by your fellow man.

6. If a sign says 55mph....don't exceed it. Do what signs say. If it says "All trucks use left lane"....do it. There is a reason.

7. If you want to hold a "lovefest" with your buddy on the cb, do it on another channel.....like "41". No-one on the planet wants to hear you babble and blather. I prefer 27.185


8. Act like a professional....not an FNG.

9. Act like an ADULT, and you will be treated like one.

10. If you are a "racist"....shut the %^^$#%^&&** UP!! and keep it to yourself. No-one gives a rats ^&&%%$$#$^Y&U what you think.

11. Dress like a professional....not a homeless bum who stole the truck.
If you want to be treated with respect....act and dress like you deserve it. Your "mere existence" does not, I repeat DOES NOT qualify you to receive any more respect than you appear to deserve. And frankly if you look like a walking "turd" and smell like one....you will be treated like one.

12. Just because you drive a large vehicle...this does not mean that you own the road. You DO NOT!! You are supposed to be the "professional", act like it. Be considerate in traffic. There are enough *******s on the road now....we do not need more.

Those are but a few "suggestions"..... 8)

[Skywalker]

Unless it's an emergency- STAY OFF THE PHONE- shut up and drive

If you have to use your phone....and can't stop.... BUY A HEADSET!! and use it!! Don't hold the phone in your left hand and block your view of your left mirror and then swerve over in front of someone.

One other little tidbit: If you wear a bluetooth or other wireless headset....please be both smart enough and polite enough NOT to engage in a conversation with your dispatcher, wife, kids, good buddy or anyone else while in the rest room!! No-one wants to hear your conversation.....and for the criminy sakes....at least let me take a dump in peace!!

And remember...if you use a headset or are forced to answer the phone while driving....remember: Your primary concern is SAFE DRIVING not bs'ing on the phone!!

Oh, yes.....please do FLUSH, and if you use a stall to urinate....lift the @#%$# seat!!!

[Chris M]

I would add, turn your headlights off if your not moving. It's hard enough to back nto a spot without lights shining in your mirror. Also, people sleeping at a truck stop don't want to hear a Jake at 3 in the morning. Do you really need it in the parking lot?

[Crash935]

Dont throw you trash and piss bottles out in a parking lot, walk your butt over to the dumpster or keep it in your truck until you find a dumpster. This is one of the biggest reasons many shipper/receivers and some walmarts will not let us park on their lots for a break.

[rcpilot]

Dont throw you trash and piss bottles out in a parking lot, walk your butt over to the dumpster or keep it in your truck until you find a dumpster. This is one of the biggest reasons many shipper/receivers and some walmarts will not let us park on their lots for a break.

AMEN, I stopped today at a truck parking area on I-15 in Arizona to investigate a noise and I must have counted at least a dozen F@#*'n soda/water bottles full of urine :evil: :evil: PLEASE (I know I'm Yelling, but it fits here) take your urine bottles and dispose of them properly.... Like Crash935 said, this is why so many areas are being closed to truck parking... I don't blame them, I would'nt want to have to pick that crap up!

[rvrjr7]

super truckers heck i only know one person who can be called a true professional trucker thats my grandfather and hes retiring after 61 years on the road end of the year and he wont let himself be called one till the last day he shuts off the truck
12) Never be afraid to ask questions if theres something you do not know. its easier to feel like a fool and ask a question than just assume and have an accident or damage equipment or damage properity