We all have something mentally wrong with us. We picked an industry that is possibly the most screwed up in the entire US or World for that matter.
We drive for hours on end to make the almighty dollar some legal some illegal. We stay away from our family for days or weeks on end. We tolerate truck stops that basically are, and can be !@#$holes..(no TP, Pt or worse shit on a door handle). We put up with dispatchers that want it yesterday and know the rules of the industry but still push us to do it illegal (some companies). Traffic, Arrogance, Super trucker, Crazy drivers, slow drivers, NYC or Chicago, no parking, lack of quality food, park in spots at time where you have to wipe you butt on the grass (shipper or consignee). Days without showers (some of us). Work for no pay (unload your truck but the first hours is free or sit around for two hours waiting to get loaded or unloaded but the first two hours are free).
What is wrong with us????
They say truck driving is a lifestyle. Well you know what, it definitely is!!! I was thinking I have a good gig going on. You know what, compared to what is involved in this industry I think alot of drivers would like to do what I do. I am a national driver who works a regional schedule. I go to Florida every week and back home by the weekend.
But I got thinking. We are out here and are dictated by what is probably the most communistic industry. Work for free!! Wait for free!! Drive for free (come on now drivers you cant say you have never gone over your 11 or 14 hrs to get to a truck stop or place to be on time). We put up with big brother regulating showing when you took a piss or got something to eat. I mean really do they need to know. What other job in the world do you know where you must list you daily activities. I thought of putting in my logbook when I decided to rub one out just to mess with them (kidding of course). But you get the point.
So why? Why do we tolerate this type of environment, work conditions or better yet living conditions. When does the American truck driver get up and say you know what!! !@#$ YOU!! I ain't doing it anymore. If you want me to unload this truck Show the almighty Ben Franklin (I don't unload BTW). Or DOT !@#$ You when did you get to work and when did you pee and when did you eat and when did you sleep. Oh BTW Mr DOT guy when you get home tonight you will have to sit and wait 6 hours before your spouse decides to give you sexual pleasure (you all know what I mean) Oh and then after that kind of activity, unfortunately you will have to take your ten hours off so you can rest or you can take eight and the finish up the remaining after your two hours in a little while.
So what am I saying???
Am I unhappy?? NO and YES
I just think that we are probably the most taken advantage of people in the world.
One more scenario for you.
So I go and interview for a local driving position. I went out and got my Hazmat cause god forbid if you don't have for some of these places. But I was thinking of hauling gas. So I interview. The guy says well during training we will pay you $11.00 hr plus 30cm. I laughed at him. I said are you kidding. You want me to sit on a time bomb which is 107,000 lbs (permits) and get paid that??? ($14.40 and 36cpm after 90 days) I said thanks but no thanks. My last job paid me more than that and I didn't spend all the extra money.
OK enough complaining. I like what I do!! But I analyze where and what my career can go and all I see is an industry is full of BS. Would I trade what I do for now for what I was doing before? Absolutely not. But do I wish I decided to take up computer instead of trucking? Hell yes and probably going to push forward with it.
So why and when do we as truck drivers stand up and say no more??
Why do you still tolerate the crap we put up with in this industry?
I am curious to hear from OO. From my understanding you guys are hurting or will be hurting soon, I see alot of trucks for sale.
OK so let the truth come out!! Don't be scared reply. Especially you MODS. You guys or gals having definitely been doing it awhile. Why do you tolerate this crap. I am curious to hear sheepdancers response to any of this seeing as he is a dispatcher.
May the bitching or I am happy as a pig in mud begin!!!!