I will disagree about most truckers being uneducated. I have met some very well educated drivers. Although, there are some who are not well educated. To be successful in this business, you need to enjoy your own company. In other words, you need to enjoy the solitude of driving down the highway listening to your own thoughts. I do some of my best thinking while driving. I think one reason there is so much garbage on the CB today, is that some of these people are afraid to be by themselves with their own thoughts. I think some of the others who posted have given some good thoughts about what makes a good driver. I don't think education has much to do with whether someone is successful in this business or not. Many are a bit of a non-conformist. That can be an asset as a driver. Sometimes you need to be a bit creative to get the job done. It helps to be able to think outside of the box, as they say.

 

Excellent replies guys! I was just wondering what drives you guys. I know there is a HUGE part of me that wants to drive, but with my new family, I either have to put that dream on hold or look at something like the 7 on/7 off at Roehl or 4 on / 4 off at Knight and then do something else on the side. I know that even though I love spending time with my family, BUT, I do love time to myself too. I do some of my best thinking while driving down the road listening to Sirius.

For you guys that have families at home, how do they handle ya'll be gone? I'm assuming most of you guys are OTR for a couple of weeks or so...???

 

Some people become drivers because it is job.

Others (including me) do it for the love of driving and being out on the road. I will say there are times why you do this job when you are along the road putting on chains at 230 am on a lonely stretch of hwy it will make you rethink why.

But seeing the change in seasons in areas that you travel is the best.

I have it lucky as I am home most weeknights and have weekends off. This job is not for everyone and it is hard on family life.

 

Well I've only been doing this 5 months and it is very abusive just coming into the industry but that's all been said before. As for this particular topic I will say this, I went home about a week ago after been out for a while and I woke up in the morning in my own bed wishing I was waking up on the side of the road in desolate west Texas on I-10. I can't even describe the peace I get out there which is even more strange for me since I always hated Texas and most Texans. Not that I was ever there before but it seemed like out of all the states that's the one that had the culture and values diametrically opposed to where I am from.

Beautiful country out there though.

 

I am a college graduate and I made pretty good money in the business world. Only thing was though I wasn't happy. I've always loved to drive, interact with new people and see places and experience new things. After my kids were raised I finally went with dream to drive truck. Haven't regretted it one bit since making that decision. It is a lifestyle that isn't suited for just anyone. You do sacrifice family functions at times, although I try not to miss any. If you are married you've got to have a partner that supports you while you're on the road. When I am home I spend quality time with my hubby. We appreciate the time we have together. I wouldn't go back to working in an office for anything. The majority of the other truckers I meet (male & female) are pretty cool people. Drive safe everyone.

P.S. Ladynorthstar...I guess we're one of the guys huh? LOL

 

Since I was 20, I traveled. I served 13 years in the Coast Guard and most of that was on the Cutters. When I got medical discharge, I started my own business. It failed, or never got going. So I went to Driving Truck. Drove for 4 years and loved it.

Yes I had my Grumbling days, we all do not matter what job your in. It's called having a Bad Day. In the Service we always said a Bit*hing Sailor was a Happy Sailor. We all loved the Job, but some points were getting to us.

I had not driven since Nov of 2000. I want to go back, I hate sitting at home and looking at the walls. But I have some things now that would prevent me from going back working for a Company. I would have to give up my Disability from SS, no problem, but in order to get back on working, I have to say I am no longer sick, and that a Lie. I am not one to sit around and do nothing. I rather be working. Work in Retail? Can not stand that long. In Computer Field? Qualified but I do not have a piece of paper with a College Name on it, so I can not get hired. Working on the Docks? Again Can not do that type of work anymore. Law Enforcement? Have experience, Can not run due to bones, Plus I may end up shotting some idiot 4 wheeler driver. Fire Fighter? Again Expereince, but not able to manuver well on my feet. Can I sit and stir a truck down the road? Yes, if the load has to be unloaded by me, Hire a lumper.

 

As in "she thinks my tractor's sexy, it really turns her on"?

OK, so should I be embarrassed to even admit I know that song? Or maybe the ladies find it appealing that I can quote KC!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Heheh...I beleive they are talking about the John Deere in the fields....funny though. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Good one :lol:

 

Isn't there a song about Trucks? They mostly talk about Pick up Trucks but still a truck.. I can not remember the name right off. Been long time since I been able to listen to any Country Music