YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Mile Marker #13

Internet shopping is easily accessible and is becoming a popular everyday convenience. I've seen the increase as early as 3-4 years ago. Currently, I am in the LTL ( less than a truck load ) business side of trucking. Internet retail and E-Bay sales are usually shipped by a LTL carrier if the weight of an item exceeds the package carrier limit. LTL freight differs from the traditional full trailer load. The drivers usually have multiple pick ups and deliveries versus one full load going to a destination. This fairly new business benefits the LTL companies. This is a good and a bad situation. The Internet sales increase the revenue for the companies, but it's an added unsafe responsibility for the drivers. Somehow in a safe manner, the drivers are required to make these residential deliveries with a semi in narrow, tree hugging neighborhoods. It's just one more disadvantage to a driver that could eventually result in some kind of disciplinary action. On top of that, there is always a resident or three, that doesn't hesitate to tell you, what they think, your job is. They obviously have me mixed up with the UPS guy or their Husband. This is just a case of the residential customers not knowing what to expect when they make a big Internet purchase. The public needs to get educated on this situation.

While dozing in and out from the over consumption of Thanksgiving sleepy meat, I heard a family member ( not blood related ) telling a story about a truck driver making a delivery at his house. After sitting there a couple of minutes listening to the situation, I finally had to respond to the absurd comments and what he thought the driver's responsibilities were. It wasn't his lack of knowledge that bothered me, it was his attitude, how he talked, and how he handled the situation with the driver. This is becoming a common problem in the LTL business. The public is unaware of what the truck drivers job requirements include. In most instances, the residents will bluntly tell you where they want it. These wishful thoughts include: up the stairs, down the stairs, in the back room, on the back porch, etc. A driver can usually tell in the first minute of arrival how a residential delivery will go. The person will either have an attitude right out of the gate, or he or she will be personable and reasonable to deal with. In most cases, they just don't know how these home deliveries work. I usually can work with the reasonable ones. The people with attitudes, I handle in a whole different light. In most cases, the resident is called upon before the freight is delivered. This approach works best and gives the resident an idea of what a driver is responsible for. Also, it commits a time frame so the resident or someone will be home. If they can't be available, other delivery options can be made.

In most of my experiences, the people are willing to work with you. Although, my job is to get the freight to the back of the trailer, I will normally help the customer the best I can, if it can be done in a safe manner. Sometimes, I go beyond the call of duty and perform tasks to help someone under certain circumstances. For example, if a person is elderly or alone, I will do all I can to make the delivery happen. In a lot of instances the freight is too heavy, or they don't have the the proper equipment or personnel to unload it. When this occurs, a future delivery date or different arrangements are made. The most common remarks from the public are: "I thought you were going to bring two guys", "How come you don't have a forklift or liftgate?", or "I can't be much of a help because my back is bad". I've heard them all. To eliminate a lot of the confusion with a residential delivery, the resident has an option to pay for extra company commitments such as an inside delivery or liftgate services. Most of them choose not to, due to the added extra costs of the shipping charges. When the proper shipping needs are payed for that particular item, it eliminates all the confrontational issues at delivery. The general public doesn't realize if their freight is over the 70 pound UPS weight limit, it is shipped by motor freight. Motor freight means that the freight is shipped on a big truck. Another common remark is, "They put my little 350 pound crate on this big of a truck?" Another slick move by people is to put a business name with their home address. I know some people work from home, but it is not a business business. It is a home business. When the paperwork is all said and done, they do not get charged with a residential delivery. Being a driver, this causes some serious problems. While following the directions to this particular business, you end up with your 53 foot trailer on a dead end Cul Da Sac with barely enough room to get a wheel barrow turned around.

About 3 years ago, I delivered to a house that didn't pay for the proper delivery services needed. It was a 280 pound box. It was too heavy for one person, but manageable for two. The resident opted not to purchase the the liftgate service, which again put me in a undesirable situation. Do I take the freight back to the terminal and make other arrangements, or help unload the box, so I could be on my way? I chose to help this guy. The weight wasn't an issue, it was 140 pounds per side with two people. We picked the box up and set it to the ground. Once it was on the ground, it felt like a sharp object pierced through the box and went straight into my arm! It wasn't that at all ..... It was only my main arm tendon snapping off my wrist bone like a slingshot, and my bicep muscle rolling up along with it! It was freak accident because of a weird extended arm angle I guess. Long story short, surgery was done and I ended up off of work for seven months. Not a Get Well card or a peep from that guy I helped! He didn't care I lost approximately $500.00 a month in wages for seven months, all he cared about was that his frigg'n box got off the trailer. My arm strength loss rating wasn't what it was supposed to be. The surgeon's rating was like it was set in stone, even though my Physical Therapist debated it. Whatever, life goes on. I ended up with a little check that didn't even cover my lost wages, let alone my bad wing.

This is why this problem needs to be addressed. Now that I am older and wiser, I make the decision whether the deliveries are a risk to myself or not. Nobody cares about you. In a lot of people's eyes, you are just a truck driver. As far as that family member at Thanksgiving is concerned, if I was delivering to his house and he talked to me that way, I would have said politely with a smile, " Sorry sir, you will have to make other arrangements." I would have shut my trailer door and drove into the horizon. Because personally, I could give a %!%# about a , I bought it on the Internet - It was on sale - I didn't pay for a liftgate - It was free shipping - snow blower! Nobody needs to be treated like that, I don't care who you think you are!

Other people's Internet savings are not going to be at my body's expense!

WELCOME TO MY WORLD

Mile Marker # 12

RATED R *Due to the subject matter and forbidden topics some people are not comfortable talking about, this blog is Rated R*

What happens on Alligator Alley/Stays on Alligator Alley

Forget about Vegas, Alligator Alley is where it's at! Up to this point, my mission was to provide informative blogs on truck driving. From all of the feedback (comments and E-mails) it seems as if the World is enjoying my writing thus far. Besides all of my general information, there are some people who would like me to elaborate more, and include some stories. As you wish... So, I've decided to do both. My subtitle says "A down-to-earth approach and a good read". I guess this blog would fit under the "good read" category. Due to the subject matter, I attached a Rated R rating onto this blog. Feel free to leave at anytime. I promise I will get back to helpful trucking topics in the next blog.

For those of you still with us, and have never heard of Alligator Alley, it is a stretch of highway located in South Florida. Alligator Alley runs East and West from Naples to Fort Lauderdale. This highway is also known as Highway 84 / 75. These two stories I'm about to blog, don't necessarily correlate with each other. They both just happen to take place on Alligator Alley. For your convenience, I've combined the two.


Scenario # 1


* This story actually relates to a section from Mile Marker #6 " The Perks" blog. I am still going to use the synonym "multitasking" for a substitute in our first featured topic.

It was a another beautiful sunny day in the "Bikini State", making what I thought, another normal trip across Alligator Alley. The traffic was somewhat light on this particular day. While I was driving, I saw a maroon Buick coming up behind me in my side mirror. At the time, I had my cruise set and enjoying the ride. I figured this car was just going to pass me and be on their way. Instead of making the complete pass, the car slows down to my speed and decides to stay right at my driver's side door. So, I look down, and it was a fully clothed woman driving alone. There is no one a head of me, or behind me for that matter, so why would she drive at the same speed as me and right beside me? About a minute goes by, and I looked down again and noticed a fully naked women driving alone! It caught me off guard, it was that fast. (I left a lot of the minor details out in Mile Marker #6) For some ungodly reason, she chose me out of all of the other trucks to do her "multitasking". This women was old! Keep in mind, that I was only 28 years old at the time, and I've never witnessed this aged animal before! I did hook up with a 40 year old once. I don't want to brag, but this is my blog. This situation was different! If you can imagine her tan shorts down around her ankles with just white knee high stockings on, you'll know what I'm talking about. Are you feeling my pain? I was finding out first hand what gravity does to a person, that probably had a beautiful body at one time. She glanced up at me momentarily. By looking at her face, breasts and age spots, I probably would have guessed her to be about 65 to 75 years old. There's the old saying, "you are only as old as you feel". I came to the conclusion that she was feeling pretty youthful at the time! My body was a mess! As young as I was at the time, I just wasn't wired to deal with something of this magnitude. I didn't know whether to get turned on, or to regurgitate! A good 5 minutes has passed and she is still multitasking. What have I done to deserve this? Well, in the meantime, another car approaches from behind and she moves in front of me to get out of the way. At this point, I'm thinking that this nightmare is over. Nope! She goes back in the hammer lane and slows back down to my speed. She was bound and determined to finish what she started, and she was going to make sure I got to watch her finish. I had a great idea what to do with that Publix grocery bag in the passenger side seat of hers, but her hands were pretty much occupied for any kind of sign language communications. I had no other choice, but to watch her finish multitasking. It was like Mt. St. Helen erupting back in 900 B.C.! When all said and done, I felt like I had been used. I hate when that happens! I still remember her vanity license plates to this day. I will not reveal them, due to her immediate family, her children, her grand-children, and her great-grand-children involved in this matter.

Scenario #2

A few weeks later, I was once again routed across Alligator Alley. After that recent life changing trip across Alligator Alley, the last thing I wanted to do was run into that unforgettable senior that enjoyed herself on my behalf! So, on my way to Fort Lauderdale, eagerly searching for that maroon Buick, I had to make an unexpected drop. This was the kind of drop that drivers didn't get paid for........YEP.......a #2!.... and RIGHT NOW! It never fails, it always happens in the middle of nowhere. Once again, I was forced to exercise everything I had learned from watching those survivor shows on the Discovery Channel. I stopped abruptly on the side of the shoulder to take 30 seconds to figure out my limited options. I looked around at my surroundings only to figure out that my options were next to none. At this point, every second counted! Quickly, my eyes scanned the area, and all I could see was swamp and a wide range of alligators sunning themselves on the bank, in the hot, radiant Florida heat! Nestling myself out of sight in the swamp's foliage was NOT an option. I needed all of what little ass I had! I didn't want to become one of those emergency room "your not gonna believe this one" stories.
I never seem to amaze myself. Being the quick thinker that I am, with a newspaper in hand, I was like a King walking 48 feet back to his throne. I opened my trailer doors and glanced at the 10 feet of open floor space, searching like a dog looking for that perfect spot. With no time to waste, I closed the doors as far as I could, leaving a little crack for that Florida sunshine to come in. Somehow, I knew I had to use my origami skills and come up with some kind of make-shift newspaper toilet. I am not a person that litters, butt ........ ironically, I threw my belongings by a sign that read "Do Not Feed The Alligators". I was about 10 seconds from plan C. That plan ends with a trip to the next Walmart in a pair of origami shorts.

I won't be the first one to tell you, truck driving is not just a job, it's an adventure!

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Mile Marker #11

In an earlier blog, I touched a little on a driver's attachment to their trucks. I am about to share with you a song I have written that pertains to trucking and this driver/truck connection. Over the years while driving, I've collected my thoughts and jotted them down on paper. In total, I have 19 completed songs, and 3 of them are trucking or driving related. I will post the other 2 songs when the appropriate time comes. These songs are copy written and include copy right laws. If for some ridicules reason somebody is interested in this song, please contact me VIA E-mail. This particular song is a fun Country song with a Brooks & Dunn or Montgomery Gentry flavor. Enjoy....



SHE IS ALL I NEED


She took my breath away \ I set a date to take her out
She was everything I thought she was
I didn't have a doubt
It just took time to commit \ I had to take lead
Now, we're legit \ She's a different breed
She is all I need


She broke my bank \ But, you can't put a price on love
She cleaned up nice \ Everyday, I thank God above
Finally, I can call her my own
She was the talk of the town \ when I took her home
It wasn't just luck
I ended up with such a beautiful truck
Some were jealous \ Some called it greed
I didn't care
She is all I need


CHORUS

Check her out
She's got old school headlights
and a 355 rear end
She brings the boys to stop
She's the queen of the land
She's in her own league
She is all I need


She's turning heads \ when were on the road
She holds her own \ When she pulls a load
She makes me proud \ She won the best of show
She wowed the crowd \ Down in Tupelo
She's like a Nashville star \ when we arrive
She's featured on the cover of Overdrive
You can look \ But, you can't touch
Do what ever you want
But, don't mess with a man's truck!
She's a beauty indeed
She is all I need


CHORUS

Check her out ya'll
She's got old school headlights
and a 355 rear end
She brings the boys to a stop
She's the queen of the land
She's in her own league
She is all I need
Yeah, She is all I need

THE MAN

Mile Marker#10

the man\ n: 1 an employer that expects employees of that particular company to comply with their standard set of rules \ 2 Working for someone other than yourself

As attractive as it may sound, purchasing a truck and being your own boss comes with a price and a risk. This breed of truck drivers are known as owner/operators. I do not recommend a person without a trucking background or deep pockets to venture down this path. Not only will you be a driver, you will now be running a business. In trucking, this is the closest you can get to being your own boss. Working for a company as a driver comes with it's limited freedom. Owner/operator is freedom. Having initial cash availability and good pay load connections should be a top priority. The start-up costs are horrendous, such as: equipment purchasing, licensing fees, road taxes ,insurances, etc. Then there is the responsibility of keeping yearly records, tax information, and setting up loads with shippers. It's a business, plain and simple!

The beauty of being an owner/operator is the option of choosing what, when, or where. A lot of the loads still pay the same as they did a while back, so it's tricky to find good paying loads so the driver can make somewhat of a profit. Remember, the costs come out of the profit margin for maintenance, break downs, tolls, and high priced diesel fuel ($3.45 a gallon on average) etc. If a driver chooses not to take a "cheap freight" load, there are always the bigger trucking outfits that will. The big companies have trailers and drivers spotted thrughout the nation and will haul it in a heart beat. They work on yearly volume and can afford to look at the big picture. This practice causes the load pay to stay at an outdated, under priced rate. If big companies can make a few cents on the dollar when all said and done, that adds up to a big profit at year's end. This is not a good thing for an owner/operator.

Another available option for an owner/operator is leasing on with a particular trucking company. The driver owns the tractor, but he or she will actually be hauling for that company on a contractual basis. The company will provide the loads and back loads, and sometimes a trailer for the owner/operator. Leasing on with a company can be beneficial to a driver. Companies will absorb some of the costs that are otherwise paid by the owner. There is still the freedom factor of choosing where, when, or if the driver wants to go. The drivers are paid a higher owner/operator rate, or sometimes paid on a percentage agreement.

Even when times were good, owning my own tractor never appealed to me. I didn't want no part of it. I give the owner/operators a lot of credit! Some make it happen with all of the extra baggage that comes along with being you own boss. If everything I mentioned isn't risky enough, add in the idiot factor of drivers into the equation. One bad move could create a law suit, and bring a small trucking business to its knees. I hear a lot of stories from used-to-be owner/operators that are now company drivers. If your like me and luck isn't a word in your everyday vocabulary, put your pride to the side and go work for The Man.

The Man will provide a late model tractor and the diesel fuel to run it. A good company has great benefits and retirement packages for you and your family. Some companies offer sign on bonuses, fuel bonuses, and safety bonuses. It's just a lot less stressful as a driver not having to worry about all of the extra costs and time of being an owner/operator. When a driver gets back home after completing a trip, he or she can relax and spend time with family. Owner/operators have to maintain their trucks, do paperwork, and worry about getting another load ready to go. They are always on the go. Working as a company driver, the trip costs are paid by them, and all you have to do is your job. The only costs to a driver is the normal everyday expenses like food, entertainment or other personal purchases. Maybe a log book fine or speeding ticket here or there.....

If my opinion matters, working for The Man is the best choice in the trucking industry, but hey, who am I to say?

PR - 101

Mile Marker #9

Good public relations are crucial in the trucking industry. If you think about it, trucking companies do not have an actual product to sell. They are selling service. As a driver, you have to do your part to deliver great service. If a company's service is unsatisfactory, it creates an opportunity for competing companies to step in and pimp theirs. It's vicious cycle! That's why appearance and driver attitude are very important. Drivers are the backbone of a trucking company, and essentially are the company's representatives. The driver has the most personal contact with the customers. No matter where we work, we all know that "the customer is always right". In some cases, they are not....but it's the law. I have one customer that comes to mind. After spending five minutes with this guy disrespecting me and beating me down, I feel like I need two hours of therapy!

Trucking's creative advertising techniques have exploded into the market place. Studies have proven that these new ways of advertising are more productive than placing an ad in a magazine. The Nascar scene is a very popular venue to get a company's name exposed. There are many trucking firms that sponsor a car these days. (Yellow Transportation, R&L, UPS, Fed Ex, Schnieder, etc.) The costs of sponsoring a race car and team are in the millions, but that's the price companies are willing to shell out to make there name a house-hold brand. Nascar is a very popular "sport" and the T.V. coverage is priceless. The sponsored car doesn't even need to be running up front or win a race to receive good coverage. A wreck is beneficial as well. Even though the car is jacked-up against a wall, the wreck replays alone are worth the money. Not to mention the race car driver's interview afterwards. "I'd like to thank Yellow Transportation and Team Yellow for keep'n us up front all day. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the #20 car got into the back of my #70 Yellow Transportation Cheverolet and sent us into the wall. Thank you! Where's my Gatorade?" That right there, is advertising at it's finest! Customer hospitality tents are usually set up at the hosting city's race event. This gives the customers of the trucking companies a chance to see a race and communicate with the behind-the-scene employees from the area terminal. It's a great tool for thanking them for their business, and also solidifies future business relationships.

UPS is taking advantage of prime time advertising with T.V. ads. These ads feature the "dry-erase -board- guy" drawing pictures of their service during NFL football games. UPS started with their small package services. Now, since acquiring the trucking company "Overnight", they are working that into the mix too. What a brilliant approach to introduce the trucking side of their company. "Hey dry-erase-board-guy.....You forgot the mudflaps!"

Don't look now, but I just provided free world-wide advertising for these companies. You would think that would be worth something.....

The general public's view on truck drivers is getting better, but still needs improvement. Companies work very hard to promote safety. America's highway system was originally built for moving commerce, and everything we purchase has been on a truck some time or another. Education is key for both truck and automobile drivers to accommodate each other. We have bad seeds on both sides, but for the most part, we make it work. Unfortunately, people's patience level is now at an all time low. Everybody is in a hurry to go nowhere. In the public's opinion, either a truck is going to slow and they don't want to be caught behind it, or a truck is speeding and out of control. There never seems to be a happy medium. Being a truck driver, you will experience and be reminded regularly by a popular gesture, that you are the #1 driver! But, there will always be that little boy in the yard signaling you to blow your horn. That's what it is all about! Good PR....

MORE "BUCK 4 THE BANG"

Mile Marker #8

It just so happens, that the highest paid driving jobs are within the Union companies. Some people have different opinions or political views about the Union, but the pro's over power the con's. Personally, I don't care to hear other people's input on this subject, I am just giving helpful information for drivers that choose this direction. We are all truck drivers trying to make a living, but the Union provides "Rights" for the driver, along with the Teamster backing. Those "Rights" are not available anywhere else. Truck drivers work hard, and in return, deserve to be treated fairly.

Many truck drivers are not attracted to these Union jobs because of the added danger of pulling doubles or triples (combination of two/three trailers plus a dolly/s). Truth of the matter is, they are dangerous, but the driver is compensated well to pull them and given adequate time to do so in a safe manner. Also, those days of hauling ass are not an option. These company's rigs are now governed to go approximately 60-65 mph. If you are lucky, you might get one that goes a little faster. The checks that you will be cashing will outweigh how fast you are allowed to go. You will get used to 60 mph real quick! I'd pull their freight with a horse drawn buggy for that kind of money. Sometimes you will feel like you are going that slow, but just keep looking straight ahead while being passed, and keep smiling all the way to the bank.

Changing trucks each trip are common practices among Union carriers. This is also known as "slip seating". Most drivers have their own personal media boxes (CB,stereo,etc.) that are easily ready for a quick hook-up. The majority of the trucks will be day cabs (no sleepers), unless you are a team driver. I know you are wondering, "where am I going to sleep?" All of the driving will be mostly terminal to terminal. You are not required to do any loading or unloading, dropping or hooking trailers, or fueling for that matter. Those jobs are done by the terminal personnel. All of the pick-ups and deliveries of freight are done by that terminal's city drivers. You may have to drop and hook at an unmanned terminal. Otherwise, park your truck in line, go inside and punch the clock, and you will be getting paid while you are waiting to depart. If that is your destination terminal after your 14 hours of on-duty time, you are required to take a 10 hour break. If this is the case, simply park your truck, gather your belongings, punch the clock while you are doing paperwork, and wait for the cab to take you to the hotel. That is where you will be sleeping, in a hotel. No more "I'm #73 on the shower list at the truck stop". That was a bad memory that came to mind from back-in-the-day in New Jersey. When the terminal calls you after your ten hours for a start time, take the cab back to the terminal. You will be getting paid from the start time they give you. Example: If your start time is 10:00 PM and they do not have you hooked and ready to go until 12:00 PM, you will get paid two hours on the clock for your time spent waiting. Once the truck is rolling, you will be paid on a mileage basis.

That is the basic procedure for a Union line-haul/road driver. Seniority prevails for bid routes including the benefits of being home with more consistency. Team driving (sleeper trucks) is pretty much the same set-up, but the truck is always moving. When one is sleeping, the other one is driving. Team driving is the most lucrative avenue in this system. Team driving is not for everyone, but it could be a great option for someone that pairs up with the right team member.

This all seems "to good to be true" in the world of truck driving, but the times have changed and these opportunities are out there. The possibilities are obviously greater in the bigger cities. Relocating might be in your future to achieve the highest potential wages in this industry.

THANK ME LATER

Mile Marker#7

This blog will contain the most valuable advice than any other one I have written, or will write in the future. Hopefully you have read the previous 6 blogs leading up to this one. This is where the driver's market is definitely in your favor. The advice I am providing or recommending is available to you, due to lack of upcoming drivers. There are people out there trying to sell you books on this information. I am providing these valuable blogs and experience to you for FREE! You can thank me later......

Back when I got hired by my current employer 13 years ago, landing this kind of job was pretty much by "word of mouth". Companies advertising for drivers was pretty rare back then. I am not Joe-Union-Guy or nothing like that, I am just passing good fortune information to you to better yourself financially as a driver. I just believe drivers should get paid for everything they do. There are very good salaries available with big non-union companies, but you will find out that there are things you will be required to do, in which you will not be compensated for. The hours add up weekly. Here is another one of my personal opinions- I am a firm believer that all of trucking should be Unionized. Drivers should get paid for everything that their employer expects them to do! Non-Union carriers save tons of money on the driver's behalf.


Attention: The big 4 Union companies are now advertising for your service regularly from signs on terminal roofs, in newspapers, to job fairs, etc. Before choosing a school or first job, check out these Union carrier's websites for their own schooling and job opportunities: http://www.myyellow.com/, http://www.usfreightways.com/, http://www.roadway.com/, and http://www.abfs.com/. A couple of these companies have their own schooling, the one's that don't, will follow suit in the near future. Even if you have completed training at a different driving school, these four companies will consider your application for a line-haul driver position. Attending their provided schooling would probably be a plus. If you have any drunk driving charges or a felony, do not waste your time. Most likely, city driving positions will not be available to you, due to lack of experience for that type of work. These opportunities that are available to you now, were unheard of before.


The salaries for Union trucking jobs are very high. You can expect to make $60,000 to $100,000 yearly after 2 years on the job. Every task that you perform, you will be getting paid whether it be by mileage, hourly, or both. I won't mention the $30,000 a year in benefits per driver. I made good wages working for Non-Union carriers, but I found out first hand, the big differences between the two. Back then, I didn't have the industry knowledge that I do now. I highly recommend this for people just starting out, to experienced drivers looking to achieve the highest pay for their services. It only takes 2 years to reach full pay scale and 7 years to be vested in the pension fund. The turn-over rate of drivers is very low. I have never seen anybody leave my terminal in search of greener grass. There is no greener grass, that's why nobody leaves. The wages and the benefits are the best in this line of work. Surprisingly, the last 3 people I helped get started, stayed at big Non-Union companies after schooling. As long as they are happy, I am happy for them. I accomplished my goal by getting their careers on track, and I filled another empty seat.


This is where the "thank me later" comes in. I will be holding my breath waiting for my $40.00 in a Thank You card. (Please see Mile Marker#1 "How'd You Do That" blog for reference to the $40.00) A simple Thank You comment will be sufficient. Pursue your highest wage potential as a professional driver is the best advice I can give you.

THE PERKS

Mile Marker #6

Get the most out of each trip. Take in what each route and destination has to offer. The most appealing benefit of being an OTR driver is the FREEDOM. As long as you get to point A to point B safe and on-time, take a moment and explore God's country. Invest in a camera and capture the different landscapes, night lights, sun rises, sun sets, monuments, and area attractions. I've snapped pictures of an overnight icing in the West, a waterspout in Florida, Las Vegas city lights, to a scantily clad female in a 4-wheeler "multitasking" (if you will) on Alligator Alley. I know I already thanked you that day, but I am going to do it again. Thank You Lord! I probably could write a complete blog just on "multitasking" in cars, but I am not even going to go there! You will witness the world on the move, and wonder "where in the hell is everybody going?" Don't let yourself get in a rut where the trips are routine or monotonous. Turning memorable miles into money is the name of the game.

Being outdoors for the major part of my working career has been nothing but breathtaking. You'll encounter some bad weather days, but for the most part of the year, nothing compares to working outside. A couple of years back I injured myself at work, and I was off for about 7 months. For the last 6 months of that time, I was required to come in the terminal for 8 hours and perform light duty work. It drove me insane being couped up inside. I couldn't wait to get back out on the street!

While you are on your journeys you will meet a wide variety of people. Some with interesting stories, some quaint, some rude, but for the most part you'll encounter many swift friendships. Unfortunately, there will be some people that you just want to plain forget.

The freedom, the travels, and the world of people, are just general perks of truck driving. You will discover other little things along the way, that you wouldn't experience in other standard job settings.

Next Blog: Mile Marker #7 Thank Me Later......

IN A NUTSHELL

Mile Marker #5

I found this essay awhile back, and I thought it was a good time to share it with you. This was written by the wife of a truck driver after he was killed in an accident. The essay was published by Ann Landers back in 1993. Enjoy!


ESSAY ON TRUCKERS

Truckers are found on highways, in truck stops, in service bays, on loading docks, on bush roads, and at fuel stops. And often they are the first at the scene of an accident.
Their wives help them, little boys follow them, relatives don't understand them, meals must wait for them, but nothing can stop them.
A trucker is a paradox. He is blue-jeaned executive with his office in his cab. He is a scientist who hauls dangerous chemicals and explosives; a purchasing agent in a baseball cap; a personal director with grease under his fingernails; a poor eater with a fondness for burgers and fries; a student of geography and a weather watcher who reads the clouds for rain or snow.
He likes sunshine, children, smooth pavement, good traction, clean loads, dinner at home, weekends with his family, his shirt collar unbuttoned and country music. And there is a special place in his heart for his rig.
He's not too fond of city traffic, tourists who are rotten drivers, fuel prices, dispatchers, snarly receivers, kids in high-powered cars or drunk drivers
Nobody else gets as much satisfaction out of talking about trucks, truckers, gear shifting, good weather, homemade pies, strong coffee, kids, wives, sweethearts, and the price of diesel.
He is your friend and your customer. He is your source of food, building products, clothing, petroleum, natural resources; in fact, nearly everything in your life arrives in his truck.
And when he comes home at night after a tiring trip, the energy sapped from his hopes and dreams, he can be lifted up once more by those magic words "Daddy's Home!"


-Piccadilly

Next Blog: Mile Marker #6 The Perks

HOME SWEET HOME

Mile marker #4

I now pronounce you Man and Truck, or in some cases Woman and Truck. The uncontrollable attachment to your truck will come automatically. You will spend numerous hours driving your truck, you will sleep in your truck, and sometimes you will eat in your truck. The tractor will be pretty much your home away from home. Did I mention that you will be spending a lot of time in your truck?

Most of today's OTR equipment are late models and provide modern technology for driver comfort. A lot of companies equip their rigs with extra add-ons to draw or keep drivers employed with them for long periods of time. These extras help to keep the turn over rate at a minimum. Most of the larger companies have satellite capabilities. Instead of drivers wasting time in the truck stops using the phone, all the information they need will be at their finger tips. This includes dispatching, destination directions, or any other communications. Also, a driver can stay in touch with family and friends VIA e-mail. The downside of satellite is that the employer knows your location at all times. In my opinion, as long as the load is at the destination at the appointment time, they don't need to know when the driver is driving or when he or she is not. I like to be in charge of my own driving schedule. Over all, satellite communication is an excellent tool for a driver.

There are a few useful items a driver can add to make trips more pleasurable. The first purchase should be a CB radio. Some drivers run without one, due to the useless chatter that broadcasts over the airways. A driver without a CB radio, is like a carpenter without a hammer. CB radios are a great resource that provide helpful information such as: weather, road conditions, truck stop info, and communicating with other drivers and authorities. For all of the other unwanted transmitting, the on/off button is on the left. These reasons make a CB radio a wise investment.

Satellite radios are becoming very popular in trucking. After the initial cost of the unit, there is a minimal monthly fee with XM or Sirius in exchange for numerous uninterrupted channels anywhere and anytime. Throw a plug-in refrigerator, some fresh bedding, and a television in your truck, and you will have the main staples of truck driving. Just by having these additional items, along with good housekeeping, you will have created a cozy place to hang your hat and a place you can truly call "Home Sweet Home".

Next Blog: Mile Marker #5 In A Nutshell