The Comforts and Sacrifices of the Trucking Industry

I'm the Over the Road (OTR) Type - There are several types of categories that define the roll and position of a truck driver. There are local drivers, who usually deliver within a one hundred mile radius of their company, which may take them across two or three state lines. The Regional Driver covers several states from the terminal. Many companies draw lines across the forty eight states, dividing the area into regions, such as the Northeast and South East Region, The Midwest Region, and sometimes since the Great State of Texas is so big, in square miles, it alone is called the south Region. Then there is the dividing lines called the North and South Western regions. Some companies dividing lines vary, but it is in those regions the driver typically covers. Loads crossing the regional lines are sometimes crossed by this driver, or in many cases, the driver "swaps" loads (they switch trailers) with another driver. Then there is the Over the road truck driver, are simply called the 48 states. And for those who have been watching the cable channel there are the Ice Truckers, who cross the Canadian border to Alaska...over the dividing waters, during the heart of winter. The categories go on, based on what the Company has established, but these are the typical terms, everyone hears.

All of the categories above usually supply the driver with those big trucks that have sleepers, except for the local drivers, who usually cover city driving, where a smaller tractor without the sleeper birth, can cruise the city streets and highways. The older city trucks were designed as cabovers, which means the driver was sitting all the way to the nose of the tractor, and sat on top of the engine compartment. There were many reasons for this design, and almost every driver who had the opportunity to drive them will miss them should they ever stop manufacturing that design.

Each truck manufacturer designs their trucks in many styles, and for various reasons, just like the automobile. And because of those designs, no matter how some trucks look the same, the driver has his own opinions of which manufacturer is the Cadillac of the trucking business. Even the sleeper births themselves vary in size design, and style. And with the advent of the "Green machine", a term expressing an environmentally advancing type of tractor engine, that uses an ultra low sulfur fuel, the opinions will decide if those Cadillac of trucks keep their titles. All of the Sleeper Births have a Sleeping bed, and most have a second bunk, for those who run as a team. There are compartments under the bottom bunk for the cargo, and may be accessed by lifting the bunk, but few are strictly accessed from outside, called side compartments.

The is usually two separate cigarette lighters for battery operated appliances, or an inverter, which changes battery power to electric like in your house, so you can run other appliances and devices not designed to be plugged in or connected to a truck's battery power. They have various reading lights, and on the roof is usually a fluorescent light. Depending on how creative the driver is, it can be setup like a home away from home. The windows come in many styles, and some have even a sun roof, to save on running the lights in a closed compartment. The sleeping area is considered a closed compartment, when the curtains are pulled, separating the sleeper birth from the driving and passenger seat area. It is not only designed for privacy, while running a team, and the tuck is moving, but technically, the curtains have to be pulled, when a driver puts himself on the sleeper birth line of his driving log, and it's a law.

And beside pocket areas all over the truck, and on the back of both seats, each truck has some unique features, like a slide out table, like an office table. Now, many drivers are accustomed to sleeping in the sleeper birth when their driving day is over, and they pull into truck stops, rest areas, or some "safe haven" for their ten hour sleep. It takes time to get used to sleeping in the sleeper birth, while another driver is driving, and is one of the likes and dislikes of certain trucks, depending on the opinion of the individual driver. Some drivers decide on which manufacturer has a better truck, based on the ride of the truck while it is moving. They also decide on the rumbling whir noise of the tires rolling down the highway. And some trucks design makes the driving area and sleeper birth the dividing line to the whirring noise versus the engine noise. For the driver who drives solo, it is annoying to always hear the whine of the engine, as opposed to the rumbling road, since it is the solo driver who sleeps with the truck stopped somewhere.

Team Drivers who take turns driving also have their own opinions and that the size of the sleeper birth matters too. There are times when both drivers cannot drive by law, because they have exhausted their driving time, or duty hours. If they need to be down for more than thirty hours, the space in the sleeper birth can be cramping at times. And for the driver who sleeps on the top bunk, climbing up and down makes them notice not only the space, but what handles help in the climb and decent from that bunk. All in all, there is room for the well thought out driver, and his clothes, accessories, and devices. For those reading this in the comfort of the home or office, it really sounds not too bad, as those transients who live in the back of vans and cars, but you have to also consider the extreme summer and winter months. And there are idling laws that typically state that the engine cannot run to keep the inside warm or cool, for more than three minutes. The fines can be huge too. And even though Drivers may like the idea of driving solo, its during these short periods (that can feel like an eternity) where driving as a team has the advantage of temperature control, because the truck continues down the highway, from point A to point B. Still once at their destination, the truck can sit for hours waiting for a load or to be unloaded.

There are creative comforts and essentials like electric blankets and sleeping bags, and even fans can be bought. But its uncomfortable to get out of the warm blankets to get dressed, before starting up the truck, and all of knows that the first call of the day is always nature calling. There are hotels and motels, but rarely is it set up for tractor trailers, and only a few truck stops have rooms to rent. And if the driver decides to get a room, he typically pays for it out of their own pocket. Believe it or not, even if you work only two weeks over the road at a time, and get to go home for close to two days, it's a lifestyle that the new driver learns to prepare for before a tour, and endures the discomfort of what was left behind, until the next time, or the next truck stop with those supplies. Three quarters of the year is the most comfortable since, as an over the road (OTR) Driver, your load can take you away from the weather, and a driver learns to plan to cope when another load directs him that way. It is only two separate times that add up the quarter of the year, where the challenges and tolerations of the job is considered, and that is based on self reflection.

As I stated in my first article, The Business of Truck Driving, a Driver can only work a fourteen hour day, and drive eleven hours in that period. There has to be places for them to eat meals, take showers, pick up parts and get emergency repairs, or simply take it easy for awhile. And depending on how many weeks at a time the driver is on the road, a place to do laundry. Yes, the truck stops. This is a business all directed to to comfort and needs of the driver, and can be found off of the Interstates, with a select few in some busy towns and cities. They are known as safe havens, and are like a private club house, with security. There are only a few places that have law Enforcement there twenty four hours a day, and when a driver needs his rest, its good to know he can sleep easy. And a new service is provided for the truck driver, called Idle Air, which supplies a tube through the passenger window, which has air conditioning and heating, a cable television, and telephone connection, and even an Internet service. Of course, all of this costs money at a nominal hourly fee, but if the driver needs to pay bills online, make call, or just see where the appending storm is approaching from, this is a valuable service (especially in the extreme weather periods. Remember there are laws against idling too long.).

The Post Office also has a Mailbox at the stops, along with a courier service, called Trip PAK, which the driver uses to send his paperwork and receipts back to his employer, keeping him from holding onto a pile of documents and receipts, and in order until he gets back. Small services can also be found, such as gift shops, and CB Repair shops. Some are dedicated to the needs of the truck driver, but there are a couple of big named truck stops that are also family orientated, such as the restaurants and fuel stops. A couple even have private rooms to rent, for the driver who will be there more than an over night stay.
The business of truck Driving has grown so big, that there are just not enough spaces for every tractor trailer, and so the next best place to get some rest is the Rest Area. There are not many designed for a large amount of Tractor Trailers, but it is also a place considered a safe haven for the weary.

There are services for the tractor trailers too. Trucks get dirty, and just like cars, the truck wash business does well after a ride down the dusty trails, and bug swarmed nights. The thing to remember is trucks are bigger than cars, so any service for the truck and driver, cost a little more. Even towing services are priced high, because of the risk of the weight he now is towing. Tire services are also growing, and it is a much needed service when it comes to carrying heavy loads, and for safety.

To make money, you also spend money. The financial responsibility on the company driver usually is toward his licensing, and the endorsements he needs for the job; his medical card, and anything from glasses to physical needs to keep him fit for the work done. The cost of eating meals and having snacks can also take a fraction of the money made. It sometimes takes a driver awhile to build a routine to build a budget that he can live on, and supplements other needs to keep cost down, like buying a refrigerator or cooler. I should also point out that when it comes to being a truck driver this is also a lifestyle that she is doing too. So when it comes to the personal needs and comfort of the driver who does short or long hauls for a living, it is not a camping trip or vacation to say the least.
The cost and expenses of the Company and owner operator are much more. There is the vehicle Insurance and constant maintenance, the cost of Road, fuel, and State Tax, and the personal insurance offered to the driver. Purchasing these huge machines is like the cost of a house, and the repairs needed to a homeowner would be classified as a money pit. But it is the expenses of doing business. And business is good. You the consumer have a hunger for your own comforts and needs, so as long as you need food and toiletries, cooking and appliances, office equipment and furniture, electronics and other amusements and comforts, they will have to get to you and your neighbors, and they are delivered in bulk. Almost everything domestic, imported, or exported has to be distributed down the road, and it falls along a challenging timeline. It's also what drives the competition for each and every trucking company. The consumer likes that next day service or the delivery in two days, or the week's expectation for that new car or pickup truck.

I won't get into the strategies of trucking here, but it is a lifestyle that does desire the truck driver to devote as much time with that truck as possible, and if the driver allows it can actually find him living the life out of that big machine. Typically, the profession calls for at least a week at a time, and on the average up to a month, with a day off earned per week. And it is not directed at the driver, but at the machine that makes the moves, and keeps the money coming in for both the individual and the business; it does no good to have that machine sit for to long, making no miles, that in turn makes the money.

In my first article, I mentioned that my father was a truck driver. As an adolescent, the family had him basically for Sundays. But there were games and other activities he'd miss seeing me play, and it takes a strong partner to live this life, wondering if the weather will work against them. But being a loner is not the lesser evil too. To have credit, a home, and to have one's one comforts, the driver needs to get home for the bills and maintenance, something a partner would do in their absence. It was about a decade ago, my father and I had this talk, referring to a ten year old (me), wishing he was around more. Just having him sleep all day, and work all night, there was a selfish desire that there was more time to have him around, while growing up.

There was time though. My father did teach me and my brother how to swing a bat, and there were those one on one basket ball games. I did work with him on some household remodeling, and he was there to save me, when I damaged the front end of my first car. Those Sundays were filled with road trips to amusements, and little shops. There was time he made. It is something I had to figure out, especially when, he had to also make time with my mother, his partner in life. I guess for every ten year old inside of us, there just isn't enough time, and yet the little time there was, were the most memorable. By changing the perspective, and recently being a driver myself, it's a wonder how the time was managed and how my childhood was truly rewarding. And what of his partner, where those vows never showed a small print that the life together would be spent apart almost half the time. Where he made the time for his family, would only be complimented by the patients of his partner. My mother passed away unexpectedly, only two months after he retired. Those golden years cut short. Both he and his partner now cheated. And somehow, just like me changing the perspective of that ten year old inside of me, he still declares that they were the most memorable and exciting 41 years together. And I believe him.

Maybe I will make an article in memory of my mother, and the spouse who stays home. It is why I mention and will state from time to time, always praise the one who waits for you at home. Treat every return like a holiday, and the memories will always be what you never leave at home.

I fall in the category of the loner. My tours would leave me out there four to six weeks on the highway. Thanks to technology, bills are managed by internet, and the only thing waiting for me is the maintenance on what I own. The profession calls upon the driver to give what he can, and the professional driver, has to stand his ground when time away is needed. The consumer has its demands, and the demands fall on the driver being available. I needed to put this in there. Because somewhere out there, there just might be an actual ten years old, or spouse knowing that there must be a better way. Even I know that words and understanding won't put away the selfish needs and desires. But this is the life of the truck driver. Its greatest reward is when the trip brings that driver home. So you too have to make the memories. Treat that homecoming like a holiday, and celebrate every moment without loss. And, let that partner know you are the waiting, and it will be a holiday when they come back again.

My father shows no regrets. And as his son, I continue to respect and honor all that he has done. He drove forty years for one company, and that company rewarded him with a chance to retire. Respect is nothing he demands. Respect is just something that comes naturally.

Sure I make it sound like there is a romance and lure to the driving. And, it is the positive part of this profession. Without it, no money in the world would be enough for a parent and dedicated spouse. It is done to reap the rewards for a better life for ones family.

The life of a truck driver is a profession. Short of being a soldier, there are just as many professions that steal time from each other. Life calls on the physician and surgeon, the fireman and the volunteers, and many other professions just looked up to so easily. But too many think that for a truck driver, it's just a job. It's physically demanding, and takes much from those around, with the responsibility of safety being opposed by a timely delivery. So maybe if the impression of being a truck driver is just a job, the credit should go to the driver, for making it look that way.