Just What is the Stereotypical “Truck Driver”?

What do you think of when you think “Trucker”? A southern “Good Old Boy” or “Redneck”? You would be surprised!

There was a time in the not to distant past when the image of a “trucker” was that of a cowboy boot wearing, tobacco chewing, “Good old Boy” from the “sticks”. The reality today however, is quite different.

In the history of trucking, drivers quite often hailed from distant alcoves. In rural farming communities and the deep south in particular. Trucking was the means by which produce was moved into the big cities. In the early days of the interstate system, large cities were compact. Unlike the sprawling metropolises of today, suburbia was still unheard of.

At that time, cross-country travel was still primarily by train. Durable goods as well moved by rail coast to coast. Farmers hauling their produce and livestock to market in those cities were some of the first to utilize trucks and later trailers. This was the beginning of the “Trucking Industry”. Later on “independents” or for hire drivers with their own trucks would move these goods to market, giving the farmers more time to tend to their crops.

The birth of the interstate system was due primarily to the need to move various goods to and from major cities. Envisioned primarily for interstate commerce, these “superhighways” contributed greatly to the urban sprawl we have today. Many smaller metropolises arose from simple farming towns and so on.
It was this close association with farming and ranching communities which led to generations of truckers raised in these areas.

Now fast forward to the twenty first century, the trucking industry has evolved with the times. Modern trucks employ the latest technology, including, satellite communications, on board computers, and even automatic transmissions.

While “old timers” had to sleep on boards across the front seats, the newest tractors have spacious sleepers, wide beds, and even closets. Aerodynamic bodies and power steering means that smaller people can now handle an eighteen wheeler.

This has given rise to record numbers of ladies joining the industry. Combine this with the volatile job market, trucking has seen people from all walks of life joining the industry. It is just as common to meet an x-factory worker as it is to meet his former boss now driving a truck.

I’ve met former doctors-yes doctors, pushed into trucking by high insurance rates. Former engineers, accountants, and all sorts of professionals. While many join for the “adventure” of the open road, many just start trucking for the income, or maybe just to “get away” from it all.

In closing just remember that we’re all just people out there, just trying to make a living down a long lonely road.

Have a Great ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

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