Why Every Trucker Needs a Laptop

Technology has caught up with all of us, including truck drivers. There was a time in trucking when a driver had to stop at a pay phone to get their next load, times sure have changed. If your a driver running for a major company, chances are pretty good you have one of those “OBC’s” on board. Using satellite technology , these devices can track your movements, speed, stops, idle, and from what I hear, can shut you down at the push of a button. Though I’ve never had the “pleasure” of that experience.

This device may be called an “On Board Computer”, and surely the satellite technology it uses is pretty sophisticated. The unit itself is nothing more than a glorified text pager, enlarged to the size of a standard medium pizza box, they are pretty “tough” (personal experience), but useless for anything other than simple text messages and maybe email.

These days it’s a “must” to have a cell phone and headset on the road with you, but do you really need a laptop? Many truckers are probably reading this from their computer already, but if your at home reading this and been thinking about making the purchase, then by all means, get er done! How many times have you sat in the truck stop, no load or out of hours, spending all your hard earned cash on overpriced truckstop food and movies with nothing better to do than “trash talk” on the two-way?

Many a wise driver utilize this time to do more constructive things. Did you know you can earn an accredited college degree online? And not some scam degree, most major universities offer a wide variety of BA and graduate courses online. Once enrolled these classes become available to you 24/7. While learning at your own pace and having complete freedom to study at the times best for you!

Many Owner Operators use a computer to save time, organize paperwork, find customers, and increase profits in the process. Still others build entire internet businesses from the sleeper, all with a laptop and wifi hotspot. These days all cellular companies offer cellular modems or PC cards, enabling you to get on line from most anywhere as long as your near a major interstate.

How many times have you sat at the Pilot, complaining about your job, your dispatcher, no money or whatever? Bored out of your mind and wondering what to do with yourself? Forget about the DVD’s and video games. get on the internet build a better life!

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

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

“ZEN and the Art of Diesel Mechanics”

Though fond of Robert M. Persig and his work of a similar title, I do not intend to quote any of his text here. But after spending a good portion of my life behind the wheel, well over one million miles, I can relate to many concepts explored by the author.

Truck driving, or any other kind of driving for that matter, can be one of the most monotonous and boring of tasks. After much investment in audio books, satellite radio, and other diversions, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet solitude of the open road.

It is through those travels that many find the true meaning of “serenity”.

While discovering a level of peace and clarity few will ever experience, many travelers understand deeply the “lure of the road”.

Many people will take to the road on vacation, in search of the perfect sunrise, the perfect mountain view, the perfect Fall colors. After so many years on the road, you realize they’re ALL perfect.

It is within the most mundane of tasks that the beauty of life unfolds. Traveling gives us the opportunity to expand and grow as people. This is something beyond simply new sights and experiences.

Zen simply means to “live in this moment”, to live every moment as though it were your last. There is no tomorrow or yesterday in a state of zen, only here and now.

Haven’t we all heard the phrase “Where ever you go, there you are”? That is a powerful “zen like” statement. Within which contains a profound truth, not matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, you’re still living.

Many things go wrong on the road, many plans are disrupted. It is through the trials of life that the greatest spiritual growth occurs. With problems, compassion and understanding develop.

Just a few catastrophic accident scenes will show what is important in life, like the smile and wave of a young child in the car ahead.

As one famous rock star once stated,” It’s not where I am now that matters, it was the getting here that counts!”

Travel for the sake of travel, and not to see anything or arrive anywhere, Then you have already arrived.

It’s the difference between just a trip, and a journey.

Just a vacation, or an adventure!

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

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles