The Ones Behind The Ones Behind The Wheel

Concrete cowboys. Heroes of the highway. Modern day drovers.

You hear a lot of different terms used to describe the drivers that pilot the rigs that move the nation.  Especially in September , when we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week. (Sept 13-19 2015)

It's a demanding job. It requires commitment, strong work ethics, dedication, and yes... sacrifice.

A trucker misses out on so many things.  Birthdays, holidays, family functions, little league  games, that first word/step/tooth/day of school.

Even local drivers make sacrifices. If you work a traditional 9-5 and have to go home early, its usually not a big deal. For a trucker to go home early it can be a logistical nightmare involving an entire team, as planners, dispatchers and support staff, shuffle loads around to get the truck and the freight to where it needs to be.

A successful driver has a successful team behind them, and soon we will talk about some of the things that team can do to make life better, or worse, for the drivers who work with them.

But today I want to talk about an even more critical support staff.  The people at home.

Over the road trucking can be destructive to a relationship. Being apart for long periods of time, the reputation the industry has, the long working hours and the stress of the job,
the financial challenges of having to maintain what in essence amounts to two separate households, the distraction and the uncertainty all take their toll.

Any trainer will tell you that the majority of new drivers who don't make it through the first year, quit, not because they can't drive the truck or handle the job itself, but because of the pressure from their significant other. Once they realize what loving a truck driver entails, its not as exciting any more.

Yes, being a truck driver is tough.

But not as tough as loving one.

As a driver I give up my home life, and that isn't easy. But at least I trade it for something.

I get to travel, see new places and things, explore the country and do it all while "playing trucks."

My wife, on the other hand, trades her time with her husband, for an empty chair at the table, an empty spot in her world.

This job requires dedication and commitment from me, but it also requires dedication and commitment from her.

Without that, I wouldn't be able to do what I do.

I'm not saying every driver needs to be married, or be in a relationship. But if they are, then the other person in the relationship needs to be just as committed to keeping that truck moving.

Without that commitment life turns into a constant battle between the job and home, where eventually they both suffer, and everyone loses out in the end.

If you are thinking about becoming a driver, please make sure the people you love understand it will require you to miss important days, be away for long periods of time,  be awake when they sleep and asleep when they are wake, and not always available to talk, chat, or text.

If you love a truck driver, please understand that just because they aren't always there it doesn't mean they love you any less.  If they don't immediately answer your text or phone call it doesn't necessarily mean they are mad at you,  and if they are grumpy after 14 hour day picking up or delivering in Chicago, Dallas, or Atlanta, don't take it personal.

If you work with drivers, as a dispatcher or support staff, please remember they are constantly balancing their commitment to you with their commitment to their home and family. Don't make them choose. You'll only make them miserable.

And if you are a driver, never, ever forget that your loved ones make a sacrifice and take a chance, right along with you, every time you get behind the wheel.

In upcoming posts I want to talk about some of the things my wife and I do to make things a little easier on both of us, and I'm hoping  to talk my wife into contributing as well.

Please take a minute this week, as you are appreciating truck drivers, and say a special thank you to the ones who make it possible for them to do what they do.

Although it probably doesn't take a village to drive a truck, I just want to finish with what I call the Truck Drivers' Toast, dedicated to the 'ones behind the ones behind the wheel.'

Truck Drivers' Toast

Here's  to the the team in the office,
who make sure I always have work.
They all tolerate me,
And try not to hate me,
At times when I act like a jerk.

And here's to the guys in the warehouse,
For quickly receiving my load.
They don't make me wait,
To unload my freight,
So I can get back on the road.

And here's to the crew at the scalehouse,
For watching and waving me through.
We talk bad about them,
But can't do without them.
They have a job to do too.

And here's to the waitress, back there at the truckstop,
Who smiles and calls everyone "Hon."
Her name tag says Velma,
or Norma, or Thelma
She's worked there since '71.

Yeah, here's to the new friends I've met on the road,
And all the great people I've known.
But let's raise a toast
To the ones we love most.
Here's to the folks back at home.