There's Something About Trucking

There’s just something about trucking that you don’t find in other fields.

There’s camaraderie. Some would argue, with validity, that in recent years, that feeling of “us” has dissipated. But there’s still an “us” in the trucking world that an outsider just doesn’t get to see. We’re all out here doing the same job- trucking, flat bedding, car hauling. Essentially, all kinds of truckers are out here traveling, away from our homes and families, and rarely appreciated for what we do. You may hear two truckers arguing on the c. b. radio and threatening to fight, but, as the trucker stories go, those two are likely to get out of their trucks in a rage and wind up headed in to the truck stop restaurant to grab a meal together. Some of the things that make trucking special are our language, our way of acknowledging one another, the code we live by, and our appreciation of common courtesies.

We truckers have a language. Sure, computer programmers and physicians have their own language, but you can read up on and study those topics to learn the lingo. In trucking, to learn the lingo, you have to live the life. The words aren’t everything; it’s the way they are said and the depth of their meaning- and all the jokes and humor that go with them. C’mon beek!

We truckers have a way of acknowledging one another. When we pass by each other, we give a wave- whether it’s one truck passing a slower truck, or two trucks headed different directions on a two lane road. The wave isn’t excited or even particularly friendly- it’s just an acknowledgement. We’ve also got a nod. When we walk by one another, whether it’s at a truck stop or in the parking lot, we’ll nod. Just like the wave, it’s an acknowledgement. It’s a way of saying hello to a fellow driver.

We truckers also have a code we live by. If you belong there, you’re likely to be safe at the truck stop. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t lock your doors or pay attention to your surroundings. But the truckers aren’t the ones you should be afraid of if you’re walking through the parking lot on your way to the truck stop. And the truckers are the ones you can count on if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation. If you’ve got your hood up, your tools out, grease on your hands and a frustrated look on your face, another trucker is likely to offer a hand. And if we see someone trying to break into your truck, we’re likely to put a stop light on the thief or step in and put a stop to it.

We truckers appreciate courtesy. If you’re patient and paying attention, truckers will be more courteous on the road. If you continually try to pass, flash your lights to tell the trucker to “get over” when he’s trying to pass, or drive without regard to safety, the trucker is going to make some assumptions about you- whether you’re in a car or another truck. And those assumptions are not going to inspire him to let you get on by. But if you see a trucker’s turn signal and flash your lights (off and on, don’t use your brights) to let him over, or if you move over a lane to make room when the trucker needs to merge onto the freeway, or if you stay back when you know the trucker is going to have to swing wide to make a turn, that trucker is more likely to extend courtesy to you, too.