Perfect Time

[scottm4211]

I think as a generality many in the trucking/expedite industry are whiners who tend to over think things. It may come from an excess of downtime. Who knows.

 

[greg334]

I do not think camaraderie is dead and Henry has written a blog about about this subject. Camaraderie has changed with the advent of cell phones. No longer do we walk into a truck stop starved for conversation. When it is need it is alive and well.

We have had many instances where another driver has helped us or we have taken the time to help another driver who needs an extra hand.

I just can't agree with either Henry or you. We lost a lot of community and camaraderie not because of the cell phone but because of the amenities in the sleeper that allow us to stay in the truck and not in the truck stop. Now many are more individuals than a community, many choose not to be or get involved and others just want to be left alone.

It used to be when I learned how to drive a truck that it was common practice to get out of the thing and enjoy a meal and some time out of the cab but now, how many are "stay in home" drivers who only leave the cab to pay for fuel or get fresh coffee. I can remember going to the Detroiter and actually having a problem finding a seat to get something to eat - now I have yet to see a restaurant that has an issue with seating, let alone somewhere near capacity.
Help?

Many of us expediters are more willing to help than truckers. Maybe it is the type of lifestyle we lead, but overall when I have had to even have someone to hold a flashlight, I couldn't find anyone who was willing to do that.

 

[ATeam]

I do not think camaraderie is dead...http://sliceoftruckerlife.com/blogs/henry-albert/2011/04/19/camaraderie-is-alive-and-well/

Neither do I. Diane and I just spent a weekend at the Petro truck stop in Oak Grove, MO. Events included breakfast with two other expediting teams and a long chat after, and a long chat in the laundry room with an expediter fleet owner. Add to that the phone conversations we had and even the exchanges right here in the Open Forum.

In general, expediters from all carriers seem to be a friendly and outgoing bunch. In eight years of expediting, we have never felt lonely on the road or ourselves to be far from friends.

 

[TeamCaffee]

I just can't agree with either Henry or you. We lost a lot of community and camaraderie not because of the cell phone but because of the amenities in the sleeper that allow us to stay in the truck and not in the truck stop. Now many are more individuals than a community, many choose not to be or get involved and others just want to be left alone.

It used to be when I learned how to drive a truck that it was common practice to get out of the thing and enjoy a meal and some time out of the cab but now, how many are "stay in home" drivers who only leave the cab to pay for fuel or get fresh coffee. I can remember going to the Detroiter and actually having a problem finding a seat to get something to eat - now I have yet to see a restaurant that has an issue with seating, let alone somewhere near capacity.
Help?

Many of us expediters are more willing to help than truckers. Maybe it is the type of lifestyle we lead, but overall when I have had to even have someone to hold a flashlight, I couldn't find anyone who was willing to do that.

You are right Greg in many aspects. Drivers are able to stay in their trucks and call home, chat with family and friends on the computer and generally stay in touch with loved ones. The bigger sleepers also make it easier to cook in the truck, watch TV in the truck, and generally be very comfortable.

When we see a driver trying to slide their tandems, someone stuck in the snow, or a driver needing something we will offer our assistance.

 

[davekc]

There are still "some good ole hands" out there, but it seems like there is fewer of them. But, I don't drive everyday so I am going by more of what people tell me. I don't think it died, but perhaps did change in many ways.

 

[greg334]

When we see a driver trying to slide their tandems, someone stuck in the snow, or a driver needing something we will offer our assistance.

Yes Linda, you do and so do a lot of other expediters. I'm not really talking about us, but them and it is the line I draw of what we are and what they are. AND I agree with Dave, there are some of the old timers out there and they are getting fewer and fewer every day.