Driver Lifestyles

Loneliness and the Road

Driving solo, for the uninitiated and/or unprepared, carries with it the distinct probability of loneliness at some point or another.  On one hand, you're probably not long for the expediting business if you can't handle being alone for extended periods of time.  On the other, however, if you're driving solo for a long period of time, even a small amount of loneliness is to be expected. 

So, the question is this: what's the best way to combat your road loneliness?

I put the question to the EO Forum, and as per usual, got some great, useful responses. 

LDB says, "I like to read. I have an Amazon Kindle with a few hundred books and short stories in it. I also keep up with the forum and emails. I go to museums and other things now and then also. I have a few close friends in the business and we talk on the phone some."

Turtle concurs with the notion that driving solo requires a certain level of comfort in being alone, "You have to be comfortable with being alone with yourself in the first place. Being anti-social helps a lot."  He goes on to describe what you might guess would be a now-common cure for staving off loneliness: "Beyond that there's the computer for both killing time and for connecting to people, cell phone, video chats via the computer or an Android phone with a rear-facing camera (such as the new EVO)."

As I'm sure you expect, a number of solo drivers turn to their computers to break apart what loneliness might creep in.  Moot says, albeit simply, "I play solitaire and Pantherville on my computer."

Guido4475 adds, "I would have to say that this website, Expediters Online, is a blessing in meeting new people and passing time away to help with the boredom and loneliness out here. It's like a family on here, for the most part, and I've met a lot of great people on here as well.  The computer helps pass time away."

Of course, the World Wide Web isn't the only thing that folks use to pass the time and to keep the loneliness out--there are other people around, too.  You know, like at the truck stop.  Ontario VanMan says, "I break from my routine at Wal Marts and go to the truckstop; there's always someone there to break up the boredom."

Chefdennis introduces an interesting concept I hadn't thought of before: running a business from your truck: "As Turtle said, you really need to be comfortable being alone to begin with.  For me, it was a matter of setting up my Cargo Van so I could stay out three weeks at a time and be able to be comfortable. My van has a twin size bed, fridge, microwave, heat and ac so i don't have to idle.

"I also read news outlets on the internet on an ongoing basis.  I visit over 50-75 news sites from all over the world, and have a flat panel TV with a built-in DVD player and a digital antenna to watch local news and shows. The internet keeps me in touch with friends and family as well as cell phones.

"I run another business from my van. I take calls, set appointments, collect the money via credit cards, schedule the people need to perform their jobs (chefs and massage therapists), and work with my ad agency on advertising.

"Music is a big part of my day so there is the iPod and CD's; I also listen to talk radio, both national and from my local hometown stations.

"When I am empty on a weekend, I cook from time to time, usually a steak on a grill pan and a baked potato and watch college football or NASCAR.  If I don't cook then I'll find a place that serves good food from the local fare.

"Then there are times that when the weather is nice, I'll get the folding chair sit outside and BS with other drivers. When it comes to meeting other drivers: I have 2 EO stickers on my van, 1 in front on the windshield and one on the back doors.  It works great for meeting other members from EO.  Just last week i spent a day with 2 other members at the Flying J in K.C., MO  The stickers are FREE.  Just ask EO for them.

Xiggi agrees, on almost all accounts, with Chefdennis: "This is one of the reasons I prefer Flying J's over Wal Mart, et al when stopped for the night. There is a better chance of finding other drivers to converse with. I have a few other drivers I like to keep in touch with on the phone also.

"I use the computer often when stopped, but am not big on social network sites. Like Chef, I run a side business when on the road. It is internet-based so it works out well. I handle support issues which has me talking to people on the phone and answering their questions via a support desk or email. Sometimes I will spend time editing a web page or dealing with something a client needs at the moment."

On one hand, all these quotes can be taken as advice that you'd likely find useful if you're someone who's looking to do solo expediting and isn't sure how you'll combat the potentially overwhelming spectre of loneliness.  On the other, though, each driver's advice can be looked at as a series of examples that exhibit where their interests lie--and if you're new to driving solo, it might be best to take a look at what you're most interested in, because it's most likely there that you'll find the things that keep the loneliness out.