WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER?

The Pre-Trip Inspection:

Beginning this difficult attempt at describing modern rawhiders, whether an Independent Owner Operator with one or more rigs, or an employee I have to start with the all too commonly used adjectives for these hwy thoroughbreds. Which are: nasty, dirty, smelly, sloppy, dumb, nomads, untrustworthy, inconsiderate, slackers, mal-contents, shiftless, uncouth, undependable, wild, untamed, no-account, lazy, and foul-mouthed savages. However, these same words and a whole lot more can be used to describe the rest of humanity.

It's true that some or all these words do describe a tiny fraction of drivers. However, never do these foul words describe the majority of drivers.

It takes a very special person to with-stand the rigors & stress of being constantly cooped-up in a tiny home on wheels, where the feet are clutching and buried in the metal, while the curled fingers are knuckle white grasping the steering wheel, as the eyes dance from side to side & dart around the next blind bend, while The mind wonders what's lying in wait over the next hill.

If a driver's life is an easy fast big buck, then why is there a constant shortage of them?

There are many prejudices regarding drivers. The truth is -- they come in all shapes, sizes, race, gender, customs & cultures. Some of these professionals cannot comprehend any other style of life. Yet, others use this honorable livelihood as a stepping stone to the many different roads life offers.

The In-Trip Inspection:

I wonder -- how many people, especially vulnerable women have found themselves stranded late at night, where the only thing they see is prowling shadows? Who do women trust to chase away those lurking dangers? Road warriors and Hwy Knights - that's who!

The Post-Trip Inspection:

After serious consideration I've concluded that a Professional Driver is a: "jack of all trades".
To justify this decision, a few, but not all the examples would be:

  1. Accountant - set's up, posts, and maintains a daily ledger, logging all the minutes of every day, including tracking the physical movements of body and Rig.
  2. Manager - anticipates, coordinates, & manipulates TIME, people, circumstances, & merchandise.
  3. Navigator - interprets challenges, charts a course, and has the intellect to accurately gauge how best to arrive, on time, and dock the rig in usually tight and nightmarish conditions.
  4. Dispatcher - comprehends that scheduled arrival at all destinations means intact & ON-TIME.
  5. Inspector & mechanic - constantly monitors the condition of the entire rig, including the responsible cargo placement and safe arrival.
  6. Diplomat - maintains a cool head while blazing new trails in the hideous environment of hidden risks where drivers are always blamed or considered at fault when something goes wrong. Due to the pride and knowledge that this profession is fundamental to the very survival of modern civilization --- the abuses, curses, misuse, and the constant harassment of bureaucratic red tape are taken in stride.
  7. Forecaster - looks ahead, anticipates, interprets the signs and is always ready to take evasive action.
  8. News anchor - broadcasting 24 hrs a day the road hazards and weather conditions as well as alerting authorities to traffic tragedies, and is usually 1st to arrive on the scene to render comforting aid.
  9. Professional - most of us experience some degree of road rage or frustration just getting to and from a normal 8-hour work day.

But, who else, other than a professional is willing to:
  1. Brave the hazardous hwys 24 hrs a day, week in- weekout.
  2. Keep the pedal to the metal for days, weeks and months without many, if any, breaks and always away from what most of us take for granted
  3. Work, live & sleep in an 8 x 8 noisy box, yet, always remain alert & competent.
  4. Always deliver the customers freight safely and securely on time, everytime, regardless of the fact that the hwys are probably the most hazardous place on earth.
What other profession in America is harassed by roving revenuer's, where excuses are not tolerated, yet prove they are competent mentally & physically 24 hrs a day, every day, and required to possess or present identity papers in each state?

Because of what I just said, I must also state that there are many honorable public servants who don't harass nor mistreat drivers simply because they are easy targets, or that their clothes look like they were slept in, or that their hair is a little long or maybe have not had a bath in a couple days.

One day, I don't know when, perhaps drivers will be given the well-deserved and long over due respect all other professions take for granted and without a fraction of the wear and tear drivers face with each and every day. Perhaps, when respect is finally achieved will the current shortage of drivers disappear.

If you can add to, or alter what I've said, that will make more sense to a wider audience, please send me your comments, suggestions or ideas. I will post each with your name and any-other info you care to share.

In my opinion - shame on any publicly held transportation company that won't provide a reliable tire testing device to their drivers.

A personal comment about a man whom I'm proud to call my friend. This man, my Webmaster, who is a "jack of all trades" as well as an O/O. Without this gentleman's self-taught computer talents this web site, which is still under construction would only be a distant dream.

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Created: 02/10/99
Last Rev: 01/27/00