You Trucker, You!

I think that one of the worst things to deal with as an over-the-road truck driver is getting sick. Right now I'm in the midst of a nasty-wasty head cold that is really bumming me out. I have sinus congestion, a mild cough/sore throat, and maybe even a low grade fever. And it sucks donkey balls! Plus, I don't have anyone to tend to my needs.... you know, to bring me chicken soup and tell me I'll be ll better soon... and that sucks too. But I'm tough, and I'll tough it out like a "real trucker".

Speaking of real truckers... what is it exactly that makes one a real trucker anyway?

I was told during my company provided driver training course that until you hit the one year mark of being over-the-road, you were merely a "driver of a truck". And that you didn't earn the title of "truck driver" until after one year's worth of real-life experience.

I considered myself a truck driver from day one, mysel. I had chosen a career path and profession, I received some training for my chosen field, and began working as soon as I could in new said field. My career i called "truck driving"... therefore, I am a truck driver.

There is a call-in radio program on Sirius/XM's trucking channel that has a new topic each day fo listeners to call in and discuss. One day they asked the question "do you prefer to be called a driver, trucker, or truck driver?" I found the multitude of responses quite interesting. Some folks are adamant about being called one or another specific term. Others couldn't care less either way.

I kinda fall into the latter category. I don't care what ya call me, as long as you understand I am a career trained professional and you don't call me late for supper.

I tend to call myself a "mutha-trucka" anyway... because I'm cool like that! ;o)

But honestly... what do you prefer to be called?

Comments

Philip said…
Professional Cargo Relocation Specialist
September 19, 2009 at 5:38 PM
John Isom said…
I could care less also. Driver seems to be what people at shippers and recievers seem to prefer. I am an operations manager now but have seen you when i drove for schneider under their choice program, which was great. I was also an ICA for schneider out of Indy terminal. Good luck keep up the posting
September 20, 2009 at 9:11 AM
all things bradbury said…
i'm pretty much in agreement about not caring as long as i'm not late for supper....lol....i've been called driver, lady, lady trucker, hon, tits, miss truckdriver, just to name a few.....it really doesn't matter what they call me as long as they say it either with humor or respect, appropriately....
September 20, 2009 at 6:05 PM
Hedon said…
I'm like you -- I don't much care what you call me. Although I think I tend to call drivers... well... drivers. :)

Boy the one that seems to get people really riled up is when someone calls someone else "Hand" or at least it used to cause some high-running emotion. I have to admit that i haven't been on the CB in months so I don't know if anyone is even still using it.

Hope you're feeling better soon -- it's no fun being sick on the road. Not like it is mardi gras being sick at home or anything, but it's a whole lower level of hell being sick alone in a sleeper. I feel for you.
September 20, 2009 at 7:47 PM
willy said…
I am like you in that it really doesnt matter to me. On the CB people like to say "your a steering wheel holder" that is fine with me as long as the pay is the same. The supper truckers of the world act like truck driver is such a elite title to have.
September 21, 2009 at 8:37 PM
The Daily Rant said…
I usually don't like the term "driver" - it sounds as if you're the help. Or derogatory. It's so impersonal.

When people ask me what I do, I tend to say I'm a "truck driver". But I've had so many people say "what do you mean?" or "what kind of truck?" that I now say "I drive an 18-wheeler." And believe it or not, there are STILL some people that look at me with that "huh??" look. I then say, slowly, "Trac...tor...trail...or"

I guess as long as the term isn't said with disdain, any term relating to driving a truck would be fine, but I think "truck driver" would probably be my choice.
October 3, 2009 at 11:19 PM
T-Net said…
Being another woman driver, I am sure I have been called many things, lol, but I keep the CB off so I don't have to hear it! :) I am a Freight Relocation Specialist, or a small business owner. I usually just refer to myself as a truck driver. Or I will say I drive a semi. The reaction most often is "Little ole you? Can you reach the pedals?" It is quite amusing.
October 18, 2009 at 4:16 PM
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