The Daily Life of the American Truck Driver

Many people know how important truck drivers are.? Everything we have has a connection to the goods and materials a driver delivered over the road.? If you spent a buck, it came on a truck!? If you bought it, a trucker brought it!? Drivers see long roads, big trailers, boxes and docks….

But who are they?? What do they actually experience?

Logistics workers know that drivers have STORIES, exciting personalities, quirks, and hobbies. They see interesting things and meet new people while getting us the products we need.

Sometimes, they like to give us advice.? They have tips about roads, eateries, and even beautiful scenery they prefer to drive through.? We have a driver who loves opportunities to go through Pittsburgh or Philly.? Appalachia makes for a beautiful and popular work setting, but some of our drivers prefer southwestern expanses, reasons to get somewhere warm in the southeast, or long hauls across the Rockies.? They’re happy to talk about what they like to see or do along the way.? Recently, one of our drivers was able to help with substantial gardening advice, providing photos and ideas, tips and tricks.? How does someone who lives their life on the road even find the time?!? Our drivers are superheroes with full and diverse lives back home.

Dock workers strive to get trucks in and out on time.? Drivers befriend those workers and take the time to get to know them, especially at locations they frequent.? Some drivers even bring treats or trinkets to give to their loading partners!? We have it on good authority that docks maaaay run more efficiently when drivers bring homemade goods to share.? One of our drivers let us in on his secret:? he brings a cooler of Wisconsin cheese around to share whenever needed!? Drivers love kind personal greetings from dock workers-turned-friends when they come through town (and of course, tasty bribes can certainly help in building those relationships.)? Love connections can even begin at the docks.? One time, a driver misunderstood a dock worker’s freight-related question:? “Do you want to go out tonight?”

Sometimes loads get refused by the receiver for any number of little reasons, including surplus or external package appearance.? This doesn’t have to create waste.? Sometimes, office workers like we here at Sleek have been the lucky beneficiaries, receiving apple pies, cookies, and countless other treats.? One of our drivers once took pity on a team member who was unable to travel for the holidays, and delivered a Thanksgiving meal to his door!? A note to any drivers out there, we are so grateful that you think of us at all – especially when you need to find a way to share extra deliciousness.

Out on the road, drivers don’t have to be lonely.? We know some couples who travel together as a team, or married couples who drive separate trucks but try to stick to the same general lanes.? We know it’s appreciated when they can find and book complimentary hauls, allowing them to meet up at stops for breaks and lunches.? One couple parks a camper in the southwest and will take time off to relax in nature when they are able to get loads in that region.? Some of our drivers have pets that travel with them!? While not all shippers or receivers accommodate trucks with an animal, those drivers who keep little Good Boys or Girls with them know how to prioritize and are willing to find furry-friendly-freight.

If you have the opportunity to get a story, snack, or a bit of advice from a truck driver, I highly recommend it.? While providing a high value service, they also offer so much more color and amusement to our lives.? If you’re a driver and you’re reading this, please keep the stories coming!