Perceptions of Long Haul Truckers: A Changing Landscape

The long haul trucking profession has undergone significant changes over the decades, particularly since the early 1980s when my brother and I both completed CDL (Commercial Driver's License) training. While we saw the industry from a favorable standpoint initially, it has evolved into a less appealing environment for many truckers, marked by stricter regulations and less supportive conditions.

Initial Favorable Conditions and Challenges

Truck driving, especially in the early 1980s, posed a fairly straightforward path for new drivers. Cabovers, a distinctive style of trucks with the engine and cab combined, were still quite prevalent. The CDL school my brother and I attended was uncomplicated, allowing us to complete the program with ease. While one of my brother's colleagues started with a major company, I opted for a smaller, local firm with fewer trucks and drivers. The first couple of years were spent running team, which required the utmost in trust and mutual respect between drivers. Finding a compatible co-driver was critical; it often took a few runs to achieve the perfect match. Trust, safety, and reliability were paramount.

Routes and Responsibilities

The early 1980s saw a cycle of hauling miscellaneous materials from Indiana to the west coast, followed by transportation of perishable goods such as food. Many drivers maintained two logbooks: one for official documentation and another for personal use. The discrepancy between the two was a common occurrence, driven by the desire to maximize income and minimize time. Technological limitations were minimal; GPS, camera systems, and speed regulators were not available. Consequently, achieving triple-digit speeds was possible, provided you were capable of handling the high velocities. Team runs were the norm, and convoying was a regular practice, with drivers watching out for one another. Primary stops were limited to fueling and occasional rest and meal breaks, emphasizing a relentless pace and dedication.

Attitude and Professional Growth

The culture of the profession was markedly different then. While truck stops still featured undesirable activities, a sense of camaraderie among drivers was commonplace. Despite the challenges, the profession was held in high regard. Drivers leaned on each other for support and guidance, and trust was non-negotiable. The absence of a steady income stream was offset by the potential for significant earnings and the overall appeal of the role as a respected profession.

Shift in Perceptions and Current Challenges

My own experience in the early 2000s, when I briefly returned to the profession, offered stark contrasts. The profession had transformed into a less desirable field. The influx of new drivers, often perpetuating an environment of rookie drivers, exacerbated this change. Regulations were increasingly stringent, and the profession became a more challenging and less rewarding career option. Many new drivers completed a mere two months of training before being thrust into the role with minimal support and preparation.

Those attempting to operate as owner-operators faced even greater difficulties. The digital age brought both opportunities and limitations, with technology often restricted to the base features necessary for daily operations. The road to profitability and job security became increasingly treacherous, with poor regulation enforcement and abuse by law enforcement agencies only adding to the professional stress and frustration.

Truck driving, once an admirable career, has been reduced to a chaotic and competitive free-for-all. The once tightly-knit community of drivers has given way to a more solitary and demanding profession. The shift in perception within the industry reflects a broader societal change in the expectations and realities of long-haul trucking.

Conclusion

The evolution of the long-haul trucking profession from a respected and manageable career to a more challenging and chaotic one is a complex narrative marked by evolving regulations, rapid technological changes, and broader societal shifts. Truckers, like my brother and me, have experienced firsthand the changing dynamics of this profession and continue to advocate for a better working environment that values mutual trust, respect, and support.