The Source for Trucking News, Opinions and Trucking Jobs | Old Timers

Or as I like to say, (in a nice way) Old Farts. A lot of these old drivers have been around trucking for 20 or 30 years. A lot of them will complain about the “new breed” of matchbook driving school grads sitting around the counter of a truck stop drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette. No matter how the conversation starts out, they will inevitably turn the conversation to - ‘back in the good old days.’

Which is fine for a history lesson. But the industry, the economics of trucking and trucks have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. I wouldn’t mind if anyone of them had taught me anything. But for the most part, I’ve learned and am still learning things the hard way. When I was asking questions about buy my own truck, the biggest answer I got was, “don’t”. I’m now on my second truck and not doing too bad.

It might be me. I don’t sit around the lunch counter smoking (I don’t smoke) and drinking coffee (don’t drink much coffee). When I have, it usually gets me in trouble because I ask too many questions that people can’t answer. Like, if owning a truck is so bad, why do you own your truck? And what’s deregulation got to do with today? I usually just get the “young whipper snapper” look.

I have gotten some good advice listening of what not to do. I’ve heard too many stories of drivers not getting paid from brokers. I’ve heard a lot of horror stories of trying to hire a driver for another truck. So far, I’m going to know more than a few good brokers before I go out on my own and I’m going to really know a driver before I hire them if I get another truck besides my own. And a lot of the older drivers don’t use technology to it’s fullest, which I believe will separate the drivers that make money and the drivers that don’t make money.

I know these old guys have a wealth of information. It’s just hard to sort through and to know if a particular person I’ve never met before, really knows what he’s talking about. I do know that trucking is a “who you know” industry. The best jobs are the ones that aren’t advertised.

I would love to have a mentor that knows about running completely independent with a couple of trucks and drivers under them. And learn everything I can from them. But until then I will respect the older drivers, but take what someone tells me with a grain of salt. Think about what I’ve been told and decide if it’s worth keeping or ignoring. Then learn by doing it myself.