10 ways my life changed after driving a truck

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
  • I'm sure there's a lot more but here are 10 ways my life changed after I started driving a truck OTR. :0)
    Thanks for watchin'
    you can find me on Facebook and Instagram as The Flatbed Chick
    you can email me at
    the.flatbed.chick@gmail.com
    or snail to :
    PO Box 3287
    Pensacola, FL. 32516
    flatbedchick.club

ความคิดเห็น • 2.1K

  • @TheFlatbedChick
    @TheFlatbedChick  6 ปีที่แล้ว +207

    Disgusting or insulting comments will be deleted. Please show common courtesy and respect for others. Thank you! To all the other visitors, as always, thanks for the comments and suggestions. :0)

    • @texheel
      @texheel 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rice-a-roni (chicken flavored)

    • @sujiazheng
      @sujiazheng 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      What a wonderful lady?! You are my hero!

    • @sujiazheng
      @sujiazheng 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The Flatbed Chick Love your videos. Please take care yourself out there on the road. Got bless you🙏

    • @sujiazheng
      @sujiazheng 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The Flatbed Chick I am planning get back on the road again soon. I hope I can bump into you some day

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      John W it is hard knowing you’re so close

  • @tomc8854
    @tomc8854 6 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I noticed that when I’m home now I’m less in a hurry to get places. When I’m in crazy traffic with people changing Lanes 1000 times , tailgating and pulling other dangerous maneuvers. I just sit back , keep my distance , laugh and say, run rats run!

  • @LeoHughes302
    @LeoHughes302 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    1. Difficult to get good sleep whenever parked in a truck stop, very noisy.
    2. Significant weight gain until I figured out how to manage that.
    3. Never realized how rude people could be, such as shippers, forklift drivers and security people.
    4. Small mistakes made more frequently due to fatigue.
    5. Never really felt fully refreshed after sleeping.

  • @semitruckliving6524
    @semitruckliving6524 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    What I noticed was my anxiety. Went from working a high strung position (recruiting) to the opposite in road life. It helped me get back to my 9 year old self. Out of sight out of mind mentality with zero at home responsibility. Every chat I have is so memorable. It can get lonely but I believe that one must choose their sufferings. To me, I’d rather choose to be lonely over being anxious. Be safe.

  • @dennisbarr5293
    @dennisbarr5293 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I’ve always drove (47 yrs so far)
    What has changed??? My blood pressure from seeing the lack of respect for others from today’s driver’s
    Be safe Little Lady 😃

  • @davec3226
    @davec3226 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Worst thing about driving is never having a regular sleep schedule.
    Nothing like those nights when you're wide awake but can't drive because the government says so, then having to drive tired the next day cuz you got no sleep but you now have the hours!

  • @chrissmyth6024
    @chrissmyth6024 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I get to see some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I didn't know we're out there, one night in Wyoming I stopped at a pull off climbed up on the hood of my truck and saw more stars than I've ever seen before, so with any job there is always pros and cons, but not being home is kinda tough sometimes

  • @charlespatrick1572
    @charlespatrick1572 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    After doing it for a while you really find out which of your (friends) really are friends and which ones were just acquaintances. Some you will just never hear from again. It hurts, but it happens.

    • @shanewilson9115
      @shanewilson9115 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Is this the same chuck patrick with kennesaw transportation

  • @mikem-el6sy
    @mikem-el6sy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    you got a great attitude toward life and a nice spirit about yourself don't ever change.Ive been doing this for 33 yrs.mike

  • @theodorejenne6921
    @theodorejenne6921 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Like finding a quiet corner in a restaurant. Don't care for the conversation of others; enjoy the solitude of the semi cab.

  • @firehawk4255
    @firehawk4255 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    1) i loved to drive to random places just for fun, not anymore.
    2) driving a few hrs always seemed like such a great distance, lol not anymore.
    3) travelling to a different state seemed like it was incredibly far away, not anymore.
    And my number 1 biggest thing that's changed,
    4) I never realized just how many crazy, reckless, and insane drivers there are on the roads.

  • @patrickchubey3127
    @patrickchubey3127 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I did it for about a year, kind of a job between jobs. What I noticed was an absence of a normal life, pretty much no life and feeling disjointed from being in a different place all the time, no roots, no love life, being totally bored from sitting there all day and night just looking at the oncoming highway, being run so hard and being so tired I could see hallucinations and still having to work, having your daily rhythm thrown right off by the constantly changing hours of work / sleep, day or night, getting out of shape from lack of physical movement, crummy road food, crummy road bathrooms, the kids are taller and older every time you see them, which isn't often, sleeping in cheap, crummy hotel rooms during layovers, being alone too much and feeling apart from the human race, and having no predictable social life. Suppose your friend is having a party in 3 weeks and they say " where will you be in 3 weeks " and you honestly don't know where you're going to be on the continent. I absolutely hated it, but on the other hand, once I got back into an office, with real people around all the time, talking about real life things, and working pre - set 8 to 4:30 hours , I really and truly gained an appreciation for having my real life back again, getting 8 hours of sleep EVERY DAY, sleeping in a real bed that doesn't bounce and rock ( there were times when I was so desperately tired and couldn't sleep because I was literally bounced right up off the mattress when the truck hit a good bump, I drove ' team ' ), and having real food at home for breakfast, lunch and supper, getting every evening ' off ' , sleeping at NIGHT and being awake during the DAY like a normal person, being able to go home every single day, having every weekend and holiday ' off ', feeling back in touch with humanity, being able to see my family and friends any time I wanted, and also being able to just get up from my desk and go to the washroom whenever the need arose, rather than having to ' hold it ' for miles and miles and miles because there was no place to pull the truck over, well, the list goes on and on. Bottom line, driving a truck isn't for everyone. If you don't mind having a lousy life, or no life at all', then fine, but if you want to live like a normal human being, my advise to you is to get a day job in an office where you are treated with respect, and have a constant normal pattern to your life and not being expected to jump out of bed at 2:30 in the morning to go to work for 2 or 3 weeks without seeing your home. Is driving long haul worth the paycheque? No, absolutely not. if you really have to drive a truck, drive locally so you can at least have a home life and not feel like an alien on your own planet.

  • @portlanmckennie4248
    @portlanmckennie4248 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Before I started driving I thought 40 hours was a long week. Haha now I complain I only have 70

    • @mcrocks536
      @mcrocks536 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      lol...me too

  • @Prescottbush314
    @Prescottbush314 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In my first year of trucking, I learned, it’s 500 to 550 ( my trucks governed at 67 mph) miles a day, 9 to 10 hours of consent A game frame of mind, the company I work for NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WANT YOU DRIVING TIRED, so if that mean 12 hrs in the sleeper, so be it, And always keep your wheels on the road, stay in you lane, keep outta ditch’s , stay on bridges, stay off of medians, never, stay off of cars, never never follow to close, and be ready for the other drivers mistakes

  • @ontargetthomunclesam3926
    @ontargetthomunclesam3926 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    the one thing that I have realized since becoming a driver is that I'm now also a critic of other people's inability to drive LOL

  • @chronictwister
    @chronictwister 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    you not lying about reading every sign, I used to deliver to Chicago with a ton of low bridges. I finally got away from Chicago and now I delivery in Nebraska area with no low bridges, but I still read signs for no truck routes

  • @truckersnake250
    @truckersnake250 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I went from a pack a day to three packs retired a year ago after 39 years and if I could I'd load it up and truck it tonight. You are the new cowboy or girl. Truck it Up Lady Trucker!

  • @dannyalbin7241
    @dannyalbin7241 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Never really had the normal life. Raised by a single mother moving all the time. Joined the navy right outta highschool and was never hone always out to sea and now I'm in a truck so the normal life is something I don't know to much about.

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      danny albin ,,that’s Normal in America to Me,, 😂

  • @ronwhitby3630
    @ronwhitby3630 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My number one difference is that my job before truckin was in retail, with little respect. I got my cdl to change that and it did! I went from a very small amount of respect to zero respect whatsoever in trucking. Ive been drivin for 4 years and have even less to show for it. Trucking as a whole, every truck driver in the u.s. just deserves more for their lives.

  • @MrShuntking
    @MrShuntking 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    #9...recluse. If you aren't good at being alone and trapped in your own head 9 plus hours a day trucking isn't going to be a good fit for ya.

  • @curtissherwood6081
    @curtissherwood6081 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    When I'm home ...I dont sleep well...get back in the trk...and sleep great.

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Curtis Sherwood ,, me too,, I have better sleep and my dreams are good too.

  • @angelnewman1182
    @angelnewman1182 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    @The Flatbed Chick A lot of men are definitely insecure about a woman's ability to work hard. I became a flatbed driver about 18 months ago and I often get positive comments about how well I do a "man's" job. My favorite was, "this job will separate the men from the boys...and you're a woman." I watched a lot of videos on trucking when I was considering the job change, watched most of yours. Rewatched this one today and it all is relatable but I have chosen to fix most of my meals in the truck and I have a camping toilet in the truck to accommodate all of the inconvienences of being in a place with no restroom or the restroom is disgusting. When I take showers, I use a bleach spray to cover the surfaces for a few minutes before I use it and I always wear shower shoes. Always! As far as the female monthly issue, I discovered the cup about 2 months before I started driving. It is a life saver! Thanks for your videos. I would make my own but I am such a recluse I dont want people to even look at me or make comments to me. Lol Keep trucking and be safe

    • @everydaygear3730
      @everydaygear3730 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You could do what I do, make videos but don't show your face! I'm mostly private, despite having my name on my videos, because I also write my own music. You sound super smart, and if you have a creative bone in your body, I hope you can find an outlet!

    • @mikew3494
      @mikew3494 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      18 months... Damn .. the epitome of experience ....

    • @angelnewman1182
      @angelnewman1182 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikew3494 I am advanced and skilled in everything I chose to do so 18 months for me is like 5 years for someone else. Take your rude attitude and sensitive ego somewhere else please. Have a good day and be safe.

    • @angelnewman1182
      @angelnewman1182 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@everydaygear3730 thanks for your positive comment. just the other day I stepped out of my shell for a minute. I was approached while securing my load by a guy who does videos and he had been wanting to get a video with a female flatbed driver to ask what the best and worst parts were for a female. He expected me to say something about tarps being difficult but you learn to handle those. For me its bungees. They are made by satan to frustrate me. They win most days. Have a good day and Be safe

    • @mikew3494
      @mikew3494 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're kind of touchy for a Rookie

  • @jswilsonchannel2383
    @jswilsonchannel2383 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The deep sadness of leaving home, when you get home and cant rest because you need to fit everything in a short amount of time, the feeling of always being time crunched, the feeling of when is this day going to end, dispatchers not giving you all your information, disgustingly hard to get proper nutrition, constantly babysitting fourwheelers, the list goes on.........

    • @arpaddeli9924
      @arpaddeli9924 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi JSW!!
      YOU SAID IT!! So True!!!
      skybill ....aka "Mr.Schneider"

  • @RickDeckardMemories
    @RickDeckardMemories 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I am 7 months "new" OTR driver, and you read my mind 10 for 10. 🌷

  • @howardwilliams4505
    @howardwilliams4505 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been a long distance truck driver in Australia for 43 years I love it your your own boss in a way nothing like the open road

    • @bredwhite6786
      @bredwhite6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good day mate what's your handle crocodile dundee

  • @shadowcross7248
    @shadowcross7248 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Man I can’t wait till the day I get my CDL. This would be the perfect job for me and I could see so many places I haven’t seen yet. Stay safe on the roads.

  • @6stringgunner511
    @6stringgunner511 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When I was able to get home. It was difficult to sleep without the occasional blast of a reefer unit kicking on. I can't tell you how many times I woke up thinking that the refrigeration unit broke down!!! 😂😂😂😞!!!!

  • @waltere.mellin3537
    @waltere.mellin3537 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    When I started driving, I learned on twin sticks and Armstrong steering. The only A/C was rolling down the windows. Sleepers were referred to as coffins, they were small. Just big enough for you to fit in. And not all truck stops had showers. Many times I had to use a sink or a hose to clean up. I saw many things change in trucking over the years, at not all of it has been good. But I'm very proud of my years of driving. I pulled mainly flatbed, but i also pulled tanker, and powder too. I drove nearly 4 million miles, and never had a accident or moving violation. But I have a long family history in transportation. Like my uncle's and grandfather. All the way back to the late 1800's. The best of luck to you, and be safe.

    • @garethifan1034
      @garethifan1034 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yup..and all the old timers constantly reminded you that they'd done 'more miles in reverse than you've ever done forward..' - they did to me anyway, and I drove in the UK

    • @waltere.mellin3537
      @waltere.mellin3537 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      LOL! It sure felt that way at times. But I pulled flatbeds, tankers, and bulk. So,it wasn't as bad for me like the one's pulling dry vans and reefers. Take care, and stay safe.🤠

  • @rowlandloewen5300
    @rowlandloewen5300 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’ve been a trucker all my life “adult”, 35 years 4000’000 miles. I own my tenth truck, yeah, the worst thing about trucking is pooping. So I’ve adopted a system that works for me. I do the loves Truckstop thing. I stay in the diamond category for points, therefore free showers. So I fuel my truck around noon. Get my shower, and poop. Every day. If no loves I buy a shower. I do not poop in public bathrooms. I’ll wewe in one but that’s all.

  • @alexmarket123
    @alexmarket123 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am 10+ years on the road.
    I try not to have more than 10 days
    trips ,then stay home for 3-5 days .
    I love it.
    Sometimes I have to bee 10 - 15 days ,truck breakdown or bills due or life happens ,then it's completely different ,I become frustrated, feel lonely prison like
    Trucking is great in small doses,
    Good luck ,thanks for great videos!!!

  • @jonblablabla1014
    @jonblablabla1014 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Omg this is the video I've been looking for!!! No one ever discusses going to the bathroom/taking a dump!!

  • @bobinthewest8559
    @bobinthewest8559 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    In the beginning, I would pack a bag to go to work...
    Then one day I noticed... I was packing a bag to go home.

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bob in the West ,, try thinking that your going on Vacation,, it helps

  • @markpinestone.2050
    @markpinestone.2050 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    IDK why, so many truck drivers talk about trucking as if the OTR was the only trucking out there. There are a lot of local trucking jobs or even semi local, road jobs where you're home every day or night.

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Most newbies have no choice but to go OTR because most local jobs require 2 or more years of experience, maybe that's why there are so many OTR drivers. 8f I could have gotten a local job straight out of school I probably would never have gone OTR. Well, not until after my kids were grown!

    • @toddchaney6883
      @toddchaney6883 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The Flatbed Chick ever thought about dump trucks?? i have an empty truck , and several friends have trucks sitting with no drivers. $20 an hour to start and time and a half over 40 , and home every day before the sun goes down!! All you have to do is drive. No more payments, worrying about repairs, fines, etc.......just sayin.... good luck out there!

  • @Prescottbush314
    @Prescottbush314 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I think the Georgia State Motto should be everything’s better in Georgia except Atlanta, driving through Atlanta is a nightmare

    • @shanewilson9115
      @shanewilson9115 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Aint that the truth. Its bad on sundays even.

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ronaldchi D have you try Los Angeles??

  • @gop4usa12
    @gop4usa12 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like being a trucker because I love to travel and see the sights. Not many people can say they've been to the Statue of Liberty, been inside the Gateway Arch, seen both oceans and Great Lakes, have visited all 48 continental states, been in the Space Needle, and eaten lobster in Gloucester, MA. Trucking is an extremely busy job, but the opportunities to be a tourist do come from time to time. And rather than sit and feel sorry for myself during downtime, I go out and do something.
    But the most challenging thing about trucking is trying to stay healthy. We can't always stop at a grocery store and most of what the truck stops offer is crap.

  • @bruceleonard81
    @bruceleonard81 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I ran over the Road for over 20 years. My kids grew up, I missed a lot of events. I have been in oilfield for10 years with getting home daily for 6 years now. So much more to life then a sleeper somewhere in America.

  • @stevel379
    @stevel379 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Get used to falling asleep quickly. If you were a light sleeper before being a driver you won't be after you're out on the road for a few weeks. Most of us turn into slow drivers once we've driven a truck for a while. When I'm home driving a car, I pay more attention to speed limits and rarely go over the posted limit. People who aren't in the lifestyle think it's an easy job, and those same people complain about a half hour backup in traffic. They can't comprehend driving 11 hours every day.

  • @wildonez3076
    @wildonez3076 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow! That's already my life!! So truck driving a would be perfect for me!!

  • @rickyharvey7614
    @rickyharvey7614 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I run dedicated from saginaw mi to Chicago ill running gm parts and i see alot of women truck drivers around the Chicago area and i haven't seen one yet that looks like you !!!! You go girl

  • @billj4910
    @billj4910 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ive been driving for 36 yrs, started in 82. Fixin to retire soon. Flat bedded for12 of them years. Now I pull a refer wagon feeding the hungry. We haul for food banks, I feel good at the end of the day. Flat bedding is very hard work, be careful out there, and happy trails. Raven 4 out.

  • @gregoryrapier3021
    @gregoryrapier3021 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I drove truck back in the 70s Flatbed hauling steel mostly and concrete covered drainage pipes all over west coast. Tankers (West Coast) out of refinery's. Owner operator 27 foot high cube Vans 11 Western States. I have driven cab overs and conventional cab two and three axles. Transmissions four and four, four and three, Five and four, 10& 13 and 15 speed roadrangers. Mostly non-sleepers. Being away from family weeks at a time was what made my go back the the metal trades.

  • @jerryrobinson6250
    @jerryrobinson6250 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nearly destroyed every relationship ive had with everyone i know because i drive a truck...its the out of sight out of mind mentality when you're not home as much. People get tired of you being gone all the time and they dont understand the demand.

  • @vanlifenomadfirekeeper
    @vanlifenomadfirekeeper 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Scary part is i started liking being by myself., no romance, no normalcy. I lost two girl friends and a cat along the way . Been at moms fore 4 months, snd i wont my LIFE back. Im my own person, im # 1. Im not real close to my family. Im told that i should get a puppy or another girlfriend (-: life on the truck is like being a trusty at a prison. But if your careful, pay off everthing and buy some land, you can have that piece of the American pie. Then maybe drive local. Not sure if i can do that. Trucking is my life, theres nothing other than having a small farm that i would wont.but, untill then, ill keep on TRUCKING (-:

  • @jamesharmon5963
    @jamesharmon5963 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A lot of people don’t understand how hard the trucking life is at times. I have been very fortunate over the years. I started driving in 1976 and in 2003 my wife got her cdl and came out with me. We ran as a team for about twelve years and that was brutal. We have seven children and thirteen grandchildren who we don’t see nearly enough. I plan on driving till I can’t pass a physical. But also we plan on more and more home time. After nearly four million miles its time. Good luck and Gods speed. Be safe out there. Stepping out with the step deck. 😎👊

  • @jeffwalker1329
    @jeffwalker1329 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You summed it up perfectly.
    Went from being homeless, to living in a nice truck, with comfortable bed every night and truckstop has nice shower too.

  • @pkcp2055
    @pkcp2055 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I met you in Idaho at the Stagestop a few years back. But anyway just being away from my wife 1.5 or 2 months at a time was the hardest and that's exactly what that truck felt like a cell on wheels. But after OTR its crazy but years after this life of freedom I missed it hard to explain. I still drive now but I'm local and since I met you I have gone back to tanker 5 nights a week 14+/night you take care flatbed chick.

  • @philsimmons3829
    @philsimmons3829 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Well, I don't know what changed because when I started this gig, I was 20 years old in 1976 and now I'm 63 in 2019. This trucking deal is all I know and kinda scared to quit. I don't know how to live a regular life.

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      phil simmons I’m the opposite of you,, regular life is not for me anymore,, I love my new Hobby/Career. Going new places seeing new people. I love it,, should done it back in 1990

  • @dougweedon5744
    @dougweedon5744 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So true I did it for 50 years and loved it most of the time but now I am glad I am retired as there are too many idiots on the roads nowadays that think they can drive and probably a lucky man to have averaged 200000 miles a year and no accidents

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Doug Weedon
      Wow, that's a long time. Thank you for your dedicated service

  • @steelhaulingdc3604
    @steelhaulingdc3604 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My body changed,Sitting in this seat for long hours sitting stamina lol.

  • @addicted2tone349
    @addicted2tone349 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been off the road and out of a truck since 2009. I can't imagine how trucking is now.. This list is spot on though other than Netflix and Prime.. We didn't have that stuff when I drove. We watched DVDs and VHS.. I wait when I met someone and got married again. I was done with trucking shortly after that. I went back to being a mechanic and I watch truckers come in and out of the yard every day and I feel for all they go thru because I get to go home every night to my wife. Truckin is a hard ass life, I'd not change it for the world though. I enjoyed my years on the road.

  • @stevemadison7895
    @stevemadison7895 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I noticed myself being afraid nearly all the time. The weather, a wrong turn, a bad chain or binder, highway criminal activity, tourists texting when they should be driving, nearly anything you can imagine can cause expensive delays, traffic accidents, injury or even death. When you are alone on the road pulling a 40' float loaded to the max, even the smallest of things that most people ignore can get you in trouble. Cheers!

  • @davesmith9802
    @davesmith9802 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    After driving a truck, all the hype about others safety changed to my safety because people are reckless, careless, inconsiderate. They are incredibly dangerous drivers that puts you the commercial driver in a place to watch everyone going by you and anticipating their stupidity before they have a chance to pull it off in front of your rig. This is a tough lesson for new drivers that still drive a truck like they are driving their car.

  • @gilbertb8078
    @gilbertb8078 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm a Heavy Equipment Mechanic.Have CDL to drive my truck.I leave home 3-6 months at a time.I mostly work out of state.Nevada goldmines..North Dakota Gas Fields..money is good.You provide for your family..yours kids all grown and need college tuitions.Fire the truck up again and head to work.Its a good Life,hard emotionally but one gets used to it.Smart phones changed all that.You can video chat now.Still kids grow up fast and you miss out on their daily life issues.Its a Good Life.You are a Provider.

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gilbert B
      Yep

    • @meakasandraclaus4981
      @meakasandraclaus4981 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gilbert B True. Remarkable.
      You're fortunate to be where the higher paid trucking jobs are. Awesome working in the Nevada goldmines.
      Cold in North Dakota too much to handle.
      Spoke to trucker once, at a KW dealer (unsure where as I visited many a KW dealer), who was invited to be one of many drivers to move some HUGE Machine, seems from WY. to NV., to the goldmines.

  • @The_Dr_Anarchy
    @The_Dr_Anarchy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    biggest change was I realized how bad of a driver I was before I started driving a truck because you know hindsight is 20/20 but I used to cut trucks off cause I was in a hurry and now that I drive a truck i realize just how stupid and idiotic I was. I also read every road sign on the freeway however unlike you I try to avoid reading the mile markers because when i read them it just makes the drive seem to take so much longer.

  • @reeb9016
    @reeb9016 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I travelled to many countries during my life and always embraced the differences, seeing how other people lived and all. But when I began driving a truck, it was the first culture shock I'd experienced. Like you said, seeing people going about their normal lives as you roll by. Seeing the flicker through a window at night of a TV always got me. Now it's just what I do but it was really weird at first.

  • @Mississippi4Clemson
    @Mississippi4Clemson 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I drove truck for a few yrs then got out of it , I hated every minute for not only the reasons you state here but countless others too . The only time I liked that job was when I parked the truck , shut it off , jumped out and locked the doors behind me and got away from it .
    I didn’t like the person I was becoming while out there .
    I don’t miss it and I will never ever return to it , Ever !

  • @jameswoods1810
    @jameswoods1810 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Exactly RIGHT , AND #10 YOU DON'T EVER GET USE TO ... BUT YOU FORGOT , #11 BEING TREATED LIKE A 3rd Class CITIZEN when you show up Late to A Shipper or Receiver due to CIRCUMSTANCES beyond your Control ....

  • @JLip-ww9ul
    @JLip-ww9ul 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Same for the expeditors van life also. We just have better picks of parking and don't have to deal with the DOT very often.

  • @sandbaglife7337
    @sandbaglife7337 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Totally relate to all points. It was strange how the country seemed smaller after crossing it a number of times.

    • @QUIZM
      @QUIZM 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Love your perspective on distance. That is so true. I used to think going from the Midwest to the coast was a real journey, now it’s all in a days work and seems to pass before I know it. Makes me realize how short and fleeting life is.

  • @drgandalf2003
    @drgandalf2003 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for what you do. I have friends who are drivers and without what you do our country, as we know it, would not exist.

  • @scotteakins7203
    @scotteakins7203 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    realizing that theres a lot more to the job, than keepin the greasy side down & 18 tires turnin. you know. the things no one tells you. be safe out there!

  • @Lost_AtSea_
    @Lost_AtSea_ 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Sounds like you don't love your job. You should get into a different field. I happen to love sleeping in truck stop parking lots, using truck stop showers (saves me from cleaning a bathroom). I'm proud that I read every sign, and I feel bad for the oblivious regular people who go through life not reading signs. Being alone has expanded my consciousness and made me more in tune to the universe. Instead of being a mindless vegetable who comes home after a mindless job and watches tv. Oh yea and love when the wind rocks my ship, it's like rocking a babies cradle! Trucking is NOT a job guys it's a lifestyle. A suggest anyone who goes into trucking to not have a house or a family it's too hard to decide if you wanna commit to the road or being home. Unless you are fortunate enough to balance the two.

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love my job, no job is perfect. lol

    • @sergeantspeed5941
      @sergeantspeed5941 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      currently struggling with that exact scenario. Got into trucking to pay for the new house and 2nd daughter. Now I'm gone so long that the yard looks like shit and the girls don't see their dad. I hate it

  • @seven1productions819
    @seven1productions819 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My stress level went up. I had to change what I ate. My patience always getting tested.

  • @chumleychumchizer9035
    @chumleychumchizer9035 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've been OTR for 13 years. I encourage women everyday to get out here and get theirs. I sincerely wish the industry was 50/50 re driver's gender. Anyway, mad props. Get it ladies, before these trucks drive themselves.

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      ChumleyChumchizer 😁👍 thanks

    • @reuventhehotboy
      @reuventhehotboy 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      We need ladies on the road , I feel amazed when I see a chic behind the wheel on an 18 Wheeler.

    • @lewiszellner3357
      @lewiszellner3357 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're very pretty lady what state are you from

  • @JP-jm9fy
    @JP-jm9fy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    At first I struggled with sleeping. After over a year now I still struggle with sleep but it’s better than it was in the beginning. I agree with the home cooked meal too. I try not to eat out to much but even still it’s not exactly what I would call the model of healthy eating. I got a weakness for honey buns.

  • @reginaldwigglesbottom1657
    @reginaldwigglesbottom1657 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Flat bed chick you mentioned about the winds moving your truck a bit. Back in the 80's when I would go to Vancouver Island on an open ferry overnight I would sleep in my bunk. One night at about 2am I woke to my cab over suddenly shaking really hard every minute or so. Opened my drape and saw the bow of the ship pitch into the water and waves coming up and hitting my cab. It turned out to be a full blown Gale with gusts up to 65 miles an hour and 15 foot seas.
    I asked never to be so close to the bow again!

  • @dwellingsphx6414
    @dwellingsphx6414 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Im getting my CDL then going OTR for a year to pay my dues. Then I want to stay local. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the country. It'll be like a one year vacation.

    • @shermanleung5839
      @shermanleung5839 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I tried OTR, it sucked for me because I had a hard time sleeping while the truck was moving especially on bumpy roads

    • @dwellingsphx6414
      @dwellingsphx6414 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Lone Wolf Yeah I don't mind being away. My kids are grown and I'm not married or have a girlfriend. I think a year on the road might do me some good.

  • @rickyharvey7614
    @rickyharvey7614 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My bank account started growing was never home to spend it !!!

    • @shanewilson9115
      @shanewilson9115 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Must drive for someone and not yourself

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ricky Harvey ,, I have the same freaking problem,,😷

    • @Samuel-I
      @Samuel-I 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@shanewilson9115
      Not necessarily.
      You just have to work for the right outfit, and be the driver they can depend on.
      The one they call when the crap hits the fan.
      That's the one that gets fed.

    • @abelvillegas4555
      @abelvillegas4555 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ricky, Se trabaja para que nuestras familias estén bien sin importar el esfuerzo que nosotros hagamos, todo en esta vida tiene un sacrificio.

  • @joemorrow8411
    @joemorrow8411 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Missing my children
    Shower time
    Got tired of watching movies
    Dispatchers👎👎
    34 hour reset in a place you didn't want to be in
    Adding my hours worked against my pay check finding out I made 13.65 an hour,,,driving 2 million dollar high value loads,,,
    Thinking of highly-skilled McDonald's workers making 13.65 an hour,,, Then going home every night after
    work,,,
    I'm done,,,to all my fellow truck drivers,,,I salute you!
    👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @CyberTrucker1995
    @CyberTrucker1995 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I don't think one ever gets used to number 10. The advent of the cell phone certainly makes the time apart easier than it was in years past. I lost my first wife to cancer after 18 years. I was thinking about number 10 a lot at the time. My prayers were answered and 4 years later I married again to an old friend. Chin up!

  • @arizonadon5644
    @arizonadon5644 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A truck driving career was available to me and I went with it until I decided what I wanted to do when I grow up...... 45 years later and still haven't decided....

  • @markalley4810
    @markalley4810 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hey Flatbed Chick. I drove OTR for almost 12 years, it was a love hate relationship. My goal was to save money buy a sailboat and take off for El Carib, the land of Voodoo, Hoodoo and all kinda weird stuff! Glad to tell ya that I accomplished the goal and I am now living the dream. No more traffic, truck stop showers, bad food, strange truckers (Not all of them but enough to make you wonder sometimes) oh yeah DOT inspections and four wheelers from Hell. Life is so much better on the boat or beach! Currently in Punta Gorda, Florida. Best wishes to Ya!

    • @libtardsniper8884
      @libtardsniper8884 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mark Alley ,12yrs hauling ass an cocaine,roggjo.

  • @robertbeckom1962
    @robertbeckom1962 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of my biggest problems with driving was just the sheer boredom. Mile after mile of just looking at the road with nothing but a radio for entertainment. Which is why I hung it up over 2 years ago.

  • @russellpetrie119
    @russellpetrie119 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    this vlog should be shared and distributed every where to make people appreciate truck drivers without them we have nothing

    • @h.f.4095
      @h.f.4095 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      you steering wheel holders always say that... as if that's going to make us appreciate you. If we didn't have truck drivers, we would get by some other way.. you all aint that special

  • @danstafford5977
    @danstafford5977 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    To be a truck driver, it's best to be a loner, we're the last of the Cowboys!

    • @evamaria644
      @evamaria644 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No, military personnel are they are really away from their loved ones and much farther than you or me.

    • @timbarnett7203
      @timbarnett7203 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I second that

  • @matthewshaba4093
    @matthewshaba4093 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You should know these things before driving over the Road , there is special breed of people can do that job , I did it for 36 years accident free

  • @arizonadroner5164
    @arizonadroner5164 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    After I started OTR driving I noticed I would talk to strangers at the truck stop just to have human interaction once in a while.

  • @jeffb5700
    @jeffb5700 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Flatbed Chick: I've spent over 50 years on the road. I only drove a semi and a box van for a few years. My then wife gave me an ultimatum, her or the truck. I made the wrong decision and chose her. We divorced 2 years later. But by that time I got a job as a service tech, covering all of south Georgia into Florida and Alabama. I haven't had all the "fun and excitement" that y'all have, but it got old. When I was a teenager just getting my license, I couldn't believe I would ever get tired of driving. Now I would rather take a whipping than leave the driveway.
    I have just discovered your videos and will view each one with pleasure.
    With love,
    Jeff

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol, thanks....it does get old after a few hours

  • @guardrail2897
    @guardrail2897 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been driving a truck for 25 years and have only been away from home 1 night. I refused OTR. I've always been local delivery. And now I drive Mon-Fri 0400 to 1430. Hope to retire on this schedule. I love these hours.

  • @bigbearccoffin
    @bigbearccoffin 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    ya what u say it true but i think the biggest thing i miss is now that i am single watching couples in the truck stops being so lonely out here sucks bad somwe times i just want to quite drivin altogether but idk what else i would do local driving sucks more than otr

    • @bredwhite6786
      @bredwhite6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rookie

    • @bigbearccoffin
      @bigbearccoffin 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bredwhite6786 i have 25 yrs out here call me a rookie as owner call me a fricken rookie go spit

  • @danielwolfe8
    @danielwolfe8 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think more trucker's spouses need to experience trucking. They have no idea the sacrifice truckers make when going on the road. Had a co worker come home to a used car salesman in his bed with his wife. I get you get lonely but that's just pure selfishness. Thankfully I got out of trucking before it was the only thing I knew how to do

  • @Seabeejim133
    @Seabeejim133 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My #7 was a 5 Gal bucket with a tall kitchen liner and a lid when parked someplace very dark and questionable..

  • @truckerdave8815
    @truckerdave8815 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Trust me after 18 years of driving you don't ever get used to it missing your loved ones

  • @jasonglisson1690
    @jasonglisson1690 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There's three things I'd like to add. Time is precious.theres never enough of it. I seem to be choosier about who I spend any time with. I now actually enjoy walking when I can.

  • @dougd1335
    @dougd1335 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I never used to have a grudge against the wind until I started drivin a truck; I do now though!⛟ 🌬😱

    • @drstinky816
      @drstinky816 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Doug D wind makes my asshole pucker up.

    • @tatejones1777
      @tatejones1777 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wind blows!

  • @kellytrelawney8979
    @kellytrelawney8979 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Comment 6 "a home cooked meal" and a chair that does NOT move
    Comment 9, working alone. In winter, think of it as quarentine from the flu.

  • @williamforrest4371
    @williamforrest4371 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    THE things you get to see county side, sunsets,sunrises, what people do in cars trucks,big trucks it good and its Stupid it just depends, the bathrm part thats whatever you think. I noticed going down south the feeling is much better attitudes with waitresses, out west ha ha it Sucks. Im from the midwesr so we will leave it there. Driving a truck is Fun at first butvwhen you been doing it as long as i have you see all aspects of people.

  • @naomicastle3656
    @naomicastle3656 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It’s a lifestyle only the strong can survive. Love everything about trucking. 33 years in the game.

    • @bredwhite6786
      @bredwhite6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hell yea if you can't run with the big Dawgs then stay on the porch ain't no time for rookies who can't hack the lifestyle and I just got down!

    • @TheFlatbedChick
      @TheFlatbedChick  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      awesome, glad you love your job, not many people can say that

  • @steveshindeldecker42
    @steveshindeldecker42 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    30 years O.T.R. and the restroom and shower thing still kinda gives me the heebegeebes

    • @bredwhite6786
      @bredwhite6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Man 20 years here and you got that right

  • @hollyleeming8687
    @hollyleeming8687 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    There is no life in this career, you give your life to a carrier. Making appointments for anything is quite difficult wether it be Doctors, dentists, etc. Those that glorify this career or make the rules, need to be forced to do it for a year. Many that work 9-5 jobs would refuse to give time away without pay, yet truckers give almost as much time away as they work, without getting payed, and Carriers get more creative with how they pay so drivers will make less.

  • @claudebutnaru3931
    @claudebutnaru3931 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    No1 rule. Watch what you eat. 22 years out here.

  • @Ricardo-ci9ej
    @Ricardo-ci9ej 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    #11 Your belly starts growing

  • @DeeMoback
    @DeeMoback 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ran 48 ....reefer,flatbed,drybox,low-boy...... 20 years...... nice video.... #10 was tough for me too.... with re: to your "prison" .....the cab truly became home..... couldn't sleep in a motel, had trouble sleeping when home...... I just wonder what the newest trucks are like..... too fancy..... automatic trans and stuff... and 5,000-7,000 miles/week thing of the past....gone forever

  • @mytraveladventures1987
    @mytraveladventures1987 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love being in the truck, it’s so nice. I travel with my husband, we see a lot of the open road.
    Awesome channel 😊

  • @georgesilva1737
    @georgesilva1737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Truck driver's are way under paid.

  • @mikebruse2939
    @mikebruse2939 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My word! You are truly gorgeous. Beautiful dimples!

  • @VENCES21
    @VENCES21 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Lost my social life all my friends 😢

    • @truckingguru1995
      @truckingguru1995 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here.. Family and friends don't exist to me... Co workers are my family now...

    • @baclieustud
      @baclieustud 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      VENCES21 ,, no don’t let the job control you,, you are your own boss,,but you need to control your own destiny. Try it,, small steps first,, like ,, hey boss , can I get a raise?

  • @collinholbrook4074
    @collinholbrook4074 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The bathroom is by far one of the funniest complaints or negatives I always hear, maybe just up bringing and doing business in the woods prepared me well no crapper bothers me and if they do bother you get you a portable camping one for your truck

  • @swaghauler8334
    @swaghauler8334 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ok, something's wrong here. I stopped getting notifications a few months ago even though I'm still subscribed to you. I don't know why but TH-cam has been hiding a number of posts by my subscriptions in the last few months. Good to see that you're still posting... Oh wow TWO MORE videos just showed up. :)

  • @randycarter7288
    @randycarter7288 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Sleep better on the road than at home

    • @reginaldwigglesbottom1657
      @reginaldwigglesbottom1657 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I found the same. Slept much better, in fact better if it was windy or rainy. The constant sound helped me sleep.