We always enjoy getting into the minds of our fellow truckers, both so we can learn from each other and so we can bond as a community. To this goal, we recently turned to our Facebook page where we pose the question, “What made you want to become a truck driver?” Some of the responses were fascinating, some heartwarming, some funny, and all interesting to consider the many different ways that we were put on this path.
Below are a few of the responses shared in the post.
“My husband said “I couldn’t do it” not only am I doing it, I graduated Top of the class! I’m now driving solo and have been for almost 8 yrs!” -Jera D.
“I love driving. The bigger the vehicle the more fun I have.” – Brandon A.
“My uncles were truck drivers and they were friendly with rough talk and big heart. I wanted to be like them.” – Allister M.
“I grew up in a small town in Missouri, one 4 way stop. Every evening after I was in bed a propane transport truck came through town. I now know that it was a GMC late ’50s or early ’60s with a detriot motor and straight pipes. I loved the sound of the exhaust as he went through the gears. that is why I drove trucks for 50 years before I retired.” Spike S.
“Work warehouse loading and unloading them for 5 years , decided let’s go try it , 25 years later still driving” – Billy S.
“My uncle and Grandpa…. I was a Ironworker only working 3/4 of the year…they both told me I’ll never be out of work as a truck driver…. well here I am 39 yrs. later an still driving truck…. the only time I’ve been outa work is if I wanted to be!!… I’m the only one outa the family that drives…. last of a dieing breed!!..” Peter S.
“I used to play on my fathers flat bed trailer, 6-7 yrs old..in 5th grade the teacher asked us what we wanted to do when we grew up..I said I wanted to drive truck & the whole class laughed at me..I used to clean his cab over, inside & out, (shifting gears was fun) 13-15 yrs old..went on a load with him from ne Ohio to Milwaukee & back, 14 or 15 yrs old..finally got into a cdl class in 1996..drove for 10 yrs.” – Deborah S.
“I rode with my Dad when I was a toddler, and according to my Mom I strongly declared ‘I’m gonna be a trucker’ at the age of 4. Took some years but yeah… just hung my keys after 17 years on the road through 5 countries on 2 continents.” – Mirja N.
“That time when I was around 7 and got to climb up into a truck and I remember that steering wheel being as big as a tire” – Nicholas L.
“Both of my grandpa’s were truck drivers so I thought I would keep it going now here I am 39 yrs old been in trucks since I was 16 (farm trucks) then got me cdl 7 yrs ago and driving for mckee foods hauling little debbies” – Jonathan M.
“I was always fascinated with big trucks. As a little kid I used to ride my bike to the main road and spend time there just looking out for big trucks to pass by.” Felipe Roriguez
“First thing to consider for me to become a truck driver was the money and then I began to love the job. But now, it’s more the love of the job than the money because that is something very short compared to what I used to make before.” – Raul A.
“I was a truckstop waitress when suddenly the trucker of my dreams walked in. We got married,. He taught me to drive (didn’t need truck driving school in 1980). We drove team for 25 wonderful years. Oh, and I couldn’t drive yet, but passed th written test for commercial driver, and off I went (no driving test needed).: -Connie B.
“My exit strategy from the corporate world was to sell my house, buy a 1-ton pickup and the biggest fifth wheel camper I could find, cruise the country visiting friends and family, and live in it full time. I felt it would be a good idea to know how to handle that size trailer and PA has a program that retrains displaced workers. So when I got layed off at the bank, (@ 54), I decided to get my CDL. Never looked back! Loving my corner office views. ❤” – Mary Ellen F.
“I live to drive. When I was a kid . I use to here the trucks on the bridge near me. Loved the sound of the Jake brakes. At that time I didn’t know what that sound was,but still loved it.” – Andrew Z
“There have been truck drivers in my life as far back as I remember and I enjoyed the adventure of it and the challenges it sometimes presents.” – Jeremy N.
“Because driving for a living is one of the best things you could do with your life! I’ve always loved driving. And I’ve always fancied big trucks. 🥰” – Dio C.
“I love traveling if I didn’t find trucking I would most likely have ended up living in a van and traveling around that way” – Joe K.
There are so many other great responses we didn’t include here. If you’d like to check them all out, you can find the entire post HERE. Reading through these, we found ourselves humbled and inspired by the stories shared by truckers from all walks of life. From the wanderlust that tugs at their souls to the pursuit of a livelihood that offers both stability and purpose, it is evident that the open road has an undeniable allure.
The unwavering passion that drives truck drivers forward is a testament to their resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Through their tales, we have discovered the profound reasons that drew them to this profession, and in turn, we have gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges they face and the joys they experience on a daily basis.
To all the truck drivers out there, we salute you. Your commitment to your craft and the sacrifices you make to keep the world moving are not only commendable but truly awe-inspiring. Your stories have touched our hearts and reminded us of the power of pursuing one’s passion.
To those who aspire to join the ranks of truck drivers, may the tales shared here serve as a source of inspiration and guidance as you embark on your own journey. Remember, the road ahead may be long and filled with challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the freedom, embrace the camaraderie, and embrace the unyielding love for the open road that unites this remarkable community.
