Patriotic Truckers Jump at the Chance to Help Those in Need

 
I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that my peers in the trucking industry are some of the most caring, compassionate and altruistic people this country has to offer. When the going gets tough and one of the brethren is in a tight spot, truckers naturally rally together, pool their resources and offer much needed aid and assistance, often without any prompting whatsoever.
And it isn’t just truckers looking out for their own. The trucking community will bend over backwards for the good of the nation whenever there is a dire need. I’ve understood this for many years, because I’ve lived it and seen it firsthand.
A couple recent events have only served to underscore this truism and also help to generate some much-needed publicity for truckers across this great land. Slowly but surely, the country is waking up to the fact that the trucking community is full of good-natured altruists, always ready to lend a helping hand and help those in need.

 
This autumn, as the destructive Hurricane Sandy was blasting the eastern seaboard with howling winds and stinging rains of an intensity seldom seen before, the truck drivers of the United States of America sprang into action. We understood quickly that the people of the northeast would be in need and that our services could aid in their short-term survival and long-term recovery.
The enormity of the collective hearts of the trucking community was shown to have no bounds as trailers were lent, and time was devoted to assisting those in Sandy’s destructive path.

 
Here are a few specific examples to illustrate my point:
Food and clothing was collected and transported to coastal communities in New Jersey by a husband and wife owner/operator outfit.
Before the storm could even touch ground, thousands of dry goods, cleaning supplies, blankets and batteries were en route to Amityville, New York courtesy of a Louisiana truck owner.
Renowned charity United Way of New Jersey reported that several companies had donated trucking services to transport supplies up and down the coastline.

 
A trucking company out of Kansas City, Missouri jumped at the chance to donate their service to haul a massive load of children’s toys that were distributed to Sandy’s victims in the days after the storm passed.
Only a couple months later, truckers were getting headlines again for their generous nature. This time it was in support of one of the trucking industry’s closest allies, the United States Armed Forces. As men and women who traverse the Heartland of America and rely on the safety and security of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, we truckers are enthusiastic supporters of the men and women who come from that Heartland and risk their lives and well-being so that the open roads can remain safe for passage.
So for those familiar with the trucking community it was no surprise that we were particularly enthusiastic and motivated to aid in the pre-Christmas “Wreaths Across America” movement. On December 15 trucking professionals from across the nation donated their manpower and equipment to distribute over 600,000 fresh remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes at almost a thousand veterans cemeteries from coast to coast.

 
Hundreds of truckers were on hand as local organizers conducted wreath-laying ceremonies at each location, including the famed Arlington National Cemetery, where 34 truckloads of wreaths were transported by freedom-loving truckers to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
I hope you will keep these anecdotes in mind the next time someone questions the philanthropy and unselfishness of trucking professionals. For reasons that I can’t quite fathom, there are some circles that seem to be under the grotesque impression that truckers are averse to helping their fellow man out. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it was wonderful to see the above examples receive some positive publicity, so the rest of the nation could begin to learn what I already know:
Truckers are among the most generous, caring, patriotic folks in any walk of life.
Hank Barton is a second generation trucker-philosopher with a penchant for the written word. He enjoys blogging about long haul trucking, safe driving practices and life on the open road. He writes for E-Gears, an online CDL Test authority that specializes in a variety of study guides.

1,958 total views, 5 views today

Comments

comments

We got a question from John today,

 Here is what John had to say.

Hey buddy, My name is John ****. I live in Atlanta Ga. I’m 24 years old and currently going on my Fifth Year of being a police officer. I’ve been married for a year and 2 months and I have a 2 month old son. Things have been getting tight in regards to finances in my home. My wife lost her job a few months back and well my check seems to get smaller and smaller every year. I haven’t had a raise since my second year with the department. I recently did the math on how much I actually bring home(after taxes, insurance, pension, etc are taken out), and my grand total came out to 28k a year. I’ve been looking at other departments and looking into trucking. I’ve always been fascinated with trucks and the lifestyle. Having an understanding that as a rookie coming in I would have to do OTR, do you think it would be a good move to make(financially)? How much, on average do you think I will make in my first year? And should I make this transition, should I go to a company that offers their on schooling or should I go to a private trucking school. Any other tips, advise, and information you may have would be greatly appreciated. As a matter of fact, here is my cell number, feel free to call 678-***-****. Thanks so much for your time!

 

To answer your question John first year truckers can expect to earn between $30,000 to $40,000 the first year.  That is before taxes, and other expenses.  Things to remember out on the road you will need to eat. Expect to spend around $20 a day on food, and drinks on the road. You can cut that amount down of course by getting a small refrigerator in the truck, and bringing food from home.  You can find these at the truck stop or on Amazon for less.

Koolatron Compact Kooler $100

 

 

 

Company paid Trucking School, and Private Paid Trucking Schools both offer advantages. In my opinion for your situation I would go with Company Paid Trucking School. They will pay for everything all you will need to do is show up. Also with company paid school there is no need to pay back the tuition, and It’s guaranteed employment after school. I would expect to earn the same as you are now maybe a little more. But after one year in the trucking Industry the sky is the limit for your trucking career. You can go local L T L  and be home every night with your family, and earn well over $50,000 a year. But be prepared that first year, and first couple of months to be very tight on money at home. Thanks for question John feel free to ask more If you have them.

1,296 total views, 2 views today

Comments

comments

580 total views, 4 views today

Comments

comments

336 total views, 1 views today

Comments

comments

478 total views, 3 views today

Comments

comments