AN OLD PERCEPTION OF A PROFESSIONAL TRUCKING DRIVER
Throughout time, the perception of a professional truck driver has evolved. Almost 20 years ago, the public’s perception of truckers declined.
There was a time when the brave motorist was seen as a highway cowboy. Even a hero in the eyes of some.
The populace was in awe of the truckers’ prowess as they maneuvered their massive trucks along the open road. They coveted such independence and freedom.
Truckers were seen as the nice guys who assisted stranded motorists and provided lost travelers with instructions.
The public’s perception of professional truck drivers in North America was generally favorable.
Back then, trucks were not nearly as fast, sophisticated, or cool as they are now. Loads were lighter, and there were fewer regulations. There were fewer mobile phones and fewer cars on the road, and the costs were cheaper.
The CB radio was popular among truck drivers in the 1970s. They communicated and offered support to one another via the CB. Those who did not drive often put up a land-based radio to communicate with the gallant drivers. Talking CB to the truckers on the road was fairly thrilling for them.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, professional drivers benefited from huge salaries and the freedom of the open road. The increased pay made up for the tough lifestyle even if they did not work harder than modern drivers.
The nicest aspect is that truckers were appreciated and respected far more than they are now.
The public perception of truckers used to be positive; if there was a stereotype, it was that of a diligent worker.
WHEN DID BAD STEREOTYPES OF TRUCKS FORM?
Early in the 1990s, the public perception of truckers started to deteriorate.
Sometimes, people have negative stereotypes about truck drivers: cheats, robbers, and even serial murderers. Before then, it was common to accuse a long-haul trucker of being responsible for unsolved serial killings. After all, their nomadic lifestyle perfectly matched the criminal profile of a killer.
What led to the worsening of the public’s perception and the development of harmful stereotypes? The media could have contributed to our trucking industry’s decline in front-line employees.
The creation of trucking-related television programs, motion pictures, music, and slang was motivated by pure amusement.
The media’s portrayal of this group over the years may have permanently harmed the professional truck driver’s reputation and image. Soon, some extremely damaging preconceptions about this profession started to emerge.
The trucker has been portrayed in horror films to comedies as an overweight, ignorant jerk or an uncaring madman.
White Line Fever, Smokey and the Bandit, Black Dog, Duel, and Convoy, vintage trucking movies that portrayed truckers in a fun and thrilling manner, may also have contributed to the public’s poor perception of truckers. After all, the major protagonists in these films are irresponsible lawbreakers.
That is difficult to say.
Another theory is that the trucking industry’s liberalization resulted in a surge of unskilled truck drivers. The number of truck drivers in North America increased dramatically. On our roadways, there were more trucks than before.
When drivers created their organizations to support their interests, the brotherhood of drivers disintegrated. Truck drivers’ sense of community and pride in their line of work diminished.
THE 5 STEREOTYPES OF TRUCKS
Some trucker clichés, in my opinion, include a grain of truth. However, most are examples of the saying, “one rotten apple spoils the lot.” It is crucial to remember that there are several types of truck drivers. Truck drivers’ histories, educational levels, racial backgrounds, ages, and personalities are diverse. While stereotypes are harmful, we can work to alter them. These are the five most prevalent trucker stereotypes we have grown bored of.
1. The Dirty, Overweight Trucker
The standard trucker? Overweight, offensive, filthy, and untidy. They do not care to clean up their vehicle, seldom take showers, never change their clothing, and maintain a poor diet. Regrettably, most of the populace perceives North American truckers this way.
Although some truckers undoubtedly do not maintain proper hygiene, this does not apply to all of them. Many truckers are not held to a professional aesthetic standard; some make the most of it. On the go, maintaining a nutritious diet may be difficult. Also, any job that requires you to sit down for 8 to 10 hours a day might lead to weight problems.
While some drivers suffer from weight-related problems, this does not speak for the trucking sector. No one should ever be told they “do not look like a trucker because they maintain good cleanliness and health.” This is a stereotype that must be destroyed immediately.
2. The Rude Trucker
This stereotype is not helped by the CB radio. Once a precious tool, it is now utilized mainly by disgruntled and bored truck drivers as a means of venting.
Remember that many truck drivers are also parents. Not all of them are swindlers and womanizers. Both polite and rough-around-the-edges truckers will be prevalent in equal measure.
3. The Trucker With Illegal Behavior
This trucker engages in drug use, binges while driving, or approaches “lot lizards” or prostitutes at truck stops.
This myth is untrue since most carriers screen their drivers for drugs and alcohol. Prostitution is possible but is not more common in this business than in any other.
4. The Road Hog Trucker
Some trucks disregard the rules of the road. But many four-wheeler drivers also don’t. The first concern of professional truck drivers is safety. It is crucial to drive under the legal speed limit, use caution in bad weather, and provide enough space between the load and any other cars. The idea that all truckers are road hogs is unnecessarily pejorative when most work hard to transport their freight safely.
5. Male-Only Industry
Even though they make up a tiny minority of truck drivers, women are as skilled and enthusiastic about their work. Fortunately, women are rapidly entering the field and given roughly equal salaries, which is unusual in other professions. Although males predominate in the profession, a few strong women still drive trucks.
ARE THE STEREOTYPES CONCERNING TRUCKS REAL?
Each stereotype has a component in the sector that suits it well. Yet just like any other job, good and terrible people work in this one. I would like to assume that there are not many of them. Professionals who want to perform their jobs effectively, get paid well, and return home to their families make up a sizable portion of the workforce.
Undoubtedly, the public’s perception of professional truck drivers has significantly declined.
The public’s unfavorable perception may be justified. The reason for the lowering of standards is professional truck drivers. Most truck drivers would show themselves and behave more professionally, enhancing our country’s reputation.
Also, it would be advantageous for all truck drivers. We could engage with one another more amicably and develop a greater feeling of respect for other motorists on the road.
HOW ARE THESE STEREOTYPES CHANGEABLE BY TRUCK DRIVERS?
How can the trucking sector maintain the standing of the professional driver and regain the public’s trust? There are four key components to eliminate truck driver stereotypes and enhance the public perception of truckers.
1. APPEARANCE
Your vehicle is the first part of your professional look as a truck driver. You should maintain your truck before you even get out of it. A spotless vehicle demonstrates your regard for your line of work.
A driver gives a picture as he exits his vehicle. This impression is given to other truckers, shippers, receivers, clients, dispatchers, and business owners. Being seen as a professional is more crucial than being regarded as someone who does not give a damn about their appearance or work. Take frequent showers and wear clean clothes. A driver’s appearance, even his sweatpants, might reflect adversely on the trucking firm he works for.
Visual cues from one’s appearance might convey attitude. Customers, the general public, and other drivers have a rather bad impression of truckers when they see them dressed in soiled, wrinkled clothing that they have not washed in days. Because they do not know the driver, they can only assess them by how they carry themselves.
Whether we like it or not, people quickly form opinions about others based on their appearance. How you dress and present yourself speaks volumes about your self-respect and sense of work pride.
2. ATTITUDE
I cannot emphasize enough how powerful having a cheerful, happy mindset is. We get so sick of hearing people moan and groan nonstop in this field. In any work, some problems need to be fixed. Yet it should not triumph to the point that it compromises the industry’s standards.
Excellent manners influence how other people see truckers, particularly when engaging with customers and representatives of your business.
The same goes for how we communicate with one another. It is unfortunate how filthy the CB radio has turned out to be. It is an inexpensive means of communication that is very useful for motorists to assist one another. Would it not be wonderful to use it once again for that objective?
The way you say it reveals your mentality. Try to have a pleasant attitude while being patient and courteous.
3. DRIVE PROFESSIONALLY
Your first focus should always be your safety. On the motorway, professional drivers should not be competing in races. Never should aggressive driving be tolerated. Adapt to the situation. Respect 4-wheelers and other trucks on the road by maintaining a safe following distance and not tailgating other cars.
When driving, be aware of everything happening and plan for any problems. Aggressive driving is not a trait of a skilled truck driver and puts other motorists in danger.
4. RESPECT YOUR CO-TRAILER COLLEAGUES
Despite the sector’s stringent rules and unpredictable nature, there are still many opportunities to be polite to and respect other drivers.
Truckers must dress respectably, behave professionally, and drive professionally to be treated with respect. The country of truckers may then completely reclaim the admiration and notoriety they deserve for doing one of the most difficult and underappreciated occupations available.
All truckers will never agree, but it should not stop decent drivers who want to make truck driving their profession and who like their work from doing so.
The most crucial step towards a ONE TRUCKER NATION and the revival of the truck driver fraternity is demonstrating respect for oneself, others, and the journey and the work.
ADVANCEMENT OF TRUCKING DRIVER STEREOTYPES
Due to a lack of professionalism, respect, and reasonable compensation, many old-school, experienced truck drivers are abandoning the field.
We need to be paid as experts in our area should be paid, but businesses can pay us less if truckers are not standing up for themselves or demanding respect.
We must earn the respect of others to receive it. We must both act and look the part. The most important thing for truck drivers to get out of our employment as truck drivers would be greatly aided in an improvement in professionalism. The only thing that will help dispel prejudices about truck drivers is professionalism and more attention to how we conduct ourselves.