Breaking Stereotypes and Generational Prejudices in the Trucker’s world Posted by DC Cargo Mall on October 02, 2013

In everything, there are young participants and older ones. Some believe that experience and knowledge goes hand in hand with higher age and that more technically savvy and energetic dispositions give the youngsters their upper hand.

This rings especially true for the trucker. The older one looks down at a newbie with scorn at his unfounded arrogance and ignorance, and the younger one laughs him off with a strong arm and a flashy GPS. 

Josef Timpen, 65, with 32 years in trucking experience, says it makes him sad that the ambiance of camaraderie among truckers has gotten lost over the years to a replacement of confused newbies that don’t want to swallow their pride and ask, alongside older drivers that are disgusted by the pompous attitude and simply develop their own attitude in response.

Rather poetical, he had this to say:

“When you used to see another Trucker, it was like you saw another part of the tribe, of the family. You borrowed lighters, oil testers, gasoline bottles. You munched on toothpicks and sat on rocks in the wee hours by the gas station corner. You exchanged stories, peoples ears were open, their mouths flapping about interesting and practical stories, everyone learned whatever he could from the other. We helped each other connect batteries and rearrange loads. People gave away extra ratchet straps when another guy’s load needed a tighter hug. Coffee from one guy filled many mugs and lots of raspy throats that reeked of pulling an all-nighter in road-time and concentrated nicotine. The atmosphere was one where each person offered what he could and every gathering, each time with different sets of drivers, was one with a cozy feel and an open mind.’

‘Unfortunately nowadays that same community exists, but the soul of it: the togetherness, is gone. A guy needs help backing up and he puffs up his feathers and won’t stoop to ask. Truckers run by without so much as an offer to help. Truck stops are filled with young guys browsing their smartphones without eye contact whenever possible. It’s an each man for himself attitude. Everyone brings their own sandwich, you either change your tire alone or you pay the guy at the shop to do it. Of course, there are the exceptions. But not enough of them. I want the climate of companionship back in the game. Who’s with me?”

I think we all are, Joe. But someone needs to be the first one to break the spell. Here are some tips to get Joe’s movement going:

1: If you’re an old timer, and maps are your choice of navigation, instead of mocking the younger dude who is directionally illiterate without his GPS, coach him a bit in the art of mapping. Explain to him why when the batteries of your devices die, you can always rely on a good old-fashioned paper. Try to be open as well and compliment his tech adeptness

when he picks up his GPS and tells you how well he can operate the thing. Newbies: Put down your iPad and GPS for just a moment. Putting aside your pride for now and drink in the information. It will save you later when you want to get rid of the newbie title and consider yourself knowledge equipped. Nobody who only learned from his own mistakes and no one else’s went very far.

2. If you see a trucker struggling on the side of the road, flatbed, tanker, van, or whatever, pull over. The guy could use your help. Ask him his name; offer him a hand, a mint candy. Even if he blows you off, you know you’ve done your part. When his guilty conscience catches up with him later, you’ll be gone. But your good deed remains. Best case scenario though, you’ve made a new friend.  Trust us; those come in handy when you’re the one on the side of the road, a week later.

3. If you’re confused about something, don’t be afraid to ask. Older than you, younger and less experienced, it doesn’t matter. Simply being turned to for advice lifts someone’s spirit and makes him or her feel useful and important. Just because the guy who just emerged from CDL School has only been on the road for a couple months and doesn’t have as many experiences as you, he still has a DIFFERENT collection of experiences, and it may be worthwhile to hear about what he learned from the mistakes he made that you haven’t.

4. Talk about everything. Share your story. Even if it’s about that time you got yourself out of a rut like a hero, someone may have had a similar experience and have had a quicker solution that will prove useful to you later on. Discuss this topic too. Join the movement to break open walls of defense. Be open and honest. Let them know: you want to learn, you want to share what you know, whatever the age difference.

5. Remember, everyone was a driver-in-training once upon a time. I don’t care if your three uncles, your father and grandfather, your brother, and your best friend are drivers. It’s also very nice that you had a toy truck since you were three and knew you wanted to be a trucker since the age of seven. It’s wonderful that you were the go-to when dad needed help changing the oil or tying down on the cargo safely. But you once knew much less than you do now, so respect the ones starting off, because once upon a time, you were there too, empathize.