1952 SEMI TRUCKS & TRUCK DRIVER DRIVER'S EDUCATION FILM " KNIGHTS OF THE HIGHWAY " 50814

This 1952 black and white film about the adventures of being a long-haul truck driver was written and directed by Arthur Cohen, and narrated by Ed Herlihy. Various 1940s and 1950s semi-trucks pass the camera, with a close-up of rolling tires of the 1950s White 3000 Cabover Tractor Trailer, shown for much of the film. The driver in the cab wears a white shirt, tie, and brimmed hat (:29-:54). A view of an interstate is shown (1:02). A traffic officer directs at a downtown intersection (1:22-1:31). A New Jersey Highway 17 sign is shown (1:32). A woman with a steaming car engine flags the semi down, who uses a fire extinguisher to put it out (2:00-2:33). The camera rides parallel to the cab (2:35-2:40). A woman in a 1940s Ford convertible is out of gas on the railroad tracks. The dashboard is shown close-up. The semi pushes the car to safety just before a passenger train crosses (2:42-3:30). The car ahead of the semi is driving erratically as the driver falls asleep. The driver pulls the horn cord and the horns are shown (3:36-4:05). A car barely passes the semi before oncoming traffic. Another passing car doesn’t make it and the crash is shown. The truck driver gets out and pulls a man out. The road sign says “Drive Careful Death Rides the Curves” (4:12-4:55). The trucker illegally passes on a curve, which is recorded on a car dash video camera by a hired security service to record first-time drivers and shown to the driver (4:57-6:00). The American Trucking Associations sponsors a driving competition at a fairgrounds. A semi drives through pegs and poles spaced barely wider than the tires, and backs into a framed space to win the trophy (6:02-7:11). The sleepy driver pulls into the Reinauer Brothers Truck Stop. He writes a wake-up call time on the chalkboard at the door for bunks and showers. A line of bunk beds has one already occupied by a snoring driver. He shakes him somewhat awake and pushes the man in his underware through a “Snorers Hall” door (7:30-9:19). The semi pulls into a 50-ton scale, with the weights shown inside the office (9:38-10:07). The driver enters a diner, where the waitress also waits on drivers at the counter (10:14-12:05). The driver stops at a rotary phone booth to call the State Patrol to report a suspected truck hijacking. The uniformed Officer in his office calls the report out. Two Officers in a 1940s State Patrol car screech onto the highway and pull the truck over. The real driver is tied up in the back. The Officers handcuff the hijacker and put him in the patrol car (12:13-14:28). The driver, going down a steep hill, pumps the brakes multiple times and pulls the emergency brake but they don’t work. Ahead, school children get off a bus and cross the road. The driver chooses to drive the truck into the trees and emerges safely (15:00-16:34).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFi...

[@layneannen]

My dad started driving in 1943 retired in 1981. I followed in his footsteps and started driving in 1972 retired in 2009. Trucking changed in the mid 80's after deregulation. Drivers dont take pride anymore. Not being paid by the hour is a factor in quality too. Thank you for the great memories.

[@freedomjovega-tirado6062]

Thank you and your dad! Pioneers

[@void308]

Much respect sir. Been at this game for 5 years. Feels like 10 at least.

[@R.O.T.C._SEEM]

Who would be prideful getting paid crap wages. You gotta get lucky to find anything that pays enough to save money

[@1BEAVIS13]

Where's the 400 lb. driver wearing flip flops, sweat pants and a dirty t-shirt that doesn't cover his gut?

[@25mfd]

LOL... you wrong for that...LOL

[@jonrichardson7848]

That shirt that doesn't cover his gut his mama bought it when he was in 10th grade and 9 times out of 10 those sweat he's wearing he's taking 10 shits in smells like ass and needs a shower lol I hear though I hate the flip flop freddys my self

[@danielmckay3458]

Lol sad way to make a living on your health

[@EricFortuneJr.]

Actually they wear pajamas and sneakers..

[@itsjustnopinionok]

Im right here. What?

[@hiddenmanna3683]

Truckers used to take pride in themselves and what they do. They actually still do, but they are dwindling.

[@jonrichardson7848]

There are very few of us truck drivers anymore any more it's steering wheel holders wiennies and knucleheads any more and that's keeping it clean

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

25 year trucking and it gets worse and worse every year

[@r.daniels1165]

There are more of us than you think. The public only notices the bad apples while the majority of drivers are quietly doing our jobs and staying out of trouble. I will agree it's gotten worse, but we're only a reflection of society. 30 years long haul and I still like it.

[@mdlclassworker3384]

@@r.daniels1165 --- I recently retired (35 yr teamter) and I've watched the quality of the drivers go to hell, look how many are obese , unshaven, dirty, unkempt, so tell me where are you hiding all these good drivers

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@mdlclassworker3384 When I see a vid saying to wash yoe ass I know it's getting bad.

[@crazeenydriver]

Truckers wearing hats and ties, state police cars with no red lights, OTR tractors with no sleepers, No SWIFT drivers. I feel like I am on an alien planet

[@gordonthebigenginenwr4]

Some of the truckers are wearing hats and ties right now but some are just wearing hats.

[@MH-kc1eu]

I love these old American truck driver documentaries!

[@robertking7269]

Pushing a car with a company truck over an active track and being a hero instead of unemployed. Laying hands on another driver and not being arrested, not getting a wave back and getting somebody else arrested. Alien today indeed.

[@drewjeers815]

Whenever you see a stalled car on tracks with train coming fast, ALWAYS have the owner get back in before pushing it out of the way. Standard procedure.

[@intuitive7274]

No power steering no nothing. No run away truck ramps. All the things we have today is because of those poor souls whom lost their lives or something else went terribly wrong. Many trucks used Gasoline engines. Diesel engines were not yet common place.

[@drewjeers815]

No emergency brakes

[@flyboy8364]

By the late 1930s most of semis were diesel

[@Danvers97]

@@flyboy8364 into the 60s and 70s we still had plenty of big trucks that were gasoline powered. Most were the Ford f500-f800 series.

[@keywellcoinsmafiametals8726]

Love all the old cars and trucks! Favorite part of these old films!

[@guillermoantonioesparzarey662]

on

[@raybin6873]

It's mostly why I'm watching it..😄

[@romeo2473]

hahaha, truck driver made the damsel in distress get back in the car, while the car was stuck onto the railroad. The 50's were mad times! Gotta love those times and these educational videos.

[@normanott644]

I started in the early 70s and was taught by the guys that drove these trucks. Good ol days

[@Joelontugs]

I broke evey every rule in the book then wrote a few more just to break them

[@flyboy8364]

They also had devices in the 1950s for many semis called the tachograph and speedograph that recorded the drivers speed, idle time, rpms and engine off times.. basically the ELD of that time

[@danschneider9921]

My grandfather started in 1955 and retired in 1995. Many many fond memories of getting to ride with him as a kid back in the late 80s, spent a lot of time in International cabovers.

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

I once got to the top of the pass on CA-198 late at night with a partial load of produce and a man covered in blood waved me down before a curve where he flipped his car and it was on the center line blocking both lanes. He had called CHP but it was gonna be a while. He was ok just had a minor cut and was shaken up. CHP showed up and ordered me to hook a chain to my front end and the car and drag it down the hill around the curve to clear the road. The man was going to jail and I was told not to worry about damaging the car. I requested to call the boss first and he told me I could start moving the car or I would go to jail too. I moved the car and went on my way.

[@icelineman]

Back in the 50's it was not against company policy to stop and help car car on fire.

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

I believe it was law

[@commonsense7884]

Say it again brother

[@southjerseysound7340]

Before I went out on my own I stopped to help a van flipped on its side that was just starting to catch fire. The driver was pinned under the dash so we put the little fire out and cut the battery cable. When I got back my bastard boss asked if I got the guy to pay for the extinguisher.

[@GTVAlfaMan]

Jeff Rapp That’s very doubtful. I’ve never heard of such a law.

[@GTVAlfaMan]

Wayne Swicegood Do you mean it is the law that a truck driver must help a motorist in distress or only to put out a car fire?

[@Pontiacman1964]

I must be getting old; that film was just 12 years before I was born but looks like ancient history! Why did everyone talk like a New York wise guy back then? Lol. Enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting.

[@Mrpachuko13]

Back in the 30s and 40s people had a tran- Atlantic dialect. Because they would read western union telegrams.

[@CEOkiller]

Waddaya mean, eh?

[@Wingman-yl3qq]

Back when companies wanted to employ professional truckers. Now they’ll hire anyone.

[@menninblack3558]

As long as they work cheap

[@danschneider9921]

Yep, my grandfather used to say "the trucking industry started to slide when I retired"- there was truth to that as he was really one of the last of the old breed

[@Drivapete]

A friend of mine asked me "how can you be involved in an industry where around every corner theres someone waiting to take your paycheck"? That was 38yrs ago, and he was right !!

[@oaktadopbok665]

Always remember: when you are barreling down a mountainside with no brakes, always veer from side to side for no reason.

[@RinksRides]

might scrub some speed, as long as you dont tip

[@bobt5778]

made me think of the movie Duel for a moment there.

[@20alphabet]

For no reason? Uh... remember the "no brakes" a few words ago?

[@drunkmike6364]

“Maybe sometimes he gets lonely”. Enter the lot lizard.

[@blueskymut]

Drunk Mike My Dad called them Avon ladies

[@jimjonrs3932]

@@blueskymut : so your mom was an Avon lady?

[@blueskymut]

Jim Jonrs HAHA, no he didn’t start driving till I was about 13😂

[@20alphabet]

@@jimjonrs3932 Your mom was the Fuller Brush Man.

[@joedirte716]

Women didnt do that in the 1950s. People had more class then

[@porkchop359]

Damn dashcams in 1952 WTH!!!!

[@pohldriver]

Exactly what I thought. Sure, passing on a double yellow in a blind curve is bad, but micromanaging is a good way to lose drivers.

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

No shit

[@kippd2265]

To hell with micromanaging. They’ll learn soon enough

[@madjack1748]

@@pohldriver That's not really micro managing. The guy said he just started with the company and it was his first haul with them. most places will send a senior driver on a couple trips with a new one to make sure he knows how to drive properly, following someone on their first load is basically the same thing except the driver doesn't think anyone is watching the company name get a bad rep.

[@pohldriver]

@@madjack1748 what places? The longest road test I've ever had was 2 miles. My first test was simply "do you think you can handle one of those trucks?" 20 years ago. The only time anyone from a company rode with me was when a new account was picked up and the account manager wanted to get a first hand look at the equipment and procedure. Since I was the senior driver, they had me bobtail into the airport to pick him up and drive him around for a week.

[@dcrog69]

Love love love the old trucks imagine backing those trailers up with 4 inch round mirror.

[@jimjonrs3932]

3:00 the damsel in distress scenario! Love the ole time promotional films.

[@wallyfronzaglio372]

Not a mudflap in sight

[@southjerseysound7340]

@chief tp It's a DOT regulation now.

[@WhatsHerFace005]

I read that as this Narrator

[@dcrog69]

Probably cut back on tailgating lol

[@TheBigdog868]

I caught that too

[@camshaftshaft2711]

These were the days the world sucks now

[@AdriaanVerburg]

Those were the days alright, no power steering, no AC, no nothing. Ha.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@Celtics-x4w Clueless as to how shitty modern trucking is for drivers, and how much better drivers were treated back then.

[@trplpwr1038]

@@MrTheHillfolk That's a big ten four

[@reuventhehotboy]

@@AdriaanVerburg maybe no good technology but true common sense ,courtesy and respect!

[@CEOkiller]

No radios no internet porn

[@rsalehi6568]

You gotta love the distinct accent of that era.

[@dcrog69]

I believe it's called Mid-Atlantic

[@20alphabet]

You mean normal English? Ha! Remember cursive?

[@Alex-uy7pc]

@@20alphabet ol Hugh sounded like he was speaking cursive!

[@sterlinsilver]

I always called the voice style "radio tone", and the only way to say "radio tone" is in "radio tone" Rrradio tone!

[@jimmartin7881]

Sounds like "A Smith named Pete"

[@parkourpotato6066]

He called the police because a driver didnt wave back?

[@johnnycray4427]

Different times

[@brinkme1772]

my wife probably wishes our house had a "snorers hall"

[@commonsense7884]

I wishmy wife had a snorers hall

[@shynsly01]

Wow, that interaction with Stella the waitress would be considered too racy for TODAY... lol.

[@CEOkiller]

Today Ms. Me Too would have sued the drivers and companies…

[@VOOODOOO37]

no a/c, cruise, radio, lot lizzards, ... just tough driving

[@southjerseysound7340]

The lot lizzards were around don't kid yourself on that one ;-)

[@mdlclassworker3384]

The waitresses were and are always available 😊😊

[@Harlanmote]

VOOODOOO Waitresses were the lot lizards 🦎 back in the day.

[@CEOkiller]

If a fella had enough scratch l’m sure Stella would take a load off...

[@jimmartin7881]

BS, there was plenty of roadside Rosies back then. My Granddad told me some good stories and they always ended with "What yer Grandma don't know won't hurt her so keep it under yer hat" He even told me he split some black oak in his days as a trucker!

[@jdm1039]

Wow parking available at night and time for a real coffee break.

[@hankvinson5967]

Great video! Really funny, loved the old trucks, and wow...imagine truckers wearing tie nowadays!! You cant get them to wear proper shoes!!

[@Greg3070]

And covers (Hats for those civilian types), that would never happen!

[@Nvaillancourt]

@@Greg3070 You can just say hats, nobody cares that you're in the military

[@Greg3070]

@@Nvaillancourt good to know! Thank you for your support!

[@jimjonrs3932]

Nothing wrong with dirty sagging sweat pants and sandals. Have to be comfortable.

[@mdlclassworker3384]

@@jimjonrs3932 -- no actually you don't have to be comfortable, they're working !

[@edwardpate6128]

Back when even truck drivers wore a uniform with a hat and tie!

[@connectorxp]

Edward Pate they resemble airline pilots rather than truckers.

[@Tim_Gagnon]

And most of them were union operators too.

[@TCB-1]

Hubba hubba, Stella is a peach.

[@luischavez4130]

dsfoust1 she's about 87yrs old now

[@commonsense7884]

What a babe..right?...ill bet she smoked too and maybe had a whiskey once in a while..party rebel girl..lol

[@sbains560]

She was now she’s a prune

[@samh3029]

"She could take it and dish it out"

[@douglasharvey8331]

Sam H Stella was a hottie I would work her over good they out have their eyes examend

[@rondolan4489]

Back in the day trucker looked out fot each other helped each other out in the time of need now its your on your own.

[@commonsense7884]

And it may sound silly..butback in the day if a driver u knew didnt wave back..there was a chance something was wrong...

[@Psylent]

It's just a film, not real life. The world was more dystopian & cruel then than it s now

[@VchaosTheoryV]

To be fair, back then you didn't have internet or a cell phone either.

[@garys4756]

@@VchaosTheoryV I wonder if they had CB's? But I think they only became popular in the 70's,I may be wrong

[@the.porter.productions]

Had to see this one again...love the Mack’s, Whites & Autocars...real American steel! 🤩

[@mikehagan4320]

Ya and We get Treated Like " knights of the Highway" Too!!! Nothing but Respect From our Company's, Other Motorists, our Customers. And Hey ! You Really Know You Are Something Special when you get Jerked Around or Simply Highway Robbed by One of the Many Government Agencies that See You as A Rolling $ Money Pit $. Ahh Yes, Life on the Road!

[@raybin6873]

Those trucks look small compared to today's rigs. Curious...what were maximum weight limits back then?

[@nunurbuisness5578]

I couldn't imagine driving without a Jake brake. I think they must have been going down grades in 2nd maybe 3rd gear how else would you do it

[@volo1826]

At this time they mostly had gas engines

[@davidmcneill1128]

Whatever gear you used to pull the hill, use the same gear going down or one gear lower

[@roundsm18]

Same as pulling triples. Gear down.

[@zoidsfan77]

I have an old truck with an NHC250, no jakes. Just gear down, if you pick up speed and approach 2100RPM, get on the brakes enough to downshift. Release the brakes and ride down. It's certainly a very slow way down.

[@mdlclassworker3384]

Yep, your right and they climbed in 4 if you were lucky, I was passed by s guy one a bicycle once, no kidding

[@the.porter.productions]

Love the ol trucks and stories.

[@cindytepper8878]

Pumping the air brakes, yeah that'll work lol

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Luffaman Have you ever driven an air "breake" equipped vehicle? You can't pump them up like hydraulic brakes. However, if that truck actually had lost air pressure, the brakes would've applied on their own since the air pressure holds the shoes AWAY from the drums. When you push the pedal, it releases air pressure and springs pull the shoes against the drums. With "juice" brakes, it's the opposite. The brake fluid pushes the shoes and/or pads against the drums/rotors.

[@Trucker1957]

Actually Maxi brakes (Spring Brakes) weren't invented until 1956 before this film. Trailers had their own air tank that was charged from air supply from the engine. When the trailer was disconnected the air in the tank held the trailer for a short while but if there was a leak the brakes would release. Trailers had to be chocked always. But pumping air brakes is a no, no. I'm sure the man pumping the brakes going down the hill was only reactionary to the fact he lost his brakes. The brake lever to the right of the seat was a type of emergency brake that was attached around the drive shaft and when applied squeezed a friction band of sorts gripping the shaft.

[@kellypenrod2979]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt No Mike, the brake system on those old trucks DIDN'T have spring brakes like modern trucks. lose air, no brakes, blow a biscuit " diaphragm", you lost brakes because all your air was dumping out that one brake chamber. It could get real hairy, REAL FAST!

[@ledbetterjack]

Cindy - The guy I learned from called it fanning the brakes as in...don't fan the brakes. I found out what he was talking about on the first mountain I went down, not sure but may have been el cajon pass

[@ericwoy4132]

Some of the CMVs brakes were air over hydraulic.

[@ZuluLifesaBeech-]

Thanks for posting. Dad drove an International Trans Star 2 cab over in the '70s. Always said Mack trucks had a special safety feature. He said when that little bulldog on the hood covered his eyes it was going be Hell of a wreck! 😂

[@gravytrain416]

I love that. I had a great-uncle who said something similar. He said when that bulldog turned and looked at him shaking his head, he knew it was time to stop, lol!

[@eddiebowens1919]

id like to have that old Autocar

[@EMDSD40T2]

There was this dame stuck on the RR tracks..... or was she a broad? .

[@CycolacFan]

Naw, she was in the same country.

[@jimmartin7881]

Where's the footage of the bearded fella in a turban washing his feet and sandals in the bathroom sink?

[@kiprandom7208]

The diner banter is beyond

[@the.porter.productions]

Beautiful old trucks.🥰 They didn’t show him being pulled out of the weeds when he crashed.😳 Would’ve loved to see that, too. Seen this one before, but still enjoyed it! 🤩

[@tombig4011]

As soon as you feel sleepy just pop some bennys and keep on truckin.

[@CEOkiller]

Little white lines. And not the kind on the pavement

[@thebrinx9632]

ahh, a west coast turn around

[@Statimtek]

jamming on the brakes and pulling the emergency brake sounds like a recipe for a jackknife.

[@edpazikas8777]

Golden times these...

[@CEOkiller]

Stellas got more curves than a mountain road

[@misterjag]

These trucks typically didn't have power steering. And CBs didn't become popular until the 70s.

[@sillygoose2508]

Power steering by Armstrong

[@joegraves7739]

And no a/c

[@robertpfuhl2679]

CBS were a truckers only friend long before the 70s

[@MrTheHillfolk]

150hp was probably alot too.

[@wrightmf]

Came here to see what they used for CB radios, was disappointed (oh wait, they didn't take the 11 meter band yet). Other footage was interesting though, I thought dashcams was strictly a 21st century item.

[@pohldriver]

They used hand signals back in the day. All I know is the rabbit ears out your window to warn of a cop.

[@carolinaeric8500]

That was a very entertaining movie right there! That COE truck was cool too that was shown throughout, I wonder what brand/model that was

[@theodoreskaff1209]

White 3000 mustang gas engine straight 6

[@farmerdave7965]

Way back when you could actually make a living driving a truck.

[@Tim_Gagnon]

I drive a truck and make a decent living.

[@redneck400m3]

Why did he change trucks in the middle of tht film? Lol. Oh well still a cool video

[@gregb6469]

He drove for a company, and would be assigned different trucks for different trips.

[@kennydawson265]

According to the inflation calculator in 1952 the $20.00 per month would be equivalent to $188.55 and the $50.00 would be equivalent to $471.37 in the year 2020. Margin of error -4% $188.55 =$181.01 and $471.37=$452.52

[@NickTasy]

Pretty cool to see New Jersey back in the 1950s. I wonder where in the state this was filmed

[@milkman2591]

The one sign said rt17

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@milkman2591 17 is kinda long

[@MicroSoftner]

Cop car said New Jersey....

[@josephlovaglio6416]

He is driving way to fast and should be fired

[@elvirhadzic2784]

Scales, and bunks in truck stops, funny, but wouldn’t be in this time

[@kristophermathis8584]

What a different time! My grandpa was one of these guys! Where's the mudflaps? Were they not required back then?

[@INTERNATIONAL_RDF-D]

Nope not until the late 50s I think

[@samiam619]

Maybe some day they’ll make gravel trucks tarp their loads. You know... the ones that says they are not responsible for rocks breaking your windshield.

[@INTERNATIONAL_RDF-D]

Samuel Hayden the companies used to cover it..... until people with already broken windshields and shit would ride behind the trucks for a while and then call the company manager or owner And say that one of their trucks was responsible.... and then they got a free windshield because the company would be forced to pay.... once they got wise to what they were doing they no longer do that.

[@alexmaclean1]

This was very interesting, Thanks for posting it! Three early tractor trailers fascinate me.

[@drewjeers815]

Stella couldn't take dictation from anyone because she never found anyone big enough to try..... Ok

[@CEOkiller]

Not many black drivers in those days...

[@justina249]

Big Joe and Phantom 309 at the end.

[@johnglover5071]

dang bus driver hats!

[@Novaman67]

It must have sucked driving that truck with no windshield......lol I guess they didn't have polarized filters back then.

[@jimmartin7881]

I caught that too, saw that in TV shows a lot. The opening of Leave it to Beaver shows no back window and The Brady Bunch was always doing that too. Reflections I guess.

[@williamsherman6995]

Stella is the only talented actor in this piece.

[@Tim_Gagnon]

Spoiler, Joe went on to found Swift. From that day on he tore up the highway where ever he went.

[@perrykeener7854]

Joe pushes the car off the train tracks with his truck. Thirty days later Joe and the company are sued by car owner.

[@stevenray787]

Complete 🌽 cornball stuff. Love it

[@richardlall3012]

Back before the skinflints took over

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-ne9ps]

13:52. Very cool pull over right on the highway with cars with no brakes

[@dewaynemiguel3349]

Great video a little before my tim i didnt start driving trucks till 1975 till 2018 best years were before the CDL i had a feeling the feds would ruin trucking,but it didnt start going down hill bad till around 2010 so glad im retired since 2018

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

God bless trucker I cant wait till I'm done started in 1987

[@jimmartin7881]

When the CDL became mandatory my granddad called it a Communist Driver's License. He'd been driving on a chauffeur's license since 1927.

[@dewaynemiguel3349]

@@jimmartin7881 he was right everything the Feds touch they ruin.

[@justina249]

I feel naked without my CB

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I use my CB while naked , it's a much better experience.

[@42lookc]

Then there's Canada; rickshaw drivers in India last week/turban-headed terrors on 18 wheels on the 401 this week.

[@theseventysevenmiles]

Open bay racks usually means open bay showering.

[@Hot80s]

i remember toilet stalls with no walls, what do you do? bring a newspaper?

[@CEOkiller]

Don’t drop the soap

[@theseventysevenmiles]

@@CEOkiller Don't present.

[@TATEXPRESSINC]

Definitely gonna subscribe to your channel

[@madjack1748]

Why don't truckers get those caps anymore??

[@bansheemania1692]

Now This is Before Corporate stuff like today.. That's why that job didn't last long for me. The cowboys are Hanging up the hats.

[@smoothoperator7023]

8:00 - where he can hang up his hat, take off his shoes & meet the local lot lizard for small talk....😏

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

@1:20 1952 Buick Roadmaster a Pontiac and a 1952 Buick Super

[@michaelbrown5838]

The "bunk house" looks absolutely horrifying.

[@flyguy5941]

Prison cells. Lol

[@patrickspringer6534]

Love it!

[@kurttoy5035]

Love that White 3000 cab. Neat cab design.

[@teresa67factoid95]

Those trailers are so short

[@NickRatnieks]

Here is the early 1950s song by Billy Strange that complements some of the driving we saw! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3O0moGfadmNlZY

[@25mfd]

@ 10:49... the guy said he got his own truck... I didn't know there were O/O back in 1952... I thought that only happened AFTER the industry was deregulated... can anyone explain

[@dennisdunton6530]

O/O'S have been around forever. They normally leased on with a company...just like a lot still do.

[@jerrycoggin9434]

Way back in the day, when you leased on to a company they had the right to fire you as the driver and put their employee in your truck. You would still get your check, minus the other guys payroll.

[@25mfd]

@Dennis Dunton but you still had to apply to get your mc number right????… way I understood it was that back then the government regulated the amount of mc numbers they passed out... unlike after deregulation a lot of numbers got issued... I read where the unions wanted government regulation... that way the wages stayed high because it limited the amount of trucks... this in turn kept the freight rates at a level where the drivers made decent money

[@jerrycoggin9434]

@@25mfd well, sort of. It wasn't an MC #, it was an ICC #. Interstate Commerce Commision. The ICC was the goverment agency that granted "authority" to carry freight. If you wanted to go in the trucking business for yourself you had to petition the ICC for authority. You had a hearing with the commissioners where you had to make your case for fitness and need. You had to demonstrate financial responsibility and you had to have shipper support. So, your potential customer or customers would have to appear with you and testify your services were necessary to their business. But, all your competitors who already held " authority" had to do to stop your application was show up and tell the commission that they did not want you to receive authority and compete with them and your petition was denied. No competition kept rates artificially high. So an O/O would lease his equipment to a carrier and operate under that carrier's operating authority and ICC #. Congress let the ICC sunset and gave responsibility for carrier registration to the DOT. Deregulation eliminated the need to demonstrate shipper support so operating authority was granted upon proof of fitness only. Competition increased, rates moderated which helped fuel an economic expansion which put more freight on the highways. Today O/O still lease to motor carriers for a variety of reasons, but now they do have the option of acquiring their own authority where it was practically impossible before. Of course I am speaking of regulated freight. A lot of O/O who wanted to go the independent route would haul exempt commodities. Mainly agricultural products. Produce, grain, cows, cluckers. That sort of stuff. Then there was " trip leasing". A whole other discussion and a horrible way to operate.

[@JB-lr9lx]

O/O have been around forever, you signed a contract in blood, like dealing with the mafia. Try quitting.

[@ralval5376]

My grandpa was a driver in the 70’s made great money. I tried my hand at it in 2013 not the career granddad had. Different world we live in. No money no unity!

[@johnbee7729]

His flat front was sweeet. Wished they wouldn't have had him switch rigs after the hijack episode.

[@wack66]

who,s doing stella lol

[@samiam619]

wack66 Nobody. She’s 85...

[@douglasharvey8331]

Sam I am no she's 89 and I'm doing her

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@douglasharvey8331 I'd hit it

[@doghouse416]

I feel like I should be arrested just for watching this.

[@sbeallvln]

This... is great

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

So, truckdrivers back in the 50´s were friendly, considerate, helpful and law abiding folks that more than willing took time off earning pay in a pressed and little regulated market to help others and spent whatever resting time they had reading chinese philosophy at truckstops ? :D

[@michaeldesilvio2060]

When a fella loves a dame and a dame loves a fella. No sap can be a heel!

[@crushingvanessa3277]

Everyone back then had a New York accent.

[@svtirefire]

That beautiful Buick at 1:15 !

[@customkey]

1951 Roadmaster?

[@horsefly4400]

Now it's like,"Oh, you're too tired to drive? Tough shit, keep working and don't die"

[@Imintune...]

Rather dangerous maneuver.

[@johnjaco5544]

This is when men,were men.