The Double Life of a Truck Driver

Deep within Trump's America, destitute truck drivers confide their anxieties, frustrations, hopes, and fears to the chaplain of a mobile chapel. Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
"Destination Park" was directed by Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker Andrew Cohn (seven34films.com). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of documentary films from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
Subscribe to The Atlantic on KZbin: bit.ly/subAtlanticYT

[@TheAtlantic]

Has work become a new god? Watch The Atlantic's new KZbin series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnKzgqF5d9OCgsU

[@derrickpigatt5195]

The Atlantic become? It’s already been for most

[@gustavosmith3980]

Work and God are separate complex ideas

[@ronaldsliski9585]

The key of this question? Keep God #1 !!! 1st priority in one's life!! Also remember to keep separated from the ways of the world and the works n wonders of satan the illusionist!! Many people, have no idea ,on what life is about? We're put on thus earth to love and worship, praise Our Lord n SAVIOR Jesus Christ =Yahusha!!@ and love our fellow man as we love ourselves. Another thing people have no idea on what faith is? Faith is trust in the scriptures, written instruction on how to live our lives. Put away the desires of the flesh! Life as a developed human being is a daily sacrifice ,discipline, on the personal experience. Put others before oneself. A true born again believer in knowing Jesus Christ =Yahusha!!! Is in total obedience, holiness, righteousness, purity, acceptance of the willn,of Christ in our daily lives. To live without sin!! This life is a deception of the original reason we've been put here,don't be decieved by the works n wonders of satan the illusionist!!

[@yvesdorsi4458]

It's a bit of a deceptive question... If your god is work, then surely you put work life above all other facets of your life and enjoy doing so. All of the men in this video are Christians speaking about the reasons WHY they work. Which is to support their families and get through hard times. So no, work is not God, it's simply a hard fact of life. Everyone has problems, truck drivers are no different.

[@eliancamilo9102]

i know Im randomly asking but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@liamsmith7519]

Society doesn’t give truck drivers enough credit. They are the true backbone of the American economy, hard working and sacrifice so much just to make it by.

[@nealkelly9757]

You could say that about many jobs. Nothing special about driving a truck

[@Nemesis19852]

@@nealkelly9757 Your crazy truck drivers move over 70% of Americas goods clean drinking water food building materials gas and diesel military equipment if it's in your house it came off of a truck don't be ignorant we could literally start an apocalypse by shutting down know what the hell you talking about before you comment

[@jakaboom879]

@@Nemesis19852 I have a lot of respect for truckers, but Neal's got a point. There are lots of other jobs that are vital in our society and economy: engineers, doctors, first responders, military, construction workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, etc.

[@truckingwithchrisandzeus2158]

Everything in the world at some point or another has been moved by a truck...everything. if drivers shut down the world would stop period

[@3089280288]

@@nealkelly9757 Then you must disagree with the comment

[@papakael8247]

"Here I am, moving America. Keeping everyone supplied." I admire the pride of a simple honest days work.

[@jamestroyer7024]

Doing good lol!😉

[@hondashadow8379]

Too bad it's a lifestyle and not just an honest days work,

[@papakael8247]

@@hondashadow8379 If you love what you do then you never work a day in your life.

[@papakael8247]

@Constructive search That's unfortunate. The man I quoted seems to have found a deeper purpose in a tough lifestyle that is often looked down upon. I admire that and thank him for his service. Not sure why some got to hate on that sentiment but you do you internet stranger.

[@quietadultsrtalkin33]

@@papakael8247 because it's not like he's doing it for free.

[@Peterbilt359]

I remember a doctor called me, told me my wife had 2 weeks left to live. I pulled into truck stop in Barstow to get fuel. One of our trucks pulled in beside me, was going to mail yard at city of industry. I'd been there 100 times but asked if I could follow him in. Told him my mind wasn't quite right. He said sure. Glad he was put there at that moment. I drove for Alan Ritchie, good Co. they were very supportive. She died Christmas Eve 2010.

[@seanredmond8988]

God bless you man.....I'm driving a taxi in Ireland.....keep safe...

[@mwhitelaw8569]

I'm sorry you lost her Brother She's with you everyday your here Remember that

[@942doc1]

Stay safe man, God can definitely help you

[@smorisch]

I'm so sorry :(

[@dominickjustave3558]

Sorry for your loss

[@thefrenchboner3017]

"If you bought it, a truck brought it" always remembered that one.

[@wakeoftheflood2]

I kinda wish this was an hour long segment

[@MrBigR928]

Yeah there's a whole lot more to cover that's for sure.

[@nashvilleoutlaw]

Yea they didn't even touch on dealing with companies that think drivers are robots, constant DOT harassment and driving in traffic

[@sabbottart]

Soon trucks will all be self-driving. No need for aging humans.

[@MrBigR928]

@@sabbottart Watch out for your profession also! Seems nothing is off limits now a days.

[@Primatenate88]

@@sabbottart soon? Bout as soon as self driving cars, a half century or so

[@arvurebantra7639]

I was a truck driver for just under 6 months. The "double life" thing is real, and I could not do it. My wife had a stroke while I was across country and as much as I loved the job, I could not do it.

[@GOWRISANKARAS]

God bless you Truckers! I hope she is doing well now

[@arvurebantra7639]

@@GOWRISANKARAS Sadly, she is not. She spent the next few years in a nursing home, and I had to give up the job I loved to take care of things. She passed away from kidney failure and complications in 2016,

[@rztrzt]

@@arvurebantra7639 Sorry for your loss.

[@ratface1208]

Truck driving is better when your alone but only for a certain amount of time no more then 10 years i recommend

[@exthechickenwing]

@@arvurebantra7639 god bless your heart

[@TheTallMan50]

I've been trucking 22 years. If I had it to do all over again I would jump right back into a truck and change some bad decisions I made in my personal and financial life. Trucking doesn't ruin your life as this video seems to be leading people to believe. It's the choices that you make outside of the truck that can be detrimental to your life.

[@thawolfsexgod9367]

💯

[@dae6260]

Exactly

[@jamesparker437]

They are trying to overturn our foundation

[@gonzalezmichael52]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m in my late 20s looking for a career change and have given truck driving a serious thought for a while. I’m going to go ahead and do it later this year. Truck driving is what you make of it just like anything else in life. It’s not for everyone but it is for someone.

[@ernieluna]

I am starting now at 53 and AGREE with your comment 100% ...decisions outside work screwed those people NOT trucking ..whatever life those dudes would have chose they would have ended up same way ..them dudes look like alcohol METH and maybe rack has been a bigger part of their life than family LIFE HEALTH AND LIFESTAYLE ARE INFLUENCED BY DAILY CHOICES

[@zanew7718]

Had a driver tell me one time "the bad part about being alone is that you start to like it" thankfully i always been local hope it stays that way

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning

[@elpayapaya6156]

Loneliness is a price we all must pay in order to support our families.

[@ianchesney9639]

God is that the truest thing i have ever heard, even being single, visiting your mother and what have you it gets to you.

[@miguelrobb5719]

@Marc Bryant btw I'm an owner operator. I don't have to be out here for a month and only home for 3-4 days

[@miguelrobb5719]

@Marc Bryant and btw. You knew what my point was, but you pretended you didn't get it, because my situation didn't match yours. But I'll leave this alone now.

[@annkeiper4799]

@Marc Bryant it can be fun if traveling together but not used as a hook up high

[@26TptCoy]

In the end I lost everything, I became an alien in my own home, an intruder to the lives of the people that lived there. I was a stranger to my own family. The atomosphere changed the moment I walked through the front door I had to leave. I believe this is common for so many that work away.

[@WVhillDweller]

50 60 70 hours a week no OT pay. Truckers need more money.

[@levidotson2967]

Amen

[@78625amginE]

Yes, we do.

[@GusMacGus313]

Add the fact that the commercial training and licensing costs 10-12K. Gotta have x amount of hrs in the cab and getting all the paperwork is nuts. Here in Canada there is a movement to make commercial trucking a certified trade (offered by colleges) so itd be eligible for scholarships and more attractive for younger people to replace the aging truckers.

[@BXJ-mi9mm]

@@GusMacGus313 At this point nothing is going to help the trucker. "Truck driving" isn't going to be a job in about 5-10 years. It will be a software program.

[@arzc7]

You see how much money Jeff Bezos earned last year personally and look at how much Amazon relies on truckers and it makes you sick

[@rkr894able]

Best thing you could do is..When you see Truckers on the road *WAVE AT THEM or smile & DO NOT CUT THEM + Give 3 CARS distance when you're merging front if the truck.

[@luissanjuan1072]

I get that both ways I'm a OTR driver! Been driving for 35 years I get sometimes the kid waving at me or I get that jerk that cut me off at 70 mph down the interstate!

[@rkr894able]

@@luissanjuan1072 :)

[@bharmon1980]

Try telling that to the dumbass motorists texting behind the wheel.

[@seanmcguire6011]

People don't understand the catastrophe that a tractor trailer can cause. People love cutting us off doing 80, 90 mph is more important than others safety.

[@seanmcguire6011]

People wait until there is a 5 inch gap until they merge in front of me 😂

[@ChrisTian-wx1rh]

Been a trucker for about 6 months. I was a loner before I got into this job and I’m pretty happy with this choice. Better than telemarketing

[@cheryldylan9506]

Hello 👋🏻 nice to meet you Chris, hope you’re safe and well?

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning

[@pokerman9108]

you still trucking?

[@ChrisTian-wx1rh]

@@pokerman9108 yes update, I’m still trucking but I work locally and am home every night. 2 years on the road was tough on my relationship with my daughter

[@dejstoneatgmail]

After high school, I went to a truck driving school. Then, after one and a half years of driving a semi in the New York metropolitan area, I enrolled in a school which taught computer programming. Now retired, after 35 years in software development--even remembering my many all-nighters--I look back on my brief stint as a trucker, and know that working as a truck driver is, for many, a very tough way to make a living. Great video. My heart goes out to those guys.

[@Mm-pc8tg]

Was it hard for you to transition?

[@dejstoneatgmail]

@@Mm-pc8tg The transition was surprisingly easy. While there were many aspects of driving an eighteen wheeler that I enjoyed, I absolutely loved programming computers. So, I was willing to do whatever it took to be successful as a software developer.

[@almost41632]

BOOMER

[@borderlord]

You made the right life choice for your income,your health and social life..long distance .trucking is a lifestyle..and as the guy at the end of this film says.."Its nuts!"

[@LiveNowBeFree2]

I too drove OTR and want to transition into the IT industry.. any advice?

[@noahreese9469]

This video gave me huge respect for truck drivers

[@wronggg]

For a day. Until you forget all about them.

[@noahreese9469]

Wrong! I think I might forget about the video but I’ll still remember the message whenever I see a truck driver

[@wronggg]

@@noahreese9469 for a week, until you forget about it.

[@noahreese9469]

Wrong! Idk man maybe your memory is bad

[@nikolavanzettiteslasacco4991]

Me too, much Respect!

[@22dialloalpha]

Trucking is one of the most depressing occupations out there! I've been driving OTR for over 5yrs so I know. These companies dont give a shit about you and neither does mainstream society. In the end you have to take control of your own life and make decisions that are going to benefit YOU in the long run!

[@eurostep2530]

Tell’Em!!!!

[@dominickjustave3558]

100 thats why i went local

[@_Y-.]

@Alpha Diallo; I know exactly 💯 what you talkin' 'bout; "companies don't give a siht about you." I've slaved in many capacities 4 many companies around the world. When I went thru the application hiring process @ 1️⃣ of 'em in Europe, they had some technical trouble getting a video (we were told was mandatory for us to view in order to complete the hiring process & be allowed to work) to play. The afternoon became evening 🌆 @ which time I tried to explain to them that I had to leave in time to get a last train 🔙 towards the city I had travelled from, otherwise I would be stranded there for the night🌃. A pers♂️n who I told that to, told me, "that was not his problem. If I left before watching that video, that I would not be hired." I stayed until they got it to play & spent the very cold night at the city train station until the 1st train out the following mornin,'. 😒 Sadly, it's like that world wide. 😟

[@PylotGuy]

What’s the pay like ? I’m 24 have no kids, and no girlfriend/wife … all my friends are swelled into their career or have moved out the country , so All I have to do is drive … curious what a beginner OTR would make ? I keep seeing on the internet the pay is $40,290 a year ???????? But when I meet truckers in person they say they make $120k + please expand

[@Ashurbanipal7446]

I don’t believe truckers are stupid people. A lot of thinking goes on behind the wheel.

[@gustavosmith3980]

There's a lot of pain and running is a coping mechanism, especially when you get paid for it, it's hard to break out of

[@smorisch]

Driving's just part of it, you have to do routing, loading, offloading, customer service, computer work. all sorts of stuff. Most people don't' know the half of it.

[@michaelvalleau3172]

So true. Backing up trailers in some places is a skill that few can do

[@waylaidbyfate.5312]

Who told you, truckers are stupid?

[@Ashurbanipal7446]

@@waylaidbyfate.5312 it’s a stereotype

[@rpier8357]

What has been done to the trucking industry and the drivers is criminal. Without these hardworking people, we would all be in a giant mess. In the past, you could make a great living driving but now you are lucky to just scrape by.

Hahahah

[@Zayden.]

Sounds like 90% of blue collar jobs and 50% of white collar jobs.

[@nashvilleoutlaw]

@@Zayden. the big difference between those jobs and trucking is most truckers don't go home at the end of their shift, they don't see family (if they have one) for days or weeks at a time. At one time you could make enough to take time off to have a life or stop on route and explore. Now it's just sit in your governed truck all day with the pedal on the floor and hope you don't get hung up in a wreck or road construction because they gave you 11hrs to make a 10.5hr trip and the receiver will make you wait an extra 2-8 hours if you're late. Oh and you ran out of time waiting to get unloaded and now you got to drive illegally because they won't let you stay on the property. But it's all your fault because you're the driver and it's your ticket if you get caught.

[@Manny-ee6gl]

Don't worry. Their jobs will be automated soon.

[@Hexstream]

Universal Basic Income is the solution. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_income

[@HusicDejan]

Driving for a living. Since 04. BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME and i would definitely do it all over again. Btw, guys that are sitting in the back room by themselves are THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ones out here. Why be around all of this negativity when i can relax all by myself, take my break then go take on life and be with my family. You will rarely ever hear from those who are making their dreams a reality driving a semi as they have no time to sit and complain, they are too busy making things happen... You're welcome.

[@YusefAlim33]

Dejan Husic absolutely 👌

[@Jmpayn3]

Dejan Husic thank you for the one positive perspective out of a dozen. Drive to build something from it!

[@brlamb5]

That's exactly how I am, been driving a year now and was able to get myself out of debt, into my own place, and a nice bit in savings and investment accounts. I went from no job, no tractor trailer experience, to grossing over $65k my first year, and that wasn't done sittin around complaining. And I definitely dont plan on driving for long.

[@sesetakai9460]

Super FACTS broz sometimes the lonely guy to the trucker world is eyes is the more focused and successful a lots of truckers needs to not settle with the jobs that don't make them happy keep shopping around til you find the company that fits you!

[@timbuktug3321]

Dejan Husic well said sir

[@Pablo123456x]

I don't know if it's because I might be a lone wolf or might have clinical depression but being alone and driving sounds like a dream job to me

[@tomassmith4061]

Eagle123456x : I’d say Lone Wolf. I drive alone AND in silence, 95% of the time. No radio, CD, music, news, talk shows, just peaceful silence.

[@TheIdentifiedPatient]

I thought so too in the beginning.

[@virginiaray2169]

It's all about good company. Rescue a dog. It will be so grateful, you will laugh, have adventures and purpose. Speaking from experience.

[@alliwishis2652]

@@tomassmith4061 that's EXACTLY the way I drive 95% of the time too except I just have to Google Maps going when I'm in the city

[@loagzie38]

@@tomassmith4061 i love being alone too, but id need my country music at least

[@clarkkent1521]

I've always had mad respect for truck drivers. People say thank you for your service to military without question. I say thank you for your service to truck drivers. Without them we would have nothing on our store shelves. They sacrifice their social lives to provide for us.

[@MelvinJ64]

No, they do it for a pay cheque. It's not charity. Programmers also sacrifice their time to make sure you are able to type this comment on the internet. Every job provides some sort of value because people are compensated for them.

[@swingin53s]

@@MelvinJ64 a trucker brought you the device you typed this comment from😉

[@miguelrobb5719]

Oba O and a lot of folks in the military joined it just for some benefits and want people to say “thank you”

[@caras.1239]

What a tremendously difficult life. And to think any time I set out on the highway to zip up to town and go to the store, I see no fewer than a dozen big trucks on the road...not to mention that everything in that store and everything the store was built with is there *because of them.* They are the reason we are afforded this way of life, and it's heartbreaking the struggles they endure to make it possible and to keep their families afloat. God bless them all.

[@joshriles84]

Thanks, like the guy did in the video. If i had it to do again i wouldn't drive

[@brianaustin6184]

Josh Riles same here 3rd generation on both sides of my family,I’m 25,but this is all I know.

[@joshriles84]

@@brianaustin6184 sadly im also 3rd generation. My dad still drives granddad lost his sight and only had 3 years after retirement. Also various other family members drive or drove

[@joshriles84]

@@brianaustin6184 seems all i do now days is drive to chase debt so i can drive

[@chrisphan72]

Thanks you so much ma'am. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. God bless you and all your loves one. God bless America.

[@MrBigR928]

Takes a special breed to do this job. KZbin has been a blessing to alot of drivers (not the trolls and haters) by making videos so they can talk and share a wide variety of subjects and they can also watch and learn and comment. One thing I know is that you cannot out talk a truck driver. Trust me I'm long winded too...lmao. Shout out to all the million milers and all the awesome lady truckers!👍👍👍

[@nashvilleoutlaw]

I got the first recognition in years a couple weeks ago at the pilot in Gilman il. 1 parking spot left in the whole place 4th from the end of the middle row leaving the fuel island and the truck on the end was nosed in with his trailer sticking out about 8ft. Not enough room to simply pull past and back in. I had to pull around the corner like I was nosed in a spot to set up for it and jacknife it from around the corner lmao and 1 shotted it. Driver actually got out of his truck and told me you're about the 15th one to try for that hole. That was damn impressive. That made my week

[@bigmarsh247]

The trick is to avoid eye contact with them and always be moving.

[@MrBigR928]

@@bigmarsh247 That's not nice! Doesn't cost you anything to say good morning or good afternoon. One thing is for sure, it's not all about you or me in this world. Gotta be careful who you brush aside just because you don't feel like being bothered or don't have time. The Good Lord likes it when you think about somebody besides yourself yanno! Be careful because your life is not your own. This may help....Proverbs 16:24 KJV.

[@landstartrucks]

I have been at it for 15 years and those drivers just scratch the surface of it. Once you get in this line of work you are never able to get out of it. you are unable to function properly at home you have to be always on a move..

[@dylanburnell6394]

only 2.5 years myself and I found this to be true. I go home every 6-8 weeks for a few days and after a day or 2 of sitting im ready to get back on the road.

[@26TptCoy]

When I was driving people would tell me my job was easy. All I did all day was sit in a truck. Contrary to that the work was always intense and the hours long. Only a truck driver understands. Load up drive 600 miles, unload, sleep, wake up and do it all over again and again.

[@uspatriot4261]

Yup, Living in the HELL BOX !!!!! That's why I am a local driver, the OTR gig would absolutely drive me nuts ! making decent money, and home every night

[@cheynacontreras9607]

Wear and Tare on you

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning

[@codyneuhaus4114]

Thank you all Truckers for what you do to make things for me easier. Much Love and Respect 👏👏🙏🙏

[@levidotson2967]

Thank you for your appreciation

[@gwindematteo934]

Cody Neuhaus thank you, Cody!

[@joshriles84]

Thanks

[@kylemorice4870]

Thanks bro that means a lot.

[@sinhuevos942]

Now get down on yo knees and kiss my shifter hand so I can continue on the road

[@Housewarmin]

My dad and stepdad are truck drivers. They have both said that trucking locally or across state lines is a lot easier than going Coast to coast. Trucking locally feels more like home, than just traveling on wide-open roads with alot of time to think. My dad particularly likes trucking because there's always a need for trucking, and you can easily move companies to better fit your lifestyle.

[@everythingviral972]

Always a need for trucking until they autmomate it...

[@davidgreen8984]

EverythingViral that will never happen

[@nancyfahey7518]

And my husband would rather get on the open road and keep going. Less 4 wheelers to deal with.

[@FaithandNova]

@@everythingviral972 they can keep trying it will not completely remove physical human drivers

[@albertledesma5173]

Jaime Alonzo That’s what she said. It’s really not that hard.

[@MrObservation]

Ive been driving trucks almost 30 years. Im grateful that I have my measure of health. I am a diabetic but its diet controlled. So much of this video is true. I am also grateful to enjoy my own company. A lot of times I do go sit by myself but its because of several reasons. Sometimes im just tired from the day and dont feel like doing a bunch of talking but if a driver did speak to me I will hold a conversation with no hesitation. Secondly depending on where I am, racism is still alive and well and some drivers wont speak to me. Its a reality that I face at least two or three times a week depending on where I run. I dont take it to heart. Thats what they have to live with. We do need more pay, respect, and appreciation for what we do out here. It may be fairly easy to get into but its hard to maintain it. It takes a toll on your family, health, and your pocket for the amount of hrs we work. But to all you drivers out there I thank you!!! I know everything I and my family has is because of what you guys do. I appreciate you.

[@YusefAlim33]

De Williams for the 30yrs I’ll take you got a nice home and car and your family is well off correct ?

[@MrObservation]

YUSUF ALIM I’m not doing bad. It could be worse so there is nothing to complain about. Plenty of lessons between some companies I’ve worked for and some relationships. Still building. Life is a journey. Making the best of it daily.

[@YusefAlim33]

De Williams nice, I only ask because from my end we getting money trucking and I know all the hardships and things that can come with it I don’t understand why truckers wouldn’t save every penny and invest into something else that’s lucrative “passive income” instead of going into debt moving to the burbs and getting bullshit bills and car notes and be depressed as fuck that’s crazy too me

[@MrObservation]

Oh I always look for ways to make more money. I don't do car notes. Stopped that a few years ago. My wife and I just got the house we're in but we have one in college. And two finishing high school in two years. Rebuilding my credit from a failed business but I still focus on getting to the next level.

[@YusefAlim33]

De Williams that’s dope my Man, atleast you know what to do many blessings to you and your family and I hope you prevail on your journeys 💪stay safe out here!!

[@sonsofliberty75]

Oh I can relate! It’s a lonely life! Being an introvert, makes it even harder to interact with people. Your family, if you have one, grows older without you; you miss so much of their lives.

[@cheryldylan9506]

Hello 👋🏻 nice to meet you, hope you’re safe and well?

[@elijahgavin6706]

Man I really hope you can find something else, that’s terrible 😞 thanks for your work

[@Mraquanetchris]

I did CDL training through an unemployment program. When I asked my instructor what the hours were like he said, " When your a truck driver your life is three things. Eat, Drive and Sleep. Then repeat."

[@mohamedAli-kj6fb]

True

[@williampowell2104]

@Robert Craig Thank you for your service.

[@turnpike9680]

Maybe if you're an OTR rookie pulling for a megacarrier, but I'm a driver and my life is nowhere near that depressing.

[@watchman3636]

@@turnpike9680 I wonder if it's just that these guys are depressed AND happen to be truckers

[@truckinglife677]

Well I mean we’re out here to work and make money not on vacation.

[@marcoramos3619]

God bless you guys and all drivers in our country🇺🇸

[@FaithandNova]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@christianmyers342]

This video is making me seriously think about selling my truck before I get stuck mentally.

[@unknowndriver6652]

I'll buy it

[@Nikolajnen]

I mean, it would most likely be a good idea considering self-driving trucks are going to replace most trucking jobs in 10 years.

[@jayrukks8039]

Nikolajnen False

[@Will-kl5ri]

Jesaire Daizy false why?

[@cicamaca725]

@@Nikolajnen We will never replace regular cars with self driving ones, let alone replace trucks.

[@DestroyaMusic]

I just started in the industry 4 months ago and have never felt more cheated, disrespected and downright degraded in my life. I made the horrible decision to listen to a good friend of mine and get my license through a mega carrier and I’m paying for it with my life. This whole notion of “You gotta start somewhere and pay your dues.” is exactly what’s wrong with this country and what has destroyed the trucking industry. I’m sacrificing so much of my own time, sanity and health to be out on the road with another man, confined to a space that isn’t even half the size of a jail cell for 4 weeks at a time to only get 4 days home. All for an average of $200-500 a week. This is one of the hardest jobs a human being can subject themselves to and it is the most underpaid and under appreciated jobs in this country. All of us are seeking a better life for ourselves and our families but the industry is so focused on how they can squeeze us dry to the bone while paying us like slaves. Every trucker should be paid hourly or salary. We don’t just drive. Some of us load/unload those trailers, all of us have to get out in the -40 degree blizzards, rain and 115 degree heat to crank up/down trailers and do inspections on our trucks and trailers (all for free because we’re only paid for the miles we drive!) And if your work at my company, you only get .30 cents for every mile you drive and you split that with your partner! Be careful, do your research and if it seems to good to be true; goddamnit it is.

[@sahpem4425]

Wow! Thank you for the insight into this world. My dad drove trucks for years. I was always kind of mad at him for being gone for most of my childhood. Now I have more empathy for him. That solitude would be too much for me. I couldn’t do it.

[@Thompsonsmith-zh1tn]

Hey Sarah. How are you doing today?

[@sherikajohnson1485]

Some of these companies only care about the freight... Finally someone who cares about the driver's.... This is deep.... I'm 40 year's old only had my cdl a little over 2 years just had a baby 3 weeks ago... I love the road and have mad respect and love for all truckers

[@bobwinters6459]

Get your butt home and off the road! Your child will only grow up once and you're going to miss out on so much! Don't be like me and look at your child 20 years from now and go...damn!

[@donkeyballs3307]

U love the road ,because uv only been trucking 2 years

[@movsestimiryan3854]

"My wife of 39 years, pretty soon is not going to know who I am..." Damn, that's knife in the heart! 😖 I never did understand how men with families do this work.

[@Nikolajnen]

I mean, it's really hard to switch career if you are a trucker and don't want a bullshit job with bullshit pay. So really, most truckers are pretty much stuck. Bills got to be paid.

[@devoywilliams3956]

@@Nikolajnen they weren't smart with their money, all those years and they never invested in real estate duplex/triplex and jump ship to class b get a local 9 to 5. Shit take a in person freight brokering class, trucking only supposed to be temporary unless u can get a trucking job 9 to 5 home every day off on the weekend.

[@queenstatus3049]

Married Team drivers don’t have this experience. My office job was dead in and depressing also. I hated being around people daily pretending to be friendly. Some like solitude.

[@tmo.48]

I like solitude-more time with GOD ❤️

[@strevortni]

Truck driving doesnt seem lonely enough for me, you still have to interact with people on the road, talking to your customers, and all other things.

[@cheryldylan9506]

Hello 👋🏻 nice to meet you, hope you’re safe and well?

[@ramonekent7186]

And I thought office jobs were great.

[@TheKudos50]

These sad little pieces of Americana let people know they are not alone in the suffering that is sold as the pursuit of happiness

[@rgarlinyc]

Eloquently stated...🙏

[@respectmymind2528]

Notice the word PURSUIT of happiness... means to chase... never catching what ur chasing PURSUIT IS THE CHASE!! Smdh

[@garysmith5268]

TheKudos50 - Turn that frown upside down buddy! I don’t think truckers need your sympathy. The Atlantic is a weepy liberal trash heap.

[@JLBREMER]

This kind of reminds me of working at a call center. Your surrounded by people yet alone. No time to socialize or talk. Somebody has to do these jobs and he’s right some people are made for it some people aren’t. Much respect to these folks.

[@christiansmith5047]

From a former call center phone jockey and current over the road trucker, you're right. At least on the road I can talk to my wife and kids while I'm driving (hands-free of course).

[@PopsieLouisiana59]

Current call center jockey. Work at home is worse.

[@JLBREMER]

Stephanie Fagan That’s why I’m hesitant to work from home. Would never see anyone. I did make a Work from home comedy spoof tho on my channel poking fun at what would happen.

[@JLBREMER]

christian smith Man.. well atleast you can have some sort of socializing that helps a little.

[@sirswag100]

Call center work cant possibly be worse

[@Qswagglikeataylor]

I’m 24 years old and I’ve been trucking for 3 years coast to coast. You definitely have to be strong on the road because you can easily lose yourself, I became an owner operator recently and I get to spend a lot more time with my family. Staying on the wrong longer than a month almost makes you feel crazy but the best thing to do is call your loved ones and pray. Hopefully by the time I’m 30 I can retire my truck and become a gamer full time on KZbin 😂

[@evanschulz7375]

I'd look into driving a log truck or something more local. As log trucks are agriculture exempt, no log books, no limits on hours, no break requirements. Long hours, but home every night and winters off. Great money and fun!

[@mac11daddy6]

I can assure you that you will NOT retire from Trucking. You’re not gonna become rich doing this

[@evanschulz7375]

@@mac11daddy6 What did you retire from?

[@marshmallowblaster]

I drive a truck. I've been at it for a year and a half and I love it. It's hard at times, but you learn ways to make it work. I like the solitude. It gives me the freedom to be myself for the first time ever.

[@cheryldylan9506]

Hello 👋🏻 nice to meet you, hope you’re safe and well?

[@rgarlinyc]

Nothing sadder, or more painful to bear than the injustices in everyday folks' lives...

[@pooperdrop]

It breaks my heart to see hardworking people forced to leave their loved ones during their illness to afford medical care.

[@nikolavanzettiteslasacco4991]

I agree 💯

[@dignifiedamerican8171]

This is why Americans need universal health care.

[@taf4939]

Dignified American most of them probably voted for trump 😔

[@frankiemartinez9018]

Like trump would ever care about what yall or anybody goes through

[@isaacjones9328]

@@dignifiedamerican8171 boi you dumb

[@donquixote...]

Is it really a, "double" life, or just one unfortunate one...? What goes on at, "home" is outside of your bubble. You don't live at home, you only visit there.

[@smorisch]

As the daughter of one, we were the ones who had to put up with life at home without dad. Yes, you're right, there's another whole world that goes on when they are gone.

[@cheynacontreras9607]

That’s why I’m not going to be doing it fir long

[@luisthegoat3006]

That's why you try to work local, I'm ups local and I come home every night and don't work weekends and I make 100k plus

[@eurostep2530]

@@luisthegoat3006 you’re blessed.

[@luisthegoat3006]

@@eurostep2530 I did get blessed but I was able to move up because I worked there for 3 years part time

[@EagleLogic]

I have tremendous respect for truck drivers. I always try to let them in on the road and just in general respect them. I can't imagine the difficulty of the job and relentless lifestyle.

[@truckingwithchrisandzeus2158]

As a veteran truck driver of many years I can whole heartedly say this video is very true and insightful for just a few of the things us truckers go through on a daily basis. From freight issues,loneliness,dot harrassment,crazy people having death wishes in cars,missing family and kids growing up,etc..it's a lot a truck driver gives up daily while on the road away from home trying to provide for his or her family and keep America moving

[@amygunn6442]

I had no clue what I was getting myself into when becoming an OTR driver. There's nothing harder than being alone in a truck when dealing with difficult circumstances (sickness, death, heartbreak, betrayal, etc.). I found a local job because the isolation got to me.

[@tmo.48]

You sorted it out 👍❤️

[@Savii-Jo]

After watching this, I truly respect these men for their sacrifice and contribution back to our society.

[@Theonyxconservative]

I've been trucking 15 years, a lot of people don't understand how hard it can be because all they know we make a lot of money. Money at the expense of your sanity or spiritually kinda sucks though ijs💁🏾‍♂️

[@racequad9]

Would you mind if I ask an approximate salary range you've been making?

[@Antattack22]

CarlosChip Morales 1000 percent correct

[@sssbattleaxe]

Its not much considering an average 60 hour week we make the same as a mediocre 40 + 20 hour OT 9 to 5 job.

[@YusefAlim33]

James Sigmond II gotta speak for yourself we getting money trucking

[@sssbattleaxe]

@@YusefAlim33 that's what I'm saying. I'm a driver too... If you put in 60 hours on an average 13$/hr job the pay would be pretty much the same.

[@4WingedAngels]

It’s so hard to watch as the income gap is rising. The CEO’s of large companies trying to find new ways to spend all their dollars, the rest of us just trying to cover our monthly bills.

[@chrisuk2073]

I love being a truck driver. I love driving around North America and exploring. After driving 8 hours a day for over 20 years I know what every driver will do by their behavior. Every accident is avoidable except for rear end

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊😊

[@FosterScott]

Everyone’s experience is different. Going into it, you have a blueprint in mind on what you think the outcome will be. This blueprint determines where you’ll be in the future. My blueprint was use trucking/reefer life to better myself with the 600+ mile plus days, and dock waits. If I had spare time, I refused to be idle too long. I tried to do this with every aspect of life. How I thought, viewed the world, myself, diet, exercise - EVERYTHING! Not everyone is equally skilled, but we all equally have 24 hrs each day. It’s what you do with this time that’ll determine everything. Spend these hrs making your life or breaking your life. Unfortunately, many use them to break their life. OTR life is hard no doubt about it. But hard is good. Lots of growth can come from being subject to challenge. Some see hard things as bad, always looking for comfort. But it’s in “hardness” that you really can grow as a human being - BUT only if you see it that way. The meaning you give to what you do everyday results in the life you have. Choose the hard path, think right, eat right, exercise, move, smile more. This takes discipline and discipline equals freedom. 🤠

[@garbhanmyles]

This is such a video powerful video and I gained a whole new level of appreciation of truck drivers. I’m not American, but I can imagine many of the struggles of these gentlemen are somewhat shared the world over. The videos on this channel are really are of amazing quality. Much respect your great work and best wishes from Ireland!

[@tmo.48]

Hello Ireland ❤️

[@garbhanmyles]

@@tmo.48 hello America *)

[@jsh1242]

this video is just about right... ABSOLUTELY depressing .

[@directordank]

UGLY across the board! We would need 16K cameras (although our eyes can't even register 4K 👀) to see how ugly shit is right now

[@sonsofliberty75]

Heart goes out to that McAllister driver! He is really hurting!

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

As a truck driver myself this video really hits me hard but I am much younger than those guys but damn makes you think...

[@zephaniahhenry5258]

Boston Chris UFC how old

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

Do you know about video calling programs like Apple Iphone Facetime or Google Hangouts or Skype? I imagine thode could be helpful to you to tlak to family during downtime while you're on the road

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

Get out of otr is my advice, save yourself. Plenty of jobs pay as well and better and your get to sleep in your own bed at night and have a life. The otr driving model is practically slave labor imo. Imagine if a regular company made people work 14 hour shifts and sleep in the office for 2-3 weeks straight. It's just demented

[@MightyTiki]

This is amazing journalism-please keep up the hard work.

[@dtm7909]

Wow. This is a great documentary. Scary, tragic, but yet so real. This should have been much longer.

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning

[@kristynkelly5598]

I've been otr now for almost two yrs and I love my job. For me, the most difficult part is having to deal with other people--I'm not a social person and I have no family or dependents. I love being out on the road and I've only been home a total of maybe 4 times in the time I have been driving. It's sad seeing all these people who are forced into doing this job and who totally hate it. Hope they can find peace soon.

[@tmo.48]

❤️👍🌸

[@albertanasoul]

If you like solitude, then driving is a great career, especially if you like travelling. The two most important things are getting on with a company that pays well and treats you with respect (if there is such a thing). The next is to have a positive attitude because you will spend your entire days in your head. If you are already negative, it will get way worse and there will never be any happiness no matter who you work for. If you can’t find a way to stay positive and grateful, you are doomed because your mind is either your strongest ally or worst enemy.

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊

[@paulieduguay8338]

My parents were team drivers for 16+ years but my father drove solo since 1993 until my mother got her CDL with Prime Inc in 2000! They've tried to discourage me from being a trucker and with me being a Type 1 diabetic I'm ONLY allowed to drive within my state NO OTR which is perfectly fine with me because I've grown up on the road every summer with my parents driving. God bless these men who keep trucking and God be with these hard working men

[@KT-ln8em]

I thought if you were a type 1 you couldn't have a cdl

[@paulieduguay8338]

@@KT-ln8em the DOT and FMCSA allow intrastate driving ONLY for insulin dependent diabetics, I have to maintain my hemoglobin A1C levels below 10.0 and not have any narcotics in my system

[@KT-ln8em]

@@paulieduguay8338 thanks for clearing that up

[@paulieduguay8338]

@@KT-ln8em are you insulin dependent diabetic

[@KT-ln8em]

@@paulieduguay8338 no

[@kathyerickson9402]

The Atlantic documentaries are wonderful...sad, hopeful, fascinating. I look forward to each new one that shows up in my queue. Thanks so much!

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊

[@vexq3197]

Truck drivers never get thanked or tiped .praise the fire department police department army navy military but never truckers. What a shame we loose great drivers everyday

[@axelfoley1406]

This is this type of brutal, grueling and monotonous hard work that keeps ANY country going. True soldiers.

[@onthedubba]

4:36 That guy talking about a possible layoff and the other shushing him was pretty sad and scary.

[@gwindematteo934]

As someone who drove truck OTR for many years, I feel that a lot of us chose the profession BECAUSE of the solitude. It was a perk. I have a lot of social anxiety and being around people can be quite enervating and/or frustrating for me. Trucking was a godsend for the likes of me. Unfortunately, it is NOT a safe or healthy lifestyle. And people have zero respect for you. I was fired last week from my latest trucking job and it may very well turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Maybe now I can focus on leading a healthier life and perhaps earning a better living, financially and psychologically. Oh, btw, those Mobile Chapel guys were not kind to me. As a lesbian, I was not afforded a whole lot of respect. Stay safe, guys and gals. Keep the wheels down. Without US, America STOPS.

[@adventureleshero4786]

I totally get you. I have some bad anxiety and I don't think I could go back to a regular job because of it. Trucking seems to fit me right but am willing to look for another avanue soon . I don't think hiding behind a shell with wheels is good either but I'm making the best of it while I'm at it.

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

I respect you for speaking out about your experience. Also its a good thing that you discussed your experience as an LGBT trucker going to the mobile chapel and not being respected. As a straight white guy who is not a trucker myself, I can only imagine that there will be many LGBT truckers that see this video and think about seeking out the mobile chapel to discuss their life problems with the pastor there. It's good for them to know ahead of time if the mobile chapel is not an LGBT friendly place.

[@schisandra]

I hope your situation is better now. Take care of yourself.

[@benh9076]

Depends on what was said and how it was said. Even though I cannot scripturally support a lifestyle that is contrary to God's Word, everyone deserves and is expected to show a basic level of respect to one another. Before we say that the truth of what is written in the scriptures about the choices we make is being disrespectful, we need to examine our own lives and see if we're being disrespectful of the one who gives us the very breath we breathe.

[@nukinfuts6580]

Reminds me of myself in a way. I’m a railway conductor. We get on our trains all hours, go to our hotel rooms for about 12 or so hours. We get on a train and go home for less time at home than in the hotel. Sometimes I get home at 6 am and go out at 6 pm and never see my wife. That is exactly what I do when I’m away from home I go to the cafe, find a booth all to myself on a Saturday or Sunday and watch families come and go. I love telling stories about the stuff I’ve seen! All in all it’s a way of life. It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst. It is what it is.

[@smorisch]

Thank you. My dad was a truck driver my whole life, from the age of 3. He drove long haul through my entire childhood, so 18 years or so and got off the road when my brother and I were adults. he was a good man and worked very hard for all of us. These guys are all good people doing what they can to support their families. It's interesting to see others say the things he used to say. RIP Daddy - 8/1/2018.

[@jaydubya9265]

The solitude was real when I did over the road. I would go weeks without any deep human contact...

[@hillsofwi]

Can relate. Remember almost forgetting how to talk after going long stretches w/out any real conversation.

[@j.c.2787]

That's why you gotta talk to yourself man

[@onthedubba]

@@j.c.2787 I've been told I'm pretty good at that LOL

[@solooverland3666]

Sounds like heaven 🤷

[@ryanb7627]

Hey I do that already and haven't driven all year. Sounds right up my alley!

[@candybanks8717]

We should take the time to thank a trucker for his service, I mean the long haul guys, just as we would a military veteran. Our young men are in the Middle East for no other reason than to make military contractors richer. These truckers are also fighting a war, a personal war. And believe me when I tell you if they stop everything stops. And I do mean EVERYTHING. We'd be 3rd world in a month.

[@DrewGangl]

Lmao no. I would never compare a steering wheel holder to a veteran

[@ryanduncan3510]

@@DrewGangl Alot truck drivers are military veterans.

[@DrewGangl]

@@ryanduncan3510 Yes, then that would make them a veteran.

[@waterheaterservices]

Islam is the deadliest organization in the history of humanity, killing over 270 million since Mohammed. Quran Sura 9 mandates our death or enslavement. Reference Acts 17 Apologetics and Bill Warner PhD on You Tube.

[@silvastian]

@@DrewGangl how many veterans actually got shot at and busted back? Most of the military eat shit and get paid to do it. I thank veterans that laid mofos out and gotta deal with that on their conscience

[@highbrass3749]

I love solitude. Some people hate themselves so much they can’t spend time alone. They need to be distracted by other people.

[@solooverland3666]

Somebody’s woke, (self-)aware, and at peace w themselves 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊

[@nateb.chilling6998]

I drove 8 years OTR and when I finally gave it up, it was hard to readjust being around my family, people in general. I was easily aggravated. It wasn’t normal not being on the road. It took about 6-8 months for me to get on an even path. I pray for the truckers out there. Please get your rest, that load ain’t that important. I won’t ever get behind that wheel again..ever

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊

[@Thanasis_Koligliatis]

2:29 "The worst part is that you have absolutely no interaction with anybody" "There's a thing with prisoners that become like institutionalized" "That's all he knows, his solitude"

[@orome9793]

Damn. I'm in my 30's, live alone and work remotely (travel for work when I'm not working from home). I already get this.

[@elijahgavin6706]

@@orome9793 what do you do for work? Generally speaking where do you live?

[@turnpike9680]

Everyone has different experiences. I've driven for 10 years now. I found out real quick that there's a good life outside of OTR pulling vans/reefers, did my homework, and after my first year, got into regional tankers. Ever since then, I've rarely spent more than a few days away from home and make way more than I ever did in the beginning, especially when I went independent. I am the polar opposite of that old guy - my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

[@Evie-pq1gs]

My dad’s always been a truck driver. I only see him about 2 days out of the week. He’s gone for most days, but I appreciate him because of all his hard work and allowing me to stay at home and not bay any bills(I do offer to pay small bills to help out) so that I can work and save money and go to school. I respect everyone who is a truck driver and I hope they continue to drive safe out there💜

[@djwaglmuffin]

I had to quit driving for a while...so sick of not being able to find parking and not being paid well and last company I was with was telling me to do illegal stuff. It's frustrating.

[@edwardjr1562]

Walmart and Lowe's home improvement allow overnight parking. Call and ask first

[@djwaglmuffin]

@@edwardjr1562 I didn't know about Lowes but Walmart is starting to kick us off the property because people keep trashing the parking lots.

[@mahbubmo]

Illegal stuff, like what?

[@PersistentPatriot]

Drive a local concrete mixer or rolloff truck, much less stress.

[@johnmontana8540]

The Atlantic makes trucking looks depressing. I’ve been driving for 10 years and have loved every minute of it. Every driver I’ve met feels the same.

[@johnmontana8540]

raquel lois it’s rewarding to help keep America fed and clothed. It’s fun to see the country on company dime. But not all jobs are over-the-road, many have you home every day. You also don’t have to become out of shape doing it. Every gas station and cafe has healthy food options and you can work out during down time. Love it!

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

Im not a trucker but it seems this video was unintentionally about long haul truckers in particular. Also it seems to me that certain counties and states of America seem to have less short haul trucking routes available in them. Like I'm from Canada but from what I understand of your country the United States, certain counties and even certain states are more densely populated than other counties and states. Like I imagine there'd be less short haul trucking routes in say Texas then there would be in say Michigan, because from what I've heard Texas is far less densely populated than Michigan

[@mattmason1986]

I'm a trucker & I love coming over the mountains out west awesome

[@alexcitron5159]

Beautifully honest, shows the pain but also the hope. Best friend had been a driver, big toll on his family. Thankfully he had spiritual hope

[@quietadultsrtalkin33]

I'm a truck driver. What we go through is no different than anyone else. And while I can empathize with the family issues, please understand that truck drivers make a very decent living. Where the average american struggles to pay their mortgage and other bills most truck don't have that problem. In fact driving a truck can be the difference in paying off a house in 10 years instead of 30. All I'm saying is that there are people doing alot worse. Notice you didn't hear any of them complaining about pay or struggling to pay their bills. We drivers have the luxury of dwelling on family issue while being away from them. Listening to these guys complain when things could be alot worse just doesn't sit right with me. In closing I'll just say this. When the guy talked about isolation and sitting away from other drivers it's not because drivers are "institionalized." It's because alot of drivers are complete assholes and we'd just rather not deal with them or their personalities, political/societal views. Those among us that keep to ourselves are the least stressed among the driving population. js

[@YusefAlim33]

quietadultsrtalkin33 man listen!!!!!! All the drivers I know make bank

[@quietadultsrtalkin33]

@@YusefAlim33 I don't disagree with that. So what's your argument?

[@YusefAlim33]

quietadultsrtalkin33 no argument I’m agreeing with you..these pitiful ma’fuckas on here I can’t understand how they got themselves too this point

[@SuperBigblue19]

For me driving a truck was a good fit. After 6yrs of yes sir no sir in the military I wanted the freedom of driving OTR & being in charge of myself. Then the government slowly started chipping away at it with regulations & technology that has made it a cubicle on wheels. The down side is that I hate any situation with large gatherings of people. Just the noise of many people or being in a crowd is unpleasant

[@marybella5225]

@Hi how are you doing

[@roostercrow8076]

My neighbor is a truck driver (semi-local) for a large company. He told me they would pay cash bonuses for good driving, then they started to give out Walmart gift cards, and now the drivers get a T-shirt...smh

[@burnedbytheword]

I can't thank you enough for this post. This is the real deal. God bless those who have the courage to be honest about the world and the struggles therin.

[@joebrown6339]

Beautiful snapshot of a difficult occupation. I would echo the earlier sentiment that I would like a more in depth examination of these men and women who make the road their second home.

[@uwpride]

Joe Brown you have a eloquent way with words :)

[@joshriles84]

The truck is actually first home. I spend 27 days a month in the truck.

[@tmo.48]

Ashley O’Brien -He sure enough does👍❤️🌸

[@franceliakarle_1]

Hi good morning 😊😊

[@nepadron]

3:00 do you not think that some people who prefer solitude take these jobs, because it fits their personality? Not all of us are social for pleasure. Some of us are social only to survive.

[@sophia4740]

to an extent, but we evolved as social creatures and many studies show the effects of isolation, from mental to physical. even 15 mins of petting an animal lowers blood pressure and has a positive effect on mood. some people may be less reliant on socialising but everyone needs at least some quality time with others.

[@ChrisMcCarroll]

Same here. Worked retail/restaurants/hotels and other jobs for years. I love the solitude and peaceful nature of being away from it all.

[@ricoz2016]

I agree, if it works for you more power to you. It's a monastic lifestyle, not for everyone but that's ok for those that it is for. As long as you are being honest with yourself nothing else matters.

[@jayc9940]

These videos are so well put together. The interactions and camera angles have an film-maker/artist touch to it.

[@arthursaey]

I wonder what it would be like to have a podcast where truckers can pick up recording equipment for a haul and discuss a bunch of topics and share stories with other truckers while they drive. There could be someone hosting it on a fixed location and truckers could just call in or ask to be brought on for an hour or so live-stream that people could follow. Could sure be a form of company for them, a way of easing the loneliness while viewers learn about the humans they are. There must be some really good stories to be heard

[@craigj.651]

Plenty of those already

[@yusufcagowayne1990]

I did one year and than quit it The money is there but it's not worth it

[@velezf216o]

I’ve been driving for 1 year and a half otr. Once I get my 2 years in, I’m looking for something near home. Coast to coast is exciting and the money is good but it’s really tough. Idk how truckers go 10 plus years away from home. It’s good for a single person without anyone waiting for them for sure. A driver who dedicates time can save a lot of money.

[@bigguy5361]

you should look at top shelf companies NOW like walmart, old dominion, saia and fedex freight

[@eyeswideopen6837]

I'm a 15yr Long distance Driver in Australia. I turned 40 this year and cant remember where the time went. Life becomes a mobius strip. Operators are so under valued that we feel like second class citizens. In the past 6 months Ive lost 30kg and for the first time in years i feel happy. Now being off the road i would never recommend driving as a career. Its pure madness.

[@endosmokingtv3391]

My dad is a truck driver and watching this video reminds me of how much i miss him everytime he goes out on the road. 😔😣😞😢 God bless all truck driver's.

[@emmijuice]

As a truckers wife, this tears at my heart. I'm keeping the home fires burning and he's out doing Hazmat loads just to make a bit more money for our family. I miss him...the kids ache for him. But, it's all we've ever known.

[@eleffeemeilio7082]

Ehhnothx I’m a trucker too I feel for you and your family

[@namkoong80]

Please check out Andrew Yang and his interview on Joe Rogan (on KZbin). He's the only presidential candidate who talks about and has plans for truckers and their plight.

[@942doc1]

And Jesus can definitely help. Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

[@bubbazenetti5169]

I drive. I totally understand the loneliness and solitude life you get in inside that truck. I think about suicide often. If it wasn't for having a daughter i would probably not be here

[@lightyears2go]

you're her world. she needs you. don't leave her.

[@james13666]

My reason is my son too

[@usmanshahid2219]

Hey Bubba, sometimes its so hard to see because you are in the middle of it - but there are a ton of other options out there. CDL B driving pays less but more livable, truck mechanics make good money, truck instructors...Hell, you can go to school and learn to code and make money in some office. There are schools that will give you loans and have 75% placement rates. Always a better path my friend; just hard to see from where we are sometimes.

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

My condolences, that situation sounds incredibly difficult to deal with. Maybe it would help if you bought a pet like a dog or cat to accompany you while you're driving? Studies show that owning and regularly interacting with a pet can help improve a person's mood Also maybe it would help if you and your family members used a video calling app like Google Hangouts or Skype to have more face to face time talking with each other?

[@ricoz2016]

Dude, you're hauling 40 tons down the road and have suicidal thoughts? PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP!

[@toosexy12jmb]

Thank you for this!!! We’re unaware of some people‘s jobs, what they have to do for the day today. This educational and gives me a better perspective on truck drivers. Their human too and need help! Thank you Atlantic! And THANK YOU TO ALL THE TRUCK DRIVERS.

[@sinbad5534]

It’s sad that this hits home for me but now I know I’m not alone!

[@squarebobspongepants3630]

3:05 I think I have found my dream job, seriously.

[@leatherface1136]

This would be good for me, I don’t mind solitude. Am I the only one?

[@superfly4430]

@ecollins320 😂 heaven on off tell me about it lol

[@brentb5303]

It's pretty awesome. I can't remember where I heard it but someone said there's a difference between being alone and being lonely. I'm not lonely out here. The worst part of the job is having to talk to the shippers and receivers. Not all the time but some are sick of dealing with a-hole truck drivers who are a plenty out here. I just try killing them with kindness and that usually works. You have technology so you can listen to whatever you want to without interruption. I usually catch up on news in the morning and then catch a pod cast. Then I jam out to music for a few hours. Then it's an audiobook or a documentary. You don't have to deal with working outside much. I did flatbed for a year and even then if you get hot or cold you can hop in the truck for a couple minutes. Traffic quit bothering me a long time ago. Easiest way to make $65,000-85,000 a year that I've found.

[@superfly4430]

@@brentb5303 I'm thinking of becoming a truck driver you think is still worth it these days or a waste of time because the pay isn't what it used to be. Do you think this career is dying or expanding?oh and last thing how much free time do you get if you want to go out to eat or see a movie?

[@brentb5303]

@@superfly4430 It varies greatly depending on who you drive for. My last job I was home every weekend but I brought home an inconsistent $350-800 a week. I have no days off for weeks at a time now but bring home a consistent $1,000 a week plus or minus $100. Both of those numbers are after taxes. You have to understand that you have a very limited amount of places you can park an 18 wheeler so yes you will see the entire country but only the freeway system and truck stops. Once you've seen one truck stop you have pretty much seen them all. Once in a while a truck stop will be in walking distance of some places you will want to go but 90% of the time they are tucked away because no business wants to be next to a filthy truck stop. Walmart used to let trucks park there but due to truck drivers dumping their trash and piss bottles in the parking lot most no longer allow trucks. So basically when your on the road you will be tied to the truck and have little time or activities to indulge in outside of the truck. As to where the industry is heading, it's hard to say. I know that it's just a matter of time before driverless trucks are a reality but I would suspect you should be able to find work driving a truck for at least the next decade because of all the trucks that already exist and red tape involved in putting driverless trucks on the road. Make no mistake about it though, today a truck can easily drive itself down the interstate. Last and most importantly, find a good place to start driving. PAM transport and CR England should be avoided at all costs. There are many other bad actors in the industry but those two I can say unequivocally are the worst for training and pay. I know they catch a lot of flak but SWIFT honestly has the most drivers that actually like driving for them. They were purchased by Knight transport a year ago but I have talked to a couple of their drivers recently and they say it's the same as before. They are the largest trucking company in the industry and have many different types of trucking to choose from so you can try different things. They have driver facing cameras which might be a deal breaker for some. I have never had one but I wouldn't feel great about having a camera facing me. I have been told you can cover it up and they won't say anything about it but I don't know how true that is. Trucking Answers on KZbin has a series on crap companies which he changed to "things to consider". I would check it out but the company I currently drive for is on there and I make great money and they treat me well. They dont hire new drivers otherwise I would recommend you to them. I would expect to bring home between $300-650 a week your first year. That is just an estimate but your first year is going to pay poorly no matter where you go. This is due to the large insurance payment your carrier is going to have to make to insure you. Be careful listening to recruiters and drivers trying to get you to sign on with them. They make thousands of dollars a year signing people up to bad contracts. I know a good way to go is to check with your states unemployment or job bank office. There was a federal government block grant that you could use to pay for a truck driving school. This is the way to go if you can get it. You will then not have to sign a year long contract with a company and can find a school near you. Most trucking companies want to put you on a greyhound and drive you halfway around the country to school and then put you in a dodgy motel with someone you have never met before. If you don't like it your a thousand miles from home so they know you'll just deal with it. You will absolutely do something stupid with the truck in your first couple of months which is why you shouldn't wory too much about where you start but find a place that will a) train you properly and b) not try and trump up charges on your DAC which is a report that other employers look at. Some companies will put all kinds of stuff on your DAC so that you can't find another trucking job and stay with them. Sorry this is kind of long winded but I didn't know anything about trucking when I started and found out the hard way. I would continue to research by looking at Trucking Answers and definitely Smart Trucking here on KZbin. They both have over 30 years of experience in the industry and both seem to want to help new drivers avoid mistakes.

[@superfly4430]

@@brentb5303 thanks for the heads up I kind of enjoy my own company living in solitude keeping a small circle I'm not really a people person and love to travel that's why I was considering trucking. It sucks just imagine if they make actual robots to deliver everything Uber truck can bus a lot of us would be screwed I hope I'm dead before that happens because I want to stay employed😅

[@michaelashcraft8569]

Retired after 35 years having never owned a truck, I'm broke, busted up, sick, and, suddenly 68yr old, but, I miss truckin'!!!

[@beerrunner8153]

2:18 This is what happened to me. My wife kept telling me that I'm antisocial. It took 2 years away form the truck, and getting out to meet people to overcome this. I was one of the ones walking all the way to the back, but most of the time I took my meals to go and ate in the truck. Now how sad is that? I don't miss this job at all and never want to go back if I can help it.

[@heppeh3455]

Billions of dollars spend every year on Israel aid, and yet we see no government helping these hard-working people

[@nashvilleoutlaw]

Long story short. The US economy would collapse if we weren't in the middle east's business thanks to the Petrol dollar system that replaced the gold standard for our currency. The only reason the US dollar holds any value is because the oil countries we do business with and protect are under contract to only sell oil for US dollars so all countries hafta trade their money for us dollars to buy oil.. The oil producing countries that don't participate in the petrodollar system. I'm sure you can guess who they are. The only one of them that we haven't been to war with is Venezuela.

[@manowar2816]

Finally someone who know the truth

[@danzykam6545]

Your prejudice sticks out like a thorn. I wouldn’t be concerned with money spent on an ally versus the billions of dollars thrown at other governments that do not have our interest like those south of us. How about the billions of dollars wasted in fraud alone -in every government agency. Can’t go blaming everybody outside of our borders the problem is inside our government and the only people responsible for that is us. the governed is only governed at our consent.

[@brodyglasgow3442]

Israel is gods chosen people.

[@PopsieLouisiana59]

@@brodyglasgow3442 , and then he became Christian. They take, never share.