Was Trucking BETTER Back Then?

[@Albertalorian]

"Respected, and treated like Human Beings" that part is definitely gone. The only time anyone treats me like a human being now, is when I go to a Love's truck stop lol.

[@Caeser194]

BigHoss P&R Now your lucky if a truck will move over when your on the shoulder.I run from Pa to NYC everyday.Its terrible anymore.My cb broke over a year ago still haven't replaced it,to much junk on the air,no warnings about traffic ect.

[@joeaho2577]

I started driving in 84 and hung up my keys in 15. I totally agree with everything you said. The biggest change I saw was the brotherhood that doesn't exist anymore. I remember when I was learning one of the first things I was told was to carry a toolbox because even if you didn't need it for yourself you would need it to help somebody else. Like you said unfortunately those days are long gone.

[@hard-wired-g3787]

I started driving in '94 and feel lucky to have gotten in on the tail end of when it was still a fun and rewarding job, just me, the truck and a big Rand-McNally road atlas! Now it's e-logs, satellites and cameras staring at me. And a general public who has no respect for us anymore.

[@JamesEDennison]

Ahhh yes.... the Rand McNally Atlas.... and the truckstop guide so you knew where to pull off the Hi-way and if you were going to get a shower that night..... the good old days :-).... they are gone forever .... the new guys don't even know what they missed

[@mr.butterworth]

Check please! - If you have cameras staring you in the face, it’s because you’re a company driver working for a company with cameras. Not all of them do that. If you’ve been in the game since ‘94 and you’re a company driver, that’s on you. Everybody knows the real money is in owner operator, and that’s one thing that *hasn’t* changed.

[@pheleant]

Even us older cats can forget what it was like before air ride seats. I got put into a "old but usable" truck one day, because mine was in the shop. Forgot all about that old spring seat. Going down open road was no big deal. Got into a subdivision to make my delivery, and hit a speed bump. Bounced me off the top of that cab, all I could see was STARS, and lots of em. Little things that you automatically remember that you forgot.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup! Done that! Dave

[@randypurtteman1183]

Man, did this video bring back memories. I've been out of trucking since 2006 when my decision not to run over a drunk ahead of me that had just impacted a refer took me to what I thought was a ditch but was instead was a 30' plus embankment that ended up with the king pin shearing off, the loaded lowbed coming through the back of my then brand new (3 weeks) tractor and pinning me under the steering wheel. Today I still walk with a cane, still paying hospital Bill's and lost everything because I don't have enough insurance. The guy driving drunk, not a scratch and driving with no insurance. All he lost was his '92 Ford Explorer. But I still miss it. Because of the kinship. If you broke down on the side of the road, before you could get you flares out, there were ten rigs behind you wanting to help. Between all of them there usually could be found the parts and expertise to get you back on the road, or at least to the repair shop.

[@DavidSmith-vo3nd]

You're right Dave, I remember the old center point steering with double and triple stick transmission. The old fans mounted on the dash for your windshield. Thanks for the walk down memory lane Dave!

[@SmartTrucking]

I forgot about those fans! Thank you David! Dave

[@TheCalgarydoug]

Those fans used to be necessary when heaters and defrosters were an option, then when trucks all had heaters truckers were so used to having them they just kept putting them on the dash as a habit.

[@stevemadison7895]

I started with C&H Transportation out of Dallas in 1972. I worked as 2nd driver for a lease operator on a Ford 9000 cabover running a Cummins 335 hp through a 13 speed Road Ranger. I was 21 and so very green that it's a wonder I made it through the training program. The tractor was in poor repair. Nothing worked on the thing, not even the heater. If we ever cut the engine we had crawl into the engine compartment and jump the solenoid with a screw driver to engage the starter. Our owner was so cheap that he wouldn't even buy a CB so we relied on hand signals and light flashing to communicate with other drivers on the run. I had an old battery powered AM radio so I could listen to WBAP and the Bill Mack Open Road Show most everywhere we ran. That little radio made the whole thing tolerable. No cell phones then, no GPS, not even credit cards or ATMs. You were on you own out there and I remember being scared all the time. And very lonely. The money was good for the times. About $600 a month and I saved nearly everything I earned. I left the industry after about 2 years to get married, go to college and make a career in architecture. It's been a good life but every once in a while, I think "what if" and remember that diesel fuel smells like freedom. Cheers!

[@cmandc301]

Yes I remember Armstrong steering & 2/ 50 AC (2 Windows down , 50 miles an hour) cruise control was a stick holding the gas pedal down!

[@1978Prime]

I hate it when they try to make drivers hurry, its like freight is more important than people.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right!! and No, it never is!! Dave

[@garymarch4711]

I'm not a truck driver, but I enjoy your channel. Listening to your stories took me back to my boyhood. I used to travel over the road with dad. I tell you what, as a boy, it was exciting! I loved them trucks. Still do. About those cabs being cold... I can attest, I froze my little 4 year old butt off in em. Especially that time we got stranded on the highway in North Dakota during a blizzard. Funny how some things stick in your mind.

[@SmartTrucking]

Damn near freezing to death would be kind of hard to forget! Dave

[@richarddalton5191]

Gary Marchlewicz I was the same way.Don't know about you, but every time I smell diesel, the memories come rushing back When I turned 14 dad put me to work in the company garage Damn,I miss the days

[@paulwcummons8959]

Very well stated! 318 Detroit's, changing tires along the road, rears, transmissions, engines, all being worked on in parking lots, or elsewhere! If it broke, you fixed it, whether it was -20°, or 90° plus. Personally, 35° and pouring rain was my favorite! Speaking of pouring rain, the fond memories of air wipers! The first time we heard of cruise control, there we were like a bunch of idiots, looking in both doors, at the driver raising and lowering the RPM's on a B Model Cat, with a switch on the dash! Shook our heads in amazement!

[@slingo30]

I started driving in the mid-nineties, and I caught the tailend of the good ole days. A lot of the down fall of trucking is from the driving schools. The schools give whoever shows up a license and teaches them a lot of bad habits like riding the left lane at all times no matter how slow your truck goes. I remember when most drivers didn't have a cell phone, people helped each other out, and you could carry on conversations for hours on the CB. I miss those days so much that it isn't funny. It use to be a lot of fun out here.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes it was fun! Dave

[@pistonpoppinmama]

You captured life back then very well. I’m not a newbie but I’ve been around long enough to miss the professionalism that is so lacking these days. I always had a great deal of pride in my equipment and my personal appearance and how I conducted myself out there. When I drove over the road my motto was “dress sharp act sharp.” it is embarrassing for me now to even tell people I am a truck driver it is really gotten to be the bottom of the barrel out here. “Wildflower”

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I can remember as a kid, listening to the truckers on an old walky talky, if one of them broke down, you would hear 3 or 4 other drivers telling him they would be stopping to help him out. You don't see that anymore, today you're on your own if you break down, no one is pulling over to help.

[@MrMitchelljung]

This guy really know what he's talking about!! Well said my brother!!

[@generallee4043]

I loved the 80s pay sucked no jake brake. I can remember going north of Milwaukee in my cab over never been so cold. I think it was warmer outside than inside the truck

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, drove an old Freightliner cabover like that for one winter. Dave

[@billhenry9018]

52 years out here and still at it. My first truck was a 1965 Emeryville with a 220 cummins and a R 96 cable operated 10 speed trans.

[@christopherb.fields3437]

No Log books?!? Wow, I’d run 1,000 miles a day. That must of been great.

[@arnoldramos39]

Yeah also back then drivers actually had to know how to read a map. I also remember having to stand on line in certain tuck stops in order to use the public phone. Wipers were air driven and very annoying. Air conditioners would typically break so you needed Fan's, etc. Just a few of the things I remember from my childhood days driving up and down I -95 with the old man

[@SmartTrucking]

You remember right about the A/C and the fans. I can tell you that from experience! Dave

[@2500mike]

Deregulation killed the trucking industry. Mega carrier stepped in and you have what you have today. I I wouldn't recommend anyone buying their own truck and trailer. Unless they have found a special niche.

[@SmartTrucking]

Gotta agree! Dave

[@brianvandorp25]

1500 Mike deregulation, and super bees! The demand for trucks was way higher when you are only allowed to pull a 40-footer

[@superturboawesome1]

Dave I'm what you'd call "new", only been at this for 6 years but I still find it hard to let go of my passion and naive boyhood dreams of running like you guys did. I really have a hard time letting go and acknowledging that it's just not worth it anymore. I'm really going to miss trucking...

[@danroe3897]

I don’t miss those old days at all. I bought my 1st truck in 82. It was a 67 Freightliner with a 238 jimmy. Personally I make more $$ now than I did back then. But I must say life was a party in the early 80s.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, much more fun! Dave

[@Rphasmid]

I started driving full time in 1976, a very green inexperienced 23 year old kid. Training was minimal. I was very fortunate in never having an accident or serious incident. I hauled bulk commodities, deck loads, reefers, fuel, everything but livestock. I eventually began driving highway coaches and when my kids were little I took a job driving a bus for the City of Edmonton thinking I would stay until they were just a little bigger. 29 years later I am still there, a grandpa and almost ready to take my wife and dog and turn into a Big Fat Snowbird. Really enjoy your channel and I appreciate your attitude towards trucking. Watching brings back a lot of memories. Oh, I found some episodes of Cannonball on KZbin. Filmed in TO I believe. Check it out sometime. Thanks again, Jim!

[@rickycarter1142]

I like listening to your facts and stories, you really make good points. I think you would make a great teacher for new drivers.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@97I30T]

A lot of older commercial pilots say similar things about the Aviation industry. Many of them liked it better back then when things were simpler and the pay was better.

[@ferrellparker3176]

you sure brought back memories of good times in trucking. I started with frozen food express in 1957 and drove with them till 59. our trailers then were 35,and then when we got the 40 ft we were in cotton.we would do a west coast turn-around and do our logs when we got back to our yard.

[@gmartin8043]

Hello, retired in 2016 after 38 years ( Minnesota Based )and everything you talked about is 100 percent true👍 I enjoy your channel.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Enjoy a nice retirement, god knows you've earned it! Dave

[@lyri6707]

Thanks very much for the overall update, and for being objective.I'm 57, never been a trucker, and am starting CDL class at a community college soon, which I'm looking forward to.You're right, trucking economic issues are on par to world economic issues. No matter what profession. As well as people lending a hand, when needed.i appreciate all that you do.

[@eddiecongdon8017]

6-8 hour delays on a 200 dollar load is why said I'll never do freight again

[@josephh151]

I just discovered your channel, you speak the truth and bring back so many memories. Good memories though, I raised my family which afforded us a good living . Armstrong steering in a W900 A cab, spicer 5x4, 11.24.5 rubber 336 rearends, coffin sleeper that was used as a tool box. My bed was both sticks shoved forward and a piece of 3/4 in plywood laid across the seats and a sleeping bag. In the summer I had a hammock I hung between the rear of the cab and the front of the trailer. Ended up in Bakersfield CA in the middle of the summer and is was so freaking hot I could not not sleep and there was a Motel next to the truck stop and I snuck into the kiddy pool and slept the whole night , I will never forget that summer. Keep bringing back the great memories of an occupation that has long since left us, sad really that we are regulated to the point that I retired but still miss the ol days. Oh by the way my last truck I bought was a Frieghtliner COE, with a 435 hp 8v92 Silver series, 13 speed double over with 390’s for rearends . Loved the sound of that Detroit, nothing sweeter. Carryon ol trucker email me let’s talk.

[@mrc1539]

Still driving after 55years, and younger drivers think I’m full of BS when I tell them the trucks I started in didn’t have heaters or defrosters, they were gas rigs with none syncro transmissions . If you had a sleeper it was called a coffin and it was in the nose of the trailer. Of course air conditioning wasn’t around either. I can remember some of our drivers getting blisters on their feet after pulling a long grade. I hate all the rules,Regs,and fees we have to put up with today, but I sure like the comfort, power, and ride I get in my Pete now. The best thing about about “ The Good Old Days” they make you appreciate the equipment we have nowadays.

[@frankirwin2377]

I went with my dad starting early 1950s. Gas rigs, no comforts, single hard seats, u curled up in seat with gear shift or we slept under the trailer or on top of the tarped trailer. Dad would drive all nite to get somewhere, Roads were mostly 2 lane. Mountains to California were tough with two lane, grinding up passes and smoking trailer brakes down. In 1955 we waited about four days in Fresno, CA for dried fruit going to Cleveland, OH. We hauled cases of motor oil from Pennsylvania to TX. Metal buildings from factory in Milwaukee to TX. Onions from Oregon and TX. Grain to turkey farms in California from TX. Grain from harvest areas in Midwest to Houston. Funniest was drivers hauling coffins opened them up and slept in them. As a kid I wouldn't agree to that. As a swapper for my dad I got to driving as early as 12. We had a White diesel with roadranger and a sleeper finally. I started driving nite hours so no one could see me driving. Of course, back then we changed our own flats, repaired minor stuff on the road. Some truck stops had barracks type rooms with bunk beds. Gas and diesel fillups were cheap and we ran a check book for paying. The Grapevine Pass in California was an experience in two lane. And yes, the rigs today will spoil u compared to the Good Old Days.

[@Gatekeeper-p6g]

I am a retired truck driver an I have a great respect for the older generation of truck drivers that were way ahead of my time many many Thanks to the ones that have gone ahead of me 👍

[@darriacarter5675]

In this video you addressed all the reasons why you don't have more skilled drivers on the road today. Back then you had to really love the job, and have skills. Yes I remember those days well.

[@Hardcorediver44]

Thank you. When I worked for Pepsi I did line hauling with a old split hood Peterbilt with no power steering. And the 70's COE trucks would just wear you out after 6 hours.

[@PatrickBaptist]

Buddy it shocks me how many truck drivers I've met that don't know squat about mechanics or even how to use a multi-meter, I'm not playing. I do roadside mechanic work and I take calls from roadside protect who takes calls for volvo and isuzu truck ( well that's mostly what I get they do a few other small fleets too) but it's really shocking how many can't do even the most simple of things like adding fluids I've seen. Most my truck calls are tire changes, locked up brakes, and jump starts. But I'd change a transmission on the road side if they would pay me well enough LOL.Oh and worse people with RVs, even and those people probably are even more ignorant it baffles me how they even can manage to plug their rigs into the power in a park much less anything else.. But I learned early in life to not have something like that that I can't service and fix, it's always came in handy. Take care hero.

[@1armedguy4]

Yes sir I remember those days very well, don't know if I could handle trucking now days with all the regulations and such, but you hit the nail on the head. Thanks for the video ! Well done !!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Dave

[@Liynkx]

The lower wage part seems to be a wider symptom of wage stagnation. Everybody is struggling, one of my friends got an economics degree and a bank wanted to srart him out $10-$13 an hour. Makes me pretty glad to have dropped out and gotten into trucking even these days haha.

[@MaisonShiraz77]

I am not old enough to have seen those days but as a teenager used to go with my uncle who was an owner driver in Iran. Trust me, I prefer changing two flat tyres a day on the side of the road over all the rules and regulations, cameras, traffic and lack of respect towards drivers we experience today

[@smedlydumpsterjuice8875]

wow, brought back old memories from when i started driving in back '78. another part to add was the fact you rarely had any parking issues back then. i retired from driving in '08. 30 yrs was enough. do i miss it 10 yrs later? not much.

[@Pontiacman1964]

Thanks for the video! I've been driving 23 years now; mostly mail. I've had for the last two years, a mail relay that's only 275 miles round trip, drop and hook, with 6 1/2 hours driving, fueling, and relay time to get it done. Anything above that 6 1/2 hours is just extra time; all paid by the hour. I'm scared to go anywhere else! LOL If this route ends, I'm done with trucking. I paid my dues; 2 1/2 years over-the-road with hellish companies back in the nineties; delivering new trucks, containers, you name it, I've done it. Always go back to mail though. Oh yeah, stay the hell away from charter buses; that crap is even worse than a sorry trucking company. I've done that too. You have all the things you don't like about modern trucking, plus you have 'talking freight!'

[@scottmueller5995]

Brian E. Scott hauling mail is the best gig out there ! Just be on time and you are gold

[@Pontiacman1964]

Scott Mueller that’s why I always came back lol

[@stevewilson7552]

Great video bringing back the old memories I started in 1984 remember the old trucks with the old Dayton style wheels before they change them to Budd Wheels trying to get them balanced on the side of the road I remember them days LOL

[@FullMetalGoat]

im only 28 and have been trucking for a little bit but when i was growing up on the road with my dad in the early 90s, i always remembered everyone talking on the CB like mad crazy. id talk to people my dad talked to. it was awesome. i quickly quit truck driving because it just doesnt pay enough and a mega carrier isnt fun at all.

[@thekingsservant1104]

I remember leaving NC heading out west,jumping on I40 and hooking up with some other chicken trucks and had a blast all the way to CA. Last time I ran out west, no one talked on cb,people drove with a chip on their shoulders and there was no fun times. Drivers for the most part, thanks to companies DOT shippers and receivers are zombies today.

[@Ez-ko1gz]

Thanks again for the video makes me understand completely what today's driver's deal with not just me

[@SuperHigear]

The independence & freedom we enjoyed back then was what drew me in. But it had it's downside; like the cold & windy winter night around 11:00PM when my turbo blew out and stranded me on top of a hill on a lonely and desolate stretch of highway (state route 17) in upstate NY. Luckily around midnight a State Trooper happened by and stopped to see if I needed help. Via his radio he contacted the Sargent at the barracks who called my brother (a truck mechanic) told him what I needed. BIll relayed to me through them that he'd pick up a new turbo and see me around 4:00AM. By the time he got there I was half froze to death, even after spending all that time back in the sleeper covered up with every blanket and item of clothing I had with me. But you know what, I'd do it all again if it meant regaining the freedom & independence we had back then.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes, there were rough days, had one very similar to that myself but you're right, there was great freedom and independence and I loved it!

[@k3iler05]

I just wish we had the same freedom still. Now with Elogs.. It is possible.. I don't mind being accountable of how I drive.. Just let me drive and do it as I see fit. I'll stop when I'm tired and I'll drive when I'm not.. I drive tired all the time now because if you don't it'll mess up your whole week.. Or what about waking up at Midnight to start driving because that's when you get your hours back? You just work more like a machine and not a human.. Nothing SAFELY about that.. I've done many runs were I was LEGAL but very UNSAFE.. Waking up in the middle of the night to start driving.. When I could've made it SAFELY but ILLEGAL the night before.. Makes no sense to me..

[@SmartTrucking]

Nope, ELD's are not without their flaws. I found they worked best for me when I ran my own schedule, not someone else's. Dave

[@jdcustom4655]

Amen! '77GMC Astro,146" wheelbase,46k Reyco spring susension,Air "power steering" was like the rudder on a boat. When you made a reference to air ride you were talkin about the time you spent in the air between the seat and the ceiling. LOL!

[@SmartTrucking]

Got a laugh out of me there JD! Dave

[@coneger2]

Been there done that, got the T shirt. Great vid brought back a lot of memories, thanks

[@preciousunderwood1512]

I love the fact that this guy is retired and still cares so much about truckers rights and the state of trucking today. I think he's a cool guy.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey, thanks! I just always loved trucking and hated seeing good guys getting screwed by big companies and stupid rules. Dave

[@robsmopar69]

I have to give you a 100% right on!

[@Crayfish3D]

The points you made basically go for every industry. The 'inovation' that has gone on in business has basically been creating more and more ways to get more work for less money, less benefits and less security for the people at the bottom, while moving more money and security to the people at the top. The outlook for young people is relentlessly bleak in every area until things change.

[@mr.butterworth]

Crayfish3D - I’m convinced that trucking still offers one of the best returns on money/time investment out there if you’re smart. Like a garbage guy I worked with over twelve years ago who said, “(Trucking) is the best way to make $50k a year while going to school.” He was going to night school for finance. And I plan to go OTR long enough to invest in some rental property.

[@TheMindOfOpex]

I grew up a generation too late unfortunately

[@SilverSurfer17]

Same it’s really disappointing

[@abrahamisaiah3]

Thanks for sharing Dave!! It’s an honor to hear you share the story of how it was back in the day!! With the video and comments read I am reconsidering just staying company driver but only with hourly pay or chase a career with potential thanks and god bless!!

[@dennisspencer1113]

My first long-haul rig was a 65 KW with a Detroit 318 and 4X4 transmissions. Pulling a 40 foot propane powered reefer. Hey, it was top of line equipment for hauling produce in those days. Turned L.A. Southern CA and AZ to Vancouver BC once a week. Occasionally further north. Old hwy 97 and the Fraser River canyon aka "Hellsgate." The most "interesting" road? The haul road from Fairbanks AK to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay. The Rollercoaster, Mackey, the Beaverslide, the Shelf, Atigun and a good many others were all guaranteed to get your attention. Take my word for it, there's no such thing as too much horsepower.

[@SmartTrucking]

I never ran to Alaska but I sure remember Hellsgate. Only got to try the "Coke" once, before I quit running B.C. Not nearly as scenic as the old highway, I didn't think. Dave

[@dennisspencer1113]

Lots of interesting roads in B.C. Hiway 16, the Yellowhead, west out of Prince George to Prince Rupert is a nice drive. You can connect to the Cassiar, hiway 37, at Kitwanga. The Cassiar runs north and comes out on the Alcan just seven miles west of Watson Lake, YT. Saves looping clear around by Dawson Creek. There's a fuel stop and restaurant at the junction. My long haul days are over but I have my memories of what it was like back in "the old days." Of course when I started out, I ran "big power," a 318. Nothing like pulling the old road over the Grapevine with a 220 (or less) Cummins. That's what I was told by the "Old Truckers" when I was a young guy. As has been said, "This time next year these will be the "good ol' days."

[@davevann2925]

I remember no a/c and no saat air or shock ride in the 72 international loadstar I drove back in the day. I also remember guys able to retire at 55 with a teamster pension.

[@tyvekhomewrap9164]

I could listen to this guy talk for hours.

[@SmartTrucking]

Wish my wife felt that way. Dave

[@sudsysutherland359]

My Grandpa Ken King Cole at one time was the oldest trucker in Canada. He worked for Hutton Transport which is just outside of St.Marys,Ontario, they haul for St.Marys Cement & other companies as well. My Grandpa use to haul for Labatts beer co. as well.

[@SmartTrucking]

No kidding! Dave

[@timsweet4424]

Thank You ! Pop was an O/O for 40+ years . I grew up with the smell of diesel ,"Real Mans Cologne" ! I am male 62 years young and I used to drive OTR for my dad . I helped with all manner of tasks , Moving freight in small boxes from front to back or back to front to " scale out " in low weight states , four axel rig , reefer trailer , yes , ice bunker and beloved " putt putt " motor , but, not with small boxes of freight ! I was seven or eight years old . To line up spoke wheels , scotch axels ,build up air, remember the little metal flag that would fall on low air, turn the wheels by hand , and with a qt. oil can, where it touches tighten with four way and cheater pipe ! I could do this when I was in Grade school ! I have dozens of memories and stories of " Real Trucking " ! Again Many Thanks !

[@SmartTrucking]

Tim, I haven't thought about those little metal flags in at least 35 years! Thanks for the memory jog! Dave

[@jacob2483]

Wish I could’ve been there, cool video!

[@rodneypattonsr3179]

L. O. L. I remember those days. I am/was a 3rd generation O/O. I sold my last truck back in 2012 and I am thankful for experience, and the time I spent with my dad. We had a lot of adventures. I took my kids when they were young and I am so glad for the memories and thankful they all went to Collage and got their education and there is not a snowflake in the bunch. An Accountant, A teacher and the out Law works for the County"s Prosecutors Office. No truckers. They broke the mold. Not that trucking ain't in their blood, I do get a picture text every once in a while of a beautiful long nose Pete. Thank you for all your info, you are teaching the next generation right. Keep it up. you all need to listen to this man! God bless.

[@SmartTrucking]

Take care Rodney! Thanks for writing in! Dave

[@rodneypattonsr3179]

You bet.

[@larryfisher5796]

My Frist truck was a Bull nose Mac 5x4 fuel was 19 to25 cents a gallon we had to be part mechanic no air conditioning no power steering .But I Love it

[@l92375]

I guess if a person wants to drive a truck and still enjoy it nowdays the best bet is to buy or restore an antique truck and cruise with it periodically. no electronics,no schedule and dot wont look at you as much if it is antique licensed.It wouldnt be a job but it would be fun.

[@kellypenrod2979]

Well Dave I finally did it, sold the truck and went to work locally hauling salt water in the oilfields. home every night, have to drag a hose and hook up is a heck of alot easier on my old bones than dragging tarps and at the end of the day making better money. Now, as to the old trucks and (air ride) We had air ride before the trucks did, UNFORTUNATELY KT WAS THE AIR GAP BETWEEN OUR ARSES AND THE DANG SEAT!! POWER STEERING? HOW STRONG ARE YA? Could go on an on. That little tumble I had back in June when I broke that railroad bar an broke some things kinda got me thinking about calling it, not getting younger an after 45yrs out here it's time to slow down some. Good luck driver's stay safe out there.

[@SmartTrucking]

Congratulations on the change Kelly! I'm betting you'll like it and never look back! Dave

[@guyazbell8169]

Wow someone that actually remembers these children driving today just dont know, i used to run a 78 pete cabover talk about cold you leave LaCross Wisc. and when you got to SoiuxFalls many a time you just could not walk it would literly beat you down, had a milk crate for a seat and air conditioning was crank the window down, yes we made good money more than today but it took more brains back then and braun.

[@markknowles8159]

No automatic slack adjusters- you had to manually adjust brakes all the time in all types of weather. No insulation-I drove an old cab over that had no engine insulation on the inside of the engine compartment and no insulation or padding on the dog house. Bare metal-In the summertime pulling a grade you could literally fry an egg on the dog house! Split rims,inter tubes, tube liners and your right-Pathetic tires.

[@diegorhoenisch62]

Tire fires, jack-knifing, brake failure due to overheating . . . there are a great many things about trucking now that are cruel for the drivers, but it wasn't all sunshine in the old days.

[@pheleant]

Made me think of that old 59 B Model Mack I used to drive. I remember the old man telling me that it had to be shifted in and exact H pattern. It only took one or maybe two mistakes before the new guys figured it out. Laying out with a small sledge trying to tap that ball on the end of that stick. And your day/week was SHOT if you got pissed and broke the damn ball off of the end of it while trying to dislodge the bottom of the stick..... The good old days.... Another great video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Shannon! Dave

[@rob1958bc]

The only thing I don't miss was those damn twin sticks. And I thought I was livin' large when I got a Cummins big cam 400. Pulled like a champ.

[@MRRANDOMMAN257]

Love all your stories about back in the day. Wish I was born about 50 years ago

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey, there's lots of good things about these days too. Dave

[@davidcox8943]

Couldnt agree more, its not the same and it will never be the same again , but I still enjoy the lifestyle. Stay safe

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, me too. Take care David! Dave

[@mctransportation9831]

So cool to hear your insight. I could tell the younger guys about the pre elog days, but not about the days of pre power steering and pre air conditioning.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I have not been at as long as you have. I started in 91 and I loved trucking back then. Now it is very stressful with the time management issues. I do like the modern trucks and not freezing in the winter trying to sleep. Also I used to carry a spare and knew how to change it. Even in the 90s converting to 2017 money I am making less money now.. I only plan to do this a few more years than I am done.

[@micomitrovic3980]

Boy would I love to be trucking back in the day the way it use to be comparing the way it is now

[@wmgthilgen]

Not to mention the lower horse power, narrow single lane highways, low underpasses mostly railroad. The interstate wasn't finished through any of the mountain passes and didn't have good snow removal not signs mandating a road was no longer passable. I recall being stuck in the fortunatly on the shoulder for three days and night till they could clear the snow enough to go down the otherside. Always had a few cans of spam, saltines, and peanut butter, for those occasion in my sidebox. In my corn binder, the winter's were the worse, no heat, I wore two sets of coveralls, one my regualar size and one two sizes bigger. The summer's weren't too bad, using duck tape and a dryier vent tubing, I tape one end to the refer access port in the front and sick the other in my bunk vent. Regualationg the cold took some doing but once done, worked great.

[@SmartTrucking]

Those were the days! Dave

[@bezerkura6e715]

I grew up as a kid in the 70s and trucking was a culture which Hollywood glorified with movies like Convoy and Smokie and the Bandit. And let's not forget the classic Dennis Wever in the Duel. Trucking was in the family so I got to see first hand how trucking really was. You bring back exactly how it was. What is missing now is the money and brotherhood. The 2 way radio chatter with all the Handles was always a joy for me. That is what I wanted to do as a kid. However I made some bad choices as a youth and ended up doing time. After many years of grinding through jobs I finally got my CDL. However nowadays it is very difficult to become a independent driver and competing with these giant firms who have thousands of trucks and hire anyone who can barely pass the exams. Many of them can barely speak English and have no clue how trucking used to be. These trucks now are so designed for driver comfort they basically are just steered. I drive a 87 Mack roll off with a twin screw. No air, heat sucks and no radio. No air ride either. It's hard work, but I think the truck reminds me what the older truck were like. I really enjoy your videos. Keep on Trucking ✌

[@vthobo802]

I used to go with my dad on runs in the winter, id have a blanket with me to stay warm,the heater was terrible in that old international. Loved it though, now 35 years later still going.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, those old girls could be cold!

[@DeeMoback]

50 hours was allowed from Alabama to LosAngeles......late 1980's

[@eddgong]

Great words and yes things were good and things were tuff but things were never really bad . Sleepers have really improved LOL , I remember when Aerodyne sleepers 1st came out , jealous of whoever was fortunate enough to have one . To actually get out of bed and stand up was a luxury >Then there were the old days when a sleeper was just a shelf behind the seat , drivers would sleep beneath the front of the trucks to stay cool and stretch out . A blanket in the dirt was their sleeper

[@SmartTrucking]

The company I ran for in the seventies was too cheap to buy us bunks. We slept across the seats, not that they gave us more than 4 hours a night to sleep anyway. Dave

[@jimcameron9848]

Remember the Ontario roads between Ottawa and Toronto? This was in the day of sole proprietors ... black bears in a feed me cage ... and terrible shoulders. You can see some of the abandoned restaurants with their soda signs along the old roads still. Nice video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@nizmo52]

Love this channel. Am from 🇯🇲 Jamaica.

[@truckin3799]

I still change my own tires and I'm only 30 lol, do 98%of my own repairs and drive a 1997 semi.....

[@mr.butterworth]

Chris Ed - Just don’t come to California, they won’t like your 1997 truck.

[@shaleknight6224]

Chris Ed BUT you're STILL NOT RESPECTED nowadays by MOST people out THERE

[@THEDC81025]

Waiting on my 1984 359 Pete 3406B to get done I been driving since 2005 but wish I could of drove experienced the 80s and 90s but I wasn’t born until 1982.

[@geneharden3402]

Grt videos I always enjoy watching. 👍👍👍👍... Wishing you and your family a great Gobble Gobble day.

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Gene! Thanks! Dave

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

I wish trucking worked the way it did back then, but that we still have the technology we do today.

[@mattsivert2594]

I think dry bulk like plastic is the best never a off load wait . Getting weight right takes a little time but with good accurate gauges you can get it down pretty quick. How do I get my interastate back I'm reduced to in state only thinking about getting back in it. Done d-wallin

[@SmartTrucking]

God Matt, i couldn't tell you! Dave

[@trucker4trumpamerica172]

I love listen old school.. so cool

[@bctw9004]

First truck was a 77 Mack F model Cabover with a purple Allis Chalmers engine. 38ft flatbed. 10.00x20 tires on split rims. I swear I’d change 5 on a long distance trip... no A/C hot as all Hell in summer. That F model had a factory fiberglass “bunk extender” with hooks to hang clothes. That was great until it leaked from the horrendous pounding from the camel back suspension. Thus resulting in massive cracks that left your clothes soaked and bed wet. In winter ice would build up inside the bunk no matter how many times it was fixed. Yet, damn it was fun!

[@SmartTrucking]

Those were the days! Dave

[@carlg500ci7]

I remember in the 80s even plenty of heat in the summer and ac in the winter

[@wildbill23c]

I grew up not to far from a local highway in town, back when our saw mills were open, I'd fall asleep at night listening to the log trucks roll by, oh how I miss the sound of those trucks rolling by during the night. I have a few family members who have or are driving truck in one form or another, some long haul, some just local, and a couple who drive the wreckers that recover all the tractor/trailer's. I have a lot of respect for truck drivers and always let them have all the room they need to maneuver, whether it be at a simple stop light or stop sign by staying back away from the intersection so they have plenty of room to easily make their turn, to helping them pass on the highway/freeway by flashing my lights to let them know they've got by me safely and can move back over if they want. Driving truck takes a lot of practice, a lot of knowledge, and lots of paying attention. Heck I think part of the driver's training for people getting their regular driver's license it should be required that they ride shotgun in a semi-truck for a month and see all the close calls and stupid 4 wheeler drivers out there that just cause all sorts of problems for truck drivers. Truckers have a lot to do, they have a very large truck/trailer with a lot of weight to keep under control, and don't have time to deal with stupid passenger car drivers. If it weren't for truckers/trucks all the shelves at every store across the country would be empty, and businesses wouldn't exist. Truckers drive this country and without them the country would quickly come to a screeching halt. Thank you to all of you truck drivers out there, without you the rest of us wouldn't have a job either. Take care and stay safe out there.

[@mattsivert2594]

Simply to much government everybody wants a dime.

[@lachygoldsworthy4226]

I hate trucking these days but back in the old days it was so cool

[@DeeMoback]

there were very few truckstops between Jacksonville,Fl and NewYork ......

[@MrStudio6429]

Did you ever have to unload in Los Angeles at L.A cold Storage or Terminal Cold Storage? Some of the scariest moments of my life being there back in the late '70's early 80's. Everyone was packing and if you needed extra ammo the LAPD squad car had the trunk open for weekly deals.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes I have been in there and was always quite happy to leave! Never ,ever, slept down there! Dave

[@unlimitedgaming7872]

Thanks for sharing those great memmories of the golden Age of trucking...

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@brettparent7368]

I could listen to this guy talk about anything

[@SmartTrucking]

It's probably not wise to encourage me because I've got a whole lot to get off my chest. Dave

[@scottdewart87]

Do you think this directly relates to the pay being so low? I’ve only been driving for 5 years. But as you say your responsibilities back then we’re much greater than they are today

[@SmartTrucking]

No, I think the pay is low because the big carriers drove the rates down to try to get all the freight. Dave

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

Yup dad bought a complete unit 75 GMC MH9500 and t/a hi-bed Trailmobile all for roughly all of 42,000 dollars

[@MyHazey]

See you down the road, Dave. Thank you.

[@bluedevil0072]

I got my start in the late 70s thru early 80s as a Bed Bugger in the old Cab Over Internationals, Macks and GMCs. Started with Pan American Van Lines and Red Ball, and ended with North American. (and everyone in between)

[@SmartTrucking]

Man I did that for a short while. That could be tough work! Dave

[@MrPeterbennett]

when you got out of truck after a long day you new you had done a long day. This day you can do long day and get out and you are not shaged. What you say is true I did in England not as bad as the states but what you say I did all this /when I drove. Stopped in 2004 but miss is. If I live again I would do it all again, a great slice of live. Your words is just how i remember it. rock n roll my friend. and yes I had to work on my the truck I drove