A few trucker stereotypes are true, while others are a case of “one bad apple spoils the rest.” It is essential to remember that there is no single type of truck driver. Truck drivers have diverse origins, education levels, races, ages, and personalities.
Stereotypes are harmful, but we can work to change them. This post will discuss the five most common trucker stereotypes we are sick of seeing.
Stereotype #1: The Trucker with a Bad Mouth
This stereotype isn’t helped by CB radio. It was once a piece of very useful equipment, but it is now used by tired and furious truck drivers to swear, yell, and vent about anything.
Keep in mind that truckers are frequently parents. They aren’t all scumbags and womanisers. Well-mannered truckers will be just as familiar as those who are rough around the edges.
Stereotype #2: The Overweight and Filthy Trucker
Who is the stereotypical trucker? Overweight, stinking, filthy, and unruly. They barely shower, never wash their clothing, never clean their truck, and live a poor diet. Unfortunately, it is how a big portion of the general public perceives the North American trucker.
While some truckers do not maintain proper hygiene, this does not represent truckers as a whole. Most truckers are not held to a professional aesthetic standard, and some take full advantage of this. Consuming a nutritious diet on the road might be difficult. Additionally, any job that requires you to sit for 8-10 hours a day might lead to weight gain.
There are overweight truckers, but they do not reflect the trucking business as a whole. Nobody should be told they “don’t look like a trucker” because they take care of their cleanliness and health. This is a stereotype that must be eradicated as soon as possible.
Stereotype #3: Trucker Engaged in Illegal Behavior
This is the driver who does drugs, consumes alcohol on the job, or solicits prostitutes or “lot lizards” at truck stops.
Since many carriers demand drug and alcohol testing of their drivers, this misconception holds little weight. Prostitution can occur, although it is not more common in this industry than in any other.
Stereotype #4: The Reckless Trucker on the Highway
Some trucks disregard the rules of the road. But, many four-wheel-drive drivers do not. Safety is a primary consideration for professional truck drivers. Driving the speed limit, being cautious in bad weather, and leaving enough space between the cargo and any nearby vehicles are all critical. Most truckers want to transport their cargo safely, therefore the road hog perception is overly negative.
Stereotype #5: Male-Only Organization
While women make up a small percentage of truck driver jobs, they are equally capable and proud of their work. Women are making strides in the sector and, fortunately, are paid at similar rates, which is not so frequent in other professions. Although it is a male-dominated sector, there are some proud trucking women.
Are the Truckers’ Stereotypes True?
There is someone in the industry who perfectly fits each stereotype. Yet, just like any other career, there are both good and terrible people working in this field. I’d like to think these are few and far between. There is a significant number of professionals who are honest, dedicated, hardworking individuals who want to do their job properly, be compensated, and return home to their families.
One thing is certain: the public perception of professional truck drivers has degraded significantly.
Then maybe the public has reason to be sceptical. Possibly professional truck drivers are guilty of lowering standards. If the majority of truck drivers showed themselves and acted more professionally, our public image as a whole would improve.
It would also be beneficial to truck drivers as a group. We may then possibly interact more positively with one another and develop our sense of mutual respect for other drivers on the road.
How to Rebuild Truckers’ Bad Reputation
Thus, truck drivers have a bad reputation, and there are plenty of reasons to want to change that. How?
#1 Improve Your Trucking Attitude
How can we expect others to appreciate trucking if we don’t respect it ourselves?
If you perceive your job as a vital component of the economy of this country, you can begin to feel proud of it. And when you are passionate about your profession, your mindset – as well as your outward behaviour – begins to shift.
For example, you could start dressing a little nicer. While you can drive in sweats and a hoodie, a driver who values his profession will show up in trousers and a polo.
The outer aspect may appear insignificant, but it quickly begins to affect the public impression of what it means to be a truck driver.
#2 Make an Effort to Improve Your Public Image
As previously stated, improving your mindset and taking pleasure in your trucking profession does affect your appearance.
Going a step further and maintaining excellent personal hygiene, as well as speaking more professionally, can have a significant impact.
Every day, our drivers arrive dressed professionally, smelling fresh and clean, and chatting properly with customers. Customers begin to ask for these drivers by name, which not only makes them feel important – which they are – but also provides job security and even better rates.
#3 Please be Kind On the Road
The devil is in the particulars. The general public’s perception of the trucking industry will begin to change if drivers are courteous and prioritise safety and respect.
For example, rather than attempting to pass a truck that is travelling at 1 mph slower than you and causing a large buildup of traffic behind you, respect the other drivers and wait until the traffic settles down.
People notice the little things, and when you try your best to drive more courteously, it influences not only you but the reputation of all drivers.