Another Ride Along Post

Hi everyone. I'd like to preface this post by acknowledging the eight billion other posts similar to this one. I don't mean to be redundant. I've been lurking and finally decided to create a profile so I could contribute to the forum. Here goes:

We all have a story in life and our situations vary. I've never been a professional driver, but I have always been fascinated by it. I'm not sure if it's the freedom or the self-reliance that appeals to me, but either way, I'm curious about what it's like to be a trucker.

As I inch closer to my 40th journey around the sun, I find myself wanting to try a different path. I have always worked in an office, but I admit my jealousy of those who are on the road. Even though I've never stepped foot inside a tractor trailer, I find myself increasingly more and more curious of what it's like to be a professional driver.

I'm curious about, well, the whole industry. Aside from reading forums and such, I don't have a way to directly experience it first hand. And there's something about being able to see the country from behind the wheel—or better yet, having your own rig with some living space on board!—that appeals to me more than any other job description out there right now.

Ultimately, there are many things that interest me about this industry: the people, the lifestyle, etc. But there is one thing that really stands out for me: community—the sense of family and belonging that drivers seem to have for each other. I realize the profession is not for everyone, that much I know.

I'm on the East Coast - Mid-Atlantic region. I feel kind of foolish for putting this out there, because I know what I'm looking for is unlikely to materialize. I'm referring to a ride-along opportunity with a driver who'd be willing to host me and allow me to tag along for a day or two - or however long it works out to be. I understand the liability issue. From my research, I'm still not 100% certain this is an option; but if it is, I'm willing to pay for upfront, or reimburse, a driver for the cost of a guest insurance policy - if there is such a thing.

What I'm getting at is, if there is any financial cost associated with allowing me to tag along and experience the "real deal" life on the road dream, I'd cover it. I realize the all-around risk to drivers who allow ride alongs. I get it. I'll stop rambling now....

I appreciate any advice or recommendations. And of course, if there are any openminded drivers out there willing to afford me the experience, then I'd appreciate your consideration. Also, thanks for humoring me with this post. I know it's unlikely the ride-along will materialize, but, hey, I figured it was worth a shot. Thanks for your time.

Hey Mike, welcome aboard for a virtual ride a long on Trucking Truth.

No problem with your proposal. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I admire your initiative in asking about this.

My company allows riders if they meet certain criteria and submit a form with required personal information so it can be approved and permission granted. This is for the all important insurance coverage and liability aspect. There is no fee required from either the driver or passenger for this. Other companies may vary in regard to this.

The company will not alter their routing to accommodate the passenger. Last year, I took my 18 year old grandson with me and he lasted 4 days before getting bored and wanting to go home. So I had to stop at the airport in OKC and buy him a $250 ticket to fly back to Wisconsin. I think this is a common company policy in the industry, but I don’t know for sure. So you would have to get to the location of your driver and then get home on your own if you wanted to leave. Otherwise, you might be out there for a month or more before a driver could get back in your area. And you need to understand that it wouldn’t be a democracy, it would be more of a driver dictatorship, because the driver is captain of the truck and you have very little to say about your time on the road, depending on the driver.

But I drive OTR. You might get a one day ride a long from a local, home every night driver. That would be your best bet, but maybe someone else here knows how you could find a driver willing to do that to have some company for a day. Expect a serious vetting process from any driver willing to take you along. A note from your mother and pastor might be necessary, lol. But you know what I mean.

Really interesting topic. I’m looking forward to seeing what others have to say about your proposal. Good luck!

It's a shame G-Town isn't doing his Walmart gig anymore. He has very generously taken a potential driver on board for a ride along in the past. I can't think of anyone else who is willing and/able to accommodate a passenger right now. I hope you find someone who is able to let you climb aboard for at least a day. It adds a whole new perspective to driving when seen from inside the truck.