There was a time in trucking when drivers everywhere helped other drivers out. They were friendly to each other and had respect for each other. At least that’s what they say. Whoever the heck “they” are. I just don’t see it much nowadays.
Case in point. Our truck is finally in the shop after weeks of trying to get to the correct location. But that leaves us without transportation while the truck is being worked on. And that is precisely why our company provides a van that drivers can check out for an hour or so. A driver may need to get some shopping done or go out to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, when people don’t have strict rules to follow with appropriate punishment for breaking the rules, they naturally do break the rules. But is that reason enough to break the rules and inconvenience everyone else?
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Five drivers took out the van for a bite to eat. The guard assumed they would be an hour or so. That was 2 1/2 hours ago and we’re still starvin’ like Marvin. I know it’s been said a million times before, but why can’t people just put themselves in the shoes of someone else more often. When The Evil Overlord and I take a company van, we understand that there are other drivers waiting on it too. Now we don’t scarf down our grub like a school of hungry piranna, but we don’t piss around either. When we have a full basket of junk in the line at the supermarket, we check to see if there is anyone behind us with only a mammoth bottle of Metamucil and a bottle of laxatives. Clearly this person needs to go in front of us. Like I said; common courtesy.
Hey! Lo and behold, the guy just showed up. Three hours total. And you heard me right. It was only one guy, not five, which actually makes it worse. He said he ate at Applebee’s, went to Wal-Mart, and then went shopping for a video game at Best Buy. What a nice guy. I wasn’t a jerk, but I wasn’t overly friendly either. Seriously, is everyone so freakin’ selfish now that no one ever considers anyone else anymore? Well, enough of this whine session. It’s off to eat at Applebee’s, go to Wal-Mart. . .
Courtesy is not an inherent virtue, it is a learned response. I learned courtesy when my dad would give me a case of the red-ass when i was not polite. Do not think it is something parents do today. They try to reason with their little thugs who are disguised as angels.
I agree 100% with everything you said. I know my dad certainly didn’t reason with me. And I think I turned out all right. But that just might be from my point of view. No need for a response on that one. No really, there’s no need… 🙂