It’s strange how much you can learn about trucking when you approach it from the rear-view. I personally, never had much experience with trucks before taking on the job of penning search engine optimized articles about trucking. And while there has been loads to talk about, I feel as if for a while, I needed to be challenged with a certain perspective, as if I’m viewing from the rear-view.

Enabling me to think creatively is how I get every and all opportunities working out for me in the first place. I’m saving up for a car, which means I’m relying on bicycle and public transit to send me on my way. But in ever a rare case, when I took Uber to work this morning, the driver, who goes by Floyd Barnett, detailed to me in a short interview the joys he’s had for his former life.

His former life of trucking, as asked from the rear-view.

Floyd Barnett: I always heard that “America is beautiful.” I grew up in the poor side of South Central, but I always heard that growing up. So when I went trucking, without anybody telling me, it came out naturally. I was like “Wow! America is beautiful!” It came out naturally! Nobody had to tell me! (Laughs) So that’s one thing I’ve learned.

Me: That is amazing.

FB: And then I’ve learned… This is universal for any individual. For you to know where you want to live, it narrows down to two factors. What type of weather do you like and what type of environment you like. Do you like a congested area or do you like an open area? If you hate the snow, Colorado is not the place for you. New York is not the place for you. If you love the snow, Arizona is not the place for you.

Me: Right.

FB: If you like a congested, fast life, all that stuff, Wyoming is not for you.

Me: You have to know what you want but also be flexible towards what the elements provide.

FB: Now if you go against those two factors, maybe, it’s because you’re compromising. Because of a job. Because of a spouse.

Me: How do you cope with the solitude?

FB: Oh, I love it! We [truckers] all come from different walks of life. We have different perspectives on life. And we all have different needs. I love the solitary and I love driving! That’s the most important part. And so since I love driving, going cross-country is right up my alley.

Me: Are there certain things about being on the road that you appreciate more after your experience in trucking?

FB: Yes. I grew up in Church but I never really experienced God until I went trucking. I’ve seen some things, that happenned to me personally, that let me know there’s a God. Those I keep to myself. But I know that I’m more sure that there’s a God because I’m sitting in this car talking to you right now.

Me: What would you usually transport as a trucker?

FB: Well I work for Swift. So anything we transport, we work for freights. Anything you see on the shelves at WalMart? That’s what we ship.

Me: What advice do you have for newer truckers?

FB: Stay single until you stop driving freights. You can’t maintain a relationship when doing this job. I knew a guy who was married with kids. He’s interested in trucking. I tell him “I don’t recommend you go for this career. You need a strong will.” He joins anyway and a year later files for divorce. Also, backing. Learn how to back up before anything. Because that’s the toughest.
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