Added: 1 year ago
From: WigWagProductions
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  • I am 24 I've been driving OTR for 3years, I love my job, best job I ever had! When I am driving down the road all alone at midnight , I feel the true freedom,I feel like there is only me and my truck left in the whole world!

  • Nice vid I wanna drive, cause I get to be by myself all the time, which I don't really mind. And I love driving.

  • I drive because I'm too dumb to do anything else....lol.

  • I love the choice of highway. Good Ol' NW Indiana. Appreciate the video Trucker Mike

  • Does anyone else think this video is kind of stupid?

  • That's it you said it all WITHOUT TRUCKERS AND TRUCKS AMERICA STOPS.....BUT THE FUKING GOVERMENT NEVER GIVES US RESPECT BUT MAKES IT HARD ON US .....ANYWAY GOOD ON YA FOR THE VIDEO

  • Thanks to all the hard workin drivers out there!!

  • FUCK YEA

  • Man... you did a great video! A great view to truckers life... and i will be a trucker. See you on road!

  • This video [and not a Justin Bieber gossip clip] deserves 1,000,000+ views

  • i do 10 days out 4 days home, i tried to get out of long haul but i was miserable, lasted 2 years and got back into it, i am single with no kids so its easy for me but the road is addictive even with all the pit falls of long haul. guys that have a young family, man i dont know how they can handle it but it is addictive plus i have %1000 job security

  • R.E.S.P.E.C.T ! / Sweden

  • Gotta love the sound of that turbo kicking in.. once truck drivings in your system it's damn near impossible to get rid of it. great video.

  • the 1500-2400 a week are o/o.... you think thats a lot of money ?....let that engine go out that can cost 10,000 or more and im not talking about down ,just the engine alone. i was a o/o for 6 yrs its a very hard job just to keep that truck up and running and to make that kind of money these days after fuel, you have to run hot if you can find companies with strong freight !!! freight is very soft and fuelk is very high ! this would not be the kind of money u can bring home every week !!!

  • Great video, nailed it!

  • This job is not for everyone. One other thing, I think a lot of the owner opps are making less than the company drivers now because of the high price of fuel and oil. I'm not positive about that, but my friend who drives OTR said he wouldn't want to do it until the price of fuel went way down. Again, I'm not sure, these are just opinions.

  • Ran out of room. I hang out with these guys when they are home. Generally, they drive for 2-3 weeks and then they are home for 3-5 days. I know every company is different obviously. They love their jobs because they're not stuck at a desk or cubical with a boss breathing down their necks. They get to travel and see this beautiful country with a great view. They all say it's hard work though, all the driving at different times, the waiting, the DOT, being away for so long ect ect.

  • @IrishChris1979

    Sorry...I meant cubicle. I also wanted to let you know I am not knocking your video or anything. I was just stating what my friends who drive OTR told me. I respect all truck drivers for what they do for us and what they go through. Take care and sorry for all the comments. -Chris

  • I have a Class A CDL. I used to drive locally before I got into my current profession. I am good friend's with six OTR truck drivers and every single one of them make very good money. One friend of mine works for Crete as a dry van driver. Most of his loads are no touch freight. He's making over $65k a year. This is his 4th year driving there & 5th year overall. They all have great benefits, most have 401k & profit sharing as well. If I didn't have a wife and child I would do this myself.

  • ya you get a day every week your out I think thats the standard for a OTR driver

    the company I am working for you have to be out 6-8 weeks

  • if you are a owner op you can pull that in maybe

    I am a OTR truck driver and I wish I was making 40k a year

    I am lucky to touch 30

  • I would never want to drive OTR again, what a nightmare.

  • 1 week out is 1 day off..?... better find a better company

  • This video just made my day. One of those videos that makes me proud to call myself a trucker.

  • Comment removed

  • @ConservativeEyes Ah, thanks for the clarification. I didn't think he was OTR based on the salary you stated. But he is doing a VERY tough job in the oil fields. I imagine he is required to live there as well? But yes, for those interested, the booming oil fields in North Dakota will take just about anyone with a pulse and pay you an excellent salary. Making 80 to 100k is easily achievable if you can handle the work (most can't). So I stand corrected. Typical OTR drivers won't make that pay.

  • @ConservativeEyes As far as the "several truckers" that you know who are making $1500 - $2400 / week, they are either owner operators and that is their GROSS income (before expenses) or they are driving for carriers that require them to load / unload their own freight. It's possible they have MANY years of experience and got onto a specialized carrier. Otherwise, to make that kind of money, they are running illegally working 100+ hrs per week. That kind of money isn't the norm by any means.

  • @ConservativeEyes The minimum wage comment definitely struck a cord with a lot of people. I'll try to explain it again as it appears you aren't a trucker so I don't expect you to understand. We do a ton of work for free and off the clock. Yes, in the end we do ok, but we also work 70hr+ work weeks on top of many, many hours sitting and waiting at shippers / receivers for free. I made about 43k last year. Many of my hours worked were for less than minimum wage (note: I didn't say ALL hrs worked).

  • Very nice video.

  • Sweet vid!!! I love trucking. Even though the pay can be low, and there are times I get stressed..., I love this job!!!

  • there are times it's great, there are times it's tough, nothing normal about trucking. Trucking has worked it's way into my blood and I realy don't think I'll ever shake it.

  • loveing to drive.loveing to travel an c the beautiful country an working all at the same time combine them three things then trucking is for you

  • one of the main things i've always enjoyed while i was driving OTR were the children in passing vehicles smiling, waving, and even cheering when you blew the air horn for them. no matter how shitty a day i was having, making a child smile with amusement made my day. that is one of the things i remember as a child. i have also always had a thing for big, heavy equipment.

  • Advantages with trucking: The freedom, the solitude (if you are a looner like me)

    and the possibilities of seeing new places, no boredom.

    Negative aspects: Poor social life, the health issues: irregular sleep and no homecooked meals is affecting your whole organism in a negative way, it also may give you mood swings.

    If I was under 30, I would definately be a truck driver, but now at 41 with wife and children I want to get home after work.

  • you have to love trucking or else you wont last in this job. trucking is the best though

  • We hold this country together im 15 going to be a trucker till i die its just a shame no one knows what we go through and what we do

  • Often paid less than minimum wage? I wouldn't say often, times are still tough and OTR drivers are having problems getting miles but I wouldn't say minimum wage is an average.

  • @Bajamug Break your pay down into all the hours worked. I bet it is damn close to minimum wage.

  • @HenryHomicide A lot of owner operators and lease operators like to tell the world that they make $200k+ per year. What they fail to mention is that is GROSS pay. Meaning, they still have to pay for fuel, maintenance, truck payments, taxes, tolls, various fees and charges, have a nest egg for down time and hometime, pay for truck insurance, health insurance, retirement funds, etc. Thousands of O/O's and L/O's have gone bankrupt in just the past few years alone.

  • Minimum wage? 30$/hr is not minimum.

  • @JohnMuise Please let me know what OTR trucking company pays $30/hr. I'd like to apply.

    I'm paid by the mile. Today, I drove 90 miles for free. 1.5hrs x $0 = $0/hr...less than minimum wage. I also waited at a shipper for 3hrs, unpaid. 3hrs x $0 = $0/hr. Not to mention I only get paid when the wheels turn. Not for fueling, inspections, etc. That's why we are "often" (not always) paid less than minimum wage.

    When the wheels turn, I get $.37/mile (no matter traffic, weather, etc.). Hardly $30/hr.

  • 'We don't want to spend our lives in a cubicle?" You spend 70+ hours a week in one &, "We get to see all the beauty this country offers? Yes, strapped to a moving cubicle. Don't even get me going on "We enjoy giving back to society".

    "We need to provide for our families." There ya go!

  • @Snagglepussify I'm a single guy, so I have no family to provide for. The job is far from perfect, but I do this by choice. I love my job, I take pride in what I do, and I do enjoy giving back to society (without trucks, society stops). I'm college educated and had a 9 to 5 office job in a cubicle. I'll take my truck any day of the week.

    This is a lifestyle, not a job. And it's a lifestyle I wouldn't trade for anything right now. Even with the negatives.

  • Nice video. I got to ask though, do truckers have the same high divorce rates like the locomotive engineers/conductors on the railroads?

  • @RussianPalikhov While I have no first hand experience with this, I've heard the divorce rate is very high. I don't think I could drive if I had a family. Being away from home all the time is very tough on relationships and families. Being a young, single guy, I don't have to face these issues.

  • YEEAAAHHHH-HOOOOO!!!! Your videos are awesome bubba. everything in it i can automatically connect with. Some of the other youtube truckers talk about themselves waayyy to much but you stick with the general topic and way of life that is OTR trucking. KUDOS!! Keep em comin and them wheels turnin!

  • @floridacrackerish Thanks bud! Appreciate it!

  • Typical image of a truck driver:

    A white male in their 40's-50's

    Smokes cigarettes

    Have big beer belly

  • @candidfellow I'm a white male, but that's where the stereotype ends for me. I'm 28, non-smoker, drink about 3 beers per month, am well educated (college degree, pilots license, etc.). This is the most diverse group of people you'll ever see. I've met those with all their teeth missing and no high school diploma, and I've also met former dentists with doctorate degrees. This is a HUGE second profession for the older white collar folk. Although I admit, many times that stereotype is true.

  • @WigWagProductions lol, meant no offense.

    Have you seen "To Catch A Predator"?

    upRwXbkADSA

    That guy fits the image described lol

    no I wanna become a truck driver too but I'm Asian

  • @WigWagProductions @WigWagProductions lol, meant no offense.

    Have you seen "To Catch A Predator"? search dennis ramsey

    That guy fits the image described lol

    no I wanna become a truck driver too but I'm Asian

  • @WigWagProductions Given the fact the you went to university, was it hard for you to cross the line and become an OTR trucker ? How long did you take to convince yourself it was the best option ? I guess there were other office jobs (in line with your degree) that you could have chosen instead of the one you had at that time. And also how did you explain your choice to the people around you, and how did they react ? Were there truckers in your family or your entourage ?

  • @LiquidGoldSwords I answer all those questions and more in my blog. Go back to my very first blog post when I introduce myself. That'll answer all the questions you posted. truckingtruth (dot) com/trucking_blogs/author/truc­kermike/

  • @WigWagProductions Thanks. I just read the first chapter, and there's a lot of reading ahead :)

  • Honest and clean video! Great job with it! Stay safe on the road.

  • @WigWagProductions Thank you for taking the time to respond to everybody's comments with direct, honest answers. Shows your consideration for others. Keep it up!

  • all good reasons that truck driving is America!

  • @Mssingleton84 If you bought it, a truck brought it! Thanks for watching and take care!

  • Well there is at least one person that could'nt learn how to shift!

  • @jlimingjr1323 How about some pointers? You seem to know quite a bit!

  • becomeing addicted to the road is a understatment,loli think that some guys and girls drive trucks because its a lil bit more changeling then what you would do on the day to day job site this has to me to be more of a people person than a loner,simple of the fact you deal with some one one the daily,and it take communication to be a great truck driver!

  • @andreking84 I'm completely addicted to the trucking lifestyle. Once it gets in your blood I don't think you can ever get it out. Thanks for watching!

  • @WigWagProductions If i eat healthy and exercise can i still live to my 80s?

  • Excellent Video. Should be a required viewing by all student drivers and those getting their licences renewed. TWO thumbs up and FIVE stars. You have the camera mounted in a good place and nice steady video.

  • @AstronomerCyclist Thanks! Trucking is a strange profession. Some weeks are hell, and other weeks you wonder why you get paid to do it. Thanks for the kind comments and thanks for watching!

  • This series is definitely excellent. It's really amazing how you captured the reality of trucking. Despite it's random little quirks, I think it would be fun to work out on the road.

  • @pdlsteeler1 For many, it's a love/hate lifestyle. We love what we do, but sacrifice so much at the same time. I appreciate the kind words and the comment!

  • @pdlsteeler1 It's a very tough lifestyle, but we have our fun as well. We live in one big beautiful country and I'd never give back the time I've spent on the road. Thanks for watching!

  • Thank you very much for a wonderful series, I look forward to your new segments, all the time. When I was trained, in 1979, I literally took over for an exhausted co driver, driving a 1970 Freightliner. I missed a gear driving a 5x4 going up 395 in cali, and remembered banging on the sleeper for my co driv to wake up. I had the best of times driving and love your videos, driving has sure changed since I quit.

  • is this the I65 / I80 interchange?

  • @MIKEL0352 Yes, I believe it is

  • One of the best truckers video so far. Thanks for uploading!

  • @propitium Thanks for watching!

  • Great video!! 

  • @journey95 If my videos turn out half as good as yours I'll be satisfied. Appreciate the comment Vince!

  • @WigWagProductions Vince does make some awesome vids. Still waiting for his last installment of his series, its what inspired me to go get my cdl!

    Your vids are pretty rad too. Heh.

  • Yeah..I quit for about a year..everytime a semi drove by my heart would skip a beat and I couldn't get the feeling of 18 wheeling out of my head.. Had to come back and do it some more.. :)

  • @keystrucker Well thank you Mr. Keystrucker! Thought I was already subbed to you, but just did that now. Love your vids. Be safe out there and thanks for watching.

  • @WigWagProductions You're welcome and thanks for the sub.. great content you have.

  • Great respect for you guys, cant find more hard-working individuals than you guys, as a little guy, 4-wheeler in the CB world, I always try my best to let you enjoy the open road.

    Drive safely and... WITHOUT TRUCKS, AMERICA STOPS

  • @401RoadWarrior Well, unfortunately the CB radio isn't where the trucking industry shines. The few idiots out there make it seem like all truckers are disgusting unprofessional slobs. So an extra thanks to you for still respecting us, even with the crap you hear some truckers spouting on the CB. Thanks for the support!

  • @WigWagProductions Bad apples are everywhere, human nature, right? I dont know how is in areas you drive the most but up here in or around Toronto (401 is the busiest highway in North America) most of the truckers you hear on the CB have a common, let's call it, target, the word 'Paki' rings any bell to you, most of the Indians and Pakistani male immigrants to CDA become truck drivers, nothing wrong in that, the problem is that they accept the lowest wages and that affects the entire industry!

  • Kick ass videos! this one was very inspirational for me! now that im currently attending the Nevada Truck Driving School Ive been watching your vids a lot more because they say ill be most likely doing OTR trucking so your vids are helping me understand what to expect. please keep these vids coming!

  • @warrior350yam Glad it was inspirational to you and I hope things are going well. I'm assuming by now you're already on the open road with a trainer. It's a tough lifestyle, just stick with it for a few months and it'll get better. Enjoy the view!

  • Thanks for summing it up for all of us. And them.

    Wish you well.

    Peace.

    

  • @Taengren Thanks! It's strange how people consider teachers, police officers, firefighters, and even mail carriers an important part of our society (as they should), yet truckers aren't considered an importance at all. We make some extreme sacrifices to do our job. If people really knew, maybe, just maybe we'd be looked up upon instead of looked down at.

  • Great Vid's Mike!! Preeshaydit!! I look forward to future vid's.  God Bless and Have a safe ride.

  • @Lostsheepxpress Thanks for watching and more to come for sure! Hoping to have a new series of videos up in a few weeks.

  • Keep The Shiny Side Up and the Rubber Side Down!!  Best Wishes Driver!!

  • wow....

  • where the heck was this you seemed to be on the ramp for ever

  • @samedeepwater2 If I remember right, I believe this was on I-65 northbound merging onto 80/94 Westbound near Gary, IN. Not 100% sure, but somewhere in the Chicagoland area. Thanks for watching!

  • you are much better of flippin burgers over this crap! and you better believe it!!

  • @maplemanz I'd rather drive a truck than flip burgers. It is certainly a tough job and lifestyle though, I can't dispute that.

  • Good stuff. I'm part of the 100% turnover. Thinking of coming back.

  • @alcarmona156 Even with all the crap we put up with as drivers, it's funny how we become so addicted. Only a current or former driver can understand it. Hope whatever path you decide to take leads to success.

  • Simple yet straight to the point. Love it.

  • This is great.

  • @miycalr Thanks for watching

  • one of the best trucker pride video i have ever seen

  • Great vid bro!

  • awesome vid man. i hope people start seeing us as the good ctizens we are. be safe bud.

  • @calitrucker1 Thanks Cali! Unfortunately I don't think we'll ever be seen as who we truly are. But putting out videos is certainly a good way to get the word out that we are humans who endure quite a bit to get the public their.....everything!

  • Do you twitter, WigWag??

  • @ZoeToots No, but I am on Facebook. facebook dot com/truckermike

  • Simply amazing!

  • @paprna Appreciate the feedback!

  • awesome video

  • @gameover340 Thanks a ton for watching!

  • Thank you, Driver for what you do!!! #thankatrucker

  • @ZoeToots You're one of the good ones! ;-) And I enjoy your vids.

  • that was great, I really liked it.

    American Trucker

  • @AmericanTrucker4Life Thanks as always bud

  • Awesome video mike.

  • @chopplolo Thanks!

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