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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Would you make a good truck driver? T
Truckers in popular culture
from Texarkana to Atlanta in his big rig. It was the second highest grossing film of 1977 after Star Wars. The theme song to the film, “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed, was also a huge hit, peaking at number two on the U.S. country music charts. If you dream of the open road, these and oth- er trucking classics are sure to strike a chord. CB slang In the 1970s, truckers were instrumental in the development of CB slang, a type of an- ti-language frequently used by truck drivers over CB radio. Some terms eventually slipped into mainstream culture. Here are a few inter- esting ones. • Alligator: a blown-out tire on the road • Bear/mama bear/baby bear: police officer/ woman police officer/rookie police officer • Crotch rocket: a motorcycle • Dragon wagon: tow truck • Hammer down: step on the gas pedal/drive quickly • Hundred mile coffee: very strong coffee • Motion lotion: diesel fuel • Nap trap: a rest area • Rubbernecks: drivers slowing down to look at something, usually an accident • Toenails in the radiator: full speed • Wall-to-wall and ten feet tall: clear, strong signal
ruckers play an important role in popu- lar culture. They’ve long been represent- ed as modern-day cowboys, embody- ing such ideals as independence, freedom, non-conformity and competence. This image inspired a number of movies and songs, espe- cially in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which are now considered classics. Here are a few that stand out. Six Days on the Road Dave Dudley’s rendition of this song about life as a long-haul trucker was a huge hit when it was released in 1963, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This twangy tune is a humorous lament of life as a long-haul trucker, with lyrics that bemoan highway patrolmen, scale weigh-ins and long stints on the road. Convoy This song tells of a “little convoy rockin’ through the night” and was a number one hit in 1976. It’s about a group of truckers evading speed traps and toll booths and organizing a protest over Citizens Band (CB) radio. The tune was so popular when it came out that it inspired a successful movie of the same name starring Kris Kristofferson. Smokey and the Bandit This comedic action movie starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field follows “The Bandit” (Reynolds) as he bootlegs 400 cases of Coors
I f you’re looking for a secure, well-paying, accessible job, you should consider driving a big rig. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining whether it’s the right career for you. Do you mind working alone? As a truck driver, you need to be able to keep yourself company. For some people, spending so much time alone can be a challenge. Oth- ers are lone wolves who enjoy solitude. It really comes down to your personality. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of community among truck drivers. You won’t be short on opportunities to form lasting friend- ships with fellow truckers. Do you enjoy freedom and adventure? If you want to escape the nine-to-five work- day and basically be your own boss, trucking
may be a great option. Most truck drivers enjoy flexible schedules and get to meet new people and see new places every day. In other words, you get to travel and be paid for it. Moreover, many truck drivers can choose the number of hours they work. This makes it a popular part-time gig for previously retired individuals returning to the job market. Are you looking for a career change? Truck driving represents a seamless transi- tion for many people who are changing jobs or re-entering the job market. It involves only a short training period, offers high job security and boasts solid pay. Can you see yourself behind the wheel of a semi? Chat with truckers online or in your community to learn more about life on the open road.
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TRUCKINGWEEK SEPT6-12,2026
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