Chapter 7: Three Beers for the Road

Rothe is leaving Danny's company (Chapter 6). He observes the connection between Danny and BJ. Rothe expresses his feeling like an outsider as he observes their interaction. Rothe witnesses the father like role BJ plays when talking with Danny. Danny is open in sharing his feelings and BJ is attentive in his listening. BJ's role and tone changes as he firmly gives Danny advice. Prior to this exchange BJ has ordered his first beer.

Rothe encounters guarded hesitation and questions from BJ on his agenda in riding with him. This seems to be a common reaction of all previous truck drivers. In BJ's case his bad experience with "a long haired bum" has resulted in his "no pickup rides" rule. It took Danny's input and reassurance to convince BJ of Rothe's intention as a "legit guy." As a truck friend, BJ trusted Danny before he trusted anyone else (p 90).

The Second and Third Beer 

As Danny leaves, BJ has ordered his second beer. Rothe asks him to share his view on drinking beer while on the job. BJ justifies his actions on the grounds he was working hard in the hot sun. BJ's hourly pay instead of by the mile pay affords him time to relax and have a few beers without loss of pay (p 90-91). BJ shares with Rothe his rule is he does not drink on the job, but when the weather is humid and he is required to do physical labor then his rule is negotiated or neutralized. BJ continues his explanation to include that the "real" issue is not whether he drinks but how many beers he drinks.

In drinking three beers, BJ is likely to be in compliance with the law, and in harmony with his competencies as a trucker (p 91). Rothe notes that BJ has finished drinking three beers and eating his burger in thirty minutes and then he is "raring to go". BJ shares with Rothe that his company has no disciplinary code that pertains to the consumption of liquor. If a driver receives a drinking/driving charge the driver will be suspended. However, his company has no policy for a driver who has had a few drinks and gets by without breaking the law. This results in the driver's judgment to set his/her own standards to drink and drive.

Relevant Issues for BJ

BJ like Vic (Chapter 3) does not have a CB. They have both removed the radio from their cab because of the slander and foul language. BJ presents his view of the evolution of trucking. He feels the old "knight" of the road have been replaced by greedy individualist who cannot be trusted (p 91). BJ provides a parallel example to trucking changes to agriculture. "Because of progress farmers have become fully mechanized and self sufficient resulting in a lack of sharing and helping others." He blames this evolution on competition and economic survival.

BJ is on his second marriage. He feels it is still "all right to look", but his rule is "don't touch". BJ has three teenage sons ranging in age from 13-17 years old. He loves the thrill of freedom driving provides him. However, he hopes none of his sons desire to be a truck driver. BJ shares his financial standing. After 20 years of driving he still is financially struggling.

BJ also shares his experience of several years ago when he owned four trucks. He was doing well but because of the increased competition for loads and the lowering of price per mile, BJ was forced to sell his vehicles. BJ is now like many 55-year-old company drivers. he is eagerly awaiting early retirement. He is filling in his time with this company for retirement benefits. BJ still has an romantic view of the owner operator.

BJ considers trucking to be a reflection of society. He feels truckers are unjustly targeted. He supports this statement by presenting the example of urinalysis requirements. He believes that if the California Highway Patrol does not have to undergo urinalysis "why should truckers have to"? BJ feels it is a "matter of constitutional rights" (p 93).

When BJ is questioned about the use and abuse of log books. BJ admits he has cheated on his log entries, he further comments that "every trucker cheats on their log book, as everyone cheats on their taxes... What's the difference?"

Rothe leaves BJ's company but not before taking in BJ's surroundings. BJ's truck has no air conditioning and there is no running water to make his life a little more comfortable. BJ admits he will probably not get much deep sleep. When asked if this will affect his driving in the next day, he optimistically answers "na, not really. It's life on the road" (p 94).

Note to Chapter Seven

This section presents findings of drivers who consumed various amounts of liquor. The booklet entitled "Smashed" (1987; p 19) presents Transport Canada officials' analyzed research. In addition to the percentage of reduction in driving abilities after consumption of alcohol. This booklet presents the blood alcohol content (BAC) level at .08 in Canada. However, there is no one set BAC in America states. Overall this section points out that "more data on the fundamental nature of alcohol effects on the nervous system as it relates to operating a truck is also required" (p 97).

Chapter 8: Husband and Wife Teams for Love and Safety   

Rothe’s view into the truckers' world picks up at a dispatcher's office. Rothe is waiting for Ted and Lisa. The dispatcher tells Rothe that husband and wife teams like Ted and Lisa are of greater value to the company than solo truckers. He further states that whenever a lucrative run becomes available he tries to assign it to husband and wife teams. Upon meeting Ted and Lisa, Rothe again faces apprehension for his presence. Ted questions the dispatcher and only after confirmation that all necessary paperwork and the signing of all liability forms are in order did he accept Rothe as a "ride along."

Lisa and Ted have been a driving team for five years. They are asked why Lisa entered trucking. Lisa explains that Ted did not want to be driving long distances without her and she was lonely at home. In addition, Ted adds that Lisa is a good driver and capable of handling a truck.

Spouse teams are preferred by freight companies and are viewed as an investment worth protecting. It is for this reason that once contracted, dispatchers and supervisors will avoid hassling the team. Rothe mentions the close proximity in the cab shared by Ted and Lisa. He makes a note that Ted and Lisa demonstrate no difficulty in this limited space. This reveals the strong marital foundation and knowledge of each spouse's role as a trucking team.

Ted shares his feeling that driving with Lisa produces contentment and an overall better attitude (p 100). Ted bases this on his experience as a solo trucker. The preoccupation of rushing to get home often resulted in his pushing harder and longer. In comparison, he now drives easier, has better personal habits and enjoys trucking much more.

Rothe makes it a point to mention that he notices that difference of Ted and Lisa compared to the prior drivers he has ridden with. This team has a more positive attitude and exhibit personal grooming care compared to the other drivers. In addition, their primary concern for each other's welfare has resulted in neither of them taking drugs or smoking. Their cohesiveness seems to steam from love and respect and in living by this one simple rule while driving: The person behind the wheel is the boss.

As a team they are financially better off than solo drivers are because it maximizes their earnings and savings. In addition, although no price can be put on it, husband and wife team driving helps to re-establish their relationship. Lisa is looking to retire in about ten years while Ted anticipates another fifteen years. Ted is quick to point out that if the money is saved he can easily be persuaded to retire with Lisa.

The First Stop

Ted shares his strong support for the rigorous enforcement on the weight scales. He acknowledges his views are not appreciated or shared by other truckers. He adds that he feels safe knowing that there are weight scale attendants who take their job seriously. While at the scale, Ted received the "proceed" light. Ted comments that his company's reputation as a "safe company" affords him the luxury to proceed.

The discussion shifts as the trio stops at a small roadside café. Rothe shares with Ted and Lisa his observation of the quality of food at truck stops: nutrition was not synonymous with truck cafes. This in addition to poor physical fitness has resulted in truckers having a "ponch". Lisa and Ted are quick to acknowledge that they too have gained weight. They explain that it is inevitable given the situation. Lisa stated, "..truckers sit and drive, then go to bed with whatever they have eaten…they cannot stop the truck, step out and jog for an hour (p103). This is just unrealistic given the value of the truck and the time constraints.

Rothe mentions this way of living and its end result to point out that few research studies examine the relationship between weight, diet, obesity and lack of exercise; and driver reaction time, coordination and alertness (p 104).

To Phoenix    

Rothe presence with Ted and Lisa is the source of commentary by other truckers. Ted and Lisa are indirectly asked "Hey who's the new driver, hasn't he seen a truck before?" The trio are off again headed to Phoenix where Ted begins his praising of Lisa's driving abilities. He shares two incidents that could have resulted in accidents, if it were not for Lisa's skill in driving. Ted's appreciation and point that women are as capable drivers as men is strongly expressed to Rothe. He points out that physical strength is not a quality necessary to be a professional trucker. He believes the personal qualities of calmness, common sense, awareness of personal limitations are what make women superior to men.

Rothe presents Ted with a vital question: "Are husband and wife teams safer than solo driver?" Ted's reply a resounding "Yes, there's not doubt about it." He backs this up with the fact that when wives accompany their husbands they are less likely to race home. Further Ted adds their presence serves as moderator of male's aggressive driving tendencies, they are better organized with paperwork, and more emphatic about driving clean tractors (p 105).

Dr. James

A: I believe the data has been affected by the fact that Rothe was present however, it has not been discussed in these chapters. I feel it  is human nature to present yourself in a better light, therefore I don't know how else "truthful" data can be collected.

Q: What is the view you get of trucking from this chapter-- say if one of your grown up children would contemplate a career in trucking?

A: My view of trucking from chapter 7 is that I feel truckers that drink and drive are truly more dangerous than automobile drivers simply because of the size of the vehicle being operated. My view from chapter 8 is that a husband and wife team would really have to have a solid relationship and mutual respect of abilities to make this team function. Trucking is a hard, and when not a team, lonely life. If one of my grown children contemplated a career in trucking I would recommend they read this book first and talk with other truckers before "hitting the road."

Q: What are the advantages of trucking couples?

A: Based on what chapter 8 presents there are many advantages to trucking couples. First of all they are given the more lucrative jobs. Law enforcement people as safer than solo drivers view them. They are able to strengthen their relationship while earning money and taking in the sights.

Marissa Muraoka

A: I think BJ has a good influence on Danny because he is looking out for Danny's best interest. He takes the time to listen and offer sound advice based on his experiences. They have a unique relationship.

Q: What is your view on mandatory/non-mandatory urinalysis for truckers?

A: I feel that there should be a mandatory urinalysis for truckers because of the damage their vehicle can do if drivers are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. In an accident the sheer size of these trucks and some of their "toxic" loads can result in a mass of injuries/deaths.

Q: Are there two logbooks or one logbook for husband and wife teams?

A: The book does not mention this, however as you pointed out in class it makes sense that they each have one in order to track their individual times.

Robby Solmssen

A: I am sure not all truckers and dispatchers have bad relationships. Although, from what has been presented in class so far solo drivers have terrible relationships with dispatchers. However, husband and wife teams and dispatcher that were prior truckers have more cordial relationships. Therefore, I would have them (if possible) switch roles for a week and see how they feel being in the other person's place.

Q: Do you think there should be a universal blood alcohol level across the United States - and not fluctuating from state to state?

A: I personally feel it would be useful although after class discussion this does not seem possible because each state varies
according to its zoning (urban vs. city zone).

Q: Do you think that by "freedom" BJ's ideal situation would be an owner-operator with financial capabilities?

A: I believe so, since BJ shares with Rothe his experience as an owner-operator forced to sell his vehicles because of the cost of doing business and competition.
  

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