Driver/Trainer, you are special.

You take on an enormous responsibility when you agree to put that brand new driver in the truck with you, on the seat beside you, and eventually, in your very own seat. You risk your life (dramatic, but true) by riding along with someone who has not even a fraction of your experience. You take the time to talk to these people who are so interested in your career. You explain things to them - the things that they need to know and probably a great many other items that someone else might not even bother to mention. You know the trainee is apprehensive, and you try to work with him. You know the trainee is likely flat broke, and you might even buy him a supper or two.

You also know how to handle the trainee whose head may be a bit large for his cap, and you, well, resize the hat.

You actually care about this person, about their success and you hope they'll make it. You also know, but maybe you don't tell, that this trucking thing can be pretty rough -- and not everyone who joins the family stays in it. That some even lose families over it. You know many, many things that this trainee does not and you attempt to give him as much of that hard-won knowledge as you can in the short time you have.

Some of your companies don't give you the time you wish they would, and you do the best you can. You may get a tad upset with your trainee, but you know he's bound to make mistakes, and since you know that he probably will, you try to make a learning experience out of it. You may even let him make those mistakes here and there, knowing that they are often the very best teacher there is. Yes, driver/trainer, we know what you're about.

Congratulations for making it here, there really are people who appreciate you and what you're doing every day out there. You may be a small piece in a huge puzzle, but without your contribution to industry, the puzzle would never come together!!!

Thanks again, driver.