A Day In The Life Of A TRUCK DRIVER | This JOB Worth It? Traveling COAST 2 COAST | 2020 Western Star 

I’m gonna drive trucks for another year, and then I’m done with it. That’s what I said to myself 27 years ago! And guess what? I’m still trucking!!🤣😂 Be safe out there Rusty. ✌🏼✌🏼

Been trucking for three years now and I can second what Rusty is saying - the industry isn’t worth it. Unless you like getting treated like dog shit all day. All these companies care about is the truck, not you; you’re treated like a robot on an assembly line. I have so many horror stories people wouldn’t believe it. Even if you do get into the industry, odds are you won’t be doing solo cross country runs like Rusty and I do. My first job was regional where the runs are under 500 miles which means half your day is spent loading/unloading, for which you’re unpaid. They’ll give you a load on Friday that you can’t deliver until Monday that only goes 500 miles up the road. So that’s only 500 miles worth of pay for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and then half of Monday. Most companies won’t pay you detention until you’ve been at a shipper/receiver for over two hours. So if you unload somewhere and it takes them an hour and fifty minutes you get nothing. Even better, then they send you to go get loaded at another place and then that place takes roughly an hour and fifty minutes - so there goes nearly four hours of your day completely uncompensated. Or how about when you drop off a load at 11am and the next load they send you picks up at 5pm - if you arrive early at the shipper, you’re not getting paid for the hours in between and that two hour detention pay doesn’t start until the pickup time. So say goodbye to any meaningful income for the day. This is how fucked the industry is - you literally get paid less the more hours you work. My fourteen hour days where I had to load and unload several times are my lowest earning days despite working the longest. But the days where all I had to do was drive, like when I’m doing a cross country run, I can make hundreds of dollars for eight - ten hours of driving. So the harder and more arduous your day is - the less you’re paid. Yet these companies still have the audacity to wonder why there’s a shortage of drivers. Because it’s miserable bruh. When the effort you put in doesn’t match the reward you receive, that’s when people get jaded and burned out. That’s why this industry beats you down. You feel helpless. Sorry for the essay. I’ll conclude with this: I know these videos can make people feel romantic about trucking... shit, even I get romantic about trucking watching these videos and I do the same exact thing as Rusty, driving on the same exact highways. But then I go out there and the excitement quickly fades as you start dealing with all the ridiculous shit the industry puts you through; from state troopers handing out bogus infractions to fund their state, shippers/receives treating you like you fucked their mother, being blamed for administrative errors you have no control over, etc. It never ends. Every day will grind you down more and more. Another thing people don’t realize: being a trucker is more dangerous than being a cop. We rank third in occupational deaths. Law enforcement isn’t even in the top ten.

I been trucking since 2003. On and off till 2010. Then full time since then. I have worked many aspects in this business. Car hauler, dump truck, local, container, dedicated, regional and oil field work. I’ll tell u what I see the biggest problems I see: Guys working for other people. Companies will always dig in your pockets. Guys buying the wrong trucks. The wrong truck will doom u before u even start. Guys not knowing how to work on their own trucks. The dealers will absolutely kill your pocket with out mercy. The most successful guys I seen in this business. Have zero loans on equipment. Work under their own authority. Dispatch themselves. Work on their own equipment as much as possible and farm out the big stuff to reputable shops. Carry spare parts and lots of tools with them at all times. This business is not bad. It’s the people Who wanna take advantage of you that’s bad. U have to be alert at all times and book good loads willing to chase the rate and follow the markets. Go from hot area to hot area. Check the load boards and see who is paying where and why. You need to know what the season is. I haul reefer. So I have to keep track of what’s farming when and where. I also do coast to coast. Be doing nothing but that since 2015. There is a learning curve. But there is money in the business. A good owner op should make 100k in pocket after repairs, fuel, factoring (if u use it) tolls, and the rest of things u need to keep wheels rolling.

Most new truck drivers coming in only last two to four years. It's a tough gig. When I started 40 years ago it was fun, now it's not so much fun. To many regulations and government interference. It's not for the faint of heart. I've trained a few people over the years some good and some I sent them packing. One young lady I trained went on to buy her own truck and is very very successful. 🇺🇸🙏👍🏁

Remember beautiful truck doesn’t get the job done but mechanically sound does

The volvo is the only one that did not have big issues

To put things in perspective if you have a day job from 8-4 you’re gone early and home late. You only have a few hours with the family. With trucking you’re gone for weeks but then you’re home for weeks. At the end of the day it balances out.

I hope that you keep on trucking Rusty and stay positive, there’s always bumps down the line that we all have to get over. Much love from South Carolina 🤟

Truck drivers do not hear this enough...THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU GUYS DO!! I come from a family of truck drivers and know what it's like to be away for long periods of time. This country would not be where it's at without you guys 🙏🙏

Happy belated Birthday. I could never have done your job in a thousand years. You forgot to mention the isolation. I did LDD for awhile in Great Britain (where a 100miles means you have to take a picnic but a 100 years is like yesterday) but soon changed to become a Bus Driver for London Transport. I really loved every minute of that. Customers made you feel special every day with their "Thank you, Driver"

It's always a pleasure to see your videos and you documenting everything that happens. Keep them coming.

Thank you for 1 the vids you put out and opening the door to your life behind the wheel 2 the goods you haul coast to coast and local where ever that is , i hope you have safe travails where ever the road takes you

I always exercise my lungs when i watched your video. You have lost a lot from your diet. Good job on that. The rocky mountainous you had passed along NM and Cali reminds me of the United Arab Emirates. Desserts and mountains views.... Keep your positive impact in all your viewers. Always be a blessing to all... God bless you and your family.. keep safe man... Cheers...

Happy birthday Rusty Big hug from COSTA RICA 🇨🇷

Truck driving is more a way of life than a job.

Happy birthday Rusty be safe and one more thing keep away from them energy drinks, they will give you high blood pressure. My doctor told me energy drinks are bad and congrats on the weight loss I have lost 13lbs just excersizing at truck stops really quick walking for 15 minutes and then sprinting for 30 seconds and repeating the process again. Keep up the good work.

Happy Birthday Rusty !!! Love watching your videos, your right the road can be a lonely place at times be safe and stay blessed!!!!

Love these vids rusty, cant wait for more!!!

Happy birthday! Great video! Lot of effort put in editing and adding music! Always wait for your videos and watch them within hours of upload! Superb !

Thank you! Love your videos and love it even more when they’re long!

Hey Rusty Happy B Day (Feliz Cumpleaños)God bless you it was nice trip and I hope you thanks God for another year keep doing what you been doing thanks for everything .👍

Yes sir midnight in Australia always get excited when I get the notification thank you

Yeah ! your back, you are so right, she’s a beauty....safe travels 😎

You haven't fully explored america man. You need to explore the north side of the country.

Glad you ARE back on the road. Love your vlogs

Happy Birthday belated Rusty 🎂🎁🎉🎈

Keep up the good work Rusty! Keeping our economy moving!

That was a good one Rusty, thanks for the video! 👍

Great video bro, love your content cause I am truck driver myself and you motivated me and keep on driving

Happy birthday Rusty be safe love your videos am I big big fan of yours Deuces

I've always wondered if this is worth it. Thank you for being honest about it! Also, thank you for trucking!!

I really enjoy your videos. The Scenery is breathtaking. I loved trucking but don't miss it lol. Great content and thanks for sharing.

Happy birthday rusty. Thanks for the vids man. Have a great day and stay safe out there

Happy birthday Rusty man 🎂🎉🎁🥳 I love how presenting your life on truck driving and your a great person aswell so Good luck safe driving.

From just watching Formula 1 to mu Favorite Truck Driving RU-vidr. I'm going to sit back and relax. I love your videos Rusty. Keep it up ❤

Enjoyed the show I've driven the same route many times I would love to go back to driving but the rods in my back say no anyways hope u have a safe trip back across the country. Be safe out there in America driver

Yessssssss I've been waiting along time!

Yess! I've been waiting for this video for a long time 🙂

Been trucking for 10 years now. I tell people the same thing when they ask if I recommend it as a career. If you're single & a bit of an introvert you'll have an easier time. I'm looking to retire from trucking in next 5 years or so. No way I'm doing this my whole life

I have only one word for you "IMPRESSIVE" . Really love your videos.😍😍

Hey Rusty -you have a new abonnement member - Greetings from Germany. Dennis

Happy Belated Birthday Rusty ! Love your channel a lot !!

"You're going to miss out on your grandparents funeral" no you can take time off, dont miss funerals for family people

I loved this video. One of the best yet. Trucking is a difficult life but you are making it man and doing a great job. Take Care from Ireland :)

DUUUUDE!!!!!!! At 19:00 im pretty sure thats my moms car that was infront of you lmaoo. I got so ecited at the beggining when you said you were taking the I-40, love the shots you got of my home town ABQ!

Another great vlog Rusty great views of US don’t lose heart I will keep smashing that like button stay save god bless you 👍👍

Stay safe out there Rusty!!! Keep on trucking!

Great video Rusty,. Happy Birthday from Ireland

Don’t let the haters deter you, if you have a better situation. Your wrong or full of it, just keep on doing you. I think with trucking the progression is becoming an owner operator. That way you pick your routes n pay. Work as much as you want need too. I’m not a trucker, but I’m hooked on watching a bunch of you on RU-vid and that’s my perception as how you progress if you keep on trucking. Be safe

Happy Birthday Rusty! Love your videos!

Thanks Rusty for this nice video. Happy birthday.

Great diet while on the road!!! Proud of you! Avoid the badness.

Happy birthday rusty 🎂 hope you enjoyed your birthday keep the awesome videos up stay safe

I40 for the views, I20-10 for the easy miles. Can’t beat them stars out in the middle of the desert, love my night breaks

Happy birthday rusty,thanks for another super video,stay safe bro.🎉

Happy B-Day Rusty greetings from Guatemala!!!

Shout out to you Rusty, keep staying safe. I feel like the developers of American Truck Simulator need to come read this comments so they can make their game more realistic.

Good day Rusty , Great upload buddy , firstly Happy birthday 🎂 to you hope ejoyed the day anyway , I understand totally what you are referring to about trucking life as a career , I trained as a Painter & Decorator when left school in late 80's did a college Apprenticeship , But the recession in 2006 hit us very bad in Ireland and most country's around the world , and specially construction industries , i trained and got my class 1 / CDL still did bits off painting but did trucking for about 6 years , and about 8 months trucking Canada 🍁 , I love trucking hard get it out your system when you have tried it , love driving full stop motorbikes ,cars , trucks love it so much , BUT the long hours / traffic / all the rules go with it other road users / the stress / money crap for the hours and time away from home , been away from home and loved ones , plus its so dangerous , thankgod our lord gave me the opportunity to do it without killing myself or anyone else on the road , i haven't drove trucks in 7 years now back decorating home evenings and weekends off unless i work them with much better money than truck driving , few months ago i did a weeks driving , i registered with a truck Recuitment agency because truck companies wouldn't hire me because has been so long since i drove , but agencies will , the week went well as in no damage or injury , but my gps brought me into a small business park not for big trucks , ok getting in but nightmare getting out , too stressful , i won't go back to trucking again , still watch all these great trucking videos on RU-vid , But staying as a Painter safer and easyier , stay safe buddy 😀👍

Happy birthday Rusty! From Canada. Stay safe god bless you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY brother!!!!! Thanks for great vids 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thank you Rusty for the video, be careful out there and God Bless you.

I love trucking no matter what. I used to run I-40 for 2 years CA TO Massachusetts now I’m an O/O in CA only. Been trucking for 14 years now, still loving it

i do this job 28 years in Greece !!! i like it and i dont stop for any reason.

Hang in there ,I have been driving 26 years.I love what I do..

Happy birthday rusty 🎊🎊🎊👏 Safe roads always 💒👋

Nice video Rusty! And happy birthday!

Happy birthday lad, keep on doing what you're doing

Happy birthday Rusty...and I love ur videos

Happy birthday man i wish you all well greetings from Croatia!!🍾🥳🍻

Great vid bud allways good seeing different areas of the USA . Godbless and be safe

For people like me who don't have an education and struggled at minimum wage for many years, this doesn't deter me one bit. I worked for a shitty transportation company (Non-emergancy medical. ) for seven years. Tried college and I couldn't find the enthusiasm to apply myself but there's one thing I know and like to do and that's drive. I think like any other job trucking is not for everyone but many people probably can't imagine themselves doing anything different. When you put up with minimum wage jobs for years anything else can be like heaven. lmao

Happy Birthday bro, stay Safe out on the road👍🏻

Congrats Rusty! 💐

Happy Birthday Rusty! Heading along I40 Convoy style 😊

Enjoyed the video and the scenery of Arizona and California!

Enjoying the long video rusty.... watching from Ndola Zambia 🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲

Good video keep up the good work and happy birthday Rusty

Happy birthday Rusty, Deuces.

Happy birthday Rusty hope you have a wonderful day 🎂🎂🎂

When you went through Albuquerque, NM, I remembered Better Call Saul!

Happy be lated Birthday Dude....had a busy week watching your video late...all the best man ...keep up the diet. 👌

Thanks for your advice i need to show your to my brother he want do his CDL, by the way happy birthday man

As you look things over with that handsome Western, be sure you are checking that your king-pin has not been released by a jack-ass > Sometimes, a driver that USED TO work for a company will do that to 'get back' at the company. I've seen a few videos talking about it. Just check the handle and grab your light so you can get under there and be certain that the pin is secure.

if i ever get to live my dream and move to america, the first thing i'm doing is getting my big rig license and driving coast to coast because it looks so amazing, i'm so envious of what you do for a living, i want it to

Watching these trucking vids, give me simple mental vibes

Truck looks great with that new trailer ...keep the shiny side up !!!!

Hey RTC, just letting you know, ketchup has a ton of sugar! Keto is great but you have to check everything for carbs and sugar for it to work. Good luck man!

Im enjoying the drive the places the stops but most important the attitude 'very important" I'm a driver from down under and enjoy my work although it's shifts with crazy start times I'm home every day so I don't do over the road or linehaul as we say. . I do appreciate all the folk out there that do what they do to keep the wheels turning pay the bills and put food on the table. Cheers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!!! Roll on.........................

Happy Birthday great driving with you!!!

Happy belated birthday and hope ya have a decent birthday and .great vid bud it's a hell of a trip huh lol anyways it gets lonely on the road and it's allways nice knowing ya have a family to come home to .but great vid and godbless

Happy birthday Rusty

Happy late birthday bro, I hope you have a good day!

I’m 3 months in and he is right! I’ll be done next year

I love your videos, thos is my first time watching it and the scenery is beautiful 😍

Happy birthday Rusty!!!! Enjoy the trip !!!!

*Mississippi It’s good that you do an enroute inspection. Prevents problems down the road.

Happy birthday man. Great video

I love ur videos I got my dad watching you

Driving part of truck driving is great but one part no one shows is waiting at shippers and receivers and all the mind games they play