7 Truck Driver Hobbies for Over the Road

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truck driver hobbies

Let’s face it: truck driving is a challenging job that some may consider long and boring. You’re on the road for up to 12-14 hours at a time and away from home for days and weeks. Having time for hobbies may seem a bit unpractical since your hands are on the wheel the entire time!

The good news is that there are many hobbies you can pursue while in the cab or during a rest break. Hobbies can help pass the time on the road, relieve stress, and also keep the mind active and fresh. Check out our top 7 recommendations for truck driver hobbies.

truck driver hobbies podcasts1. Podcasts

There are hundreds of podcast options for whatever your interest may be in—history, sports, news, interviews, true crime mysteries, etc.

There are even podcasts about the trucking industry which will give you valuable information for developing your career.

Most podcasts are available for free and have very few advertisements. Best of all, this is a hands-free hobby to pursue behind the wheel. Podbay.fm is a good start, but search other apps and podcast libraries for the topics that interest you. Pick a few episodes and build a playlist that can run while you’re driving.

truck driver hobbies photography2. Document your journey

If you’re a fan of taking pictures, then you probably already take a few snaps of the beautifully scenic views you can find while at work. If you’re not into photography yet, what better excuse to get started than driving across the country for work? You can tap into your creative side and build a new interest. Try it out with your smartphone first and then invest in a camera if you really get into it.

In addition, this hobby can be expanded if you don’t mind making your photos public. Start a photography blog and share your stories and thoughts along with your photos. Write about your travels, the unique sights you see, and the interesting people you meet. Also, sharing your blog and photos helps you stay in touch with friends and family at home, and let’s them know what you’re up to.

easy-exercises-workout-truck-drivers3. Exercise

Working out while on the road helps your health goals, but also relieves stress and helps you feel confident and relaxed. However, it can be tough to find time to hit the gym while working, so start out with short exercises during rest breaks.

Bring some weights you can use in the cab, or try lunges, sit-ups, and push-ups.

In addition, a few years ago, exercise scientists published findings recommending “the scientific 7-minute workout” which is based on high-intensity interval training and can replace longer workouts. If nothing else, you can go for a quick jog or run around rest centers while on break. Also, researchers have found that even 30 minutes of walking every day has some of the same health benefits as longer and more intense workouts.

truck driver hobbies4. Audio Books

Audio books are becoming very popular during the average person’s work commute. This hands-free alternative to reading is perfect for truck drivers who can’t (and shouldn’t!) be turning pages and reading while driving.

Getting back into your reading list can keep you up to date on the latest bestsellers, or catch you up on classics that you never got around to.

Some suggestions of where to get started are audiobooks.com and audible.com. While they aren’t free, most of these services will offer a one-month free trial before charging you. In addition, if you prefer the feeling of a book in your hands and the satisfaction of turning the page, regular old-fashioned books serve as a great option while not driving.

truck driver hobbies musical instrument5. Creative Arts

Being away from home doesn’t mean you can’t dabble in the arts and express your creative side. If you’ve ever played an instrument but have been out of practice, now is the time to pick it up again. In addition, you could start learning the instrument you’ve always been interested in but never found time for. There are hundreds of tutorial videos and resources online you can watch while not driving. If you have a music instructor locally, you can check-in for a lesson whenever you get back home periodically.

However, if music has never been your jam, try creative writing or painting. Many drivers try their hand at writing short stories or poetry. It’s also easy to keep simple materials in the cab like a folding easel, canvas, and painting utensils. It’s a misconception that some people aren’t artistic—they just haven’t found the right one for them.

truck driver hobbies collection6. Start a cool collection

Truck driving takes you all over the country. Keep souvenirs and build memories by starting a small collection. Typically people collect stamps or coins, but it could be anything that catches your fancy. If each item is something unique from the town or state you got it from, that’s all you need.

In addition, similar to the blog idea, add these items to a scrapbook or trunk box and pair each collectible with a cool story or memory of where and how you find it. You’ll be surprised what kinds of trinkets you can find for cheap across the country.

truck driver hobbies language7. Language-learning programs

You’ve always wanted to learn German, right? Or was it Swahili? Most people who aren’t bilingual wish they were, and bilinguals are usually trying to add a third or fourth language to their skills. The biggest obstacle holding people back from learning a new language isn’t money or resources, but time.

In addition, with audio-driven language learning programs, you learn a little bit everyday while still behind the wheel. Researchers constantly find new cognitive benefits of bilingualism, like improved memory and critical thinking. Look into a few audio programs online, select a program or playlist, and hit play!

Although many people believe that truck drivers don’t really have time for hobbies, that can’t be further from the truth. Hands-free audio apps and tons of time make some hobbies ideal for truck drivers. Others can be pursued while on breaks or rest time. Engaging in truck driver hobbies will help pass the time quicker, keep you from being bored, and help contribute to a more fulfilling life.

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Driver Highlight: Kyle with Veriha Trucking

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Kyle’s career path took quite a few different turns before arriving in his current role as the Apprenticeship Program Leader for Veriha Trucking. Kyle, 33 was born in LaCrosse, WI. He spent his high school years in Alma Center, WI.

Military Service

Right after he finished high school, Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Army. His 5 years in the service, took him around the world. He went from Wisconsin, through Germany, to Iraq and finally to Fort Hood, TX. As a Combat Engineer he spent his time “doing a little bit of everything—from security, dismounted patrols, route clearance, building bases.”

After leaving the military, he dabbled in a career in the medical field as respiratory therapist, though ultimately it wasn’t the right fit for him. “I loved learning” he said but didn’t like working in the hospital environment at all. From there, he dug into a 5 year stint in the mining industry.

“Loading rail cars, moving trains, in the actual pit.  I had a blast.” But ultimately when the oil industry took a turn, he took that opportunity to move on and decided to learn how to drive a truck.

He “picked a company with good on-the-job training, that fit me and my family. I got my CDL in 2 weeks, got my own truck and away I went for the next year”. Kyle noted that being an over-the-road truck driver gave him a great opportunity to see more of the United States. Driving through Tennessee was a route that he really enjoyed. Up to that point, he said he’d been in more different countries than states.

Veriha Trucking: Opportunities to Grow

veriha truckingBeing away from home for long stretches no longer best fit his family’s needs, and he looked for a new job that kept him closer to home. He found an opening at Veriha Trucking as a Yard Spotter and joined the team there 2 years ago.

From the yard, he moved on to being a coach in the Safety Department, and then ultimately to his current role as the Apprenticeship Program Leader. He’s been with that program “as part of the startup, from inception to today”.

When asked about the Apprenticeship Program, he talks about how it’s “unlike anything else. Instead of learning on a range, we get people out hauling freight with an actual trainer. Giving them the clear picture of what it’s like to be a driver.”

Kyle talks about what he thinks differentiates their program from others. “The big difference is we’re invested in these people from the beginning.”

Once candidates are identified, successfully interviewed and pass all background checks, “people are hired from day one.” The program boasts “accelerated results from drivers. People are out there doing great work, much faster than expected. It’s really paying off for them. If it’s good for the driver, it’s generally good for the company.”

At Veriha Trucking, “everybody in the company is encouraged to do personal development. Book clubs, networking. Everyone is encouraged to better themselves.”

Kyle is married and has twin 5-year old children, a daughter and son, who keep him very busy. Currently, they enjoy residing in northeastern WI. In addition, in his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and woodworking.

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Wellness Benefits of Truck Driving with A Dog

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Truck drivers have a tough job. Many long days driving on the road alone. Many long weeks away from home and family. This can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and stress.

A dog can help improve your physical, mental, and social well being.

If you’re seeking to increase your overall personal wellness, what can you do? First steps should be to look for ways to improve your physical, mental and/or social well being.

What better way to do all three than to bring your dog with you while you drive?

Truck driver Pete Kleckner and Snickers are practically inseparable both on and off the road. Source: Overdrive Online

Physical

Traveling with a dog gives you a great excuse to get out and walk around and get some exercise a few times each day.  When you make a pit stop, you can get out and take your pup for walk, throw a ball around with him or just enjoy some fresh air with your 4-legged buddy.

These walks and play time with your dog can add up to the daily steps you need to keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure well-managed.

Mental

Driving with any pet gives you instant company in the cab of the truck over the hours and miles with you every day. If the long hours by yourself make you feel lonely or even a little stir crazy, your dog can be just the ear you need to listen to you work out something that’s bothering you.

Or they just might lend that extra harmony needed when singing along to your favorite song on the radio.

Image via Pinterest

Social

Having your dog with you when you’re at a truck stop taking him for walk, makes for an easy conversation starter with other people. People love to talk about their dogs and ask about other people’s dogs. This ensures a few times each day you’ve got a built-in reason to strike up a conversation with someone, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Lastly, know that it’s not just all about you. Once you make the decision to bring your dog with you, there are resources to help ensure you’ve got all the tools to make your dog’s experience on the road comfortable and safe.

The time you spend with your dog every day, taking good care of them, and providing them with stimulation and exercise, makes for a great life for any dog! When you treat them like family or even like a best friend, you’ll certainly get back all the love in return.

truck driving with a dog

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Driver Highlight: Eddie Dalzell, Retired Dupre Truck Driver

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Edward “Eddie” Dalzell talked his way into his first truck driving job at age 19 in Massachusetts.

3 million accident-free miles and almost 50 years later, Eddie’s now retired from truck driving but still logging miles on foot as a hiker and lead CSR for Penske in San Antonio.

truck driver

As he tells the story, he got his first truck driving job through good old-fashioned persistence. And telling a little bit of a lie.

“The company I was working for went out of business. There were no other jobs around. The car I had ran out of gas, I had no money. So, I walked 3 miles down the road to a place that was supposedly hiring truck drivers. I had no clue how to drive a truck. I kept going back day after day until they finally hired me!”

From there, he had a friend teach him how to drive a truck.

Once he got his start with that first job in Massachusetts, Eddie moved south after a few years. There he got his first job as a tanker truck driver. He spent the next few decades with various jobs between Texas and Louisiana, driving tankers between refineries and operating other heavy equipment. He mentions that some of those were dangerous jobs, and that thankfully he got lucky a few times.

Living and working near the Gulf of Mexico, he saw his share of hurricanes and severe weather.

The memory of those storms still stand out to Eddie. “Dodging hurricanes, wasn’t fun. Everyone else was leaving, but we’d be heading into the storms with the plywood to help. Last hurricane I drove 27 hours straight because of all the road closures to get around it. Had to get right back up in 5 hours to go back into it.”

When asked about his time as a truck driver at Dupre Logistics, he said that they were big on safety, and provided great training.

dupre-logistics

He also fondly recalls having a great boss who became a life-long friend to this day.

“At Dupre, Leadership was very good. We had good drivers. We could laugh and have fun.  They are VERY fair. They also gave a nice safety bonus every 3 months which was nice”.

That bonus came with a safety meeting at a great local steakhouse. Eddie mentioned he never missed a bonus, or the steak dinners. Working for Dupre, he said that integrity was important.

“There’s lots of competition out there but the jobs kept coming back to us because they liked what we were doing.”

Over the years, he also spent time as a driving instructor and unofficial career and life coach.

“Taught people how to drive standard trucks. I enjoyed that. I also told students to follow your dreams. Listen to Mr. Eddie: Don’t do something you hate, you’ll be miserable your whole life.”

Now retired from driving, Eddie spends his days working as a hiker and lead Customer Service Representative for Penske.

truck driver

He says he logs over 52 miles a week on foot, 20,000 steps, walking around the facility. Quite a change from all of the hours and miles behind the wheel!

Eddie, 68, has a wife, 6 children and 10 grandkids. In his free time, he enjoys living close to 3 of those grandkids.

“I get to see them all the time. Grandma loves to keep them on the weekends – gives their moms a break”. He also enjoys fishing and keeping fit and active.

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DRIVER HIGHLIGHT: Tiffany Adams with West Coast Transport

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DRIVER-HIGHLIGHT-TIFFANY-ADAMS-WITH-WEST-COAST-TRANSPORT

For Tiffany Adams, being a truck driver runs in the family. “My dad was a truck driver, so it’s in the family blood”. Though she tried a few things prior to getting into the trucking business officially, since age 21, “trucking was the only way to go” for her.

Tiffany’s favorite route to drive is “I-24 going through Kentucky.

It’s the most beautiful run anyone could ever do.” The summertime bluegrass lined roads all around Paducah are her favorite.  She recommends a stop at Patti’s Settlement 1880’s restaurant if you’re in the neighborhood. A stop at Patti’s “definitely should be on your to-do list if you’re in the area”.

After a normal day of 10-11 hours, she mentions a struggle that she’s advocating for: MORE PARKING.


“The daily struggles today we have is parking. Parking is so limited to the truck stops that we have across the nation, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find parking after 5 pm. And it’s just getting worse. It’s getting to the point you can’t find parking, and you need to drive 20+ miles out of your route just to find a place park”.

She hopes that in the future there’s expanded parking available at truck stops and rest stops around the country.

Tiffany drives with her husband Weston.

You can find them passing the time “listening to a lot of country music while we’re riding down the highway”.

When they’re not out on the road or getting ready for their next long-haul, they enjoy spending time playing with their horses, their family and hanging out with friends. “We love what we do we provide for our states, building supplies, rail road supplies, your every day needs”.

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Long Distance Date Ideas for Truckers

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long distance date ideas for truckers

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many truckers won’t be home to spend the holiday with their significant other. However, that doesn’t mean truck drivers can’t still celebrate.

Here are a few long distance date ideas for truckers that go beyond sending flowers and chocolates.

Have Dinner Together on Skype

Just because you may be miles away doesn’t mean you can’t take a few minutes to enjoy a great dinner together via Skype or FaceTime. Plan what you both will eat together, set up your computer or phone, and eat together as if you were right next to each other.

 

Share a Private Spotify Playlist

Are there songs that instantly remind you of your significant other? Put these on a Spotify playlist and share it with your significant other. Consider just keeping the playlist private between the two of you to be able to listen to throughout the year.

 

Plan Future Dates

Brainstorm a list of the 5 top dates you both want to do once you are home. Try to make sure to plan dates for all seasons and weather. Plan out the dates and even mark them down on the calendar to give you both something fun to look forward to.

 

Watch a Movie Together

Just because you’re not together doesn’t mean you can’t still watch a great movie together. Pick a movie out beforehand, plan the time you both will hit play, and talk about the movie together over the phone. Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy!

 

Play 20 Questions

Get to know your significant other more by playing a quick game of 20 questions. Some questions could include where is your dream vacation spot, what would your perfect day look like, what was your dream job when you were in kindergarten, and what exotic pet would you have.

 

We wish truckers and their significant others across the country a very Happy Valentine’s Day and we hope these long distance date ideas help make the day special.

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6 Easy Microwavable Recipes for Truck Drivers

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easy-microwavable-recipes-for-truck-drivers

Truckers are faced with the daily dilemma of stopping at a rest stop or fast food chain for a quick bite to eat or preparing a meal themselves. Oftentimes truckers don’t have a full kitchen or much time to prepare extensive meals so cooking can be challenging. To help, we put together a list of 6 easy microwavable recipes for truck drivers to quickly prepare on a break.

omelet-in-mug

Image courteous of Dashing Dish

1. Omelet

This mug omelet is perfect for truckers looking for a filling breakfast that takes less than 5 minutes to prepare.

Add vegetables, cheese, and meat and enjoy the omelet straight from the mug or throw it into a tortilla for a breakfast burrito. Get the recipe →

 

 

sweet-potato-chips

Image courteous of The Bitten Word

2. Sweet Potato Chips

These are a great, healthy alternative to regular potato chips and actually taste just as good.

Add salt and rosemary to the sliced potatoes, pop them in the microwave, and enjoy a delicious sweet and salty snack. Get the recipe →

 

 

blueberry-muffin-mug

Image courtesy of The Gingham Apron

3. Blueberry Muffin

Craving something sweet? This is perfect for meeting the craving with a healthier alternative that takes less than 5 minutes to prepare.

Not in the mood for a blueberry muffin? Swap out the blueberries for chocolate chips, raisins, or another fruit. Get the recipe →

 

 

microwave-mushroom-risotto

Image courtesy of The Food Network

4. Mushroom Risotto

Ever made risotto on the stove and stirred the pot for 30 minutes? Get the same delicious taste with half the work.

Stir together the ingredients in a microwave-safe dish and get ready for the perfect side dish. Get the recipe →

 

 

microwave-potato-soup

Image courtesy of Bigger Bolder Baking

5. Potato Soup

This soup is loaded with cheese, bacon, potato, and scallions and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Top the soup off with a spoonful of sour cream and enjoy on a cold, winter day. Get the recipe →

 

 

microwave-Parmesan-spaghetti-squash

Image courtesy of Joyful Healthy Eats

6. Parmesan Herb Spaghetti Squash

This quick dish trumps Easy Mac any day. Not only is this a healthier alternative to microwave pasta, but it’s also filling and delicious.

Prepare the recipe in 5 minutes, throw in the microwave for 15 minutes, and enjoy. Top with grilled chicken for extra protein. Get the recipe →

 

 

These easy microwavable recipes for truck drivers should save time and money spent stopping at a drive-through and also provide truckers with quick, delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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Truckers aid hunger crisis, donate leftover food to charity

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Truckers aid hunger crisis

Truckers Aid Hunger Crisis

the Indy Hunger Network, a charity that dedicates its efforts towards feeding the hungry, has launched a new Food Drop program. The programs helps truckers aid hunger crisis by donating rejected food deliveries to charity.

 Image via Indy Hunger Network

Truckers who make runs to grocery stores to drop off orders of food often are told that the food will not be accepted. Whether there was an ordering error or the delivered food is not up to the store’s standards, the rejected food often ends up directly in a landfill. These items consist primarily of foods that are still edible and packaged with unbroken seals.

Instead, the Food Drop program allows truckers to bring that food to local food banks across Indiana. So far, the charity has documented 90,000 pounds of donated food within the first six months of the program. If the program continues to succeed in Indianapolis, the Indy Food Network wants to expand the program across the country.

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Noah’s Arc Trucker Rescues Animals Left Stranded By Hurricane Florence

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Trucker Rescues AnimalsTrucker Rescues Animals: Tennessee trucker Tony Alsup has earned positive karma for life. By playing a modern-day Noah’s Arc, he has successfully snagged 64 animals from the arms of Hurricane Florence.

Image via USA Today

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey this past year, Alsup received word that many shelters were looking for help to relocate their animals to safer grounds. Alsup immediately volunteered, but found that there was some miscommunication between himself and the shelter.

While Alsup was planning on loading just a few animals into his cab, the shelter was counting on him to load his entire flatbed up with the abandoned pets.

Knowing that if he didn’t do something these animals might be in grave danger, he knew he had to come up with a better plan.

“But I’m a man of my word. If I give you my word, it’s gonna get done,” Alsup told USA Today. “So I said, you know what, why don’t I just go buy a bus?”

Image via USA Today

A few days and $3,200 later, Alsup headed down to Texas in a repurposed school bus. He rescued animals throughout hurricane season ever since.

So far, Alsup rescued 53 dogs and 11 cats from South Carolina this year, and safely dropped them off in Alabama.

“I love it,” Alsup said. “People don’t believe me, they say it’s got to be barking crazy. But, no. They know I’m the Alpha dog and I’m not here to hurt them.”

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Truckers Swerve Intoxicated Driver To A Halt

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Image via Pixabay

A team of truckers saved motorists from a potential crash by forcing a intoxicated driver off the road.

On Aug. 13, Illinois State Police received a call regarding a minivan swerving all over Interstate 70. Minutes later, another call reported the same driver had crashed into the median. The driver had pulled himself out to inspect the car, got back in and slowly continued down the highway.

Seeing all that go down, two truckers took matters into their hands. They moved their vehicles slowly on either side of the van to box it in and eased it off the road before taking the driver’s keys and waiting for police to arrive.

In addition, according to the Belevue News-Democrat, the driver was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. Trooper Calvin Dye Jr. thanked the two truck drivers, saying the prevented this driver from an injury or injuring others.

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