- A little information about the
Author
- Julie A. Fricker
Julie has driven a semi for ten years and
has worked for several companies both large and small. This book was
written in an effort to bring a greater awareness to the general public
about what truck drivers actually do for a living, how hard they work
and the numerous sacrifices they make for the convenience of American
consumers.
Having read more negative stories about
truck drivers than positive ones, Julie decided someone would have to
stand up for the truck driver. But where would this champion come from,
if not from within? "If we are not willing to take a stand and
become the solution then we will simply remain part of the
problem." It was for this reason, Shadows Of The Mountain was
written. We hope, with the reading of this book, that a greater
understanding towards the trucking industry, is achieved.
Julie and her husband live with a
multitude of cats in South Central Wisconsin. In the last few years she
has had several of her articles and poems published in various trade
magazines and newsletters.
When she's in the truck, you'll find her
on the CB trying to sell more books. Julie goes by the handle of
"Tomato" so if you do hear her on the radio, give a holler,
she'd love to know what you thought of the book.
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DEDICATION
This book is
dedicated to the millions of men and woman who spend so much of their
lives sitting at loading docks and truck stops around the country. May
you someday be appreciated for all of your hard work and never ending
sacrifice.
The loads were meant, to take us away. The highway's for, to bring us
home.
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AUTHOR'S
NOTE:
This
book is a doorway that opens onto an industry surrounded by
misunderstanding. It is common knowledge that people fear what
they do not understand. The trucking industry has touched your
life in a variety of ways. Everything you use was brought to you in a
truck. Everything you wear and everything you eat has been in a trailer
at one point or another. One would have to make a conscious effort to
find an example where the trucking industry is of little or no use to
them in their every day life.
While the trucking industry has received a great deal of bad publicity,
allow me to point out one small but significant fact. The papers and
magazines we read and the movies we watch says it all. Tales of
aggressive behavior on the part of truck drivers sell better than
glowing reports of everyday kindness and courtesy. This fact is
indisputable and you need only open your eyes in the morning to know
that what I am saying is true. We are bombarded on every side of stories
about professionals gone bad and people of all walks abusing the power
they have been given. Emphasizing the negative is what generates
excitement. Excitement and sensationalism generates money and everyone
needs money in order to survive according to today's economic standards.
However, this can be considered a meager defense and I would be
wrong to say it isn't fair for everyone to pick on truck drivers. The
fact is, I myself have met drivers who were a disappointment to me. They
do exist, and they have sullied the professional drivers reputation with
their negative attitude and disgraceful acts. Because of them, most
people view the average truck driver is an unintelligent and obnoxious
soul, beyond any hope of redemption and having no value as a
viable member of society. They assume incorrectly that we are a
dangerous bunch who abuse drugs, the law and the very idea of
professionalism.
But let us consider the truck driver for a moment. Most truckers spend
three- hundred days or more on the road each year. They drive an average
of ten hours every day and can legally drive more miles in one year than
you are likely to drive in your entire life. It's not uncommon for a
truck driver to have driven a million miles by his or her tenth year on
the road. And many drivers out here have driven a million miles or more
without ever having a single preventable accident. If you spent so
much of your time doing one particular activity, day after day, wouldn't
you consider yourself qualified?
The men and women who make driving a semi their chosen occupation are
truly remarkable individuals for whom hard work is a given. We drive all
hours of the day and night and work through the holidays and weekends
that most people at home enjoy surrounded by family and friends. We
endure endless sacrifice in order to deliver freight on time so as not
to inconvenience consumers. But no one ever thinks about this when they
go to the store to buy groceries. They give no thought to how the
product got there, only that it had better be there when they wanted it.
Indulge me for a moment while I brag about two of the most redeeming
programs in the trucking industry. The first is the Million Milers which
showcases those drivers who have driven a million miles accident free.
There are even a few very special drivers who have driven a documented
three million miles without a preventable accident. This is an
incredible achievement.
The second is the Trucker Buddy Program which pairs truck drivers with
an elementary class in which they correspond with one another. The
drivers incorporate their activities on the road into lessons in
geography, math, and writing skills. These are lessons that are
valuable to the children in school and mean a great deal to the drivers
involved. For many it eases the intense loneliness associated with
living life on the road. This program makes drivers feel needed in a
world that cares very little for the work they have devoted their entire
lives to. If you are interested in finding out more about the trucker
buddy program, you can visit their web page at the following address.
www.truckerbuddy.org
When you turn this page, you will be stepping over the threshold into
the lifestyle of one amazing woman. Her name is Sarah, and she will take
you on a journey of incredible privilege. I hope you enjoy this book,
for it is the very life I lead. And how lucky I am to be living it!
Julie Fricker
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