Playing Fair and Being Kind

Old truckers never die, they just get a new Peterbilt.

During one of my cross country trips I became curious about the various semi-tractors hauling the trailers on the highways. My interest grew out of fear and respect. Dicing along the interstate with these monstrosos in the dark of midnight and early morning was a thrill unequaled anywhere in my experience. It seemed to me that the big rigs had split personalities, that the drivers could be helpful, courteous, respectful during other hours of driving but during the dark and gloomy times the vampire/werewolf side prevailed. I learned overtime when to let them run and when to get out of the way. They could be downright aggressive and scary sometimes. I also noticed that when I came upon two or more running together they could be more treacherous. It was as if they would gang up on a four-wheeler in ways that would humiliate and frighten. The rolling road block is one of the strategies I’ve encountered in the past. One of the big rigs would begin to pass and then for miles upon mile stay alongside the other truck. Tailgating was another terrifying method of entertainment. The message being sent was that four-wheelers were not welcome during certain times of the day. That was an aggravating ploy and technique. As I said, there were times of sharing the road politely as well. Then is when I noticed the tractor differences and the most prevalent models.

I knew there were Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and others but I was not even remotely familiar with all the makes and their identifying features. I decided then, to pass the long hours, to learn what I could so that I could name the trucks’ manufacturers at a glance. It has taken me a few thousand miles and a few years to accomplish this feat.

I can name here all of the trucks. In no particular order, just how they come out of my brain they are Freighliner, Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, International. For a complete list of North American truck manufacturers here is a link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_truck_manufacturers

The easiest feature is the front grille where the engine sucks the air for cooling and along the side of the engine compartment where there are variations on the shape of the vents employed there. That is where I can now identify the truck from the side as I draw alongside. The major identifying feature though is the shape/design of the grille.

So now you are ready to drive the interstate and become chummy with the big rigs. Happy Trails!

G. M. Goodwin

1 March 2017