What is like to be a family in trucking?

Hi, I'm a University researcher from CMU working to learn more about the life of families in trucking. I'm working on a team of 5 people to understand the needs and troubles of trucking families. My project outcome will be presented to companies to aid in the development of technology to make trucking easier on families.

So far I've conducted several one on one interviews at truck stops and also a few interviews with whole families.

It would be a great help if you could please answer as many questions as you want about how trucking effects your family.
Thank you!

Note: these can be answered from the point of view of truckers or family members left at home.

1. How do you keep in touch with your family (or how does your family keep in touch with you) when you're on the road?
2. How often do you get to talk with them? For how long? How long are they usually away?
3. What troubles have you had keeping connected to your children or spouse when out on the road?
4. How do you keep close to your children?
5. How do you children feel about trucking? What do they like or dislike about it?
6. Do you use the Internet to keep in touch with your family?
7. What do you miss most when you're away?
8. How do you deal with problems at home while you're on the road?
9. Has any member of your family ever been able to join you on a run?
How important was that experience? Did you enjoy the company?
10.What technologies can you imagine to make it easier to keep in touch with you family when out on the road?
11. How do you feel about not being able to see where you family member is when they or you are out on the road?
12. Is there anything else you think we should know?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, it will be help to the project and hopefully yield new products or technologies to aid in the trucking lifestyle.

Though I am no longer a driver I know that including the family is very important for a driver to be successful. When I bring a new driver in for orientation I always encourage the driver to bring their wife in with them. We only have male drivers, if a female driver was coming on I would encourage her to bring her husband. I always ask what the spouses name is and extend an invitation for them to call me anytime they have questions. Most of the drivers seem to be very reseptive to my including the family.
If I can help feel free to call me 800-462-1245 ask for John
River View Trucking
New Albany, IN.

[luvmyhubby]

What is it like to be a trucking family?

Well lets see first there are all the rules you have to live by as a driver, the crazy 4 wheelers who have no clue just how close to death they come when they cut off a big rig to make that exit ramp, ride in the blind spots or hit the breaks after pulling infront of them at 70mph.

As far as keeping in touch, cell phones are the answer, and a plan with free mobile to mobile is best. Most of the time an early morning chat while getting ready to hit the road and an evening catch up session are the order of the day....unless directions are needed and mapquest comes in handy.

Our children are grown but they always call to see when dad will be home next and manage to visit at least once during that time. Hubby is out 14-16 days at a time and home 3 so its not a hard schedule to deal with. The hardest part is for him to be secure in the fact that I can handle things here, and that he has no need to fret.If there is a problem at home we talk about it and I take care of it. Lucky for me my guy trust my ability and has no need to second guess me. Not being able to see where he is at is no big deal either way....he says he misses hugs and good meals when he is gone. Clean decent truck stops are lacking for our drivers and they really need a menu with more than burgers on it.


luvmyhubby