The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path’s solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.
Today we are putting the spotlight on Maurice, who’s been an in-state driver for four years. He also has a Youtube channel called, “The Helpful Trucker”, where he gives some helpful tips as he shares his experiences on the road. Let’s get to know more about Maurice and his life as a trucker.
What made you decide to be a trucker?
Well, I didn’t choose this life, this life chose me. I love driving and I love being behind the wheel.
A few years ago, my pop’s (a lifelong trucker) health started declining. He came to me and said,
“Hey I need you to get your CDL because I need to put someone else in my truck.” So I went to
CDL school, got my Class A and I’ve been driving for him ever since.
In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you’ve
noticed in the trucking industry?
Well, I’ve only been in the industry for 4 years now, but I’m the son of a lifelong trucker and
many of my close relatives are truckers, which means I’ve been exposed to the industry literally
all my life. And I remember relatives and family that used to drive WITHOUT a chauffeur’s
license. I remember when my dad would go back several days and alter, I mean “update” his
paper log books retroactively. And I remember when my uncle’s and my dad’s friends used to
talk about running up and down the road all night, non stop, unregulated. One could argue that
all that regulation overall HAS made the roads safer. But one could also argue that all that
regulation has made things less profitable, particularly for little guys.
What’s the story of you becoming “The Helpful Trucker”? Do you also have a name for
your truck?
On YouTube, I call myself “The Helpful Trucker” because in life I’m a helpful guy. So many
people nowadays only want to be helpful if it benefits them. My philosophy, which is offering people
real value without necessarily expecting anything in return, is attractive and has a natural way of
pulling the right people, resources and opportunities towards you.
I call my truck Nat… short for International (which is what I drive).
Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?
I’m an in-state driver and I go home every night. So I don’t experience loneliness, plus I love
my alone time. I need it to maintain my sanity. LOL.I spend a majority of my time behind the wheel listening to podcasts about business,
entrepreneurship, economics, marketing and mindset. My truck is a rolling university for me.
As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?
Keeping my miles up as an in-state driver. My work has definitely slowed significantly.
What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?
My usual truck routes generally speaking are either Interstate 64 or Interstate 95 in the
Richmond,Virginia area.
My favorite scenic truck route is 64 west out of Richmond. I love the mountainous scenery.
How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?
I don’t use truck stops very much, but when I do, I look for familiarity. I’m a very routine kind of
guy. I don’t have a favorite truck stop meal. I’m not a big fan of road food… that stuff will kill you!
What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?
I encounter a lot of faulty equipment, especially trailers, which belong to the carrier I pull for, not
me.
What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?
People, especially truckers, not being courteous to other truckers and only looking out for
themselves. But I get it though. This economy can make you chase money to the point that
you’re only thinking about yourself and your own situation and not considering others.
How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?
The main thing Trucker Path has helped me with so far is supplying me with a trucker friendly
GPS. My standard GPS has put me on routes that I’m not supposed to be on more than once! And
that’s a scary feeling.
What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?
Safety tip: Triple check everything.Getting a job tip: Know your contract front and back; ask as many questions as you feel you
need to. Don’t allow yourself to get locked in to anything that is not in your best interest long
term.Career tip: Get your money right as quickly as possible. Give yourself the option to get from
behind the wheel as soon as possible. Driving a rig, just like most careers is A LOT more fun
when you’re doing it because you want to instead of because you have to.
