Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Technology and Today’s Truck Driver


      Welcome to another day of BlogFest 2012!!  Our host today is Kate at Traveling Forever. I would like to thank her ahead of time for her interesting writing prompt: how technology makes travel easier today.


        While I haven’t traveled much myself, my father was an over the road truck driver his whole life and my husband is also an over the road truck driver.  A lot has changed since my Dad was behind the wheel of his own rig.  When I was growing up my Dad would locate a pay phone and call home every Wednesday and Sunday night like clock work.  On all the other days of the week he might as well have been on the dark side of the moon for all we knew because it was near impossible to reach him.  In case of an emergency my mother had to contact the state police and have him tracked down.  I can’t imagine the lonely life he lived without complaint and wish that technology in those days would have been more advanced so that we could have had daily contact with him instead of a single phone call twice a week.





        Thanks to the development of technology my husband is a phone call away.  He carries his android phone with him at all times allowing daily phone calls home and the opportunity for us to send pictures back and forth.  His truck is tracked by satellite so his company knows approximately where his truck is at all times.  Inside his truck is a fancy dancy computer system where he not only receives his dispatches for loads, but also directions to his destinations.  If he is unavailable by phone, there is always the possibility his company can relay a message through his QUALCOMM.  The invention of the GPS navigation device also made his job a whole lot easier with step by step route directions. With the invention of Google Earth, truck drivers are able to type in their destination and get a bird’s eye view of where the docks and parking are located before they arrive.  Technology also makes the concept of satellite radio possible making his daily travels a little more enjoyable because he never travels out of range.  




        The power of satellite signals power television and internet access so he can enjoy the comforts of home right inside his semi truck.  Technology has made the life of a truck driver and his family a lot more bearable bringing us all closer together though technology no matter how many miles separate us.  In my way of thinking that is pretty cool until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.


12 comments:

  1. Kathy, I'm convinced you and i could go on a road trip and would be in complete agreement on the music. I love the songs you post on your blog. Bob Seger is awesome.

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    1. Holli, I am so pleased you enjoy it. Bob Seger is awesome. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your comments!

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  2. You have definitely let us taking a glimpse of your life. I am so glad that technology has enabled the communication within your family while your husband is away on biz trip.

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    1. Journey of Life, technology really does help get us through the three long weeks we are apart each month. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  3. I could not survive with my hubby on the road w/o cell phone contact, multiple times daily. Texts and calls. Knowing that he's a call away is a huge relief. He also has a GPS to tell him where he's going.

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    1. JoJo, I know what you mean!! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  4. I really enjoyed the post. I must say Bob Seger I love and turn the page is my all time fav chill song. Metallica did a version of it and I love that song. My man is a truck driver as well so I can totally relate. Great post keep it up.

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    1. Angelia, I am so pleased you enjoyed my post and the music I chose. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  5. I'm also a big Bob Seger fan. His music is perfect for road trips.

    Thanks for sharing how much easier communication is for you and your family in comparison to your mom and dad. That's an aspect I hadn't taken into consideration.

    Thanks, Kate at http://www.traveling-forever.com

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    1. Kate, and thank you for the great writing prompt. Since I never go anywhere it was the only angle I could think of. I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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  6. I think we were on the same wave length with this topic--only mine from a dispatcher perspective. Great minds think alike!!

    http://www.wine-n-chat.com/2012/10/changing-dynamics.html

    Cheers, Jenn.

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  7. I tend, at times, to harp on the negative aspects of new technology. Your blog post has forced me to recognize the positive side: how fears can be calmed and loved ones able to stay in touch. Thanks for the lesson.

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