Barefooting Bulletin Board

For those of us who lack the qualifications to be a lifeguard or something similar where bare feet are expected in the line of duty there is only one job that offers almost unlimited unshod time, long-haul truck driver. I've been a driver for over nine years now. Unfortunately, I spent most of that time ignoring my natural desire to be barefoot. I would usually kick off my boots as I was rolling down the interstate, but I was always sure to put them back on when I had to get out of the truck. I also spent much of that time as a local driver, which is far less conducive to the barefoot lifestyle.

Recently I decided to go back on the road to make the big money. This time I intended to take full advantage of the barefoot-friendly nature of the job. Except for the little bit of time I spent on loading docks or in scale houses I was barefoot the entire time I was out, from March 1[sup]st[/sup] to March 15[sup]th[/sup]. If I added it all up, it would be less than five hours of shoe time in that two week span. Most of it came at once when I was forced to unload the truck myself in Tacoma, WA. Other than that it was always just a few minutes at a time to carry in my paperwork. The boots came off again as soon as I got back to my truck. A couple times I even managed to go into the office barefoot because the staff could not see my feet as I approached the window. The last time I had to put shoes on was Monday the 13[sup]th[/sup]. That was roughly 6 PM. It's now Saturday, 4 PM and I have been barefoot the entire time. This marks the longest time I've been continuously unshod, and I love it.

But, the company I was with was a scam. I made less money there than I would have if I had stayed at my previous job. So now I'll be forced to take another local job. My 'footing will almost certainly suffer at my new job. Anyhow, if you want to make good money and be barefoot as much as possible, get your CDL.

Yes you are right about that,I have been driving for 10 yrs and am always barefoot.I have gone to customers barefoot and so far no promblem.I was at one place in Texas and the women was suprised to see a barefoot truck driver.She said they always wear boots and she thought I was cool by going barefoot.She said as long as she is working,I am welcome barefoot there.I was only there once and got a dedicated posisition and dont get that way no more .

Mike

The only customers I went into barefoot were those where I was on the other side of the little window. I didn't feel like taking a chance on causing any commotion. Since this was my first visit to all these places I went in shod the first time just to be sure, then kicked off my boots on subsequent trips inside.

I also made sure to put on my boots when I went into the port of entry in Wyoming. That's definitely one place I don't want to stir up any trouble.

Unfortunately, any local job I take will require me to spend a lot of time in boots. Especially if I get back into tankers.

My wife runs several CDL schools in Kentucky and I would have to agree with you about trucking being barefoot friendly. We recently attended the truck show in Louisville and ended up walking around the exhibits barefoot for part of the day with no problems. If you need an help on finding a new company let me know and I will have her give you any help she can. I think I might get my CDLs as soon as she finishes a job change and drive myself

Don
Sunny southern Kentucky