[JeffJensen]

Hello,

I am gathering info for a potential article about how expediters fill their spiritual needs while on the road. For example, do you find a local church in which to worship, do you take advantage of the truck stop ministries, read the Bible, etc.?

This is not meant to be a forum topic, just a request that you respond by email or PM with your comments and a contact number.

Thanks for your help,

Jeff Jensen
jeff@expeditersonline.com

I think you are hitting on the most problematic area of trucking, for solos anyway. When there is freight in the truck and I am moving my spiritual needs are met. When I am sitting and waiting for a load there is not much that is consoling. During these times I really wish I were home. For lots of folks it's hard to slow down enough to get into reading or enjoying the local attractions--you just want to get loaded and get moving. I will be interested to see what your article looks like when it is done, but I think that the issue you are highlighting, i.e., meeting spiritual needs when you are on a roller coaster that has two speeds--stop and wide open--does not have a really satisfactory answer.

With all that said, I think that the cell phone is obviously a great tool for staying connected with the people who are important to you. It's easy to forget that truckers of the past did not have this resource and I am sure the job was even more lonely then. For example, look at BJ and the Bear--he had a monkey living in the truck with him.

Kidding aside, you raise an important issue and I will be interested to see the results of your research.