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Common Trucking Urban Legends & Superstitions
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WRITTEN BY: BLOOM SERVICES
In the trucking industry, urban legends and superstitions circulate during conversations at truck stops, over CBs, and online. Who doesn’t like a good ghost story, or a short tale of the macabre, to pass the time while wandering about the highways and byways that connect us? Here are some urban legends and superstitions our truckers have shared with us over the years.
The Phantom Trucker
This legend involves a ghostly truck driver who is said to haunt the highways late at night. The story goes that if you see his truck coming up behind you, you should get off the road as quickly as possible, as the driver will stop at nothing to catch you.
THE KILLER ON THE CB
This urban legend involves a truck driver who uses his CB radio to lure unsuspecting victims to their deaths. The story goes that he will offer to help other drivers, but when they get off the road to meet him, they are never seen again. The movie Joy Ride was based on this urban legend. Where three friends are on a road trip and talk with a trucker over the CB, but after playing a prank on the trucker, they discover he is a psychopathic killer.
The Devil’s Tramping Ground
The Devil’s Tramping Ground is a mysterious spot in the woods of North Carolina, known for a circular, barren patch of earth where nothing seems to grow. Legend has it that the Devil himself paces back and forth, plotting his sinister schemes. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Devil’s Tramping Ground remains a curious and spine-tingling attraction, shrouded in supernatural lore and mystery.
THE HOOK-HANDED TRUCKER
This legend involves a truck driver who lost his hand in an accident and now has a hook in its place. The story goes that if you see his truck on the road at night, you should be careful, as he is said to attack and kill anyone
who crosses his path.
THE VANISHING HITCHHIKER
The vanishing hitchhiker is an urban legend about a hitchhiker who vanishes without a trace. A trucker of ours swears he experienced it once while hauling a load through Nevada. The legend goes that the hitchhiker is actually a ghost, and that the driver is doomed to pick him up over and over again.
Here is his story:
“I was haulin’ a load through the Nevada desert during a full moon. Outta nowhere, I saw her, a pretty thang on the shoulder, thumbin’ for a ride. I figured I’d help her and pulled over. She climbed in, we spoke briefly about where she wanted to go, then as I checked my side mirror to pull away, she was gone, vanished into thin air. My heart pounded, I got out to search, but there was no sign of her. She was just gone. She’s somethin’ I’ll never forget, and it still gives me chills to this very day.”
To this day he swears it happened, but who knows if it really happened.
Route 666: The Devil’s Highway
Old Route 666 has inspired many urban legends. A branch of the famous and less dangerous Route 66. Route 666, known as the “Devil’s Highway” or the “Highway to Hell,” was a U.S. highway that ran through the American Southwest. Officially named U.S. Route 666, it connected Gallup, New Mexico, to Monticello, Utah, covering a stretch of approximately 200 miles. The road gained fame due to its reputation for accidents and supposed paranormal occurrences. In 2003, in response to concerns about its negative connotations, the highway was renamed U.S. Route 491. However, Route 666’s legacy lives on as highway folklore.
Common Trucker Superstitions
As with urban legends, truckers are known for their unique and colorful superstitions that have been passed down through generations. These superstitions range from the practical to the whimsical, reflecting the challenging and unpredictable nature of life on the open road. Here are several superstitions truckers have shared over the years.
Black Cats
One classic superstition is about seeing a black cat running across the road in front of the truck. In some cases, drivers will alter their route if a black cat runs across the road. Black Cats are seen as bad omens if they cross your path, doubly so when you are a trucker. On a side note, black cats share one thing in common with trucks, they can “rust.” The sun can bleach a black cat’s fur to a light red or orange.
Graveyards
It’s a common truck driver’s superstition that when you pass a graveyard in your truck, you should hold your breath. Truck drivers believe it’s to avoid making the spirits of the deceased jealous. But, it’s hard to say if this really works, especially since some graveyards can be miles long – and if you hold your breath for too long, you just might end up becoming one of those jealous spirits yourself.
Crossing Railroad or Bridge
Some truck drivers believe that you have to lift your feet off the floor of the truck when you go over a bridge or railroad tracks. It’s believed that if you don’t, you’ll never meet your true love or get married. Another superstition is that you should honk your horn before entering a bridge or tunnel. It is supposed to be a sign of respect for lost souls inhabiting the area.
Don’t Drive with $50 Bills in your Pocket!
The origin of this superstition roots began with NASCAR. In 1964, NASCAR driver Joe Weatherly crashed his race car and died. After the crash, two 50 dollar bills were found in his wallet. Since then, drivers have believed that it is bad luck to drive with $50 bills in their wallet.
When you Arrive at Your Destination Thank the Truck
As soon as the truck driver reaches his destination, he should pat the dash and thank the truck for a job well done and the truck will keep running without any problems. It worked for Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China, his truck started fine when making his delivery became a battle between good and evil. Probably the best movie ever made about a trucker!
Keeping Change Under the Seat
Some truckers throw loose change under the seat of a new truck for good luck. Who knows, it might even bring in more money.
Lucky Charms
While the cereal may be magically delicious, truckers hope that these objects bring good fortune and protection. Some truckers keep totems or good-luck charms hanging in their truck for good luck. In Japan, they have Omamori, an amulet of protection that you can pick up from various shrines and temples to ensure safe travel and to bring good luck. Like with most superstitions, it’s likely better to have them than to regret not.
Join Bloom Services
Every road has its stories, with legends and superstitions that have shaped this unique community of truckers. While these legends may make for entertaining storytelling, they have no basis in fact and should not be taken seriously. The vast majority of truck drivers are hard-working professionals who take their jobs and the safety of others seriously. It is important to focus on the real issues facing the trucking industry, such as driver shortages, safety regulations, and improving working conditions for drivers.
If you’re looking to join the camaraderie of a hard-working team of OTR truckers, we have developed a stellar lease-purchase program designed to benefit the industry’s best drivers. If you are interested in taking home over $3,000 + a week and willing to run hard, apply right away or call our office for more information (630)-504-6126. We look forward to hearing from you. Knock on wood!
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