Big Time Truckin': True Trucking Stories
Dispatch 28: In Conversation with the Waitress

by Kirk Gonnsen

Fifth Wheel Truck Stop, Dorchester, ON

She works five nights a week from midnight to eight, or nine in the morning, by herself, no breaks, with nobody to cover for her.

KIRK: How long have you worked at the Fifth Wheel?

WAITRESS: Ten months.

K: How did you get your job here?

W: I saw an ad on the job bank computer in Tillsonburg, applied.. and was hired the next day.

K: Do any of your friends or family work at the fifth wheel, or in the trucking business?

W: No. No one prior to working here. I now have friends at work, and friends..with some of the drivers.

K: What is the grossest thing you've seen or heard a driver do?

W: I saw a driver picking his ears with a fork at the table and when he had all the wax he rubbed it off on his fingers.. but two minutes later he licked his fingers. I also hear a lot of gross sex stories that I would rather not hear.

K: What do Drivers usually talk about?

W: The roads, their family, other drivers, but mostly about their own personal life or my life.. a lot of questions... a lot of sex talk too.

K: What percentage of Drivers 'hit on you?'

W: Probably 85%.

K: What lines do they use?

W: No lines specifically.. a lot of them just use the usual if I was 20 years younger or if I had you for a night..

K: Have you ever been involved with a truck-driver?

W: I haven't been involved with one, but I have made a few close friends.

K: Are Drivers good tippers?

W: Very good tippers. The more you get to know a driver the better they seem to tip. I think it must be because they think you're their friend.

K: What is the biggest tip you've received?

W: ...a few $20 tips, but mostly $1 to $8 on average.

K: How long do you plan on working at the Fifth Wheel?

W: I suppose until I get to open or manage a restaurant of my choice. I plan on owning my own restaurant by age 35.

K: Have you ever been in a dangerous, or uncomfortable situation regarding a Driver?

W: I had one driver that would yell things out as I walked by, just stupid things, but annoying, like.. I (fucked) your mother last night and tomorrow when you leave it will be your turn, I will beat you - like all women like it... and just stupid things like that.

K: What do you know about Drivers that most people don't know?

W: 90% of them are really nice people.

Have you ever considered becoming a truck-driver?

I have always wanted to be a truck driver... since childhood. but now I see how grumpy some, not all drivers get and I hear a lot about them missing their home lives and I don't think I would enjoy that.

Any final words to our readers?

Since I have worked around drivers, I do have a new respect for most. I hear a lot of stories about cars cutting them off.. slamming on brakes. when in fact you guys are just doing your job. I used to get frustrated by truckers but if it wasn't for all of you putting in long days, little sleep. we would have absolutely nothing.. so, if anything have some respect for truck drivers. They aren't doing things to purposely mess up your life. They are helping. If anything. Try having a friend that drives truck and maybe you would change your attitude about them. They are the same as you and I.