Speak to any truckdriver and you’ll probably find someone who more often than not takes his work home with him. No, we don’t mean he pulls up outside his house with his truck still full (although with a returnload this may well be the case); it’s just that a truck driver tends to eat, sleep and breathe trucks, and most are as passionate about the subject in their leisure hours as well. You only have to look at the amount of rallies and tradeshows that are held around the world to see that it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.

Trucking, by definition, can be a pretty lonely job at times (although this very reason is why many are drawn to the profession), and there can be quite a few nights away from home, or several hours at a time waiting to hook up with a returnload. Most drivers carry at least one book with them on the road as reading is good, clean, fun which doesn’t require too much physical effort. So, to while away the time, or just to relax, here are a few books that would fit the bill for even the most fanatical lorry lover.

The Wages of Fear – George Arnaud
Don’t let the name put you off; this is a gripping novel from a French author who drew on his own experiences and adventures on the road to produce the tale. The book follows the exploits of four truck drivers who carried returnloads of nitro-gycerine across the rugged mountains in South America. The story of their suicidal mission explored more than just the treacherous journey itself, it examined the relationships between the men and how far they would go for friendship. If you enjoy the book then you’ll love the film too which is described as “One of the greatest thrillers ever committed to celluloid”.

Kamyonistan – Robert Hackford
This enchanting novel follows the story of two young boys and the way they deal with life and loss in the exotic Middle East. But more than that, it gives a sensitive insight into life on the road as a long distance driver and beautifully weaves the culture of the road into the web of the story. It doesn’t subscribe to the usual stereotypes of a truckers life; baring the bones of a tough, uncompromising life in the mountains of Syria, focusing on the psyche of the drivers rather than the minutiae of returnloads and roadside cafes. Surprisingly this book claims to be aimed at 9-12 year-olds but its themes of morality, love, and fundamentalism will resonate with readers of all ages. Read it, then pass it on to the kids.

Diesel Rose
For any women truck drivers out there looking to pass the time and be inspired, look no further than Diesel Rose. This brilliant book introduces us to Rose – six-foot tall and weighing in at 20 stone (more than some returnloads!), Rose is a girl who knows what she wants and doesn’t take no for an answer. She convinces her long-suffering mate, Dave, to help her rebuild an old Transcontinental truck and drive it to Gibraltar. The disastrous mission goes from bad to worse and back again with Dave being right-royally conned by the delightful Rose.

On the Road – Jack Kerouac
Not strictly about truck drivers but they do appear every now and again, and this great American Classic is a must for anyone who has ever yearned for the open road. Mostly autobiographical, Kerouac makes observations on his spontaneous road trips across Middle America in the1950s. The book remains an all-time favourite and lives on as an icon of that generation – not bad for something that took only three weeks to write.

Author Bio: Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for haulage companies to buy and sell returnloads , road transport and freight exchange in the domestic and international markets.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: returnloads