THE COMMON GOOD – The Video
The life of a long haul driver, a squeegeed third eye, and driving across America
THE FOOTAGE
In 2015 I was celebrating the grassy knoll’s 20th Anniversary. I collaborated with Sam Graybeal to create a special video for “The Common Good.” The footage was shot by Sam whom I met via Instagram (@Semi_Sam). His videos of life on the road—from a trucker’s perspective—are beautiful and haunting. The ideal visual symphony for “The Common Good.”
Hop inside an eighteen wheeler and ride shotgun across America with Sam Graybeal.
In revisiting this video I became curious as to what a trucker’s life and mindset might be like. Besides some of the obvious conditions such as days of loneliness, boredom, and time away from family, I was surprised at some of the things—good and bad—that I discovered.
THE BAD
The trucking industry turnover rate hovers around 90% just in a single year.
The average truck driver is around 45 years old, and the average retirement age is 62.
There are around 4,600 fatal semi-truck accidents each year and approximately 182,000 people will suffer injuries in crashes with large trucks and buses this year.
There are plenty of health concerns such as obesity, hypertension, fatigue, increased use of stimulants, risk of being in an accident. It’s not a conducive environment for longevity.
Truckers earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is $4,000 more than the median wage for all jobs. Only the top 10% of truck drivers make more than $58,000 per year.
THE GOOD
There are few jobs out there that pay you to travel and see the country.
Long-haul truckers have a lot of autonomy.
Seasoned drivers who stick it out and learn the ropes can make up to $100,000 a year.
Many trucking companies provide employee benefits such as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Some even have paid vacation, retirement plans, and 401ks.
Truck driving is a way of life and isn't for everyone, but for those who enjoy the freedom and solitude of the open road, it seems like a good job.
This research squeegeed my third eye. It’s opened me up to a more empathic view of a long hauler’s life. I will never watch this video the same way again.
"Squeegeed my third eye"--that's fun to say. That footage is amazing.
A new lurker -- The music against the backdrop of the video was fantastic and somehow seemed to vibe with the monotony of driving. The music felt like it captured how the driver has to struggle to get his body to be part of the task of driving. Getting the two in synch just doesn't seem natural. Looking forward to reading some more and enjoying the music.