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In The Driver's Seat: Interstate Trucking -- a Journey
People asked me, "What's interstate trucking like? What's it really like out there on the road?" My short answer was always the "You have to like being alone." In The Driver's Seat — memoir, travelogue, portrait of an industry — is the long answer.
One month after his 45th birthday, Marc Mayfield became a long-haul truck driver, something he'd always wanted to do. Away from home for weeks at a time, he crisscrossed America in 18-wheelers. Drove into sunsets and, often, through the night. Learned firsthand that truckers compensated by the mile are shortchanged with each paycheck, that the federal Hours of Service of Drivers are as unrealistic as they are dangerous, that every day out there brought threats to his truck, his cargo, and his life. But he loved the solitude of a truck cab and traveled more than one million accident-free miles. Along the way, he all but destroyed his marriage. Then he met someone he didn't know he'd been looking Himself.
One month after his 45th birthday, Marc Mayfield became a long-haul truck driver, something he'd always wanted to do. Away from home for weeks at a time, he crisscrossed America in 18-wheelers. Drove into sunsets and, often, through the night. Learned firsthand that truckers compensated by the mile are shortchanged with each paycheck, that the federal Hours of Service of Drivers are as unrealistic as they are dangerous, that every day out there brought threats to his truck, his cargo, and his life. But he loved the solitude of a truck cab and traveled more than one million accident-free miles. Along the way, he all but destroyed his marriage. Then he met someone he didn't know he'd been looking Himself.
316 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2011
14 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Marc Mayfield
5 books25 followersInterested in just about everything, I'm particularly drawn to electric guitars, science, history, the natural world, Bretz floods, art, books, firearms, and architecture. The universe is one fascinating place.
I read for writing rather than story, which over the years has steered me toward nonfiction and away from fiction. But not always. If a writer's words are brought together with care, I'll stay with him or her to the last page.
In The Driver's Seat is my first book. I'm at work on two more--another memoir and a novel of revenge--plus two screenplays. No tattoos, yet. And yes, I really drove 18-wheelers more than one million accident-free miles.
I read for writing rather than story, which over the years has steered me toward nonfiction and away from fiction. But not always. If a writer's words are brought together with care, I'll stay with him or her to the last page.
In The Driver's Seat is my first book. I'm at work on two more--another memoir and a novel of revenge--plus two screenplays. No tattoos, yet. And yes, I really drove 18-wheelers more than one million accident-free miles.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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September 22, 2011You have to like being alone, tired very very tired, and able to deal with idiots. Dispatch, shippers, receivers, 4 wheelers. I can't wait to read this book! See how realistic it actually is. 13 years on the road, so I'll know.
FYI~ Most truck drivers (myself included) can't stand the term "trucker". We're drivers. You can't "truck" anything but you can "drive".
This was not a Giveaway win but the author sent it to me for review.
FYI~ Most truck drivers (myself included) can't stand the term "trucker". We're drivers. You can't "truck" anything but you can "drive".
This was not a Giveaway win but the author sent it to me for review.
March 31, 2019
I love trucks!
What can I say...I'm a transportation geek. Some of my favorite topics are trucks, motorcycle s, and trains. This book did not disappoint. This chronicles one trucker's dream of life on the open road. He takes you from his first dream of trucking, shows you around by explaining jargon, and ends with his last day on the road. Along the way you are treated to : how to drive a truck (literally), crappy dispatchers and harrowing weather. Such a fun read!!
What can I say...I'm a transportation geek. Some of my favorite topics are trucks, motorcycle s, and trains. This book did not disappoint. This chronicles one trucker's dream of life on the open road. He takes you from his first dream of trucking, shows you around by explaining jargon, and ends with his last day on the road. Along the way you are treated to : how to drive a truck (literally), crappy dispatchers and harrowing weather. Such a fun read!!
April 8, 2019
Bought this book because I am in the same boat as Marc was. After a 20 plus year career as a firefighter/paramedic I am retiring to pursue a career in trucking. Loved this book and couldn’t put it down, read it while on shift and still in uniform. Maybe regret it but I truck driving was my childhood dream. Just took a 20 plus year break driving Red ones
April 12, 2019
Very good read! I'm entertaining the idea of coming out of 13 years of retirement (retired when I was 35) and becoming an OTR driver. This book was VERY enlightening and enjoyable to read! Whether or not you want to be a truck driver, this book is good for anyone who would like to get their perspective of the road. Highly recommend!!!
July 13, 2019
Was looking to learn about life as an OTR trucker for a work project. The writing exceeded my expectations and I found it hard to put down.
March 30, 2020
Great read!
This was a well written book giving a glimpse into the life of some of our most often overlooked hero’s of the road.
This was a well written book giving a glimpse into the life of some of our most often overlooked hero’s of the road.
August 15, 2023
Years on the road
An interesting account of life in an eighteen wheeler. Lots of information on the trucking business. Years of good and bad. A good read.
An interesting account of life in an eighteen wheeler. Lots of information on the trucking business. Years of good and bad. A good read.
August 24, 2014
This is a self-published memoir. Mayfield had admired 18-wheelers ever since he was a kid, but he didn't take up trucking as a career until he was 45. He instantly loved it and stuck with it for many years. He loved the solitude and the opportunity to see sights all around the U.S. and Canada, and he was good at the job.
I found the inside look at trucking to be pretty interesting. One hears of the lack of sleep, the poor condition trucks may or may not be in, the hazards of the job... so it was interesting to learn about those from the driver's perspective. I'll be looking at trucks and truckers in a new light as I travel along our highways.
The story, however, isn't successful at what Mayfield attempts - showing how through his trucking years he "met someone he didn't know he'd been looking for: himself." (Quote is from the back cover.) I waited for the introspection, the self-discovery, the life-altering awakening, but didn't find it. He constantly wonders whether or not he wants to stay married or should he be a lonely trucker for the rest of his days. His poor wife, waiting for his infrequent stops at home, claims she loves him, but he never expressed a reciprocal love for her. His final decision is made by default, or inertia; certainly not by any self-discovery.
Not a well-resolved story, IMO. It's a little bit interesting, but needs the help of a good editor and publisher.
I found the inside look at trucking to be pretty interesting. One hears of the lack of sleep, the poor condition trucks may or may not be in, the hazards of the job... so it was interesting to learn about those from the driver's perspective. I'll be looking at trucks and truckers in a new light as I travel along our highways.
The story, however, isn't successful at what Mayfield attempts - showing how through his trucking years he "met someone he didn't know he'd been looking for: himself." (Quote is from the back cover.) I waited for the introspection, the self-discovery, the life-altering awakening, but didn't find it. He constantly wonders whether or not he wants to stay married or should he be a lonely trucker for the rest of his days. His poor wife, waiting for his infrequent stops at home, claims she loves him, but he never expressed a reciprocal love for her. His final decision is made by default, or inertia; certainly not by any self-discovery.
Not a well-resolved story, IMO. It's a little bit interesting, but needs the help of a good editor and publisher.
February 29, 2012
Marc gives an incredible first-person account of life on the road driving an 18-wheeler. From earning his CDL to his first accident to leasing his own truck to marital struggles as a result of him never being home, Marc's tale is honest and provides readers with insight into the work of semi-truck drivers.
The book is written almost as a stream of consciousness, with various memories strung together related to a particular theme, but the majority of the story occurs in chronological order, from the day Marc decides to become a truck driver to the day he faces a tough final decision: life on the road or life with his wife.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
The book is written almost as a stream of consciousness, with various memories strung together related to a particular theme, but the majority of the story occurs in chronological order, from the day Marc decides to become a truck driver to the day he faces a tough final decision: life on the road or life with his wife.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
August 13, 2011
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it. I wasn't sure what to expect from a 'trucking memoir'. What I got was a fascinating insight into life on the road. From the beginning of his career to the end, we are teated to a candid view of the authors life. Written part as anecdote and part diary, it was funny, moving and very informative. We learn it can be lonely, humbling, difficult but above all life changing being a Trucker.
I recommend this, as it is a good read. Never mind that it is a 'trucking memoir', it is a very funny and informative book.
I recommend this, as it is a good read. Never mind that it is a 'trucking memoir', it is a very funny and informative book.
March 21, 2013
I've read books written by professors of the linguistic arts who don't write as well as Mayfield.
He can carry on with his story and insert bits of relevant information along the way smoothly and seamlessly. He can tell of situations that would raise the ire of a saint and yet keep his cool. He can take happenings that actually invite embellishment and make them stand out on their own. As a veteran trucker myself, I can testify that Mark has seen a lot of territory and has a gift for telling about it. 'In the Driver's Seat' was best read I've had in months!
He can carry on with his story and insert bits of relevant information along the way smoothly and seamlessly. He can tell of situations that would raise the ire of a saint and yet keep his cool. He can take happenings that actually invite embellishment and make them stand out on their own. As a veteran trucker myself, I can testify that Mark has seen a lot of territory and has a gift for telling about it. 'In the Driver's Seat' was best read I've had in months!
October 4, 2011
Marc Mayfield's book, In the Driver's Seat, provides a wonderful opportunity to follow his 10 year career as a long distance truck driver. Through hard work and perserverance, he was able to do something he had always wanted to do and his story is memorable. Marc Mayfield learned a great deal about the profession as well as learning about himself.
This is a beautifully written book and I highly recommend it.
I received this book at no charge in exchange for a review.
This is a beautifully written book and I highly recommend it.
I received this book at no charge in exchange for a review.
November 20, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book. Having worked in the trucking industry, albeit not as a driver, this book brought back memories of the trucking scene in the late 80's, early 90's for me. It's very well written, with well drawn characters and interesting anecdotes woven together to paint a vivid picture of 10 years of a driver's life.
It's not an easy life, but it can be addictive, and like Marc says, "You have to like being alone". I wish I had enough years left to try it myself!
It's not an easy life, but it can be addictive, and like Marc says, "You have to like being alone". I wish I had enough years left to try it myself!
December 3, 2012
I thought this book was great! It tells everything from when he started out in trucking to the end. If I had to recommend a book to someone this would have to be the one. One of the best books I have read in a long time.
December 13, 2012
Definite must-read for anyone in the transportation industry and anyone that wants to know what trucker's really have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
September 23, 2011
A very good book, this. Really hits the long-haul-trucking nail on the head.
February 19, 2019
If you enjoy adventure and exploring the unknown, if the call of the road appeals to you but the safety of a nice little cubicle is something you aren't ready to give up then I urge you to take a moment and explore - not the mountains, not the deepest jungles of some far off land or the depths of the mysterious ocean, not even the vastness and unending space which we are only just beginning to explore... no, much closer to home, the highways and byways of America. It is the story of your life, even if you don't know it. It is the story of how the things you buy get to you told by one of the guy's out there doing it.
Believe me, I know what you're thinking "A book, written by a truck driver?" I had the same thought when I picked it up off the shelf at the thrift store (I try to never pay retail for a book and thrift stores and used book stores have some great finds... case in point) but it was all of about $2 so it wasn't much of a gamble. I can easily say I got my money's worth and more.
Mayfield writes in first person with a very conversational style that sits you in the cab with him as he criss crossess America behind the wheel of a big rig; from accidents to truck stop diners to good drivers and bad drivers and dispatchers who act like petty despots and endanger drivers, the cargo they carry, and the citizens around them, this book has everything you ever wanted to know about those trucks you see on the highway and the people who sit in them, above you and out of view.
Believe me, I know what you're thinking "A book, written by a truck driver?" I had the same thought when I picked it up off the shelf at the thrift store (I try to never pay retail for a book and thrift stores and used book stores have some great finds... case in point) but it was all of about $2 so it wasn't much of a gamble. I can easily say I got my money's worth and more.
Mayfield writes in first person with a very conversational style that sits you in the cab with him as he criss crossess America behind the wheel of a big rig; from accidents to truck stop diners to good drivers and bad drivers and dispatchers who act like petty despots and endanger drivers, the cargo they carry, and the citizens around them, this book has everything you ever wanted to know about those trucks you see on the highway and the people who sit in them, above you and out of view.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews