In my 15 years of watching truck drivers interact with waitresses, cashiers, shipping clerks, forklift drivers, mechanics, and heck, even other truckers, I’ve discovered that 99% of truckers think they’re in some way either, funny, amusing, interesting, unique, extremely handsome, or most likely, all of the above. Sadly, a big chunk of us aren’t any of those things. If you need proof of that, I’ve got over 90 blog posts you’re welcome to peruse. 
But that doesn’t mean that all of us are as annoying as a truck-trapped fly equipped with a bullhorn and a teeny-tiny jetpack. I’m sure there are some drivers out there who actually are funny, amusing, interesting, or unique, and possibly even too sexy for their shirt. Well here’s your chance to prove it.
The Speed Channel is looking for drivers who are interested in being on a new show about truckers.
It’s called Payload, and it’s being called an “adventure race.” While they’re naturally keeping the details of the race locked up at CIA headquarters, I can tell you that there will be four drivers competing for a whopping $70,000! There will be seven legs of the race (each worth $10,000) and all four drivers will do all seven legs. So if you’re the super-trucker that you think you are, you could win all seven legs and be $70,000 richer! Just remember that I’m your friend if that happens. I’ve had my eye on a decked out 13″ MacBook Air. 
I’d say from the looks of the Payload video that this show looks like it’s got a heck of a lot of potential for making truckers look good for a change of pace. Check it out for yourself. And if my server is slower than a Prime truck at full throttle, you can also see the video at www.payloadcasting.com.
Let me clarify something that was in the text at the end of the video. When I watched this video for the first time, I thought, Oh great. Since it mentioned showing off your skills in YOUR rig, they must only be looking for owner/operators. Well, I’ve got good news for you company drivers. I contacted Marc Levine (one of the casting directors for the show) and found out that casting is open to ALL truck drivers, both owner/operators and company drivers!
Marc said that finding the right drivers was first and foremost. And if that means that some of the “right” drivers wind up being company drivers, that they’d supply a truck for him/her to drive. Cool, huh? You know, now that I think about it, Marc actually said they were looking for the right “characters.” I’m not sure how he meant that, but I know some of you fit that category for sure. Or maybe you know someone who’d be perfect for the show?
Well here’s the thing. If you or a buddy wants to be a part of this show, you’d better kick it into Georgia Overdrive and get your video and application in quick. The deadline is May 18 and they don’t want you waiting around until the last minute. So don’t screw around and mess up your chances. Pretend like you’re hauling an expedited load and get it to them ASAP.
If you’re interested in putting your name in the hat, go to www.payloadcasting.com for more details or you can contact Marc Levine or Heather May directly at . Be sure to include a brief description of yourself, a history of your trucking experience, two recent photos of you and your truck, and a phone number to reach you. A brief video would also help them get a good idea of your camera mojo.
So what are you waiting for? You could either sit around here and wait another month for me to put up another blog post, or you could get yourself on Payload, earn some extra dough, and finally convince everyone that you’re as cool as you’ve been telling everyone for years. And let’s face it. About the only way that will ever happen is for everyone to see your ugly mug on the Speed Channel.
© 2012, Truck Drivers News Blog. All rights reserved.
Ice road truckers is also a great show! This one appears to be from more of the side of the truckers rather than the actual trucking. This will make for good TV.
I have to admit that I don’t watch much TV… especially reality shows. But you’re right about Ice Road Truckers. If I find it as I’m clicking the remote, I nearly always stop and watch for a while.
I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping Payload on the Speed Channel will expose the lives of regular truckers to the public. Let’s face it, while IRT is pretty cool, it’s not exactly the same time of things we normal truckers deal with. I’m just hoping that they show some of the things we deal with every day, from the idiot 4-wheelers, to the inconsiderate shippers/receivers, to getting stuck at a truck stop for 36 hours. You know, every day real stuff.
I know Payload is going to have an “adventure race” aspect to it. I’m just praying that they’ll sneak in some real life to fill in the gaps.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. Hope you enjoy the show.