For long-haul truckers, life is always on the ‘Fast’ lane

Life of a long-distance trucker is always a daring adventure. Rain, storm or scorching sun, they will have to munch miles to make their delivery on time. In between, there is little time to eat and sleep. And the lifestyle remains the same even during Ramadan, where Muslims are obligated to fast every day from dawn to sunset.

That part, however, is easy for them, but breaking the fast remains a task. Most of them don’t have the luxury to go to their home to break their fast. Meaning cooking and eating on trucks or roadsides is the only option. The lifesaver, during Ramadan for drivers, is a mini kitchen inside their trucks, as chances of finding a safe parking place near a restaurant are minimal. “Finding a proper parking place which is safe is an arduous task,” says a trucker, who brings fruits, vegetables and other edible goods to Bahrain markets. Mohammed delivers fruits to Bahrain from Jordan.

“I have to cook on my truck to save time,” Mohammed told Tribune while pointing at his truck. Safety of trucks and cargo, according to him, prevents truckers from going to restaurants. Restaurants also mostly don’t provide parking for trucks. He blames urbanization as one of the reasons for this predicament. “Besides, there is a perpetual rush to deliver the good on time.” “This truck is my home and my kitchen,” Mohammed said.

He carries kitchen utensils all times. “So that I could prepare food whenever I want.” It is a general rule for long-haul truckers to carry kitchen equipment and utensils, just like Mohammed does in a specially made cabin hidden beneath the truck. One could find anything and everything required inside from utensils, fuel, stoves to vegetables.