April 2026
I’m excited about this writing. I’ve thought of it several times and couldn’t decide who I might feature in disguise. Then I realized there were so many possibilities of different and potentially unexpected outcomes. Considering this I knew it had to be of the entire group and not any one particular specimen. Some might be offended. Some might just think it comical and be grateful to have lived through it. Then some might feel honored of the mention. On the side of caution, I’ll proceed. A lot of potentially wasted words count on this introduction, so I ask that you just relax, be patient, and be open to the possibility of being entertained. This is of a time well past the statute of limitations. Read on.
On any given Saturday or Sunday afternoon they would inevitably show up at Mid Eastern. Many differences in the similarity of these men and women. Some had constant ride along and drive along wives or girlfriends. Some might eat a picnic sort of meal out back, throw a frisbee, others head to the truck stop, some jump on those gaming machines, and some shopped for some few available parts. Some even knew what needed to be done at Mid Eastern, over at the Truck Stop and well at every place along the way to anywhere. One of the commonalities among this group was penny loafers. Nicely and richly polished leather slip-ons. Many kept a shiny penny in that front flap. Hey, some of these cats would slip those off upon entering the truck to make certain those floors remain spotless. It was a time of most patiently waiting for a wash and enjoying those around.
These folks showed up in cab overs, long hoods, 13 letter Shift Spreaders, KW’s, PB’s, Occasional Frt.-’Shakers, and maybe some others I’m not thinking of. Can’t remember ever seeing one of this gang in a VW. Those trucks were somehow not allowed in. As to this group, in some timeframe they all did the “Pompano Shuffle” once or twice or so a month. All this group pulled those trailers with a motor on the front. (Refrigerated / Refers) Hauling something southbound, usually a bit heavy and on the weekend. Unload down south Sunday night, early Monday morning and head to the loading points of the Pompano FL produce pack-house market, and or maybe out to a farm or two to complete the order right out of the field and head north. Tuesday night delivery at the NY Hunts Point farmer’s market. A fresh food distribution center on steroids to feed the masses. Unloaded, grab a standard load mid-week southbound and repeat. This meant they would likely pass the normal weekend south-bounders at Mid Eastern as they were headed north with number two. I will just politely make an observation that these wildcats, all of them, that passed through twice in a week headed in the same direction were different the second time they passed. The “Pompano Shuffle”! I’m telling you something as I am witness, some of them (on round two) slipped around in their loafers lighter on their feet than Michael Jackson. Often, they had some of the same arm and hand signals too. If you’re guilty, just grin with gratefulness that you’re still here. If you saw it and don’t want to own it, you just grin too. If you weren’t guilty but knew about it, don’t judge, just grin. Be careful, there is a lot of glass out there, probably some near you and Me. Think, it’ll come to you.
Here’s the “punch line” and the tie in. The “Red Frame” Gang. These were predominantly a group of NC guys that were truly serious truckers. When you saw that exposed red frame on a truck that had that certain glimmer look, it was generally evident. These were trucks and combo units of all shapes, levels of equipment, short, long, old and some new but all were well kept and with great Pride. Maybe something we as a people have become a bit short on. Some of these turned out to be great friends. The salt of the earth, loyal, and well rooted God-fearing families. Don’t you worry, these aren’t the only group. I might write about those Green produce guys soon, and I’m NOT talking about those cabbage trucks.
To all you guys in or out of the group I give thanks. I’m once again way over on the word count. You Wildcats stay safe and be kind to your neighbors. The world is greatly changed as we are also. Oh yes, you are, you are a lot older too. Do good. Peace!