Their passion for transportation is fueled by a fondness for the open road and quality time spent together. Although they appreciate the expansive views outside their truck, they are content to share the relatively tiny cab that serves as their home for days.
Shabnam and Palwinder Singh, also known as Pooja and Pal on their YouTube channel Punjabi transportation Couple, demonstrate their transportation lifestyle by uploading videos in Hindi and Punjabi to their over 10,000 subscribers.
Pooja, 27, and Pal, 28, who work as a longhaul team for Day To Day Logistics in Mississauga, Ontario, chuckle when they hear people discuss requiring their own space. Pooja states, "We don't want any space because we enjoy being together; in fact, we are always together."
According to Pal, if there is an argument and tempers flare, one retires to bed while the other drives. When they awake, their wrath has vanished. "We park, make out, and make up," he says, grinning widely.
Even though they don't mind pointing a camera at themselves while vlogging about their travels, Pal says they are introverts at heart. We have few acquaintances, and our interests are comparable.
The couple first met in 2016 and wed in 2018. Since beginning to drive seven years ago, Pal wanted Pooja to accompany him at work. Prior to obtaining her A/Z license in 2021 and beginning transportation, she held other positions. Pooja states, "Now I don't want to work anywhere else."
Although they enjoy the transportation lifestyle, staying healthy is difficult, and Pal struggles with his weight. When the pandemic struck in 2019 and facilities were closed, he regained 40 kg that he had previously lost. Over the past five years, he has also suffered from a herniated disc.
He reports that they slowed down their schedule three months ago so he could concentrate on working out and losing weight, opting to run shorter routes instead of their preferred weekly trips to California.
For a time, it was effective, and Pal lost 10 kilograms, but then she gained 5 kilograms. Pal states, "I enjoy eating, and it is my responsibility. When I'm at home, I don't eat well, but when I'm in the truck, I eat well; this is why I enjoy being on the road.
Every two hours, he pulls over and inspects the vehicle while driving. He is compelled to proceed. Pal claims that working makes it more difficult to reduce weight. "If I am not traveling, I can work out six times per week. I can either labor or exercise."
Pooja adds that they usually find the opportunity to go for a walk, but occasionally they are unable to.
Pooja and Pal take a little additional time while transporting cargo to and from California. They exercise at gyms along the route, walk on trails, and record videos whenever possible. Due to the fact that they only consume fresh, home-cooked or truck-cooked food, they must purchase for groceries in the United States as certain foods cannot be brought across the border.
Pooja claims that she prepares nutritious meals while seated on the floor of her cab. Pal says with a smile, "She is slim and can fit in that small space, whereas I will likely get stuck." What is his function? "Chopping meat, vegetables, and fruit," they collectively respond.
The couple intended to relinquish the rented room, purchase a larger vehicle, and move into the truck. They desired to spend their 36-hour resets in hotels while traveling and experiencing various locations. However, since the pace of work has slowed, this plan is on pause.
Social media influencers
Pooja and Pal say that their videos have inspired others to enter the transportation industry. They receive messages and remarks from viewers, including couples who are currently team drivers. "They tell us, 'If you can do it, we can do it,'" says Pal.
In addition to using other social media, they have recently initiated a podcast. They intend to continue trucking for the time being, but plan to relocate to the East Coast, purchase a home, and launch a business. Travel will play a major role in their destiny. Pooja states, "We want to travel the world." Pal adds, "We don't want to just scratch the surface; we want to explore locations for extended periods of time."
