Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century

A slang term referring to Amazon CamperForce employees who work night shifts and sleep during the day. The night shift is considered a good shift to work because the warehouse is heated at night, and employees don’t have to worry about heating their vehicles at night.

A term created by Bob Wells on his blog, CheapRVLiving.com. It refers to an alternative lifestyle living off the grid in an RV or other vehicle on a small budget. Those who take part in “boondocking” often rely upon electricity, water, and sewage hook-ups that are commonly found in RV parks. The term can also apply to living in a vehicle somewhere remote or rural.

Amazon’s work force specifically made up of American nomads who agree to work as seasonal employees at fulfillment companies around the United States. These workers typically work during the Christmas and holiday season. Many of these employees are senior citizens who end up working long, physically demanding hours under harsh conditions for little pay. A number of the people Bruder follows work for CamperForce over the course of the book.