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Black History Month leaders: Driver Dee Sova thrives on helping others

During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Dee Sova, a driver for Prime Inc., is recognized as one of this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. Sova said she decided to become a professional truck driver nearly 30 years ago when, as a single mother, she wanted to provide a better lifestyle for her family. During her years on the road, she has racked up close to 3 million safe miles. Today, Sova has three adult daughters and her husband has one son; together they have 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sova and her husband drive as an over-the-road team hauling fresh, frozen and dry goods. The couple’s 11-pound Chihuahua is an honorary member of the driving team, and Sova said her husband cooks on the truck, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her 30-minute breaks, Sova’s favorite activities are connecting with family and friends via Facebook and Instagram. In addition, she said, she has recently started reading personal growth and development books. Having a chance to see this beautiful country and meeting a lot of people along the way are two of the things Sova likes best about being a professional truck driver. She loves meeting people that help her “get to the next level,” and connecting with those people is very important to her. “I meet most of these people while shopping,” she said with a giggle. Sova also wants the public to know what an awesome a career the trucking industry can provide. “The industry is constantly changing, so new drivers must be prepared to roll with those changes as they come,” she said. “While it is exciting to see the beautiful country, drivers make a commitment to leave their families to serve the needs of others. They do so with pride and deserve to be valued. This industry has a multitude of opportunities, but it takes a servant’s heart to plug into it long-haul.”

Maverick names TJ Hargis, Scott Claiborne 2020 drivers of the year

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maverick Transportation has named TJ Hargis the company’s 2020 over-the-road (OTR) driver of the year, and Scot Claiborne as the 2020 dedicated driver of the year. These honors are awarded each year to the Maverick drivers who not only demonstrate an outstanding commitment to safety but also exhibit great character and professionalism in all aspects of their role. “I’m very proud of Tommy (TJ) and Scott for their achievements throughout their careers here at Maverick and now meeting the ultimate achievement by being voted in as our OTR and dedicated drivers of the year,” said John Coppens, vice president of operations for Maverick. As drivers of the year, Hargis and Claiborne will be the representatives for Maverick drivers on the road as well as in communication with the Maverick leadership team. TJ Hargis, 2020 OTR driver of the year “It is such an honor. I was surprised!” Hargis said. “The first time I was named a Maverick Driver of the Month, I was excited. I’ve always been so happy at Maverick.” “This time around, I was a little more nervous, but I truly didn’t think I’d get it,” he continued. “When John [Culp] said my name, I didn’t know what to do. I’ve gotten a lot of words of encouragement from other Mavericks. I don’t think it has really hit me yet.” According to Hargis, finding his support group at Maverick has been an integral part of his journey to becoming driver of the year. “Find your support group of other drivers, office personnel and shop personnel that are going to give you good advice so when you have questions, they are your go-to,” Hargis said. As a 13-year employee of Maverick, Hargis has some thoughts for incoming drivers. “Maverick has great benefits and pay, and no one else can beat them. They have been around long enough and when I walk through the building, I can sit down with anyone and talk business or shoot the breeze with them,” he said. “They are upfront and honest, and their equipment is always kept up well. They are family-oriented, and they have proven that many times with me.” Scott Claiborne, 2020 dedicated driver of the year “It was very cool as everyone spoke during the announcement. It is such an honor to be included with all of these professional drivers,” Claiborne said. He credits his drive- trainer, fellow Mavericks and experienced gained during his previous nondriving career for his success at Maverick. “I earned my CDL-A and spoke with one of (Maverick’s) drivers. He was very honest and told me we would be trained well, and if we worked hard, it would pay off,” Claiborne said. “Running a truck is very much like running a trading desk, (something I used to do),” he continued. “Looking at time constraints, fuel, traffic — it all made sense. That clicked with me.” Claiborne shares these words of encouragement with new drivers: “Take your time, and be patient.”

Black History Month leaders: Derrick Whittle finds joy in helping others find their way

During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Derrick Whittle, a driver for Cargo Transporters Inc., is recognized as one of this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. During his 41-plus years as a professional truck driver, Whittle has logged more than 3.8 million accident-free miles. He will celebrate 29 years with Cargo Transporters this July. Before entering the trucking industry, Whittle served in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he discovered a fascination with large machinery, from ships to aircraft. “I just had an affinity for large vessels,” he said. While in the Coast Guard, Whittle travelled home via Greyhound bus during leave. He loved buses, and upon his discharge from the Coast Guard, he wanted to become a bus driver. Unfortunately, the minimum age to be a bus driver was 25 — and Whittle was only 21. Whittle’s older brother suggested becoming a truck driver and connected him with a driving school instructor. Whittle stepped up to the challenge, finishing in the top 10 of the class. Whittle says being a professional truck driver is the perfect career for him. “What I do works well for me. It is hard for me to sit still for very long, so driving a truck I get to see the country; I am basically a paid tourist!” he said, adding that one of the most inspiring aspects of being a truck driver is having the chance to meet people across the country. In addition to driving a big rig, Whittle is an ordained minister. Throughout his career, he said, he has met a lot of people who are searching, and he enjoys helping others get back on track. “A person’s self being is more important to me. In the shape of the world today, this is what I need to do,” he explained. “I see the world differently and enjoy helping others find their purpose of living. When I see them smile, it is the best reward.” Recently, an Air Force veteran stopped to ask Whittle about his truck, which features a patriotic wrap, and Whittle gave him a tour, right there in the snow and rain. “My truck is such a magnet,” Whittle reflected. There is a connection there for him, and I love to bring all of that together.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Derrick said finds himself even more in demand as people struggle to find their purpose in an uncertain world. His advice? “There is a lot of unknown and the doctors are trying their best to explain and understand this. It is just a season and it will eventually pass,” he stated. “Be patient and be careful. We will get through this.”

Black History Month leaders: Charlton Paul works to encourage others

During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Charlton Paul, a driver for UPS Freight, is recognized as one of this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. Paul has been a professional truck driver for more than 25 years, and has worked for UPS Freight for the past 23 years. During that quarter-century of driving, he has accumulated more than 2.2 million accident-free miles. Paul became fascinated with trucking at age 7, while on a trip to the store with his father. While there, Paul says, he stopped to look at the “beautiful” truck unloading goods. Since then,  Paul was hooked, and could not wait to become a professional truck driver. “It is the most fantastic job,” said Paul when reflecting on his career as a professional truck driver. “When I sit down and actually think about what I am contributing to society, it is a huge honor for me.” Paul also discussed delivering medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as delivering equipment and textbooks that will be used to educate future engineers and leaders. Understanding the impact, he is having on someone else’s life through the goods he delivers makes his job even more important, he says. Paul’s family says they are very proud of his accomplishments and recognitions, from being honored at the White House by former President Donald Trump to being featured in UPS Magazine. As his family gains more of an understanding for what he does, he said, they have is a lot more appreciation for the entire trucking industry. “There is a reason behind everything,” Paul said while discussing the importance of educating the public on the trucking industry. Through the Share the Road program, Paul has seen students and adults recognize ways to drive differently after being educated about blind spots and the amount of distance it takes for a big truck to come to a complete stop. In his efforts to educate the public about sharing the road with big rigs, Paul gives a lot of praise to the advanced technologies in trucks today, noting, “Technology will never replace us, but (it) will continue to make us better drivers.” When he’s not educating the public about safe driving, Paul is teaching his peers at UPS Freight. During new-hire orientations, Paul writes this important piece of advice on the board: “Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.” “It is not just about me; it’s about my peers and pulling people up,” he explained, adding that he is honored and humbled to be at this stage of his career, and he hopes to use his platform and success to encourage others to be like him.

Black History Month leaders: Driver Herbert Holmes believes in giving 110% to his career

During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Herbert Holmes, a driver for Dayton, Ohio-based MTS, is recognized as one of this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. Holmes first started driving in 1999 after coming across an ad for trucking in the Sunday paper. “Having the freedom on the open road, seeing different things, going different places, meeting new people,” are just some of the reasons why he says he loves trucking. Holmes also enjoys being able to travel and get paid for it as part of his job. During his work week, depending on what needs to be delivered, Holmes usually drives to the Cleveland, Ohio, area as well as Louisville, Kentucky. While on the road, he says, he is committed to safety. He always stays alert and drives defensively. When asked what he’d say to those who is considering joining the trucking industry, Holmes said, “It’s a great career,” and spoke about the opportunities trucking can provide for an individual and his or her family. After learning more about the industry and what the day-to-day job of a truck driver looks like, he recommends that new drivers “jump in wholeheartedly” and “give it 110%.” Holmes also discussed the truck driver shortage and the need for more Black drivers — including Black female drivers — and mentioned the need for more recruitment at Black high schools and colleges. “A lot of young Black people don’t know about the (trucking) industry. There’s trucking jobs all over,” he said.

Visible values: Ohio company’s ‘charity truck’ pushes awareness, activism

When John Tibbs climbs into his rolling office and fires up the Volvo VNL760, he turns heads just about anywhere he goes. That’s thanks to the fully wrapped cab that features graphics of puzzle pieces and a handshake, arranged to form a heart. Amid the colorful shapes, slogans proclaim: “Celebrate neurodiversity” and “Help raise autism awareness.” The truck’s cab is crowned with the phrase, “There is no cure for being yourself.” Tibbs enjoys driving the truck — and not just because he topped many of his co-workers at Thomas E. Keller Trucking of Defiance, Ohio, for the honor. He also enjoys driving the rig because of the chance it gives him to share his unique perspective with people on the subject of autism. “I have two children that are plagued by the disorder,” he said. “One is 12; her name is Abigail. The other is getting ready to turn 19, and his name is Nicholas. He has it pretty severe.” This firsthand experience makes Tibbs the ideal ambassador for the company’s awareness truck. Wherever he goes, he’s either fielding questions or sharing stories with people who, like himself, have been personally impacted by the developmental disorder. “I get people coming up all the time wanting to take pictures of it. With all the information on the truck and all the colors, it kind of sticks out,” he said. “On this one particular occasion I had a gentleman that drives tractor-trailers who had a family member with him that deals with this disease. He asked me to take a picture of him and his daughter next to the truck,” he shared. “They were very excited to know what we were trying to accomplish, and I’ve had many people comment on the fact that they have a family member who is affected by this disorder and how much they appreciate the fact that we’re trying to raise money for families that are dealing with the same issues.” Such field reports are sweet music to the ears of Jonathan Wolfrum, president of Keller Trucking, a 250-tractor outfit that’s a subsidiary of Keller Logistics Group. Designating a company “charity truck” wasn’t his idea, but it quickly became a popular labor of love for the company’s 275 drivers. “I want to give credit to a company called Transland in Missouri. We’re in the ‘best practice’ group with them, called the TPP — the Transportation Profitability Program,” Wolfrum said. “You present a best idea at each one of our meetings. This is actually one of their ideas, to have a charity truck where every mile the truck drives, we donate. In this case, it’s three cents per mile to the cause,” he said. “They had a couple trucks that they’ve done that with in the past. We really thought it was a great idea.” Keller had already developed a culture of philanthropy, having launched a veterans’ foundation that has garnered the support of the local community to the tune of $300,000 over six years. Given that track record, a charity truck felt like a good fit — provided they could come up with the right cause. Wanting the widest buy-in possible, company leadership turned to the workforce for input. “We surveyed our employees, first thing,” Wolfrum said. “We put the idea out there and said, ‘We’re going to do this charity truck idea. We’ve not preselected any charity or foundation. Let us know what affects you.’ We got a ton of results in, and I’ll say an overwhelming majority mentioned autism affecting their lives in one way or another. “So, it was pretty clear to us that that’s what we wanted to do,” he explained. “At that point, we went to work doing some research and trying to understand the best way to go about it, from the design and what we wanted to support. That’s kind of how that all started.” The truck hit the road in September 2020 and since then has racked up 40,000 miles. Wolfrum said the decision was made to let the truck preach awareness rather than promote a specific organization, with the money going to projects that have a local impact. “We had someone local in the community who reached out to me who has a child with autism,” he said. “We have what’s called a splash pad, a local park with all the water toys and all that. There’s no fence around this splash pad, and children with autism tend to wander and they’re kind of hard to contain sometimes. “So, our first project we’re taking on is we’re going to build a fence around this splash pad, probably in the spring, and we’re going to fund that partially from the funds of this truck,” he continued. “The cost of that is probably going to be a little bit more than what we’ve contributed this first year with the truck alone, so we’re going to lead the fundraising efforts and get some other companies in the community involved to finalize that project.” Response to the truck has been so good, company leadership followed it up with a specially wrapped trailer, this time bringing awareness to domestic violence and human trafficking. The idea was brought to Keller’s management by the local chapter of anti-domestic violence nonprofit Zonta International. Lacey Spangler, a member of the local organization praised the company for getting on board with the effort, adding that the eye-catching graphics, which include a hotline number to report incidents of trafficking or for victims of abuse to get help, can save lives. “I think that just shows great initiative on their part, to help with an issue that is ongoing and that does involve the trucking industry,” Spangler said. “There’s so much involved with trafficking that can occur in trucks, with trucking as a front. I think it says a lot [about Keller] to be involved in the community and to help the community and then, to stand up and say we realize this is an issue and we’re going to put ourselves out there to help bring some light to it. “We want people to know there is help out there,” she said. “Putting that information on a truck that drives across the state and across the country really gets that message out there.” The company plans to keep the charity truck in circulation at least until the rig is traded out, usually after five years of service. Regardless, Wolfrum said, the spirit of community service and philanthropy will always be part of how the company does business. “We support our employees who are in the community, and it comes full circle,” he said. “We’ve got a ton of social media interaction on this — and while that wasn’t intent per se, it shows we’ve got people looking out for the truck. They see the truck, they go on our Facebook page and post. We just really get great acceptance to it. “We’ve always been committed to our employees first and then our community. The support that we’ve seen from this has really been overwhelming,” he concluded.

Black History Month leaders: Driver Ericka Rountree finds peace on the open road

During Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is recognizing the achievements of professional truck drivers for their modern-day successes in the trucking industry. Ericka Rountree a driver for Dayton, Ohio-based MTS, is recognized as one of this year’s Black History Month Leaders who are helping to move America forward every day. Rountree joined the trucking industry nearly seven years ago after coming across an ad for a truck-driving school. The decision to join the trucking industry was life-changing — and one of the best decisions she has ever made, she said. When describing her love for her job, Rountree spoke about how she enjoys driving — a trait she picked up from her dad, who was also a truck driver. Her father first drove trucks in the military; then later joined the U.S. trucking industry and started team driving with his wife. Rountree fondly remembers getting to ride along in the truck with her father on trips from Ohio to other states, including California and Florida. One of the reasons Rountree was drawn to trucking was because it allows for travel and can take you to almost any state. “You get to travel and meet different people from every ethnic background,” she said. Patience and safety while driving are important priorities for Rountree. “My biggest thing is safety first,” she said. “Take your time and pay attention. I’m a very cautious driver. I always give myself enough time, enough distance.” While making her daily round-trip deliveries from Ohio to Kentucky, Rountree enjoys the peace and quiet of the open road. “It’s my peace,” she explained. “I really enjoy my career. I love what I do.”

From banking to trucking: Determination drives Karen Noel to success behind the wheel

Some people get the bug early, growing up around trucks and the trucking industry, knowing they want to drive those huge machines someday. Others pursue a different path, coming to trucking later, often when the circumstances of life compel them to try something different. The latter is the case for Karen Noel. After a career spanning more than three decades in the banking industry, crunching numbers and reconciling accounts, she found herself behind the wheel. She also found recognition as Women In Trucking’s (WIT) January 2021 Member of the Month. “Working in banking, I never had a clue about trucks,” she said. Noel came to trucking when she was laid off from her banking job and her truck-driver husband, Roosevelt, invited her to ride along on the road. “I was amazed at the women drivers I saw,” she related. She spoke to those she met and, with their encouragement, began to shift her mindset from being a passenger to taking the wheel. “I decided to get my CDL so I could drive, too,” she said. She began by enrolling at Apex CDL Institute in Kansas City, Kansas. Once confronted with the realities of piloting a tractor-trailer, Noel said she had to face down some fears. “I had to overcome a lot of insecurities and questioned if I really wanted to do this job,” she recalled. As with many CDL students, backing an articulated vehicle did not come naturally for Noel. “Everything was backwards from my car,” she said. “It was hard to remember how to get the trailer to go in the direction I wanted.” Noel credits her husband for his patience while she developed her skills. “I practiced a lot, and my husband is very patient,” she related. “He makes me believe in myself.” She faced another insecurity after graduation, when she was faced with the prospect of completing a driver-finishing program with someone she had never met. “One company I applied to said I had to go with a female trainer, but I wanted to go with my husband, because I trust him,” she said. She and Roosevelt negotiated with potential employers, settling on Knight Transportation, which agreed to allow her husband to be her trainer. “If I had been with another trainer, I might not have made it,” she remarked. In the end, Noel’s tenacity — combined with Roosevelt’s patience — paid dividends. “My husband was my trainer, but I still had to pass the assessment to be allowed to drive,” she said. Pass she did, and the couple became an operating team for Knight. Soon, the urge to own their own truck took over — and so did Noel’s talent for investigating and organizing. They started with a well-known resource, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). “We met the OOIDA truck at one of our stops and got a lot of advice about owning our own truck,” she said. Next, they talked to other owner-operator teams. Noel’s banking background came into play as the couple formed a business plan. That plan include a change of carrier. Once they had a plan in place, they worked on obtaining a truck. “After talking to other owner-operators, we determined that we did not want to lease/purchase a truck,” she said. “We decided to buy.” They visited a Peterbilt dealer, planning to check out used equipment, but fate intervened. “Somebody had ordered a yellow Peterbilt 579 with the PACCAR engine and automated transmission,” she explained. That original deal never happened. After listening to their plan, the dealer offered terms that were acceptable. “The cards just kind of fell in place on that one.” The couple leased their new Pete to Forward Air, where they felt they could get the miles they need to make the business work. “We work open route. We run a lot of I-80, I-70 and I-40 and occasionally I-20,” she explained. “We like 2,000 to 2,400 mile runs when we can get them.” For Noel, winning the Member of the Month award from WIT helped validate her success in her new career. “It put me in a place to think I’m really a driver,” she explained. “I didn’t think it would happen and I thank God for it.” When she’s not on the road, Noel spends time with family. “When I’m home, I help care for the grandkids, and homeschool them when I can,” she said. “It’s harder when we’re gone so much.” While Noel credits her husband for his help, she says her soon-to-be 94-year-old mother, Rotina, helped instill Noel’s drive and determination. “She always had an ‘I can’ attitude,” she commented. Noel inherited that spirit and tries to pass it along to others. “You CAN,” she insisted. “There is no such thing as, ‘I can’t learn to do that.’ You can do anything you set your mind to.” Noel acknowledges the help she received while looking for a new career and wants to give something back. “I’d like to be able to help people who struggle with upward mobility,” she said. “I went to this program, ‘Connections to Success,’ and I’d like to get involved with them when I can.” She added, “They help a lot of people who are unemployed and discouraged.” Noel’s faith is another important value. “My faith is more important than ever, now that I’m driving,” she explained. “If I didn’t pray so much, I probably wouldn’t make it.” Until she began trucking, Noel attended services at her church on Sundays and Wednesdays. That’s not possible while on the road, but she does what she can. “We visit the Trucker Chapels at truck stops when we’re on the road,” she said. “My husband is a faithful man.” She reads a lot when she’s not driving, and she hopes to resume knitting and crocheting one day, when time permits. “I’d also like to learn to play a musical instrument,” she added. “I played the French horn in high school.” Whether she’s taking on a hobby or a new career, it’s a good bet Noel will find a way to succeed. “Believe in yourself and be determined,” she said. “Turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I WILL.’”

Rescued by a rig: Dogs give driver a reason to keep on trucking

Every morning, before she hits the road, Rebecca Washington takes her four dogs — Polly, Tucker, Junior and Ziggy — out for a 30-minute bathroom break. “They know in the mornings we’ve got to go, so … that’s not playtime,” Washington said. Tending to dogs is one of the things she does best, aside from driving for Road Legends, located in Lemont, Illinois. Though caring for four dogs simultaneously in the cab of her 2019 Kenworth T680 may seem unusual, having four dogs with her has not always been the case — in the past, Washington has traveled with even more. When Washington’s daughter, Jordan, went into early labor with Washington’s grandson, Hunter, Washington did not hesitate to bring her daughter’s dog, Nikki, into her rig for almost two months of dog sitting. Washington just happened to be passing through town when Jordan went into early labor. As Jordan was being transported to the hospital via ambulance, Washington loaded Nikki into her rig, while a friend loaded Jordan’s other children into their car. Because of the timing of the emergency, Jordan’s original plan of having a friend care for Nikki was not an option. Vehicles filled with adults, dogs and children followed the path of that ambulance to St. Louis from their hometown of Springfield, Missouri — roughly a three-hour drive. At the time, no one realized how long Jordan and baby Hunter would need to stay in the hospital. After Hunter was born, he required multiple surgeries on his back because of spina bifida. While most moms would be inclined to help their own families as much as possible, they might hesitate to go as far as Washington did in this case. Nikki joined six other dogs and four puppies — creating a grand total of 11 dogs — that were traveling over the road with Washington at the time. This was not the original plan, but Washington said she cannot sit idly when a dog is in need. A year and a half later, all is going well. “Oh, that little fat boy is just fine. He’s a happy boy,” Washington said. Nikki is also doing well, partially due to Washington’s sacrificial actions. Driving and dog ownership have always gone hand in hand for the Springfield, Missouri, resident. The choice to bring 11 dogs over the road for weeks at a time might seem astonishing to some, but this is not surprising to those who are close to Washington. “My friends call me ‘Elly May’,” said Washington, referring to Elly May Clampett, a character on “The Beverly Hillbillies” television series. Clampett was known for having a way with animals but could be tough as nails with recalcitrant humans when necessary. It is exactly this spirit that Washington embodies, and she is always in the right place at the right time to render aid to an animal in need — even if it means confronting difficult humans in the process. When Washington began her driving career 20 years ago, she had no intention of having 11 dogs on her rig. They came to her in a piecemeal fashion. She started out with one dog, a Shetland sheepdog named CiCi. CiCi was joined by Little Man, a Chihuahua/dachshund mix. Both dogs would ride with Washington for more than a decade before passing away. Polly, a rehomed Chihuahua that Washington acquired by responding to a Craigslist ad would be her next addition. “She’s the boss of the truck,” said Washington. “She thinks she owns [it].” Unbeknownst to Washington, that was only the beginning of her mission to rescue dogs. Chase, a miniature pinscher, earned his name and a place in the truck after a daunting seven-hour foot pursuit at a truck stop in California. “He was running under trucks and nobody knew whose puppy [he was],” Washington said. Chase fathered Tucker and Junior with Polly before passing away last year. “Junior is the most laid back, calm dog,” Washington said. “[Tucker] thinks he’s a big, bad pit bull. The vet said he weigh[s] 5 pounds,” she continued, adding that Tucker was supposed to be her granddaughter’s dog. “He ended up on the truck with me because he is so attached to his brother and his daddy. When I tried to leave him with my daughter, [he] stood up on his hind legs [and] was literally crying, with tears coming out of his eyes. He didn’t want to stay,” she explained. Next came Ziggy, a blue heeler. “This guy was dumping him out at a truck stop and was kicking him and throwing all of [Ziggy’s] stuff out [of his truck],” said Washington, who confronted the man. “He said, “I’m sick of him. I’m going to get rid of him. I’m going to leave him here. I said, “Over my dead body. If you don’t want him, put him in my truck. I’ll take him. It’s either me or the police,” she said. And so, in true Elly Mae fashion, Washington gained another member in her crew. Dogs are not the only animals Washington travels with in the truck. A gecko she acquired at Christmas will be her latest crew member. She intends to strap his terrarium in where the CB would typically go. “We had a traveling zoo,” she said. This is not the first reptile Washington has brought with her on the road, and she has hosted a variety of other creatures. In the past, she brought a bearded dragon, as well as ferrets, birds, cats and snakes, along for the ride. We’ve had it all on the truck,” she said. Nevertheless, it is the dogs that hold a special place in Washington’s heart. In the evening, after Washington stops for the night, she brings her dogs out of the rig for an extended bathroom break and playtime. If there is a dog park available, she will bring all four dogs out at once. “I couldn’t drive without my dogs,” she said. “They are the reason why I do what I do,” she said. “[Trucking] gets very lonely sometimes. I really feel like they are the ones that keep me going.” In the end, it can be hard to tell who truly rescued whom.

Driver Q&A: On the Road with Frankie Faulk

Over-the-road driver Frankie Faulk answered a few questions about her career on the road in a recent interview with The Trucker. Q: Where do you call home? A: Lumberton, North Carolina Q: How long have you been a truck driver? A: Two years Q: How long do you spend on the road at a time? A: This varies for me since I’m a mother, but typically, no longer than three months. I try my best to make it home for holidays, birthdays, school open houses, first day of school and special occasions. In the summer, I bring one of my children with me and we ride for three months. They love it because it enhances what they’ve learned about different states from their textbooks. Q: Why did you seek a career as a truck driver? A: When it was time to take family road trips, I was always ready, and I volunteered to be the designated driver. My family often complimented my driving skills and told me that I was a great driver. Once I got serious about switching careers, I started researching the trucking industry to see if it would be a good fit for someone like me — a woman and mother of three children. I found out that there are so many women and moms in the industry doing what I wanted to do — drive. The reason I chose to drive for Prime is because they celebrate women in the industry. Q: Will you tell us a little about being a lease operator? A: Being a lease operator, or independent contractor, is like running your own small business but having the safety net of still being with a company at the same time. To me, being a lease operator is the best of both worlds. You don’t force dispatch, and it comes with more freedom than being a company driver. Q: What did you look for in a trucking company to lease to? A: I actually didn’t know much about leasing. Initially, my thought was not to buy a truck but to be a truck driver. However, when I was researching schools for my commercial driver’s license (CDL), Prime was one of my top three choices. I followed Prime on social media, read their reviews on indeed.com, and read their website, which lists all the options they offer. When I was in training at Prime, my trainer talked with me about lease-purchase opportunities. I then weighed the pros and cons and decided that leasing was the best choice for me. Q: What’s your advice to anyone looking to become a truck driver? A: For women who want to come on the road, understand you are not alone. We are out here doing it and making it look great! If you have children and they are smaller, I would wait until they are older. If you have a support system at home, that’s definitely a plus. Do your own research about companies, and jot down the pros and cons of your top choices. Go where you feel is best for you. Come with an open mind, be teachable, have patience and LEARN. Don’t stop learning. Q: More specifically what is your advice for anyone looking to become a lease operator? A: The trucking industry is constantly evolving and requires a commitment to the craft. As with any business, it has its ups and downs, but the good outweighs the bad. My advice for anyone looking to become a lease operator is to research the options available in the industry — and never be afraid to ask questions. This is one of the most diverse industries that I have worked in. It includes many different people who have been driving for years, and newbies like myself. Everyone will have an opinion, but you have to find the option that works best for you. For me, the multiple short- and long-term leasing options offered by Prime were a good match with my career goals. To find your match, educate yourself on the leasing programs available in the industry and select the option that closely aligns with your career goals.  

The Road’s Scholar: Longtime driver earns degree one mile, one class at a time

Like a lot of drivers, Martin Dover loves what he does — and has ever since the first time he climbed into the cab of a truck. Like a lot of drivers, he’s experienced the joys of the open road and the perils of being apart from his family, which are part and parcel of the career he’s chosen. But unlike a lot of drivers, who after a long day want only to get some grub and shuteye, Dover shifts into a new gear when he puts his rig in park for the night. The 32-year-old fires up his computer, logs on and tends to the day’s schoolwork, moving him one step closer to his dream of earning a bachelor’s degree in logistics and transportation. “You have options as to how many classes you’re willing to take,” he said. “I’m currently taking two classes per quarter, and that’s considered full-time. Each class is eight weeks long. I have to read about what topic we’re discussing and then post in a discussion forum by either Wednesday or Thursday (of each week), depending on the class. Then, by Sunday, I have to do a quiz or write a paper.” He shrugs. “The workload isn’t too heavy,” he said. Granted, compared to the physical demands and inherent hazards of over-the-road trucking, reading a couple of chapters or knocking out a quiz feels like small potatoes. Nonetheless, Dover‘s motivation to see his degree through is admirable. At five years and counting, the road to earning a college degree is the longest haul this driver has been on, outdistancing runs to 48 states and Canada. “I currently have 79 out of 120 needed credits. My personal goal is to be done with it by the first of 2022,” he said. “I had to take a break after two years because I was involved in an accident and everything got destroyed. I actually rolled my semi.” Another shrug. “No harm, no foul,” he said. As a population category, truck drivers have lower than average educational attainment compared to workers in other professions, per the U.S. Census Bureau. Only 7% of truck drivers hold a bachelor’s degree compared to 35% of workers overall, even as the industry has reached an all-time high in number of drivers  (3.5 million). That growth is driven by younger adults who typically have more education. These facts aren’t lost on Dover, who said he doesn’t see many of his peers sharing in his goal of earning a college degree. “For your Average Joe driver, I don’t think it’s something that they might be interested in,” he said. “To be honest, people coming into this industry are money-driven. They’re not exactly pursuant to higher learning.” Dover said this is a troubling fact, particularly in the case of veterans who have the GI Bill at their disposal to help pay for their college coursework. And those ranks are considerable. According to the Census Bureau an average of one in 10 drivers served in the military, as did Dover. “There are military personnel out there that come fresh out of the service and they get into truck driving — and they have the GI bill laying around,” he said. “I strongly recommend it to all military people to use that to their benefit, because it’s not that hard to get your degree and drive a truck at the same time.” Dover’s own experience with the military predates his stint in the Navy (2007 to 2012). His father, Terry, was in the Army for most of Dover’s childhood, and he grew up in Germany. Living in Europe, he didn’t get the bug to drive trucks until he enlisted. “The military actually introduced me to driving a truck,” he said. “Being raised in Germany, truck drivers — while they do have them over there — it’s not exactly a common occupation, I should say. “I first learned how to drive a truck when I was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily, in the Navy,” he continued. “I first learned to drive on a 13-speed Mercedes. I fell in love with it as soon as I got behind the wheel.” Following his Navy hitch, Dover earned his commercial driver’s license and began the life of a professional driver in 2012. Now with his fourth carrier, Central Oregon Trucking Co., Dover said he’s seen plenty of logistical nightmares through his previous work experience. Seeing how common these issues were for his fellow drivers inspired him to do something about it, and earning his degree is the first step in that process. “I see the drivers around me, and I was looking into how we were treated as people, as drivers,” he said. “For instance, there’s lots of down time where drivers are having to sit at truck stops for hours, sometimes days on end without their next load. When our wheels aren’t turning, we’re not making any money.” “I wanted to figure out a way to make a difference where drivers are treated better than what they have been and currently are,” he explained. “For me personally, Central Oregon is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for, but I still want to be able to get out there and change the industry to help out my fellow drivers.” Dover started out on an online business degree from Southern New Hampshire University when he had his accident. During the resulting downtime, he started exploring other educational offerings and found American Military University. “They have this course that’s specifically tailored towards transportation and logistics. That was more my calling right there,” he said. “I figure being an operations manager, having that as a goal, would possibly be a stepping stone to very ambitiously being able to change the game, so to speak. “Knowing that I’ve been behind the wheel for so many years, I can get my degree in logistics and transportation and hopefully be able to make a change for the better,” he said. “I know it’s not going to be an overnight thing and it’s going to be years’ worth of work, but I still want to try.” Another motivation for Dover to further his education is closer to home: He wants to set an example for perseverance and commitment for his 9-year-old daughter. “I hope that she is eventually able to find something that she can be passionate about that drives her to where she wants to make something of herself in it, whether it’s music, art, maybe even driving a truck,” he said. “Whatever she decides to do later on in life, as long as she’s 100% committed to it, the commitment and the pride in what you do is what I hope she achieves.”    

Drivers must know and follow medical requirements to maintain CDL

As it has in many areas, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has tightened the rules for obtaining a medical certification. The requirement for drivers of commercial vehicles to obtain a valid medical examiner’s certificate hasn’t changed for many years; however, the method of obtaining one has become more difficult. In days past, drivers were required to carry the certificate whenever operating a commercial vehicle. Where the driver got that certificate — or whether the doctor who issued it was qualified — were not matters for concern; it was only important that the driver possess one. So, a driver who failed a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical could simply try again with another doctor, or dentist, chiropractor or anyone that offered the exam. Drivers who have borderline medical problems, such as high blood pressure or blood sugar, might fail to qualify one day and then be able pass the next. Some examiners allowed them to try several times before officially failing the exam. Today, the process is a little more difficult. For one thing, the FMCSA took tighter control over who can perform the examinations, creating the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Doctors must be licensed to perform examinations and must pass a certification test before being allowed to perform DOT physicals. Drivers who need to locate a registered medical examiner can find a list at fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical/national-registry-certified-medical-examiners-search. Because the FMCSA requires medical examiners to register, it also changes the way drivers report their results. Rather than providing the medical examiners’ certificate to their carrier or simply carrying the card in the truck while driving, results must now be provided to the state that issued the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL). Failure to provide the certification can result in suspension of commercial driving privileges. Some states will completely revoke a driver’s CDL status, issuing a passenger-vehicle license in its place. Another requirement added is self-certification. Drivers must report to the state whether they are operating in interstate or intrastate commerce and whether they’re excepted from the medical requirements. Excepted positions — those for which a CDL is required but a medical examiner’s card is not — include operating a fire truck, driving a school bus, government-employee positions such as military or police, transporting farm machinery or crops as a part of a farming operation, and others. Each driver should check with the state that issued to his or her CDL to determine exception status. Drivers working in non-excepted driving positions must have a medical examiner’s certificate or risk a CDL suspension. While obtaining a medical certification and reporting it to the CDL issuing state are the responsibility of the driver, there is a greater responsibility that is more often neglected — that of staying healthy enough to pass the DOT physical in the first place. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of U.S. adults 20 years and older suffer from hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Of those, more than half are not receiving treatment. Nearly 30% suffer from hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol levels that are dangerously high. Another 16% suffer from diabetes. It doesn’t help that 71.6% of adults are overweight, with well over half of those qualifying as “obese.” These numbers are for the general population; they get worse when only truck drivers are considered. Despite these statistics and the relative ease of treatment, drivers continue to fail DOT physicals for the conditions noted here. Hypertension, for example, gets worse with both age and weight gain. Once a person is treated for high blood pressure, it isn’t likely that treatment can be stopped without some serious changes in the driver’s lifestyle. A driver who is prescribed daily medication to control blood pressure is not likely to suddenly stop needing it without losing weight and improving exercise. Other conditions, such as diabetes, present similar conundrums. Every year, however, thousands of drivers fail DOT physicals because they stopped taking prescribed medication. Some finished a prescription but never went back for a refill. Others stopped taking the drugs as soon as they received their medical cards and were good to drive — for a while. The reality is that time marches on. Every driver will get older. Without a serious diet and exercise program, chances are they’ll get heavier, too. Once medication is prescribed for hypertension or diabetes there’s a very good chance it will be needed for a lifetime. Many drivers complain that rigorous work schedules don’t permit extra time for workouts, and eating healthy on the road ranges from difficult to impossible. Taking a pill each day, however, doesn’t add much difficulty to the driver’s day. Visiting a doctor once per year to make sure the medication is working and adjust the dosage when necessary isn’t difficult, either. Once a driver fails a DOT physical, the FMCSA requires that the problem be corrected before he or she can drive a commercial vehicle again. Medical examiners may require a visit to the driver’s personal physician for treatment and may require days, or even weeks, of treatment to make sure the condition is under control before issuing a medical certification card. Drivers can lose weeks of income while waiting for certification. Worse, if untreated, hypertension, diabetes and other medical issues can lead to dangerous conditions on the road. For example, high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, and untreated diabetes can result in dizziness or blackouts. The cost of failing to follow doctor’s orders can be far greater than the loss of a week or two of pay. Every driver should know the process for obtaining a medical examiner’s certification and reporting it to their home state. More importantly, every driver should keep up with treatment for any conditions that could impact that certificate or put others on the road in danger.

Brad Coppin named TMC’s December 2020 driver-trainer of the month

DES MOINES, Iowa — TMC Transportation’s driver of the month for December 2020, Brad Coppin, got his start in the transportation industry hauling poultry. When the poultry industry started to take a hit, however, he decided it was time for a change. While scoping out trucks and observing drivers at truck stops, Coppin said, he got an idea of the different freight trailer types available and the lifestyle those drivers live. From then on, he knew he wanted to be a flatbed driver. He narrowed his research to flatbed transportation companies online and visited truck-driver forums to narrow his options down the best company. “TMC had one of the best reputations out there. Any complaints were minor,” he noted. “I called them to discuss more and found out they had one of the best pay programs out there.” Coppin joined TMC’s linehaul division, and soon expressed interest in becoming a trainer. “I started training because I got to meet more people and experience different cultures,” he explained. “Now, my favorite part of being a trainer is having conversations with people. I love it when people ask questions about what I am doing. It breaks up the monotony of a regular solo day.” Coppin has now been with TMC for 12 years and worked as a driver-trainer for a total of five years, taking some time off to simply drive for the company. In those five years as a driver-trainer, Coppin said, he’s learned a lot. “I’ve learned it is not about how you get the job done, but the end result that matters. We do not all do it the same way,” he said. “I have to remind myself sometimes, you can have a different way of doing something and still do it right.” Allowing drivers to — safely — make their own way isn’t the only thing that helps Coppin be a great trainer. He’s also learned the most important piece of the trainer-trainee puzzle is patience. “You have to help (new drivers) learn and be patient with them,” he said. Coppin’s philosophy on being a trainer is unique, according to the folks at TMC. “The training does not end when you leave my truck. My job from that point on is to help you be successful. I tell each trainee, ‘If you have any questions, call me.’ Most of my trainees do. I do my best to keep in touch with each person I train,” he said. “I owe a lot to my trainer, TMC driver, Kent Hall,” Coppin continued. “He has been an inspiration to me and taught me everything I know. We have since become friends and talk daily. I get tips and advice from him as well. … TMC takes care of their people.” Jeff Geist, TMC’s training coordinator manager, said he appreciates Coppin’s work as a driver-trainer “Brad brings a lot of TMC experience to training drivers,” Geist noted. “Brad trains people the right way to be safe and successful and is available for support beyond the time they get into their own truck.” Each month, TMC selects a driver-trainer who demonstrates the outstanding qualities the company looks for in a trainer. The trainer of the month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers.

Military veteran Ivan Hernandez named top military rookie, drives away in new Kenworth

Leadership. Discipline. Decisiveness. These are three qualities necessary for a successful military career. Those skills translate well to post-military careers, too. Like trucking. Ivan Hernandez honed these skills during a 20-year career in the U.S. Army that included four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. “Veterans make excellent truck drivers because of the skills they learn in the military,” he said, referring to the three noted above. Today, he’s using those skills to run his own trucking small business — while giving something back to other veterans who are entering the civilian workforce. In December, it was announced that Hernandez was the winner of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award as America’s top military rookie driver. The contest is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative along with FASTPORT, a veteran employment software company, and Kenworth Truck Company. As the award winner, Hernandez received a brand-new, fully loaded Kenworth T680 truck, instantly transitioning from company driver to owner-operator. The truck is equipped with the PACCAR MX-13 engine, 12-speed automated PACCAR transmission and 40,000-pound rear axles, and includes a 76-inch sleeper with the Kenworth Driver’s Studio package. “The first time I drove it, it was so smooth that I didn’t realize how fast I was going and had to slow down,” Hernandez said. “It’s like driving a giant Lexus.” The decision to become a professional driver wasn’t something Hernandez took lightly. As his military retirement date neared, he spent time considering the options. His duty assignment as an adviser for the Saudi Arabia National Guard left him with enough time to explore the possibilities. “I was able to research what I wanted to do when I got out,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to drive across the United States.” Once he was back in the States, Hernandez briefly stayed at a small campground. “A lot of my neighbors were truck drivers or retired drivers,” he recalled. “One that I got to know pretty well told me, ‘You were meant to be a truck driver.’” Hernandez chose Roadmaster Driving School in Dunn, North Carolina, for his training. “Being a military guy, I liked the way they are organized, and it was a six-week program,” he said. The choice to join Werner Enterprises wasn’t an accident, either. “I had researched Werner’s ‘Freedom Fleet,’ and then a Werner representative made a presentation at the school,” he related. “I went OTR (over-the-road) right away. I had my passport, and I was ready to travel.” While Hernandez felt ready for the job, he soon learned something every driver experiences: Safety is vital. “Seeing the number of accidents on the highways was a real shock,” he said. “Safety is my biggest concern, but I learned that you see a lot of accidents on the road.” Hernandez was determined to continue learning after graduating from CDL school. “I make it a habit to talk to my peers out on the road, especially older guys or drivers with a lot of experience,” he said. “I try to pick their brains about how to better the industry.” But he didn’t stop there. “I wanted more knowledge, so I signed up for flatbed, but there was a waiting list,” he said. “When they called me, I went to Omaha (Nebraska) for training.” Hernandez was driving in Werner’s flatbed division when he was nominated for the Transition Trucking award. He was chosen as one of 10 preliminary finalists by a committee comprised of representatives from carriers, training schools, suppliers and trade associations. Judging criteria included safety performance, customer service, work record, military service record, community service and more. Preliminary finalists were required to submit a video profile, photographs and other information, along with answers to interview questions. Three finalists were selected by public vote on the Transition Trucking website, and then the selection committee determined the winner and two runners-up. Hernandez was presented the keys to his new Kenworth during an announcement ceremony in Chillicothe, Ohio, where the company has a manufacturing plant. Owning a truck required yet another transition — and offered another learning opportunity. Hernandez approached the responsibilities of being an owner-operator as a mission, studying and learning as much as possible. “I wasn’t expecting to win. I thank the military for helping me be adaptable,” he noted. He credits MHC Kenworth in Durham, North Carolina, with helping him prepare for truck ownership. “They’re top-notch,” he said. “They really prepared me for the truck, and they stay in touch for software updates, etc.” One feature on his new truck that Hernandez had to become familiar with is the Kenworth Idle Management System, which ties the HVAC system in the sleeper to a battery-powered APU. “I’m still learning, but it’s supposed to start the truck when the batteries fall to 50%,” he explained. “I’ve slept overnight and then some with the heat blasting, but I think 73% or so is as drained as the batteries ever got.” The driver’s seat in the T680 is another difference Hernandez had to learn about. Marketed by Kenworth as “The World’s Best,” the seat offers heating and cooling, micro-damping, auto leveling and memory. “For driving, comfort and safety, Kenworth went above and beyond,” he said. As for learning the owner-operator side of the business, he said, “I’m still learning, but it’s going well so far. I look at fuel pricing a lot more closely, and the cost of services.” When he’s not trucking, Hernandez has plenty to keep him busy. “I’m still working on my ‘honey-do’ list,” he said. “I have to thank my wife for putting up with me all these years.” The couple believes in staying in shape, both physically and mentally. “I actually met her at a yoga class,” Hernandez noted. “I went through resiliency training at Penn State, a part of the positive psychology training the military does to help bring down the suicide curve. She was the instructor.” He’s committed to helping other veterans transition to life after the military. “I’m working on a series of videos to help veterans with a smooth transition from the military,” he said. “There are about 200,000 that transition every year. I’ve only got one posted so far but I’m working on two others and plan a whole series.” Hernandez says he’s “very tech savvy” and carries video equipment along on the road. His initial video is posted on his YouTube channel, “Veterans 2 Trucking.” As if all that’s not enough to keep him busy, Hernandez has also picked up a new hobby. “Believe it or not, I actually picked up kite-surfing in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I’ll carry the craft in my truck.” Whether he’s on the road, at the beach, working his “honey-do” list in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, or parked somewhere making educational videos, you can count on two things from Ivan Hernandez: He’ll be busy, and he’ll be learning.

Wreaths Across America: Truckers, volunteers turn out to honor the fallen nationwide

WASHINGTON — The headstones at Arlington National Cemetery stand silent at their posts, aligned with military-grade precision to mark the final resting place of the nation’s heroes. The markers, each a stark, uniform white, stand at attention over veterans at rest, the simple carved lettering of each a dignified tribute. But in December, as it has for nearly three decades, the solemnity of this hallowed ground and its cadre of markers is brightened with emerald wreaths trimmed in scarlet ribbon. It’s the work of Wreaths Across America, a tradition that can only happen with the participation of the nation’s truckers. And happen it does, in more than 2,400 locations across the U.S., honoring fallen veterans from coast to coast. But nowhere does the image stir the soul as in Arlington. “Oh, man. It was one of the most humbling experiences that I’ve had throughout my trucking career,” said Sammy Brewster of Atlanta, an Army veteran who drove in the Arlington convoy for the first time in 2020. “It’s a memory that I’ll cherish and remember for the rest of my days, man. Being a veteran myself, it was a wonderful opportunity. “To meet those Gold Star Families to be able to be a part of it and with the way they embraced us, I could see and feel and tell how much it meant to them. It was an awesome opportunity, and it will stay with me the rest of my days,” he continued. “I’ve done a lot of things in my days in the trucking industry and I hate to pick a favorite, but this one here is right up at the top. You know what I’m saying?” Brewster joined Nate McCarty of Greeley, Colorado, a fellow Army vet and driver for ABF Freight, behind the wheel of the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) specially decaled rig that leads the Arlington procession every year. In 2020, that procession included dozens of semis loaded to the ceiling with evergreen wreaths. McCarty, who during Desert Storm spent six months in Saudi Arabia assigned to a prisoner-of-war camp detail, has driven with the program for six years; for five of those years, he has delivered wreaths to Arlington. He said the event hits close to home. “Nobody that I served with lost their life, so I’m lucky enough that I didn’t see anything so bad that cost me any of my brothers and sisters that I served with,” he said. “But I lost a real good friend of mine from high school in 2007, Staff Sgt. Shane Becker. He and I played high school football, and we used to hang out together all the time. He was inspired to join the Army after I did. He was trying to figure out what to do with his life. “We served for four years and he got out and was working in the oil fields in Texas when 9/11 happened,” McCarty continued. “He was so moved by it he got back in the Army again and got back into an infantry unit. He was killed in 2007 in Iraq. When I do this wreath trip, I think about people like him and his family. He had two little girls when he got killed. It’s just a really good way for me to honor people like him.” Wreaths Across America began as a way for Worcester Wreath Co. of Maine to distribute surplus holiday wreaths. The event remained fairly modest from 1992 until 2005, when photos of the event started to go viral. The founding of a nonprofit organization followed in 2007, and the annual wreath-laying has grown by leaps and bounds since. Elisabeth Barna, executive vice president of industry affairs with the ATA, said the reason for the organization’s growth is simple: People have universally responded to the call to honor the nation’s heroes, from trucking companies to individual drivers to the volunteers who show up in droves to unload and place the wreaths. “The trucking industry, in and of itself, cares so much about our community and our members in the military. This is a way for us to give back and to honor those that have fallen and those that are currently still serving,” Barna said. “A lot of our drivers and owners and professionals in the industry are veterans. [This event] holds such a special spot for them and it’s an honor for them to be able to participate. “I don’t think there’s ever been a company that we’ve asked to participate that has said no,” she continued. “In fact, J&M Tank Lines out of Birmingham, Alabama, wanted to jump in and be part of Wreaths Across America. They run tankers, and they actually purchased a dry van and got it decaled just so they could haul a load of wreaths and be a part of this because they felt so strongly about it, in addition to their financial support.” This year, the program drew the direct endorsement of President Donald Trump. When cemetery officials announced the cancellation of the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Commander-in-Chief stepped in, directing the Secretary of the Army to ensure the event proceeded in a safe manner. Afterward, President Trump tweeted in characteristically plainspoken fashion, “I have reversed the ridiculous decision to cancel Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery. It will now go on!” That directive allowed first-timers, like Robert Errthum of Iowa, the chance they’d been waiting for. Errthum has driven Wreaths Across America routes to cemeteries in Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa for the past three years; but in 2020, his number finally came up to deliver to Arlington. It would be the first time the Army veteran ever stepped foot in the famed cemetery. “Honestly, it’s almost — I don’t even know how to explain it,” Errthum said. “We were in Section 3 and Section 8, which is part of the older section of Arlington. It’s really humbling. It’s kind of scary. I mean, not spooky scary, but it’s really heartwarming and in the same sense, it’s really sad. It’s really a different experience. “You feel at peace, you know? There’s such a calmness. But, in the back of your mind, it’s sad,” Errthum explained. “You realize all of these people, at some point in time in this country, gave their life for the ground that we’re standing on.”

Drivers challenged to ‘steer’ their way to better health in newest Fit to Pass competition

ATLANTA — There’s no doubt truck drivers know a thing or two about steering a big rig, but what about “steering” their way to better health? “Steering Your Way to Better Health,” the newest Fit to Pass fitness challenge is designed to help professional drivers do just that by testing drivers’ strength and conditioning. From Jan. 11 to Feb. 20, drivers can compete in the virtual online challenge by performing as many squats as they can in one, uninterrupted set. There are separate divisions for men and women, and prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 finishers in each division. There is no cost or purchase required to enter. For more information or to register for the contest, visit www.fittopass.com/steering. To verify their performance, truckers should submit video clips to The Trucker at www.thetrucker.com/steeringtobetterhealth. Prizes to the top three finishers in each of the men’s and women’s divisions include: First Place A set of Michelin X Line Energy Z Steering Axle Tires; A set of Alcoa Lightweight Champion Wheels; and A Fitbit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker. Second Place A $250 Visa gift card; A Fitbit Charge 3 Advanced Fitness Tracker; A Michelin water bottle; and A Fit to Pass hat. Third Place A Fitbit Versa 3 Health and Fitness Smartwatch; A Team Run Smart hat; and A Team Run Smart key chain.                To help improve their overall conditioning and train for the contest, drivers can visit the Fit to Pass website and access a free copy of Bob Perry “The Trucker Trainer’s” training manual. Fit to Pass is a year-round coaching program, but for the 90 days prior to a driver’s DOT recertification exam, the program intensifies to help them pass the exam. Fit to Pass benefits both drivers and employers by: Keeping drivers on the road. Helping retain experienced, skilled drivers. Saving on hiring and training new drivers. Reducing driver sick days. Increasing overall productivity. “The CDL driver lifestyle can be hard on drivers’ health, and if a driver is in jeopardy of losing his or her card, that can be devastating to them and their families,” said Rick Taweel, CEO of Espyr. “Fit to Pass was designed to improve driver health and wellness, help them pass the DOT re-certification exam and protect their livelihoods.” “Michelin understands how important it is to keep drivers healthy, especially when they are on the road,” said Jill Goulette, director of Michelin customer experience. “We are pleased to support Fit to Pass in their continued efforts to improve driver wellness,” “We are proud to partner with Fit To Pass on this exciting endeavor and, together, contribute to overall CDL driver health and wellness,” said Alcoa Wheels General Manager Americas Nathalie Tessier.  “As the new year begins, this is an ideal time to support individual goals, provide a tool that encourages fitness results and contribute to driver re-certification to ensure they remain on the road.” Fit to Pass is sponsored by Transflo, Michelin, Alcoa Wheels, TheTrucker.com, Minute Clinic, SleepCharge, The Big Rig Mattress, Fahrenheit and Team Run Smart.

Pete & Wee Pete: Trucker’s son follows in father’s tracks with tiny replica of Peterbilt 379

Family is important to most professional drivers, and children often grow into roles in the family trucking business. Brandon Davis is pretty sure his two boys are on track for careers in the industry. Both are already pitching in with maintenance and truck-washing duties and, of course, riding with Dad when they can. Davis’ youngest son, 8-year-old Remington (nicknamed “Rooster”) is already learning to be an owner-operator with a tiny truck of his own. That truck, dubbed the “Wee Pete,” was Brandon’s brainchild. He had already modified a child’s wagon to resemble a semi-trailer, complete with lights and a battery for power. He and wife Cortney used the wagon to pull the kids around truck shows. After observing Rooster trying to haul the wagon behind his bicycle, Brandon knew he needed to do more. “I didn’t really have a plan, and once I started it just snowballed,” he said. “I used a few old parts to get started, but I handcrafted most of it. I used a lot of square-tubular steel and sheet metal to make most of it.” Brandon had help with the project. “I helped with wiring the switches, some of the painting of the body panels and installing the trailer floor,” said Rooster. The finished product is a close replica of Brandon’s own 1994 Peterbilt 379, which was a rock-hauling truck for most of its career — until Davis lovingly restored it. That Pete, with a white-on-light-blue color scheme, sports a Caterpillar 3406 mechanical engine and an 18-speed manual transmission. The Wee Pete has an identical color scheme and replicates all the chrome on the 379, including the windshield visor, dual stacks, air filters, grille and (liftable!) Texas bumper. But wait, there’s more. The Wee Pete is equipped with more than 100 lights that are powered by two batteries, along with working gauges, a radio and an air compressor with a tank to power the locomotive horns. Powered by a 400cc diesel engine with a centrifugal clutch, the tiny tractor pulls a spread-axle replica of Brandon’s trailer. Like the big Pete, the Wee Pete’s driver has his own CB “handle.” “My dad and I were hauling military equipment and I was talking on the CB to some other drivers,” Rooster recalled. “They started calling me ‘Rooster’ and it stuck.” Dad uses the larger Pete to pull a 2020 Wilson step deck trailer. “We haul a lot of limestone, marble, granite, lumber and steel,” Brandon explained. The family operates from their home in Willard, Missouri. “We usually stay within a couple hundred miles so we get back the same day, but when we go farther, we’ll pick up a return load from a load board.” The business also has two independent contractors leased on, and Brandon’s wife Cortney makes hotshot runs with a pickup and trailer. Brandon comes by his truck-driving acumen the way many drivers do, and his training was of the old-school variety. “My dad was a trucker. I think I’ve always wanted to drive a truck,” he said. “I worked for a local construction company and when I turned 21, the owner asked if I’d like to get my CDL,” he explained. He trained with co-workers and, once ready, passed the exams to obtain his CDL. After that, Brandon held a variety of trucking jobs. “I hauled some refrigerated, some grain and cattle after I got out of construction,” he said. “Then we moved to Colorado in 2010 and I started doing heavy-haul. I’ve been pulling flatbed ever since.” On many of his trips, Brandon was accompanied by one of his sons. “Tyler did about 100,000 miles with me in one year back when I hauled refrigerated. When Rooster was born, I took him with me a lot to give his mom a break with the newborn,” he said, adding that it wasn’t long before Rooster began riding, too. “When he was four or five weeks old, he went on his first trip when the whole family went,” recalled Brandon. “Rooster was just born into trucking.” Brandon recalls how Rooster would observe trucks on the road and what they were hauling. “He copies everything,” he said. “If he sees a trailer or a load that looks different, he tries to find something like it to haul on his toy trucks. He’s just ate up with it.” Davis often creates videos of Rooster and the Wee Pete, but Rooster doesn’t go on camera until he has his trucker outfit on. His jeans, western shirt, boots, belt and cowboy hat must be “just right” when the video starts. “I just decided that’s the look I want to have,” Rooster explained. One video, featuring Rooster performing a walkaround inspection of the Wee Pete, was viewed over a million times in the first 48 hours and topped three million views in three weeks. It can be seen at youtu.be/JCQMJ92SS00. Another video features the young trucker showing off a hood ornament he received from Raney’s Truck Parts — a chrome rooster, of course. Rooster has also attracted the attention of Wilson Trailer, which made the full-size step deck pulled by the senior Davis. The company is sending hats and decals to Rooster. The youngest Davis does as much of the maintenance on the Wee Pete as he can. “I clean the wheel wells, the grille, bumper, and I fill it up with diesel,” he said. As for future additions or modifications, he said, “Reverse. It’ll be great to have reverse.” While Rooster gets most of the public attention, Brandon talked about his relationship with both boys. “Get involved with your kids,” he said. “They love it.” He advises any parent to find an interest that is common to both parent and child, and to spend time pursuing that interest. “Kids are so involved with phones and tablets that they miss what’s going on in the real world,” he said, adding, “They’re only kids for so long.” Brandon and Cortney spend a great deal of time following both boys in sports. “They play football, basketball and baseball,” he explained. “We’re always running to a practice, a game, or some function.” Tyler, according to Brandon, has the potential to become a professional athlete one day. “He’s really good at everything,” he said. “In football, he’s naturally awesome at it.” At home, Tyler washes trucks and performs other tasks for the business. “I think he’ll be the manager at a truck wash someday.” The family has attended truck shows in Morrison, Colorado, and in Joplin and Perryville in Missouri. They love to participate in local events, too. “I just drove in the Christmas parade in our town,” Rooster said. “I had a Christmas tree on the trailer.” Davis plans to build another Wee Pete, this one for Tyler. “Probably a cabover with a cattle trailer. He loves the idea,” he said. As for the business, Davis doesn’t plan to expand. “I like what we’re doing and we’re doing OK with it,” he said. Although he hasn’t planned the specifics, Rooster said he’s sure he’ll build a career in trucking. He had some thoughts on the future specter of sharing the highway with autonomous trucks. “I’d be VERY scared,” he said. “I think people should still drive.” In the meantime, there will be more parades, truck shows and other opportunities for the Davis family to show off both full-size and “wee” truck versions — and lots more time for Dad and Mom to spend with the boys.

From Boston, with love: Terrier provides trucker with companionship, opportunities for physical activity

During his 26 years of trucking, Matthew Cribbs, an over-the-road truck driver for Crete Carrier Corp., Shaffer Trucking and Hunt Transportation, has met truckers from all walks of life. He has also met truckers with all kinds of pets, including cats, birds and a monkey. For Cribbs, however, the ideal travel companion is a Boston terrier. “I don’t know what it is about the Boston breed,” he said. “I just fell in love with them.” His dog, Bella, is an 11-month-old Boston terrier that weighs about 18 pounds. The pup has black, white and brindle markings. Plentiful energy and low-maintenance health needs are hallmarks of the breed, Cribbs said. “She likes to play. She likes to romp,” he added. “She is just a ball of energy.” Cribbs works to maintain a consistent diet for Bella, even purchasing a specific brand of bottled water for her, and he keeps an eye on her at truck stops to ensure she doesn’t ingest anything that could harm her. “She’ll pick up anything and try to eat it. A lot of guys throw their chicken bones on the ground and stuff like that,” he said. “It’s really bad at truck stops. There might be 20 trash cans throughout the property, and people just chuck their trash out — right out of the window onto the ground — and not a care in the world.” He also modified the passenger seat of his 2018 Freightliner Cascadia P4 by making a booster seat so Bella can lounge by his side while he’s driving. When he stops for fuel, she often hops onto the dashboard to sunbathe. “If you have stock in window cleaner and paper towel companies, you’re in business with me because there’s tongue marks and slobber marks and stuff all over the windows,” he said. “Buddy, my other dog, was the same way. He’d sneeze all over the windows and put his little ‘nose art’ all over the windows all the time.” Cribbs rode with Buddy, a Boston terrier he rescued from a shelter in Lakeland, Florida, for eight years before the dog’s death. “I swore I wasn’t going to get another dog after Buddy passed, and then I just happened to be perusing Craigslist, and I saw Cooper. I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to have him just because of his face,’” Cribbs said, adding that he was on the road when his wife rescued Cooper from a Daytona Beach shelter. “Everybody fell in love with him, so my wife and the boys confiscated him before I even got him.” Cooper, who stays at home with the family, is now almost 3 years old and weighs 25 pounds. After two years, Cribbs decided he wanted dog to travel with, so he picked up Bella from a breeder in Springfield, Missouri. After spending some time at his home in DeLand, Florida, while she got her puppy shots, Bella joined Cribbs in his truck — and she has been by his side ever since. “I missed the companionship of having a dog,” he said, adding that he also wanted a dog to ensure he was active while on the road. “This kind of breed, they have a lot of energy. They need to get out and play, so it helps me get out and exercise and helps me live a healthier lifestyle.” Cribbs’ company’s pet policy requires drivers to pay a deposit and sacrifice a half-cent of their pay, he said, adding that the funds are used to furnish the brick-and-mortar terminals with pet facilities, such as kennels and dog-waste areas. “Bella’s small enough that if I need to give her a bath, I can take her into our laundry room that we have [at a terminal], and I can actually give her a bath in the utility sink.” The duo typically spends three or four weeks at a time hauling refrigerated goods across the continental U.S. before returning home for a week at a time. He said Bella is always eager to see Cooper, and he may breed the two dogs when Bella is older. Although Bella is often separated from Cooper, the pups make the most of the time they spend together, romping and playing. “When I’m at home, that’s all they do practically 20 hours a day — just running through the house,” Cribbs said. “Then they come outside and they run around the entire property, chasing each other.”

Owner-operator Karen Noel named WIT’s January member of the month

PLOVER, Wis. — Karen Noel, an owner-operator with Forward Air, has been named January member of the month by the Women in Trucking Association (WIT). Like many professional drivers, trucking was a second career for Noel, who was laid off after working more than 30 years in banking. In 2015, her husband was changing careers and decided to enter the trucking industry, and he asked Noel if she wanted to go into trucking with him. While Noel’s husband was familiar with trucking, she had no experience in the field — so she decided to join him on the road as a passenger. “Once I was out on the road with him, I saw other women truck drivers,” said Noel. “It never registered with me that women could be truck drivers too.” Noel started asking every female truck driver she saw how they felt about the career. She says all the responses she received were positive. After six months of riding along as a passenger on her husband’s runs, Noel decided to go to school to earn her commercial driver’s license (CDL). Noel says that because she had no background in trucking, she really worked hard to overcome challenges, such as backing. She credits her husband for encouraging her throughout the process and being her “rock.” Once she earned her CDL, Noel and her husband worked for Knight Transportation as a team for three years; they are now owner-operators with Forward Air. “Trucking has made me a better person. I’ve learned patience while out on the road,” Noel said. “I’m excited to be a member of Women In Trucking and support its mission. I would like to see more women working in the trucking industry.” While Noel serves as an inspiration to women in trucking, she says she also wants to be an example for her grandchildren — to show them they can be anything they want to be.

U.S. Xpress partners with program matching service dogs with vets suffering from PTSD

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — It’s estimated that anywhere from 11% to 30% of military veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following their service, depending on the individual’s branch, years served and in what capacity. One way to help those struggling can be through the assistance of a service dog. To help serve the nation’s heroes, U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. has partnered with Warrior Freedom Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization based in the Chattanooga area that’s dedicated to connecting combat veterans who are suffering from PTSD to trained service dogs, which are rescued from area animal shelters, free of charge. “From our drivers to shop teams to our office staff, military veterans make up a significant portion of our workforce,” said Eric Fuller, president and CEO of U.S. Xpress. “Warrior Freedom Service Dogs is doing amazing work in pairing veterans struggling with the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress with a canine specially trained to provide comfort and support.” In addition to a monetary donation to help fund dog training, U.S. Xpress is providing a range of in-kind multimedia and communications services, including the development of virtual training content to help reach more veterans. Ultimately, the goal is to help train and match more dogs and veterans, identify fundraising and awareness opportunities with company team members, and even help with raising puppies and weekend fostering. “This generous support from U.S. Xpress will help drive awareness of the work we’re doing and ultimately, help more of our military vets,” said Adam Keith, executive director for Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. U.S. Xpress is annually ranked as a top Military-Friendly Company by organizations such as Viqtory and DiversityComm, as well as the Military Times and U.S. Veterans magazines. About 11% of U.S. Xpress drivers and 5% of the company’s office workforce are military veterans. In addition to Warrior Freedom Service Dogs, U.S. Xpress supports the Post 9/11 GI Bill Apprenticeship Program, The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, Wreaths Across America and more.