Owner Operator of the Month – November 2024 – Datwan & Larry
12/20/2024
Owner Operator of the Month – December 2024 – Larry & Barbara
01/27/2025A Look Into the Diverse Stories Behind the Wheel
At Trailer Transit, we take pride in welcoming owner operators from all walks of life. From seasoned veterans to those at the beginning of their trucking journey, our power-only drivers come to us with rich and diverse backgrounds. Their reasons for choosing a career in trucking are as varied as the hauls they transport. Let us share some of the incredible stories that showcase the many paths that lead to a life on the road.
Family Influence
For many of our owner operators, trucking runs in their blood.
- “I’m a third-generation driver; it’s a family tradition.”
- “My dad was a 35-year veteran trucker, and I used to ride with him. That’s how I fell into it.”
- “Riding in the tanker truck with my dad as a kid was where it all started.”
- “I started as a yard mule driver and learned from my family who were truckers.”
Whether it was growing up watching a parent or sibling on the road or being inspired by generations of truckers before them, these drivers’ roots run deep in the industry.
Love for Trucks and Driving
Some of our drivers were drawn to trucking out of a fascination with the machines and the open road.
- “I’ve always been fascinated by big trucks.”
- “In 7th grade, I sat in a truck for the first time, and I knew I wanted to drive. Thirty-five years later, here I am.”
- “Even as a kid, I loved seeing trucks on the interstate while visiting family.”
For those who’ve always had a passion for trucking, the career feels like a natural fit, turning a childhood dream into a lifelong journey.
Career Changes and New Beginnings
For others, trucking represents a fresh start and an exciting change of pace.
- “I retired from the military and wanted to travel.”
- “I worked in the jewelry industry for 35 years and was looking for something new.”
- “I was a landscaping worker who got into trucking through learning to drive heavy equipment. Now, it’s been 40 years behind the wheel.”
These stories highlight how trucking offers a rewarding path for those seeking to reinvent themselves and embrace a new career.
Encouragement From Others
Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to start a life-changing career.
- “A friend told me I could make better money driving trucks.”
- “My boss asked who wanted to get their CDL, and I raised my hand.”
- “A young lady talked me into trying team driving.”
These drivers credit their journey to the encouragement and support of others who believed in their potential.
A Love for Travel
The allure of the open road and the chance to see the country inspired many of our drivers.
- “I wanted to travel and get paid at the same time.”
- “I was single and wanted to see the country.”
- “My kids were grown, and my spouse and I wanted to explore.”
Trucking offers a unique opportunity to combine work and adventure, making it a perfect choice for those with wanderlust.
Education and Training
Many of our owner operators started their careers by pursuing formal training.
- “I went to one company for their truck driving school.”
- “I attended a Cummins school and learned the ropes.”
- “A local community college was my starting point.”
By investing in education, these drivers laid the foundation for a successful career in trucking.
Financial Necessity
Life often points people toward trucking as a practical solution to challenging circumstances.
- “The housing market crashed in 2008, and I had to make a living somehow.”
- “I needed money, and this offered a steady income.”
- “My family couldn’t afford nursing school, so I put myself through trucking school instead.”
Trucking has been a lifeline for many, providing stability and opportunity during uncertain times.
Unique Journeys
Every driver has their own story, and some of our owner operators took paths as unique as the loads they haul.
- “I worked for a van line company and eventually became an owner/operator.”
- “Depression and divorce led me to trucking, but JESUS CHRIST MY SAVIOR kept me going.”
- “I caught the trucking bug while working at a truck stop after school.”
- “In 1973, I left with a friend of my dad’s to help unload. Eight months later, I came home as a truck driver.”
Join Trailer Transit’s Family of Owner Operators
At Trailer Transit, we celebrate the stories that make each of our power-only drivers unique. From family traditions to fresh starts, our owner operators bring their passion, resilience, and experience to every haul they transport. If you’re a truck driver looking for a company that values your journey, we’d love to welcome you to the team.
Ready to take the wheel and make your own mark in trucking? Contact us today to learn more about how Trailer Transit supports owner operators in achieving their goals.