Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/718143
Spotlight 14 September 2016 BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com Q: What sets Crete apart for driv- ers? A: I'll always be appreciative to Crete for taking my 10 years of military driv- ing experience as civilian experience. Also, I really value my home and per- sonal time. My first year working here, we had a few deaths in the family. Crete never had a problem getting me home. They got me on the next available load that would get me home and told me to take the time I needed and give them a call. Q: What can drivers do to improve the trucking image? A: It's hard with all the traffic on the road and all the media – with big truck wrecks, it's always portrayed like it's the truck driver's fault. The best thing drivers can do is to be as safe and as friendly and courteous as you can on the road. Q: What do you think about the trucks and equipment Crete offers? A: They give us new, safe equipment. When I first got on with Crete, I was driving a two-year-old truck. And now that I'm day cab, I'm driving a one- year-old truck. My first truck had a few safety recalls, and I would immediately get a message across my Qualcomm telling me there was a recall and re- minding me to get it fixed the next time I was at the terminal. Q: What do you do during your downtime? A: Most of my loads are drop and hook, so I have the benefit of getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning. That gives me time in the evening to fish almost every day. I live three or four miles from Lake Ray Hubbard. It's nice being that close. Q: How do you stay healthy on the road? A: When I was a kid, riding in a truck on the road with my dad, there were a lot more truck stops with diners so you could pick something healthy if you wanted. Nowadays, they've got them all ripped out and got fast food places in them. When I got out of the Army, I had gained quite a bit of weight from my injury because I couldn't run anymore. So I carried snacks like nuts, pumpkin seeds and trail mix in my truck that I could nibble on that would have some protein and fiber in them instead of eat- ing junk. My dad has been out here so long, he knows where all the good truck stop diners are. When I was over-the-road, he would give me good info on where I could order a salad or something home- cooked instead of processed fast food. One of the other things he taught me was when you go in a truck stop, don't park as close as you can; park as far away as you can. That way you get in a good walk on your way inside. Q: As a millennial, how do you feel about the trucking profession?