For many Americans, we often take for granted our way of life when compared to third-world countries. We also forget the people who enable the lives we enjoy today: Truck drivers. We should become more appreciative of — and grateful for — the profession, as they are the backbone of a multi-trillion dollar economy. Without them, where would we be today?
Thus, here’s a personal account of an industry which not only serves as the backbone of our economy, but the very spirit of it as well:
As a child, I was always fascinated by big trucks. I would spend hours in a day, drawing trucks from my imagination, and those I’d see on the road. In 1989, our landlord’s brother was in town for a visit. Being the inquisitive person I am, I soon discovered he was a driver for J.B. Hunt. Instantly, I became infatuated with the fact that he was a truck driver. Needless to say, I quickly befriended him and charmed my way to a tour of his truck. Thus, my obsession with the trucking industry began.
> J.B. Hunt’s Net Worth (based on holdings in JBHT): $800 Million+
From that day on, I developed a “superhero-like” fondness of truck drivers and especially those employed by J.B. Hunt. With laser-like accuracy, I would often pinpoint J.B. Hunt trucks miles away and would with uncontrollable excitement, share my sightings with family and friends. My poor mom was often the victim of such sightings as I’d yell to the top of my lungs, “J.B. Hunt! J.B. Hunt! J.B. Hunt! Look mommy! It’s a J.B. Hunt truck!”
In 1993 (at 13 years of age), I convinced myself that it was time to write Mr. J.B. Hunt himself. I wrote about my fondness of the company, and how I aspired to maybe one day have my own trucking company, “Lewis Transport.” A few weeks later, Mr. Hunt
handpicked one of the company’s executives to write a 4 page response, complimented by a complete package of company material. I was mesmerized by the amount of company material I received. It was the beginning of a great relationship.
After perusing all of the company’s material, I developed a thirst to learn more about the company and transportation in general. And since the company extended a friendly offer to call whenever I had questions, I did just that. Through charm and determination, I became well-known by the company’s highest-ranking executives, and often spoke to them on a first name basis. It was at this juncture of my life that I quickly realized that my heroes in business were only a creative letter away. It marked the beginning of my pursuit to contact as many CEOs as possible in transportation, software, telecommunications and other industries.
> Donald Schneider’s Net Worth: $1.3 Billion
On the same day I wrote Mr. Hunt, I also composed a letter for Mr. Donald J. Schneider, then President of Schneider National Carriers in Green Bay, Wisconsin. To my surprise, Mr. Schneider responded personally, answering my questions about business, his company and the industry in general. Mr. Schneider and I would later correspond via letter, e-mail and other corporate associates. I couldn’t believe all I’d achieved in such a short period of time. Here I was, an unknown Detroit teenager commanding the respect of some of America’s most admired executives. It was an inspiring and empowering moment in my life.
In 1995, J.B. Hunt’s corporate office setup my first tour of their Detroit terminal. I felt like a rock star arriving at a concert, as all of the terminal’s personnel were expecting my arrival. It was a great experience and the start of many new friendships, dozens of road trips across the country with company drivers and freedom to roam at any J.B. Hunt property across America. I was in heaven.
Today, J.B. Hunt and Schneider National combined are North America’s leading transportation companies. They each employ more than 15,000 employees with annual revenues exceeding $3 Billion each. J.B. Hunt is headquartered in Northwest Arkansas in Lowell and Schneider National in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Ironically, I still have an open invitation to tour the headquarters of both companies, something I’ve so far neglected to do. However, I hope to do so soon enough.
Finally, considering my intimate knowledge of this industry, you should know that the men and women serving our country are outstanding professionals in their own right. They are some of the safest, hardest working and courteous professionals of any segment in transportation. I feel privileged to have shared the road with dozens of drivers logging thousands of miles across America for several years. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness our economy in motion and all of the challenges these professionals face on a daily basis. They are operating more than just an 80,000 lb vehicle. There are literally thousands of factors these drivers must consider at all times. It’s a very demanding profession.
America: Smile and say “thank you” the next time you meet a truck driver. You are guaranteed to make his/her day. They deserve it. Remember their sacrifice at the time of your next transaction.
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