Posts Tagged “Highways & Skyways”

Driver Rodney Tanner: A View after 20 Years Behind the Wheel

By |

DSCN0585What does veteran over-the-road driver Rodney Tanner like best about trucking?  The money.

What does he like like least about trucking?  Not making any money.

It may sound like a contradiction, but if you know Rodney, it’s really not one.

Right now the resident of Asheboro, NC says his income from trucking is “right in the middle.”  He’s made more money in the past, but he’s also earned smaller pay checks.

Rodney has been trucking over 20 years and the past two years have been driving for Highways & Skyways of Greensboro, NC.  The company describes itself as a full service third party logistics management company on its website.  Rodney says the company runs 75 to 80 trucks.

He had picked up a load of mixed vegetables from a distribution warehouse in North Carolina for delivery to Atlanta.  The trucker drives coast-to-coast on a regular basis.  He pulled a flatbed for about  a year, but now hauls mostly produce and other refrigerated freight.

Rodney also has some advice for anyone thinking about getting into trucking.

“If you are married, or have kids, don’t do it,” he stated.  “It takes a toll on your marriage, your family, and you don’t get to see your kids grow up.  I’m speaking from experience.”

The 44-year-old driver has considered buying his own truck, but just doesn’t see it happening with the current economic situation in the country.

Rodney likes the 2013 Volvo truck he drives that houses a D13 diesel engine.  He pulls a Wabash 53-foot trailer with a Carrier Transcold reefer unit.

 

Read more »