At just 49 years old, Chad Roberson, a third-generation truck driver from Fairfield, Illinois, has spent his life behind the wheel. But his connection to trucking goes deeper than just a profession—it’s a family legacy. Chad’s grandfather drove until he was 82, and his father, Everett, hauled loads until he passed away at the age of 67. For Chad, these big rigs have always been more than just vehicles; they’re a family tradition.

“I was raised around trucks since I was a kid, since I was born, and dad always had semis, and I was always in one,” he said.

Chad got his commercial freedom by officially starting Chad Roberson Trucking in 1994. Today, he works with a 2019 Kenworth T680, primarily hauling food and produce to Walmart distribution centers across the Midwest. However, this modern workhorse isn’t the truck closest to his heart. That honor goes to the 2000 Kenworth W900 his father owned before passing away in 2007.

The Truck That Got Away

Everett’s 2000 Kenworth W900 wasn’t just any truck—its bright yellow paint, chosen by Chad’s mother, Marsha, made it iconic. Marsha, who loved yellow roses, passed in 2004, and Everett followed three years later due to colon cancer. At that time, Everett still had money left to pay on the rig. Struggling with grief, Chad told the bank to “do what you gotta do with it,” and the truck was sold.

For years, the W900 disappeared into the distance, until a serendipitous moment in 2022 changed everything.

A Sign from Above

While attending the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Chad’s wife asked him about his dad’s truck. “It had a lot of sentimental value,” he admitted. “This truck is on my mom and dad’s tombstone.”

Back home, scrolling idly through Facebook Marketplace, Chad stumbled upon a listing for a yellow Kenworth W900. Instantly, he recognized the model. “Just by the pinstriping, I could tell it was my dad’s truck,” Chad said. While his wife was skeptical, the telltale signs—yellow paint, a Signature 600 Cummins engine, and purple fenders added after its sale—confirmed his suspicions.

“I really think a lot that somebody upstairs had a lot to do with this,” he said. After reaching out to the seller, Chad confirmed the truck’s VIN and learned it had traveled through a few owners before ending up on Facebook Marketplace. Fate was on his side; the listing had only been live for 30 minutes when he spotted it.

Within two weeks, Chad was on a plane to Medford, Oregon, where he finalized the purchase. “They picked me up, and I drove the truck home,” he said.

A Restorative Labor of Love

Once back in Illinois, the first step was ensuring the truck was roadworthy. “That truck was away from us for 15 years … and the guy had only put like 300,000 miles on it in 15 years,” Chad said, amazed at its condition. After driving the W900 for a year, he decided to restore it.

“Cosmetically, I put in new stacks, replaced tanks, and dressed it out real nice,” he explained. Now, the key decision rests on the paint scheme. Should he stick with the yellow Marsha loved or go with his personal preference for black and incorporate yellow accents as a tribute?

“Mom chose that beautiful yellow because of her love for yellow roses,” Chad reflected. “If I do change it, I’ll still keep that color in the frame or somewhere special.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

For Chad, restoring the W900 isn’t just about memory—it’s about showcasing his family’s legacy in the trucking industry. One of Chad’s father’s dreams was to make it into the Shell Rotella calendar. Now, Chad hopes to complete the truck’s restoration and enter it into the Shell Rotella SuperRigs show.

“That would be the icing on the cake,” Chad said. “Dad was the definition of a true truck driver’s truck driver. Everyone knew it.”

Keeping the Heart of a Family Alive

Today, the W900 symbolizes more than just sentimental value; it represents hard work, dedication, and the enduring love of family. “This truck stays in the family until I die,” Chad stated.

With every mile it travels, Chad Roberson’s W900 serves as a rolling tribute to two generations of truck drivers who made their mark one road at a time. For Chad, it’s not just about the truck—it’s about honoring the extraordinary lives that came before him.

And if the W900 does make it to the Shell Rotella calendar? That would be more than just a win—it would be a legacy fulfilled.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Chad Roberson

The post A Father’s Trucking Legacy Rescued After 15 Years appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Family Tradition That Runs Deep

For countless drivers, trucking isn’t simply a job— it’s a calling embedded in their family history. It’s a career that thrives on the values of perseverance, determination, and grit passed from one generation to the next.

Take Gene Conn, for instance. Trucking has been in his blood since 1965, when his father began driving. Today, Gene continues the family legacy with pride, ensuring the next generation understands the importance of the profession.

Similarly, Tosha Wiley reflects on her husband’s career as a driver, noting how his dedication fuels their household. For Tosha and her family, trucking is more than a livelihood—it’s a lifestyle that defines their values and unites their household.

The Skill and Precision of the Profession

Driving a truck isn’t for the faint-hearted— it’s a craft that requires unmatched skill, unwavering focus, and relentless dedication. It’s a role where expertise meets responsibility, as drivers manage the daily challenge of transporting goods safely and efficiently.

For example, Daniele Hennager’s husband represents the professionalism that defines so many in this field. His meticulous approach to safety and commitment to the job personify the excellence that truckers bring to their work.

Then, there’s the remarkable story shared by Craig Yoder about a Lebanese driver transporting valuable artwork across the nation. With every mile on the clock, this driver demonstrated precision and focus under pressure—a true testament to the caliber of individuals in the trucking industry.

The Pillars of Support Behind the Wheels

Behind every trucker is a network of loved ones—families who provide unwavering support while their loved ones are off navigating America’s highways and byways.

Lisa Haley-Schlenker knows what it means to be the backbone of stability when her husband is away on the road. She keeps their family grounded, finding ways to maintain connection despite the distance.

Janet Newman also offered a poignant reminder of a trucker’s impact on a family. Her husband worked for 47 years as a trucker before cancer took his life, and his resilience and dedication left a mark on every member of their household. Even during personal challenges, his relentless devotion created a legacy of strength and perseverance.

Honoring the Contribution of Truck Drivers

Truckers are not just transporting goods—they’re upholding the foundations for families, businesses, and communities. From fresh produce in supermarkets to critical supplies in hospitals, their commitment ensures everyday life runs smoothly for millions. However, their efforts often go unnoticed despite the profound difference they make.

These heartfelt stories show us that truck drivers are more than workers—they are role models, providers, and custodians of extraordinary legacies.

Be Part of a Community Built for Truckers

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The post Who Truck Drivers Look Up to and Why They Inspire Respect in the Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.