Jackson shared his story recently through a Landstar blog post, giving insight into the roots of his trucking career.

A Childhood Marked by Grease and a Wooden Spoon

Jackson traces his trucking journey back 46 years to when he was just five years old. He recalls, “It all started 46 years ago, when I was just 5 years old … with a smear of grease and a wooden spoon.”

As a child, he helped his father and grandfather while they worked on their trucks, fetching water and coffee for them. “In return, they would put a little smear of grease on my arm to signify I was their helper,” he explained. “I wore that grease stain with pride.”

Over time, he progressed from helper to “wrench grabber,” earning short rides in his father’s truck to nearby terminals to pick up loads. “Before leaving, I would sneak a wooden cooking spoon from the kitchen, sit in the sleeper and simulate my father shifting gears,” Jackson remembered.

The moment he got to practice shifting “for real” beside his father was pivotal. Standing near the driver’s seat, moving the gear stick up and down, he was hooked. “That was it! I was sold on becoming a truck driver,” he said.

Building a Career Through Trials and Triumphs

Jackson began driving professionally at 23, and in 1998, with family support, he purchased his first truck.

However, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought immense challenges. Forced to evacuate New Orleans, Jackson was hauling blue tarps for a Landstar agent contracted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Reflecting on that time, he said, “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw once I was able to work my way into the city with relief supplies. We lost everything!”

In response, Landstar offered financial support through their BCO Benevolence Fund, established in 2005 to aid owner-operators in times of crisis. Jackson expressed gratitude, stating, “That (assistance) spoke volumes about the company I had just leased to. I knew I was going to be here until I retire.”

Now in his 21st year with Landstar, Jackson plans to donate a portion of his $20,000 prize from the TCA Professional Driver of the Year award back to the Benevolence Fund.

Giving Back Through Service and Mentorship

Jackson’s commitment to the trucking community extends beyond his own success. After Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in 2017, he actively hauled disaster relief loads. Later, he spent 16 months in Puerto Rico helping coordinate fuel truck dispatch and deliveries following Hurricane Irma. “I thought I’d spend a month or two, but ended up staying for 16 months,” he said.

Back stateside in 2019, Jackson expanded his business by leasing additional trucks to provide opportunities for other drivers to build experience and income.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite supply shortages and many trucks being sidelined, Jackson increased his fleet size to keep others on the road. “I chose to stay on the road among other ‘essential workers,’” he noted.

Now a small-fleet owner, Jackson focuses on mentoring new operators. He helps them with credit, setting up business accounts, and selecting the right truck. “I strive to prepare newer operators for success in their own truck someday,” he said.

Safety as a Cornerstone of Professionalism

For Jackson, safety is paramount. “You’re not just driving for you, but also for everyone around you,” he emphasized. “As a professional driver, it’s my duty to make sure everyone around me remains safe. A professional maintains a clear vision of their surroundings, obstacles, potential hazards, and has an emergency plan of action at any given moment.”

He also enjoys the simple moments of the road, saying, “I like to ride in the right lane in a clean, shiny truck, especially when I see a kid in a car rolling up, pumping an arm up and down as a signal for me to toot the air horn.”

Owning 12 trucks today, Jackson’s passion still connects him to his roots — the grease on his arm and shifting a spoon in his mother’s kitchen.

Image Source: Landstar Systems Inc.
Source: Ginger Jewell, Landstar Corporate Communications, Truckload Authority Staff, The Trucker

The post Walter Jackson, Named TCA 2025 Professional Driver of the Year, Reflects on His Humble Start appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Poff claimed the top honor and also finished first in the Straight Truck category, showcasing his expertise behind the wheel.

Special Awards and Team Champions

Other notable recognitions from the competition include:

• Pre-trip Inspection Award: John Garza from XPO
• Rookie of the Year: William Schultz from Walmart
• Small Team Champions: ABF Freight
• Large Team Champions: Walmart

Class Winners

Winners from each competition class earned the chance to compete in the National Truck Driving Championship, scheduled for August 20-23 in Minneapolis. Here’s the full list of champions by category:

• 3-Axle: Vadim Iusin (Walmart)
• 4-Axle: Jami Draft (ABF Freight)
• 5-Axle: James Clark (Penske)
• Flatbed: Dave Evans (Walmart)
• Sleeper Berth: William Schultz (Walmart)
• Straight Truck: David Poff (Old Dominion Freight Line)
• Tanker: Travis Clark (Walmart)
• Twins: Shane Hearn (FedEx)
• Step Van: Phillip Lawrence (Sheldon Holdings, FedEx)

Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance and good luck to those moving forward to the national competition in Minneapolis!

Image Source: Michigan Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

The post Old Dominion Freight Line Trucker Wins Michigan Driving Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Linehaul doubles trucking means driving two trailers hitched together, usually hauling freight between terminals rather than making multiple stops at customers. This role is especially common in LTL freight, where moving loads efficiently between hubs is the priority. Compared to local delivery, it’s less stop-and-go and more steady highway driving.

Endorsements and Licensing Requirements

Before you can get behind the wheel of doubles, you need a Class A CDL with a doubles/triples endorsement. That’s earned by passing a skills test where you show you can safely couple and handle multiple trailers. Depending on what kind of freight you haul, some companies might want extra endorsements, like hazmat. Plus, a clean safety record is essential — the stakes are higher with doubles, so companies want responsible drivers.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

You usually start at your home terminal, hooking up two loaded trailers. Then it’s off on your route, which can be anywhere from 300 to 600 miles between terminals. The focus is on driving and keeping things running smoothly rather than making frequent deliveries. You’ll do safety inspections, keep in touch with dispatch, and handle any paperwork, but the schedule tends to be more predictable than some other trucking jobs.

Pay and Benefits You Can Expect

Pay varies by region and carrier but generally falls in the 80 to 84 cents per mile range, sometimes higher depending on experience and location. Beyond competitive pay, many companies offer good benefits — think health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. A big draw for many drivers is the consistent home time, which can be daily or weekly depending on your route.

How to Get Started and Stand Out

Start by getting your doubles endorsement and gaining some experience driving doubles trailers. Keep your driving record clean and stay up to date on DOT rules — safety compliance goes a long way. Connecting with driver communities online can also give you tips on job openings and the best companies hiring for double linehaul roles.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

If you want steady routes, reliable pay, and frequent home time, doubles linehaul trucking is worth considering. It suits drivers who prefer highway driving with less physical freight handling. But if you’re into more variety or interacting with customers, other driving jobs might be a better match.

The post Breaking into Linehaul Doubles Trucking Jobs What LTL Carriers Want You to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.