When we asked our Facebook community, “Do you remember your first truck? What was it?” hundreds of drivers shared memories spanning decades. Some could still list every specification, while others remembered exactly how that first truck made them feel, proving that the truck that starts a career is often the one drivers never forget.

Every Truck Had a Story

Reading through the responses, it quickly became clear that drivers don’t just remember what they drove. They remember the details that made those trucks unforgettable.

For Doc Cornwell, it was a GMC Cracker Box powered by a 6-71 Detroit rated at 238 horsepower. He still remembers how much noise it made and the small orange flame that occasionally came out of the exhaust stack. Bob Lake also got his start in a 1966 GMC Crackerbox with a 238 Detroit and a 10-speed transmission, while Harold Peru recalled taking his road test in a 1969 GMC Crackerbox. Three different drivers mentioned nearly the same truck, showing just how common those classic GMCs once were.

Other drivers immediately thought of trucks that looked very different but left the same lasting impression. Ronald Sagnip remembered his 1979 Kenworth cabover with an 8V92 Detroit Diesel, 15-speed transmission, heated mirrors and an air-ride cab, while Dennis Hughes learned in a 1975 Freightliner cabover with a 290 Cummins and a nine-speed transmission. Joey Grubbs also began in a 1978 International Transtar 4070 with a 290 Cummins and a 10-speed transmission, another reminder that cabovers introduced countless drivers to life on the road.

Learning the Hard Way

Several comments also reflected just how much trucking has changed over the years. Features many drivers now take for granted simply weren’t available when these careers began.

Robert Rumfield looked back on his 1969 International Transtar, remembering there was no power steering or air conditioning, although he joked that the air-ride seat felt like a luxury at the time. Todd Radke described his 1978 Peterbilt cabover as having no power steering, no air conditioning and a Bostrom hydraulic seat, while Lesli Wash Hopkins remembered a 1972 Kenworth cabover with “Armstrong steering,” no air ride and air-powered windshield wipers. Reading those stories today offers a glimpse into how much effort it once took to spend a full day behind the wheel.

More Than Just a Truck

As the conversation continued, it became clear that many drivers weren’t talking about equipment as much as they were remembering milestones.

Donnie Becktold said he thought he was “big time” when he climbed into a 1984 Peterbilt 359 with a walk-in sleeper, 400 Cat engine, and 15-speed transmission. Anthony W. Contelli shared that his 1978 Kenworth Aerodyne cabover is still part of the family, adding that his daughter later drove it to both homecoming and graduation. Those stories show how a first truck often becomes connected to memories that extend well beyond a driver’s career.

Some Things Are Worth Holding Onto

Not every first truck has disappeared with time.

Penny Lang shared that she still owns her 1975 Kenworth, while Dennis Ternent said he bought his 1970 Kenworth W900A in 1978 and continues driving it every day. Skip Tool also noted that he still has the ¾-ton Chevrolet he purchased more than 50 years ago, proving that some trucks become permanent reminders of where a journey began.

Why Those First Trucks Still Matter

Among the hundreds of responses, one comment captured a feeling shared by many others.

Harry Yeager reflected on buying a 1972 International Transtar with a 903 Cummins, explaining that the challenges of learning to operate and maintain it eventually became the lessons that shaped his career. Looking through the conversation as a whole, that perspective seemed to tie everything together. Drivers remembered horsepower, transmissions, and paint colors, but what stayed with them most was what those trucks represented: the beginning of a profession, the confidence earned through experience, and the memories that remain long after the miles have passed.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 12, 2026

The post You Never Forget Your First Truck”: Drivers Share the Rigs That Started It All appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The answers? They paint a vivid picture of grit, resourcefulness, and a kind of unity that’s hard to come by today. Here’s what our drivers had to say.

Maps, Payphones, and Handwritten Directions

Before GPS and smartphones, trip planning was a skill—and a serious one. Many drivers recalled flipping through a Rand McNally atlas, deciphering handwritten directions, and hoping they didn’t miss a turn.

• Clayton Willard said, “Running multiple log books and how an Atlas works.”
• Shauna Alfred echoed that: “HAVING A MAP… AND ACTUALLY KNOWING how to read one.”
• Donna Marie Csontos added, “GPS was fairly new when I started 13 years ago and you had to use both [map books and GPS]. Plus some common sense.”
• Dan Richards and Chris Olson both remembered the road atlas as a crucial tool—Chris noting, “Try 40 years ago with a road atlas, a roll of quarters, a notebook and a pay phone.”
• John Shakkar Settineri reminded us of another time-tested habit: “Calling dispatch from a payphone.”
• John Taylor said, “Buying a calling card. Waiting for the pay phone.”
• David Williams added, “Pay phone rooms, or waiting for a table in the restaurant that had a phone.”

Brotherhood and Respect on the Road

One of the most common themes in the responses was camaraderie—a bond many drivers say has faded over time.

• Harold R Magoon said, “Drivers actually worked together and saw it as a brotherhood.”
• Lori Sheridan shared a heartfelt memory: “A driver could be on the side of the road, on the radio asking if anyone had a simple tool, say vice grips… another driver stops to help fix the problem, and both go down the road to have coffee together before running together on their route.”
• Troy Tidmore added, “Drivers helping out each other more.”
• Scott Krauss reflected on the days of “CB use, The Truckers Brotherhood… sharing of the road and road info.”
• Mark Ryan noted the “respect for the road and the fellow truckers,” and even gave a nod to the “camaraderie” many now miss.
• Freddie Sturdivant reminded us: “If you got on the CB radio and asked for local directions, you would get help.”
• Shelly Sparrow summed it up: “Log books, family, CB, hazardous work but appreciated, respect.”

Life Before Screens and E-Logs

Several drivers talked about a time before everything went digital. That meant paper log books, real conversations, and fewer digital distractions.

• Jack Ables said, “I ran two or three different log books… only way to make money in the 80s and 90s.”
• Jeff Fowler echoed: “Running two log books.”
• John Durrell brought up another detail: “Loose leaf.”
• Harold Dorsey said it best: “Literally anything that doesn’t involve a screen of some type.”
• Claude Venable offered a more humorous reflection: “Also the English language.”
• Kevin Petersen noted the difference in “what it took to communicate.”
• H. Kline shared, “People actually talked to each other when traveling.”
• Dan Hakala remembered CB chatter fondly: “Some real comical characters out there, and for the most part the language was civil.”

Respect, Presentation, and Hard Work

Respect for the craft and each other was a running theme.

• Sandra Willoughby recalled when truckers “were dressed to impress the customers and proudly represent their company.”
• Robert McNeely, Tony Byrne, and Marvin Kelly each pointed to a single missing value today: “Respect.”
• Charlie Arnold noted the “hard work and stern discipline” that defined the era.
• Bill Garrett summed it up with some humor: “You had to know how to grab gears and didn’t wear flip flops.”
• James Benedict said simply: “Work boots.”
• Cynthia Morse added: “Common courtesy.”
• Robert Piaczynski threw in another lost virtue: “Patience.”
• Deborah Merrin Goodall and Pedro Diaz both mentioned another fading skill: “Driving a manual.”
• Will Lavander emphasized the “clutch pedal and stick shift.”
• Donald Pearrell added: “No air conditioning and only manual transmission.”

What We’re Missing Now

Some drivers went beyond specific memories to reflect on what’s been lost over time:

• Mary Miller said, “Why mom always read a road map…”
• Rena Vance put it simply: “You had to find a location with nothing but written directions, no GPS!”
• Claude Venable and others gave a shoutout to the CB radio—a lifeline and a community builder.
• Gail Lohoff may have said it best with just one word: “Freedom!!!!!”

Times change. Technology evolves. But listening to veteran drivers reminisce shows just how much heart, skill, and community once defined life on the road. For the next generation, these stories serve as a reminder: trucking isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a lifestyle built on independence, hard-earned respect, and real connections.

What do you remember about life on the road back in the day? Share your stories with our Facebook community.

The post What Today’s Kids Will Never Understand About Life on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Timeless Classics

Some songs have stood the test of time, becoming anthems for generations of truckers. Tim Prow shared that Eddie Rabbit’s Driving My Life Away takes him straight back. It’s a song about life on the road, so it’s easy to see why it resonates. Jim Tiffany and John Hanson both recalled Phantom 309, a haunting ballad that tells the story of a mysterious trucker who lends a helping hand.

Harvey Bartlett and Rhonda Culver named Give Me 40 Acres their go-to trucking memory song, a humorous yet relatable track about maneuvering a big rig. And, of course, Kevin Baker threw in Hello I’m a Truck, a song that perfectly embodies life behind the wheel.

The Country Road Anthems

Country music and trucking culture are deeply intertwined, and many drivers named country songs that immediately bring back memories. Shane Downey’s pick was Asphalt Cowboy by Jason Aldean, a track that speaks to the solitude and resilience of truckers. Joshua Ainsworth and Jimmy Floyd Wood named I Can’t Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar—an anthem for those who’ve felt the struggle of speed limits.

Kristin Wells remembers Bottoms Up by Brantley Gilbert because it played during her training days with Swift. Mario Ruiz mentioned There’s a Tear in My Beer by Hank Williams Jr., a song that captures the loneliness that sometimes comes with trucking. Cody Geller’s song of choice, I Can Still Make Cheyenne by George Strait, is another powerful ballad that echoes the sacrifices truckers make.

Rocking Down the Highway

For those who prefer a bit more edge to their playlists, rock songs were a common theme. Lyle Matson named Here I Go Again by Whitesnake, a track that perfectly sums up the independence of hitting the road. Lori Sheridan’s choice was Radar Love by Golden Earring, a song that feels like it was made for truckers chasing the night.

Steven Ratajczak threw it back with We Built This City by Starship, while Charles Campbell remembers Up Around the Bend by CCR. For the metalheads, Lisa Marie Edge chose Wherever I May Roam by Metallica, embodying the nomadic life of trucking.

Songs with a Special Memory

Some songs are more than just a soundtrack—they mark a specific moment in a driver’s career. Kevin Marks recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama playing right as he crossed the Alabama-Georgia line on his first solo run back in 1988. Meanwhile, Colin-Dani Olsen remembers jamming to Gino Vanelli’s Black Cars while trucking in the Army Reserve.

Then there’s Moira Elliott, who vividly described hearing Love Reign O’er Me by The Who while driving eastbound on I-40 in the middle of the night as a thunderstorm lit up the Arizona sky, the song built to its peak—an unforgettable moment of adventure on the open road.

The Songs That Keep Rolling

Of course, no trucking playlist is complete without some of the all-time greats. Bert Squire and John W Van Syoc named East Bound & Down the ultimate trucking anthem. Brian Degennaro threw in the Convoy theme song, an absolute must for any trucker’s collection. And Randy Stanley’s choice, Roll On Highway, Roll On Along, perfectly captures the road’s rhythm.

What’s Your Song?

These are just a handful of the songs that have shaped truckers’ early days on the job, but there are countless more out there. Music has a way of anchoring us to memories, especially when those memories involve miles of highway, late-night hauls, and the freedom of the open road. What song takes you back to your first trucking job? Join the TDUSA Facebook community to get in on the conversation.

The post The Songs That Take Truckers Back to Their First Haul appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

Classic & Timeless CB Handles

Eddie StjohnJr recalled his younger days when he was “3PO” because of his love for Star Wars. As he got older, the name changed to “Garfield,” a nickname given by another driver due to his beard and ability to sleep anywhere, anytime.

Freddie Sturdivant told the story of how his CB handle, “Waffle House,” came about. “My boss told me to call him every morning at 8am and give him an update on my progress. Back then, I had no cell phone, so I had to find a payphone. As soon as my boss heard my voice, he would guess, ‘Let me guess, you’re at Waffle House?’ It stuck, and I’ve been Waffle House ever since.”

Paula Hanson shared her handle, “Blue Jeans,” from the 80s, when she drove for Sam Tanksley. She also mentioned hearing the handle “Horse feathers” from another driver she crossed paths with frequently.

Kimberly Maddax Hill remembered her father’s CB handle, “Roadmap.” It suited him perfectly, as he had traveled across every state—except Idaho. Before he passed, they made sure he visited Idaho so he could say he’d been to all 50 states.

Handles with a Touch of Humor

Gary Lane has a simple yet legendary handle: “Fly by Night.” It was one that perfectly captured the spirit of trucking during those years.

Diana Freeman White reminisced about the handle “Slop Jar” that a friend had in the ‘60s, which he got from his own handle, “Outhouse Control.”

Unique Family-Inspired CB Handles

Joseph Hoover shared that his father’s handle was “Dead Battery,” while his mother’s was “Battery Charger,” a clever play on their roles in his life.

Teresa Simonson shared the story of how her handle, “GI Jane,” came to be. After a disastrous first trucking job where her truck had bed bugs, she shaved off 22 inches of hair. The other drivers found the humor in it, and the name stuck.

Mickey Millar was known as “The NIGHTHAWK” during his driving days, a handle that has stood the test of time.

Creative and Whimsical CB Handles

Lana Archer fondly remembered a driver named “Quasar with the works in the drawer.” Her own handle was “Short n Sweet,” a perfect fit for her personality.

Joe Morales told us about his family’s CB tradition. His dad was “Little Logger,” his mom was “Lady Short-cake,” and he was known as “Disco Duck” during his younger days.

Cory Rehmer reflected on his family’s CB history, with his grandfather known as “Bartender,” his dad as “Capt. Flint,” and his own handle, “Stowaway,” which he used when he was young.

Russ Singleton shared his handle, “T-Topper,” a name that came from his work installing T-tops in the famous ’70s Trans Ams for Hurst.

The Funny Side of CB Handles

Sometimes, a handle simply has a good laugh behind it, like Jonathan Hockenhull’s story about a guy called “The Barkin’ Aardvark,” who was always the life of the party.

Damon Lee Bone Jr. went by “HOBO,” a name given to him by his oldest brother before he left for Vietnam, one that stuck with him for life.

And then there’s Ross Jones, who is known as “Super Chicken,” a handle given to him by a seasoned trucker who got him started in the industry 50 years ago. He’s still using it today.

Handles With a Personal Flair

Some handles, like Skip Warren’s ex-wife’s “Winnebago Dego” or Bill Cushman’s “Fireball,” reflect moments that stayed with them throughout their careers.

Ralph Coleman shared his favorite handle: “Wild Bunch,” a name given to a friend who claimed to be part of a crazy crowd.

Stan Pearson fondly remembered his handle, “The Breeze,” which he had long before the famous song ever came out.

The variety of CB handles shared in our community showcases the deep bonds and memorable moments that truckers experience on the road. From humorous and quirky names to those rooted in family and personal stories, these handles are more than just nicknames—they are a part of the trucking legacy. Whether you’re “Waffle House” or “Super Chicken,” your CB handle reflects your personality and the unique journey you’ve taken in the world of trucking.

What’s your CB handle, or the most memorable one you’ve heard?

The post The Unique and Unforgettable CB Handles Truck Drivers Use on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.