Ever wondered what drives someone to become a truck driver? For some, it’s a lifelong dream. For others, it’s a necessity. We asked our Truck Drivers USA community what made them choose this path, and their stories prove that trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.
A Path to Stability
Daniel Ford turned to trucking when he needed to get his finances in order. “I had a lot of bills to pay and credit to rebuild. Lived in the truck for six to seven years full-time and rebuilt it all. Nice when you have no bills beyond a cell phone and groceries.”
A Childhood Dream Come True
For some drivers, trucking was always the goal. Lynn Draize Jones decided at just four years old: “After a two-day trip in the car with my dad, I saw so many trucks. I told my dad I’d drive one someday. I never changed my mind—still trucking after 41 years.”
David Brown’s passion started on his family farm. “My grandfather would leave the farm truck parked at our farm, and I would sit in it for hours. That’s when I knew I wanted to drive.”
Raquel Her never gave up on her dream. “I looked for opportunities at my previous jobs, family members, and husband, and everybody turned me down. But I didn’t give up. Now, at the age of 52, I’ve made my dream come true. It’s been six months since I got my license.”
Following in Family Footsteps
Many drivers were inspired by family members. Trevor Hardwick was driven by admiration for his father. “I absolutely loved and idolized that man. I grew up in the best years of beautiful trucks, and dad had that independent, American spirit that I was so impressed with. I couldn’t wait to walk in his footsteps.”
Chasing Adventure
Elisa Renaud was drawn in by her passion for all things trucks: “An addiction to horsepower, and the money was good.”
Larry Ganz put it simply: “The road was calling.”
For Joe Saldana, it was a way to see the country. “I had always wanted to see what the rest of the U.S. was like. So at 23, married, I figured if I was gone more, maybe the wife and I wouldn’t argue as much.”
A Better Opportunity
Many drivers turned to trucking for financial security. Jeff Jones grew up admiring trucks on the road. “I rode with my uncle in a cabover bean truck. Plus, I loved shows like BJ and the Bear, Movin’ On, and Convoy. Lord, if I knew then what I know now…”
Dave McComb started in the early 1960s. “Great wages, benefits, and working conditions. Teamster jobs for 37 years. I wish that young people starting out had the opportunity that I did.”
Dan Alyea needed a reliable paycheck. “Necessity! Couldn’t find a good-paying job in 1990 in southern Illinois.”
A Life on Their Own Terms
Manuel Lara keeps it simple: “Just like to be at work by myself.”
Jack Martin found trucking to be a natural fit. “It was just something that came naturally to me. I did OTR for 40 years. Now, I just make one short trip a week. And I’m not really a people person, so that was a plus too.”
Some drivers switched careers later in life. Dave Larson made the change at 59. “I was burned out and had always liked trucks. Drove OTR for four years, then retired when some money came in.”
Kim Keenan summed it up best: “Most were told they would never make money staring out a window.”
A Career That’s Changed Over Time
Not every driver feels the same way about the industry today. Andy Nelkin recalls the late ’70s: “It was actually fun—nothing like today. No electronic logbooks, no drug testing, just CB radios and a whole different world.”
Steven Clutz started trucking in 1990 to support his family. “I had my wife and four kids to feed. It was a good-paying job for the time. “
No Regrets
Patricia Handy knew struggle from a young age and was determined to change her future. “Growing up with a very sick dad, I watched my mom work six to seven days a week. Almost homeless two or three times. So, I went for it.”
Terry Brown was fascinated with big trucks as a kid. “Been driving for 44 years and still going.”
Whether it was a childhood dream, financial necessity, or a love for the open road, every trucker has a story. And no matter how much the industry has changed, one thing remains true: trucking isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle, a commitment, and, for many, a dream come true.
What made you become a truck driver? Share your story and join the conversation in the Truck Drivers USA Facebook community! Join here.
