Q: How did you begin your career in trucking?
A: Sincerely, I suppose my career in trucking began when I was 10 years old. When I first saw the trucks along the street, I said, “I am doing that.” I eventually arrived in the Navy after that. According to my folks, your options are the Navy, Army, Air Force, or Marines. I decided to join the Navy because of these CBs. I began operating trucks for the “CBS,” an army of construction workers. I joined a heavy-haul firm when I left the Navy, and a few years later, here I am. I have spent nine years here.
Q: Why did you decide on Knight?
A: Knight Transportation’s local carrier was the first feature that drew my attention. I phoned the recruiter after that, and she confirmed that we are a local carrier. If you live and work here, you will spend your free time here. I was completely ignorant of the Port division at the time. I am brand new to my position with Knight Transportation. But after arriving here and seeing all the sea containers, I asked. I have continued to do it ever since.
Q: How is the Ports Division’s workplace?
A: Because you do not have to interact with people, so to speak—which is not bad—I prefer this to bang docks with conventional trailers. I rig my containers here before traveling to Los Angeles. And if you plan your route properly, you seldom see traffic—unless something disastrous occurs on the road. Then, entering the ports is pure joy when I get down there. Exist any lengthy lines? There are, for sure. But [with other trucking divisions], you spend 2, 3, or 4 hours waiting at a shipper and receiver. On average, it takes me two hours to enter and exit the ports. I put my load in, I take it out, and either I head home, or I go to bed there.
Q: What features of the schedule do you like?
A: The versatility is what I appreciate most about [Knight Ports]. Their timetable is not the same as MINE. When I want to work is up to me. Since they are my bosses, I do not want to inform them when I want to work, but they ask me, “What type of schedule do you want to run?” [The supervisors] question the new people when they join.
I recently trained a guy who wants to work the same hours as me. Every day, at some point—early in the morning or late at night—he is at home with his wife. Like me, he always comes home. Every day I am at home.
And the fact that you can do that helps the Ports section. They may schedule the appointments when they want you to be at the port. In many cases [in other trucking divisions], the client’s timetable is determined. The client requests that you arrive at 8 o’clock. Bring it, or be here, not both. But down in the docks, things are different. They can accommodate OUR schedule, which improves living. Try Ports if you want to work and spend time at home equally while earning money. I also have a brand-new vehicle. The 2020 Challenger GT is what I own. I like my life. My wife and I both take excellent care of one another.
Q: Describe the Knight recognition program and the steps required to become a Million Mile Driver.
A: Therefore, recognition begins after 100,000 kilometers. They provide you with a little package of sweets. It might be a magnet, sticker, or lapel pin. My cap is covered with pins. You get shirts. I wear a uniform every day. I have always worn a shirt uniform while working here; there has not been a single day. We get uniforms in the Ports section of Knight Services. However, I am not sure about the other divisions.
250,000 [miles] is the next degree of recognition, followed by 500,000 and 750,000. There are so several levels of acknowledgment. The brand-new vehicle that you see me driving around in right now has one million miles on it. Not to mention, it comes with a sizable bonus. You were completely unaware of that one. That is great for vacations or, as we did, for getting your wife a dog.
Q: What about further Knight driver perks?
A: After a certain amount of time [working with Knight Transportation], you are given equity shares. You may create a portfolio if you approve and own them. I am not a big fan. My kid, who enjoys learning about stocks and bonds, is the one I give it to. If they continue to provide money to you, just keep letting me know, and we will keep doing things with it, he adds. It is free money. I merely glanced at something and won $2,000 instantly. And it is in addition to the other bonuses. Therefore, [Knight] will hurl at you more things the longer you stay here. You could first get 10 shares and then, after a few years, 20 shares. They gave me 30 shares as the last reward when I reached a million miles. I thus own a small number of shares in Knight Transportation. Let us face it: Being a member of the largest corporation in the nation is amazing. It is just amazing. Whether it is Swift, Knight, or any other businesses we work with, we have always had pals there.
Q: “Port/Rail” is another name for the Ports Division. Are you a train yard visitor?
A: Okay, let us leave. Although I have not gone in a while, Port and Port/Rail are identical. They are the same, therefore, do not attempt to transfer.
Q: What is it like to train truck drivers?
A: Training Ports athletes are fascinating. More individuals are being admitted now that the ports are starting to open up because we have two logbooks and the proximity to Los Angeles; one driver leaves, and the other returns before both men go home. The next day, I repeat the process. That way, I get four or five spins every week. I am now giving a man in the ports phone training. He already has a vehicle, and I call him to guide him through the ports. Three of the men I tutored are still employed with Knight Transportation and still like their work.
Q: What do you appreciate most about driving trucks in general?
A: I agree that some individuals have trouble believing it. How do you travel the same route every day? They ask. I just do. I like it. I prefer to be aware of my current location and history. I also know how long it will take to go home if my family or wife needs me. Even if I can not turn around instantly (which I could probably do) because I had to deliver, I will still be able to let my wife know when I will be home since I know how long it will take. On the other hand, if I live in Phoenix and travel overland in Mississippi when my wife needs me, I will either have to take a plane home or drive for three to four days. In any case, you will not be at home when she needs you. I promised my wife that I would always let her know where I was and always be available to come home. And there are three or four nearby airports where I may board an aircraft if I am stranded in Los Angeles. I already did some research. Easy to do.
Q: How can you keep the drive entertaining?
A: It is fantastic with today’s technology. We have streaming and news listening options. Everything and everything is available for listening. The current truck technology is excellent. It plays loudly across your truck’s whole sound system. What we do is that. You may sometimes sit there, unwind, and take in the noises. And I also do it. I have fun traveling. And there, my friends, are my parting remarks. Even though I make the same commute every day, I like the journey.
Q: Is it possible to work locally?
A: Just ask the people at the office, “Hey, can I work locally?” if you live nearby (and by locally, I mean Tucson or anyplace within two hours) and you have anything going on. If you do not want to leave the house, you may still work while at home. That is how adaptable Knight is, after all. I can immediately start working locally for the following two weeks if I want to. You just need to inform them. In this situation, communication is essential for success. I believe that is significant.