– Hi Jimmy, let me congratulate you again on being TOTAL’s OTR Driver of The Year. That’s fantastic!
Thank you so much.
– Where do you live and how long have you been driving trucks?
I’m from Philadelphia, Mississippi and I’ve been driving trucks for almost 30 years.
– Wow! How long have you been driving with TOTAL?
Almost 6 and a half years now. August 30th will make it 7 years with TOTAL.
– That’s wonderful. What did you do prior to driving trucks?
Well, back in my early years, I worked in a factory where I built BB guns and air guns, stuff like that.
– What was it back then that made you think you would enjoy a career in trucking?
I just got tired of working inside of a factory and wanted to do something outside. My late father-in-law drove trucks and he offered to teach me. So, he trained me to drive a truck and I’ve been driving ever since.
– I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of changes over the years.
Yes, sir. I’ve seen some good times, some bad times, and a lot of changes.
– What trucking companies did you work for before coming to TOTAL?
I’ve worked for PMC flatbed division, McElroy Truck Lines, and for Penske Logistics. And the last one I worked for before I came here was a local company in my hometown called Pico Transport. I hauled live chickens. I actually started my career hauling chickens with my late father-in-law.
– What was it that appealed to you about trucking?
More or less the sightseeing, I love to travel. I just love being behind the wheel. My teacher told me back in high school I’d never make money staring out a window. Well, I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years.—
– What do you think it is that makes TOTAL different from other companies?
TOTAL is 100%. I love this company, it’s a family orientated company. We’re not numbers here. They know you by your name. Once the Fleet Manager realizes that you’re willing to run, you’re dependable, and you can do it safely, they’ll run you the miles. I just love this company. I tell everybody if you want a place to call home, give TOTAL Transportation a call. I love this company.
– What was it that brought you to TOTAL?
I saw an ad in a paper, and then I talked to a friend of mine that worked here. He told me this was a good company, and I should give them a try. I called in and signed up, I went to orientation, and I’ve been driving for TOTAL since.
– What do you like most about driving for TOTAL?
They get me home when I need to be home. People know me by name here, I’m not just a number and the family atmosphere. They take care of each driver. They just are good company to work for.
– What are the most important skills to have as a truck driver?
Keep your distance and watch out for other drivers. Whether it’s another four-wheeler or another big truck just be careful. Keep your mind occupied on what you’re doing. Keep your eyes on the road. Watch your mirrors and just pay attention to your surroundings.
– How do you feel about our equipment?
Oh, I love it. I love the trucks. Ours are governed at 68 miles an hour if we run the cruise, but I really don’t care. I mean 68 is fast enough really. The trucks are comfortable to ride in and drive, they handle well. They’re all automatics, I love driving automatics. Our trucks are good to operate.
– You’re in a Freightliner now?
I am in a Freightliner now and have quite a while before I can think about getting a new one. We’ve got some new Kenworths coming in. I’d like to try one of those one day.
– Is there anything you’d like to say about our fleet managers and their support for our drivers?
My fleet manager is great. He’s Billy Kinnison out of Olive Branch, Mississippi and he’s wonderful. Just the other day he gave me a call to let me know I made the mileage bonus and I’m a Driver of The Month for January. He’s just an outstanding person. Our FM’s support us, they back us 100%. I asked my Terminal Manager all the time about how we can nominate Billy for Fleet Manager of the Month and he just laughs and says there’s not enough of ‘em to do it. If there was, I’d nominate him in a heartbeat for anything like that.
– We love to hear that. Everybody likes to be appreciated. How can new drivers create a stronger relationship with their Fleet Manager?
Just do as they’re asked to do. I don’t care if they call 20 times a day to ask about doing them a favor. Jump on it, do it. I mean even if it’s 150-mile run, do it. All miles add up. Down the line, if you’ve been helping them out they will look out for you. They will keep you rolling. You do some short runs when they ask, and they’ll see you’re willing to run. Then they’ll put the 1,000-mile load on ya. Just keep that door shut, show you can get it there safely, and they will run ya.
– How do you manage your balance of work and home life?
I am set up to go home every other weekend. So, I go home twice a month. I’ve also got my wife set up with a rider pass so she can come out here with me when she has time. She is looking forward to being able to come back out here with me this spring and summer when she’s not watching the grand kids. She loves it out here.
– That’s nice to have that option. It changes things up and gives you something to look forward to.
Yes, sir. She understands the job and what I love about. And she stands behind me as a truck driver. She knows this big red truck will come back home when I’m able. She looks forward to me coming home, and to going out with me.
– What advice do you have for drivers to have a productive and satisfying career in trucking?
Like I said, just give it your best and hang in there. If you are struggling on miles just let your Fleet Manager know that you’re willing to run and give it a little time. When Freight picks up, they will run you, just hang in there. Too many new drivers quit because it’s hard in the beginning or because they’re not immediately getting the miles they want. It takes more than a couple of months to really get things figured out. Give it at least a year and give your FM time to work with you and build trust. If you’ve got a problem, we’ve got an open-door policy. If you’re at a terminal come inside or just call, somebody’s there to talk and listen.
– You have the privilege of the perspective of time that a lot of our drivers don’t have.
In the six and a half years I’ve been with TOTAL this is just the 2nd time that I’ve seen the industry this slow. The time of the year doesn’t help either. Throughout my entire career I’ve seen it get this slow maybe five times. In my experience, after 4-6 months it picks right back up and then we’re busting our butts trying to keep the freight moving along.
When the COVID first hit, that really hurt the industry. I had the opportunity to take a voluntary leave if I didn’t trust being out here. But I trusted myself and the company to help me, so I kept running. COVID hurt a lot of trucking companies and we’re still kind of building back up from that.
– Would you like to give a shout out to your wife?
Hey Nita! Thank you for standing behind me and for counting on me coming back home when I’m supposed to. I’ll see you soon.
– Do you have a parting message for your fellow drivers?
God bless. Keep the truck rolling smoothly and watch out for each other.
– If you’re trying to recruit somebody to TOTAL what would your pitch be?
I would just say welcome to the family. Give TOTAL Transportation a try. Give it your all, they’ll do everything they can to make you happy.
– Is there anything else on your mind?
Keep up the good work TOTAL Transportation Mississippi, you make this one driver very happy to work here.
– Thank you. We’re very fortunate to have you with us and we hope you’ll stay here for the rest of your career.
Thank you so much.