The Weight of the Miles: Mental Health OTR

Mental health awareness on the road is not a topic most trucking podcasts are willing to touch, and that is exactly why we are going there. In Episode 15 of Always Pneumantic, Never Static, host Marcus sits down with two of Bulk Transit's OTR drivers, Jackie Thomas and Stephanie Evans, for one of the most important conversations this podcast has had. Isolation, loneliness, stress, and the quiet moments on a long haul when the cab can feel very small, these are the things that do not get talked about enough in this industry. Jackie and Stephanie share how they stay connected to family from the road, how they keep their focus on the job and the truck when everything else is pulling at them, what home time actually means after weeks away, and how they manage their own mental health day to day in a profession that demands everything from you. This episode is for every OTR driver who has ever felt the weight of the miles, every family member who wonders how their driver is really doing, and every fleet owner who wants to understand what their people are carrying beyond the load. New episodes every Wednesday at podcast.bulktransit.com.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Real quick here. Before we get into episode 15, we want to take a moment to recognize Memorial Day
for what it truly is. For a lot of people, Memorial Day means cookouts, family gathering, the
unofficial start of summer, and maybe just a rare chance to slow down for a minute. And there's
nothing wrong with that. You should enjoy those moments, that freedom to gather with the people

(00:22):
you love and care about is part of what this country was built on. But while we enjoy these
things, we also have to remember the reason this day exists in the first place. Memorial day is
about the more than 1 million American service members who never made it home. Men and women who
sacrificed their futures, their time with family, and ultimately their lives in service to

(00:46):
something bigger than themselves. And behind every fallen service member is a family that carried
that sacrifice to parents, spouses, children, friends, people who still feel
that absence every single day at bulk. We know sacrifice means something. Time away from
home means something. Missing holidays, birthdays, ballgames, dinners and moments with the people you

(01:12):
love. Is something drivers understand better than most. That's why today matters. So however you
spend Memorial Day, we just ask that you take a moment to pause and remember the people who gave
everything so the rest of us could have the life we live today. From all of us here at always
pneumatic, never static. We honor the fallen. We remember their sacrifice, and we thank the

(01:36):
families who continue to carry their legacy forward.
You know, out here, the job doesn't change much. Same road, same truck, same routine. But what does
change is what's going on upstairs. And that's the part that nobody can really train you for. Nobody
sits down in orientation and says, hey, here's how you handle the quiet. Here's how you deal with

(02:00):
being gone. Here's how you help keep your head right when it's just you in the windshield for
hours on end. Because the truth is, every driver figures that part out their own way. Some guys
stay connected. Some stay busy, some stay moving. Some just learn how to sit with it. So today,
we're not getting into anybody's past. We're not making this heavy. We're talking about the real

(02:24):
side of this job that doesn't show up on a load sheet. How you stay steady out there, how you
manage the isolation and exactly what it takes to keep your mind right when the road gets long.
You are listening to always pneumatic, never static. The Totally Pressurized podcast, brought to
you by Bulk Transit, where we keep the lines clear, the tanks empty, and the conversation anything but

(02:49):
dried. Whether you're running powder, pellets or anything in between, pull up a seat, crack the
windows, and let's hit it. What's happening out there? Bulk and Spur.
Welcome into always pneumatic, never static. Thank you so much for being here with us today. We have
a great episode with you for you today with you technically if I was sitting with you, but since

(03:12):
I'm not, it is an episode for you. A couple awesome drivers coming in here to join us in just a
little bit. We'll get to that. I will tell you what they're going to join us to talk about. But first
let's hit the homework so we can really keep everything packaged tightly. Today in this episode
podcast.bulktransit.com. That is your website. That's where most of you are listening to this

(03:33):
podcast from. So head on over there and put the bookmark on it. This keeps you from having to
download any other apps that you might not want. Uh, going through Spotify and looking for it, going
through Apple and looking for it. Hey, if you head on over to podcast.bulktransit.com, you've got
everything that the podcast is involved in right there. All of our episodes, all the people, all the

(03:53):
information. All the people that we've talked to and a little short description of what we're
talking about. Plus all of the quizzes that you can take up there, which those are going to be
important. You know, we've already given out a couple of really cool cooling vests. Uh, and I
would be willing to bet with the weather getting warmer across these great United States. Uh, those
cooling vests are going to start to be getting used very soon. Um, and here, sometime in the future,

(04:18):
we will be giving away more stuff on this podcast. So make sure you stay tuned not only to the
episodes, but to the website, and you're taking those quizzes once again. podcast.bulktransit.com
Okay. Today's episode is an important one for so many reasons, but
really the main reason and the main thought behind this episode is it's Mental Health

(04:40):
Awareness month. And mental health is a very important part of truck driving. Uh, 11 hours a day
by yourself, staring out of a windshield can do some things to the six inches between your ears.
The stress of traffic. The stress of all the red tape that you guys have to be in tune to, and all
of the, uh, the laws that you have to follow, and making sure that you operate your trailer

(05:04):
correctly and making sure that you're maintaining your truck correctly. Pre trips, post trips. There
is so much going on that the synapses might not always be able to fire enough to keep up with it
all. And I don't mean that you just all of a sudden are drooling and can't add two plus two.
That's not what I mean at all. What I mean is, a lot of times when you have to be so focused at a

(05:27):
job like hauling pneumatic, um, you might not make as much room in your head for other things like
family matters. Uh, you know, um, just generally kind of cleaning out the cobwebs and making sure that
you're not having negative self-talk, that type of thing. Okay. And isolation can do that to people.
Okay. Um, you know, uh, Stockholm syndrome is a thing, right? And and that all jokes aside here, I

(05:53):
think what I'm really getting at is there's a very specific subset of the trucking industry, and
I don't even know if I'd call it a subset. It might be the largest subset of the trucking
industry, but that is our over-the-road drivers, people that are out on the road living out of the
truck for any given period of time. It could be a few days, it could be a few weeks, it could be a

(06:14):
few months. It doesn't really matter. Everything else kind of stays the same when you're talking
about mental health and over-the-road trucking. And today what we wanted to do is bring in a
couple of drivers that can talk to you about the things that they do to keep their head right out
on the road. And what's interesting about this conversation, and I've already had the

(06:35):
conversation. So I'm talking to you from the future right now. It's so cool that I get to do
that. But something that I think is really important to understand here.
While yes, that is the point of the conversation. I want to know what you guys do to kind of keep
things right out there. What you're going to hear from our drivers is that even

(06:59):
sometimes some of the things that they don't realize they're intentionally doing to help their
mental health is very much intentional. It comes from almost a place of necessity. And I
know that doesn't mean anything to you before you hear the conversation, but trust me, if you
remember that, remember that part, that one word intentional. I think that's a really, really

(07:23):
important word here. When we talk about keeping our mental health out on the road. So this
conversation ran a little bit long. I'm going to be honest with you. We talked for almost an hour.
And that's because, as I've told you guys before on this podcast, I'm never going to shut down a
good conversation. And this one, well, I think that there were some nerves starting out. Those went
away almost immediately. And what we got was some amazing conversation from our two drivers here

(07:48):
talking about how they stay right out there on the road, and just the little methods that they
use to compete with the isolation, the long hours, uh, being away from home, all of that. So
without further ado, let's bring our drivers in here. Because again, I say this almost every week,
it's like we keep recording the best episode of this podcast every week. That's a really good

(08:11):
problem to have. Uh, this one, I think there's a lot in it for a lot of drivers to be able to take
something from. So let's get them in here. And let's talk a little bit about keeping our head
right out there on the road.
Welcome back into always pneumatic never static. Thank you so much for being here today. I'm really

(08:36):
excited to bring my next two drivers in. Of course it's Mental Health Awareness Month and we are
celebrating it here on the Always pneumatic Never Static podcast today. Uh, otter driving is
a serious animal. I've talked to a lot of drivers in my career making podcast for truck drivers for
almost four years now, and I can tell you that OTR drivers are a special breed. It's somebody that

(09:00):
can put up with the isolation of being out for weeks at a time, or maybe even months. I've even
talked to people that live in their truck and never really go. Quote unquote, home. Now, that's not
the case that we've got today is actually one of our drivers is joining us from home time right
now. And he's very kind to do. So. Please welcome to the show OTR driver for bulk Jackie Thomas. Jackie,

(09:22):
we greatly appreciate you being here today man. Especially on your time off. Yes. That's no problem.
I'm glad to be here. Now, Jackie. I like to get to know my drivers just a little bit beforehand. So,
uh, tell me how long you've been driving for bulk? A little over five years now. A little over five
years. And how long have you been driving? Total, sir. Total. Ever since 1988. Wow. So

(09:47):
you were around for the Wild West? Yes, I was. How much different is
driving today than it was in 1988, Jackie? It's terrible. It is. You had
a you could drive out there in 1988. I have no better problems. Anybody cutting you off going

(10:07):
down the interstate or whatever? Now you get cut off all the time. You. You get put off all the time
and all that good stuff. Yeah, a lot of difference. A lot more congestion out there these days, isn't
there? Yes it is. Yes. And what about the, uh, the advancements in the truck? Do you find
the truck to be easier to drive now with all the technology advancements? Yes. It's very, very

(10:31):
comfortable, very relaxing. And compared to the old trucks back in the 80s and
90s. So you could they're a lot more comfortable driving, and you don't get beat up as bad.
Yes. Very comfortable. And it's automatic, which that's fine too. Yeah. You're one of the few out
there that came from a manual and went to an automatic and was actually okay with it, you know

(10:54):
that, right? Yes, I do now. I never drove a manual until five years ago. Oh,
really? Wow. Very cool. Well, well, uh, glad to have you here, Jackie. We're going to get into a lot
more from your driving experience here. But before we get too far into it, I want to welcome our
second guest on, uh. She's nice enough to join us from the Picton terminal where she's dispatched

(11:17):
out of. This is OTR driver for bulk, Stephanie Evans. Stephanie, thank you so much for being here
today. Yeah, thank you for having me. Of course. Now, how long have you been driving for Bull Stephanie?
I've been driving since October of last year. So about 6 or 7 months now. Okay. And how long
total for you is this your. Is this your first driving gig, or have you been driving for a while?

(11:40):
No, I was over the road for about four years. So August will be five years driving
trucks. Very cool. And, uh, when when you're out over the road about, uh, it's a question I should have
asked Jackie, too, but about how long do you stay out when you go out over the road? Um, with bulk,
it never more than just overnight or two days or something of that nature. Um, but

(12:06):
prior to this, I would say out 30 to 60 days at a time. Oh, wow. Okay. So long time for for your prior
experience. And you were out for for big stretches. Yeah. That's just as we traveled, um, coast to
coast and then Canada border to Mexico. Border. Okay, now I can ask you this question.

(12:26):
Kind of imagining what your answer is going to be because of where you're at. But did you like
staying out for 30 to 60 days at a time, or are you more, uh, one of those people that would like
to get back every couple of days? So it has its, um, pros and cons. So
where I've been, I'm kind of from Appalachian region. Um, and I've never

(12:49):
really been anywhere. You know, coming from generational poverty. So to be able to go and see
all of these amazing things across the country that I could never afford for these vacations, and
we're I'm doing resets available to go to Las Vegas or LA or
New York, New York, and just all over the country and seeing everything it.

(13:14):
Um, but I do like to come home. Yeah. That was the the pool for
bulk transit is in. Coming here is the opportunity to have a quality of life with human
connection and not just the virus. Absolutely. The isolation is the one thing I always wonder about

(13:34):
with those big long, coast to coast runs in and staying out for so long. Stephanie, I'm curious how
you dealt with that because you're on one hand, you've got all this excitement of seeing all
these places that you want to see, but on the other hand, you're doing it by yourself. How did
you compete with that out there? Were you taking lots of pictures? Always in touch with family,
letting them know what you were seeing? What? What was your M.O. out there? So, yeah, pictures just

(14:00):
come with it. Mostly it was learning from some of the drivers that have been out here for
a long time, or the company that I was with. Finding other drivers with in that
company, like as you park at night or something like that to talk or whatever it may be.

(14:20):
But majority of the time I just put myself first. And when I'm putting myself or my truck
first, I rarely have time for anything else. Sure, it's a very detail oriented job, and you have to
focus, right? Yeah. Yeah, I get that? I get that, Jackie. I did miss that question
for you about how long when you go out, are you staying out over the road? Is it kind of similar

(14:45):
to to what Stephanie does just a couple days at a time? No, I usually stay out. Any word from 6 to 12
days. Okay. So so it's a it's a longer stretch, but it's not the 60 day stretch like Stephanie was
talking about with her old company. No I couldn't have that I couldn't. No, no I
understand what she what she's saying too, because I've talked to some people that stayed out there

(15:09):
like that, and I just don't think I could stay away from home that long. Sure. Drive me bonkers.
Sure. I understand. What's the longest you've ever stayed out? I've stayed out. Uh, stayed out
about 14, 15 days before. That's about it. Okay, a couple of weeks. That's still a long time from
home. I mean, I can't look back and think about the last time I was away from home for two weeks. Um,

(15:34):
and and I tell you, you take me away from my wife and my dogs for two weeks. I'm gonna be a puddle.
By the time I get home, Jackie. Well, I got a girlfriend at home and a dog at home, so I don't
mind to break every now and then. Yeah. I totally hear you. So, how are you guys staying in
touch when you're out there for those, uh, you know, those those 14 day stretches or two week

(15:56):
stretches? Do you talk religiously? Kind of. Every day. Do you have a scheduled time that you get in
touch with your girlfriend, or is it just kind of as time allows? Man, her is usually in the
mornings while she's on her way to work, and I'm just getting up, getting ready to get going, get my
coffee in me. And in the evening when she gets off, I'm. Which I'm usually driving. I'm on a headset

(16:20):
too, but most of the time I got a couple of buddies, a couple trucking buddies, one of them
with bulk and one of them's over the road. We talk all the time. See, and that's something I noticed
is very common. Um, I had a couple drivers on here and multiple other podcasts that I do. Where
they'll come on and they'll get a couple of their buddies that they talk to all day, every day, and

(16:42):
they'll tell me before we turn the mics on. This is just a normal day for us. We're just adding you
to the conversation. So I think that's really cool, Jackie, that that helps you stay level out there,
doesn't it? Having somebody to talk to. Yes. And you don't you don't lose. You don't lose your mind
out there on somebody, you know, you say go, hey, cut me off guard. I'm talking to my friends here. I'm

(17:07):
having a really good day here. So especially coming around Chicago. It's the worst. It's the
worst place I've ever been, man. Around two. Hours. It definitely ranks up at the top of the ones
that I've heard out there with Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York are the four that I kind of
hear all the time that people would rather not go to, but they end up going to because there's a lot

(17:30):
of industry in those cities. Atlanta. I don't have a problem with Atlanta. I've been down there so
much for both. It was unreal. Running out of Dundee for James apart, and I've been to Canada a few
times through here with bulk. I don't have a bit of trouble with that. I don't have any trouble
going to Florida. I'd rather run south if I could, but right now, you know I'm on a dedicated run to

(17:53):
Missouri and to green Bay, Wisconsin, then back to Ohio, the plain city. Okay, so you're
getting you're getting your Chicago dose whether you want it or not. Yes, I am. Four times a week. Oh,
man. Jackie. Well, you're resilient man. Truck drivers have to be. Uh. That's interesting.
Stephanie, I want to I want to go to you right now. Um, on that note, and I didn't ask you. And you guys

(18:18):
are going to find this with me. I'm going to forget to ask you questions that I asked the
other person, but I promise I'll bring it back around. Okay. Um, what's your family life like at
home, Stephanie? Do you have, uh, a significant other? Do you have any children waiting at home for you.
So I do have kids and I do not have a significant other. I found that, um,

(18:39):
when I started just focusing on myself and my truck, um, I really didn't have time for any of
that. And my main goal was to elevate myself as a as a person and as a
woman to be able to be a reflection of someone else before I wanted to
commit to someone. So I'm not at that point where I feel I could be a reflection of my partner

(19:06):
to even start that kind of thing. But, um, no, my kids are good. You know, my kid's dad is
a trucker as well, and but he gets to come home every night, so he has our little girl. And then
my other children are grown or teenager, and they, I don't know, I try to fit in their life and like,

(19:26):
mom, get out of here. Kind of that time in, in their in their growth and. Yeah
teenager especially later teenager. They're starting to live their own adult life out there.
Aren't they. They would rather be with their friends than me. Yeah. I totally understand.
So so how often do you get to catch up with them? So I try not to interfere, if that makes any

(19:51):
kind of sense, because it makes it hurt worse. I totally understand that. Yeah.
I mean them as well as me. So like my little girl, my seven, eight year old, if she's just
like going to school and playing at home and stuff like that, she don't even realize what's
going on. You know, when I come home and I grab her, we haven't skipped a beat. But if I'm calling her

(20:17):
and telling her, um, you know, I'll be home in five days. So
every day she wakes up, she's like, I got four days. I about three days. And it makes it harder on her.
We found so I just, I, I tried to just focus on

(20:38):
doing what I need to do for financial gain. At the end of the day, I love my truck. My truck is my
first priority. Um, because my life depends on, you know, the operation of my vehicle. So I do
put that first in it. It's kind of selfish, but I'm doing it for a future,
you know? Um, and I'm so grateful to ball. So, um, giving me the opportunity to

(21:03):
actually be with them, you know, to be home for Christmas or birthdays
or births, funerals, you know, just regular everyday things, like a dentist appointment. So,
uh, yeah, it's it's definitely very different than where I was coming from. Sure, sure. I can tell now

(21:24):
one thing that I want to bring up here, because it's just occurred to me while you were talking
there, Stephanie, is that you know, we're here talking about mental health. It's mental health
awareness month. We're talking about how over-the-road drivers kind of keep their head
level. And what you just heard from Stephanie there was so poignant to me. You've made the
decision that might be harder on you to not talk to your daughter every single day and count down

(21:47):
the days, because you understand what an eight year old goes through, or seven year old, however
old she is. That those days for kids that age last forever. If anybody can think
back to being 7 or 8 years old, when somebody told you on a Monday that the weekend was going to be,
uh, was going to hold some type of exciting event, that week felt like a year. And it

(22:12):
does to every kid that age. And and just understanding that, Stephanie, I feel like is a is
a really good indicator that you've taken some steps to make sure that not only your mental
health is in good shape when it comes to getting in touch with family. But you're also not a
detriment to your daughter, which I think is is another layer that is really important. And I know
it's not easy to not talk to her. I know that I, I've talked to enough moms and dads on this show,

(22:37):
but you're doing that for the greater good, Stephanie. And and much like, you know, I don't
think that sounds selfish at all. Um, I think it it it shows a level of maturity and awareness, um,
that a lot of people that are struggling probably wish that they could, could find. Yeah, I
believe that finding it through the dedication to my truck and myself,

(23:02):
I have so many things going on in order to make my life better for the future. Um, I, I
think that there's no time for no one else. You know, by the time I'm done, if I take a shower, I'm
ready for bed. I'm like, I've had enough of the world today. I'm done. You know, um, so
between truck and sleep. I really don't have time to be lonely. Does that make sense? I hear you make

(23:29):
totally makes sense. Jackie, I wonder what's what's going through your head as you hear Stephanie
talk about her situation here. Any similarities for you? Um, you you seem like you're talking to
your buddies out there. You've got some time to talk to, uh, the girlfriend. You don't have any kids.
I at least that you've mentioned yet. So what's going through your mind as you hear? Uh, Stephanie

(23:50):
talked through her situation. Being there and done that. I have, because I have a
son that's fixing to turn 42 years old, and I got four grandkids, which I do got one grandson that's
15. He calls me at least once a week out here and asked me how I'm doing and where I'm at.
And tell me how that affects your week. When you see his number come over your cell phone. Oh, when

(24:16):
it comes up, it comes up his bub. And when it comes up, it just lights my day up. I'm sure it does. I'm
sure it's very delightful. And, uh, Stephanie was talking about bulk or to, you know, how bulk
treats us. Bulk is an excellent comedy company to work for. Their family orientated. And they will.
They will work with you. Don't matter what it is the time you need. All for family or anything.

(24:41):
Because I had to have some time off last year for my girlfriend. I have a, uh, cancer
and and that all went well. They they just jumped right in there and they called me and asked me
how she was doing all that. So she is definitely correct about how family they are. Yeah,
we've seen that come through on this podcast ever since we started it on every single episode. Uh, I

(25:07):
feel like we never failed to mention that aspect. And and it's such an important aspect. Jackie, and
I want to ask you first and foremost, if your girlfriend was able to make a full recovery. Yes,
she was. She was. She's doing great. Now, it's been over a year just to hire. Over. Yeah. She's doing
really good. Well, I got an applause button for that. That deserves. That deserves a round of

(25:30):
applause. Cancer. That. That big C-word is never an easy one to hear. So, uh, whenever somebody makes a
recovery, we want to cheer them on for sure. Oh. Oh, yeah. Yes. I mean, because I've had it, too.
I've had it 15 years ago. You know, I had prostate cancer, and I. I made it through it. I'm right here,
right now, still driving, driving a truck, and I. I hope I can make it three more years in the truck

(25:53):
and I'll be done. Oh, well, you sound very vibrant and full of life to me, Jackie. So I think you got
it in you for sure, man. But I also want to give you a round of applause for beating cancer, man. Uh,
everybody, every every story we ever tell about beating cancer on this show is going to get a
round of applause from from always pneumatic, never static. Congratulations on both of those

(26:14):
recoveries. And I'm glad to hear that when you needed the time, uh, bulk was able to get it for
you because I think we all know you guys have talked to enough truck drivers. In your experience,
we all know of a story where, uh, a company wasn't able to get that person back, and those ones never
seem to have quite as happy of an ending. And I can't imagine what it would do to your mental

(26:35):
state, Jackie, out there on the road, if you knew that that stuff was going on and you couldn't get
back to her. Yes, that it would really bother me. I actually, when she, um, she was diagnosed
with it, I was in Saginaw, Texas, hauling for, uh, up there for those guys hauling
flour. I was up there for a week, and she called me and she was giving up on life. I said, no, you're

(26:57):
not. So I told him I can't remember the the terminal manager's name anyway. But anyway, he I
told him, I said I got to go. Can't give up on life just because he got the C word. You gotta work it
out. Work hard for it. That's a great mindset to have. Jackie. And you can tell that you've faced it
before and, you aren't scared of it? I'm not. Believe it or not. I mean, at the time

(27:22):
I was married. I was married for 34 years, you know, and she passed away my health issues and. And when
they was all sitting out there in the room crying and everything because I was going in for four
hours surgery, I said everything would be all right. And if I don't wake up, it'll be fine. Teeth.
Wow. Uh, I'll tell you, Jackie, that mindset is, is, uh, something to be, uh, it's it's deserving of a tip

(27:45):
of the cap for sure, my friend. Um, and and, uh, I wish I could be as as relentlessly positive as
you are. Um, that that's something about your personality. Never let that go. Alright. I I've had
so much fun talking to you, and I've spent quite a bit of time on the phone outside of recording,
just getting this whole thing set up, and, um, I, I haven't heard a cross word out of your mouth, man,

(28:07):
you are a happy individual, and I. I commend that. I'd like this every day. I mean, my my better half.
She even says, why do you wake up so happy? I said, well, life is short and just well, make it fun. Amen
to that. I gotta try waking up happy a few times a week. That sounds like a really nice thing, Jackie.
A good cup of coffee. There you go. There you go. I can I can get behind that. Uh, you know, here's

(28:32):
something that that I kind of want to talk about, um, moving past kind of the, the family aspect of
it. That's a very important one. There's a reason that that I wanted to talk about that first,
because the isolation that OTR drivers can feel is very real. And here we've got a couple examples
of people that will tell you there's ways that they go about keeping that isolation from

(28:53):
creeping in. You heard Stephanie talk about dedicating herself to her truck and making sure
that she focuses on her truck and the job at hand. And of course, Jackie talking about hearing from
his grandson out there on the road, talking to his buddies, uh, keeping a good attitude. Those are
those are intentional things that you guys do that aren't easy to do, but you do them, and that's

(29:15):
all part of keeping steady mental health out there on the road with the job that you do. Now,
something else about keeping steady mental health out there is that windshield time. Um, and I wonder,
Stefan, I'm going to go to you here first. Uh, what do you do to pass the hours? Are you listening to
podcasts, audiobooks? Music? Uh, are you just listening to the breeze blow through the air? What

(29:38):
do you do to pass windshield time? Or are you having telephone conversations with people?
There's. There's a litany of things. But what we know is it's a long day. And sometimes you're
driving for a long time just staring out the windshield. Stephanie. So how do you enjoy passing
the time when you're just putting miles behind you? So I would say it's a variety of all of the

(29:59):
above audiobooks. Um, music. I'm going to keep a watcher. That's
weird. Kind of creepy. But, um, it's fun, you know, like, you look out the window and you, like, see
something going on and you'll be like, oh, I wonder what they're doing. Or you see something funny,
like a flatbed, or have a toy truck strapped to the back of it, or, you know, weird stuff. I don't

(30:23):
know, I'm a people watcher, so I guess that's helpful. I'm a dreamer. Yeah, yeah. No, it's fun
because sometimes my wife and I all see something that doesn't make sense when we're on a road trip,
and we will spend the next 10 or 15 minutes making up a backstory for whatever we just saw.
And I'll tell you, it can be some of the most entertaining stuff that you ever get into, you

(30:43):
know? Yeah. Oh, another thing that really passes the time. Like, if I'm, um, hopping to sit
somewhere in the parking lot, um, it actually helps me be a better driver watching other
drivers maneuver. Oh, yeah, their truck. I love doing that. And it was so weird.

(31:05):
I don't think so. I'll tell you right now, I think that just makes you a student of truck driver
nature is all it does. And and my guess is you're picking up as many things not to do as you pick
up things that are good ideas that you want to do. And watching these guys. Right. Yes, yes. So
yeah. And it's some of it's pretty good. So it was pretty funny. Do you can you think

(31:30):
of any examples off the top of your head. Or when you saw a driver doing something and you just
thought, what on earth is going on in your mind? Where did you learn to drive? Oh yeah, plenty of
times. But, uh, some of them, most of them are inappropriate, but.
But yeah. Oh, yeah, I think I came clean

(31:54):
for you. I appreciate it, but you can. You can dance close to the line. Okay. We've got a little bit of
leeway on this podcast. Yeah, I don't know. There are some there are some
slow, slow people, but yeah. No, I like I like seeing the truck, watching people, you know, in the parking
lot maneuver their trucks or like, work on their trucks. It gives you a good opportunity. Like if

(32:16):
you were thinking about something that you're unsure about or maybe needed other suggestions on
talking to them when they're on that downtime. Doing that is great as well. Yeah, absolutely.
There's some camaraderie out there between drivers, isn't there? Yeah, if there isn't, I'm the
type of person my my personality is I'm I'm curious. I want to learn. So even if they're not,

(32:41):
you know, they're disgruntled. They're not wanting to be talked to. I'm still like, hey, uh, hi. How are
you doing? Get away from me, ladies. You know. Maybe you use the,
uh, technique that my mom always taught me, which is kill them with kindness. Just be so nice that
they can't ignore you, right? Yeah, yeah. And in my wanting to learn, um.

(33:05):
I won't stop me, you know what I mean? I'm still tired. Absolutely. So. But now I don't talk on the
phone very much. And it all turns back to my previous life before talking.
Um, had a lot to do with this. I just I don't communicate with anyone,

(33:25):
really. Maybe once a week. Um, once every two weeks or something like that. Because I don't want
the longing to be there on either side. You know what I mean? If I'm just doing whatever I'm doing
to get my money and get out of here. Um, I'm not really paying attention to time. If I'm thinking
what everyone else is doing or what I'm missing, I'm thinking at that time. Does that make sense? Oh,

(33:49):
it makes it makes really good sense. And again, it's something intentional that that probably
when you first realize that if it was that a habit that you had to break, Stephanie, when you
when you finally realized that, hey, we're both longing when we're talking multiple times every
day, I've got to separate myself from that a little bit to make it easier on everybody. Was
that a hard transition to make when you finally figured that out? Um, so the previous lifestyle I

(34:13):
lived before I became a truck driver, um, was helpful in that because it
went hand in hand. So, yeah. Okay, I just did I. I just do what I gotta do to get out of here. And
so trucking, I love trucking more than anything in the world. Like, it's so weird, but, um, I never in a
million years would have thought I would be driving a truck. I never got a driver's license

(34:36):
til I was 36 years old. Wow. Yeah, I never even drove. Um,
but the the money that came from it is life changing. And that that was a fool. So
it just is a bonus that I do love it, you know for sure. For sure. Well, I would be remiss if I didn't

(34:57):
ask you this question because, uh, whenever I'm talking about it, I do ask, is there are there any
audiobooks, podcasts, or anything like that you might recommend. That you're listening to right
now to pass some time that other drivers out there that are listening might enjoy. Never static.
Always be back. Oh, hey, there you go. That's what I'm talking about. That's what I'm talking about.

(35:18):
I'm gonna. I'm giving you a round of applause for that. All right, I got the button cued up. We might
as well. But you've actually been listening to the show. Uh, kind of know sometimes.
Kind of. Sometimes. That's okay. I will take that, I promise you. Uh, that's. But I love it because,
listen, keeping I think variety in your life is a very important thing. I only give you one one hour

(35:41):
of content a week, Stephanie. So even if you were, uh, the biggest fan of this podcast and you were
wearing the t shirt every day, uh, I wouldn't keep you busy, that's for sure. You would be needing to
find something else. So, uh, I totally understand that. And we appreciate any clicks that we get,
whether you're listening to one episode or all of them here on always pneumatic, never static. Uh,

(36:01):
Jackie, I'm going to turn that same kind of question to you. Uh, are you spending most of your
windshield time on the phone with those guys that you talked about, or are you listening to podcast
audiobooks? Uh, what what have you got going on out there to put the miles behind you and pass the
time? I do listen to the bulk podcast. I do listen to it, not every time,

(36:23):
but I do listen to it. And I listen to a lot of country music, too. I like the stuff I do, and
I can do that all the way up about 1:00 during the day. Then my buddies start calling. So you guys
kind of have a set time where you're looking for that phone to ring? Yeah, yeah. After a lot of tips
going to ring, I promise. Okay. Yeah. I mean, it's, um. And another thing too, I thought was funny. I was

(36:47):
kind of holding my giggles back when Stephanie said about stuff being on flat pads and stuff.
Yeah, there's one flatbed that goes around Chicago all the time, and he's got a Tonka dump truck
strapped to the back of it. I've seen videos of that on the on the internet before and it always
makes me laugh. That's a good sense of humor that guy's got. Yeah, yeah. And you know, she was talking

(37:09):
about what other drivers do. Yeah, I, I kind of, you know, laugh about a lot of stuff because I know I
had done it, something stupid trying to back in or something like it in the dock or whatever
or tight spot. And um, that is, that is funny because I know I've done it and I can laugh at
them and say, well, you know, don't do it that way. Do it this way, you know? So, yeah, I would bet since

(37:34):
1988 you've seen about all of it that there is to see out there. Jackie. I've done some stuff. I've
done some crazy stuff myself. You know, we all have. I don't care who you are. We're not perfect. No. So.
But I mean it. It's great to be out there like, you know, I've been to 40 states. I have, I don't know
how many Stephanie's been to, but. And I've been to a lot of them with balls. And I'm just thankful

(38:00):
to get paid, to go and visit these places that I've always liked to go and see. Sure, I
totally understand that part of it. Uh, I gotta ask something real quick. You said you enjoy the
country music, but you said the oldies. And I'm wondering, uh, how old he's here. We talk in Conway
Twitty. Are we? George Strait, Randy Travis. Garth brooks. What? What's your, uh, where's your fancy lie?

(38:23):
I love it all. Alan Jackson. Although, I mean, George Strait, too. I mean, I'm back in George Young days. I
am, because that's what I had to listen to growing up. My dad and mom, you know. Yes, sir. I mean, that's
all they listened to in the 60s, old stuff like that. So. And it kind of rubbed off, I guess it
didn't. So I enjoyed though. Then sometimes I'll flip it over on a rock station just to break up

(38:47):
the monotony. I'm getting tired of listening to something. So yeah, get a little enjoy. Get a little
speed and noise in your life on the rock station, and then get back to feeling the feelings on the
country station, right? Yes, yes. You know, I mean, Stephanie had a good point.
There are a lot of windshield time to there. You know, because the. I've had a lot of windshield

(39:09):
time out there, too. Because me when I, when I take off on my 11 hour drive clock, I do
I just stopped, you know, like say like if I'm coming from green Bay, Wisconsin to Plain City,
Ohio. Okay. It's it's a good drive. It's, um, it's a,

(39:30):
I mean, how far I can't remember, but anyway, I'll drive. I'll drive up to 10.5 hours one way
if I have to, just to get some words, you know, break it up for one time. Stop. But feel. Sure.
Yeah. So. But may I. I like the windshield time. You see a lot of stuff out there, you know, like
Stephanie, Stephanie said, there's a lot of stuff we don't want to say over here, but I've seen that

(39:54):
too. Stuff like that. And it's it's it's really crazy. Then you see them waving and stuff. You know,
even trucks. And you say. My first thought when I see a tractor trailer weaving in a road, it keeps
on the phone. Yep. Yeah. That's my first thought. First off, probably with anything on rubber tires
out there on the highway. If it's weaving, that's probably what they're doing is if if their eyes

(40:18):
are open and they're not falling asleep, they're on the phone. Right? Yeah. 99% of the time. And
that's the way it is. And it's a it's a big problem. And and I just want to draw attention to
the fact that we were actually going to record this yesterday, but we decided that we were not
going to record it yesterday because Stephanie was going to be driving, and she was very kind.

(40:39):
Today she's sitting in the truck waiting for us to get done with this so she could take off
driving. I got a huge amount of respect for that. The safety of this job is paramount, and I can
tell that you bulk drivers take it very seriously. And if you haven't heard it out of Stephanie and
Jackie on this call yet. Just keep listening, because to keep talking about how important that

(41:00):
part of it is, uh, in, in kind of nuanced ways is the best way that I could put it. So, um,
and Stephanie, I, I want to make that clear. We're very appreciative of you making time for us,
because this has been an awesome conversation so far. So thank you very much for making this
possible. So can I say something like, totally left. I would love to shadow Jackie or to meet him in

(41:23):
person. I don't never remember meeting him, but his experience with bulk is something that
is a goal for me, because I would love to be able to stay with bulk for the duration of my,
you know, my driving career. Um, but knowing the things that he does about the trucks, the trailers,

(41:44):
the runs, um, I would love to shadow him if anyone out there is
listening with the authority to let me out to Jackie. That would be great. Jackie. How does that
make you feel? That makes me feel really good. Because, you know, she's taking an older guy and

(42:04):
trying to get trying to get some feel for what, you know, maybe what to do, maybe on something
on the job or what our job is, you know, pulling a teacher or something. You know, I mean, well. You're
saying that you have a dedicated run, which obviously you're doing something right to get a
dedicated run and not have different sporadic ones, as well as saying you were down in Texas

(42:30):
working and and all that poor bulk transit. And so they don't give you those opportunities if you
don't know a bunch of different stuff. I'm a I'm a baby here. So. Yeah. Well, what
it was for me before I started out. Foster Kentucky, right out of that terminal. So I run out
of that terminal for about two, two and a half years, something like that. Then I said, you know, I

(42:54):
mean, we're getting a little slow on work and I'm not making the money I want to make. So, um, so Sean
started this, um, like, um, he didn't really start the OTR yet. I started transfer, you know,
helping other terminals out and stuff. Dundee out, Sydney out and a bike, and I helped. I've helped
Kelly out down there, you know, pulling clay and stuff and um, then I, I then one day I first

(43:21):
got which he's retired now he said, Jackie, I just want to keep you on like for years down this
Missouri and Green Bay run two rounds a week, two loads a week from each each day. And, uh, would you
like that? Then they transferred me to Plant City, and I'm happy. Would you say. Would you say, Jackie,
that just kind of that, uh, willingness to jump around to some of the other terminals is what

(43:44):
kind of opened up that opportunity for you? Yes. It did. It sure did. Because, um, I mean, I don't know
Jason at Sydney. I mean, he's treated me good. I've run to Texas for him, too. It's he.
Evansville on fire. I've run for Charlie up here to to Texas and and for James at

(44:04):
Dundee. I mean, they've all treated me good. I mean, they they know I like the long run. Let's put it
that way. If it ain't long, don't call me. I went. Down. Well, Stephanie, that's really
cool. I'm glad that you did say that. That's not off the wall at all, because that's one thing that
this podcast aims to do. If I can get two drivers on here that have never connected before, and have

(44:27):
you guys connect outside of the podcast for the positivity of your own careers or the advancement
of the company? I that is that is the a one goal that I have here is to kind of grow
this, uh, you know, you guys have such a great culture already. We're not we're not installing
your culture at all with this podcast. We're just trying to add to it and what you just did right

(44:49):
there. It adds to that culture because you've got Jackie who's saying, yeah, I that's awesome. And you
are hungry to learn, Stephanie. So anytime you do something like that on this podcast, you're going
to get a lot of flowers for me. Okay. Oh my. I'm a random side note to why you guys were
talking. I'm a foster Kentucky sit and just watching you on the turkey. I sent you some

(45:14):
pictures of it. It's running across the wall just randomly. Only in foster, Kentucky only. And
yeah, the wild turkeys. Oh my gosh. Oh that's crazy. I'm looking at the pictures right now. That thing
just walking around like it owns the lot. Yeah. Oh my kids at one time down
Tennessee I was outside of Nashville. Oh, it's the worst day of my life. I just woke up out of bed,

(45:39):
walking into the truck stop and the chicken pulled on attacked me. My son laughed till he
cried. And then. So I'm just Or thinking, hey, the chicken is gone. The lady of the cow. Science. It's
waiting at the front door on me to come out. Oh, you got a rival chicken? Yeah. Keep going out. First
thing in the morning, about 6:00 in the morning. Holy cow, I got my ass kicked by a chicken.

(46:05):
Oh. You know, you never you never know what's going to happen out there over the road. You just don't
know. You can be attacked by poultry. We've we've documented it here on the podcast, so. Oh that's
great. That's great. Yeah. That video. Damn film. I got a picture. But anyway. Oh,
yeah. So, Jackie, another question. I'm sorry to be in your podcast doing this, but, um, did you have to

(46:31):
move, like, sell your homes or move apartments or whatever, uh, living situations to get to those
other rooms? To get away from where I'm driving from these terminals? No, I didn't
move. No, I didn't have to move. Let me drive the truck home. Is that what you're saying? Yeah, so I
didn't. I know when you get hired, you have to be within so much range of that terminal. And that's

(46:56):
for truck repurposing purposes. You know what I mean? This is the great thing. This is the great
thing about my house from where I live. And I live in Cynthiana, Kentucky, 30
miles north of Lexington, Kentucky. I know you know where it is. Oh, yeah. Okay. All right. From
my house to the plain city at two hours and 54 minutes with no hiccups. And. And they

(47:22):
let me drive my truck home stuff. But there's an exception to this. 99% of
the time when I leave. When I leave Plant City up there, I've got to load it. I got a load of,
um, ash or not. Ash. It's, um, it's bad, it's bad, but material that comes

(47:43):
out of haunt at Marysville, Ohio. I take it to a cool place in Missouri. So see all I
do. I can go down Bluegrass Parkway to go to Missouri. I can go to Louisville and go around
that way. It's real simple. So that's why they let me bring the truck home with a load every week
because they know I'm out. I've already got a three hour jump on anybody that's coming out of

(48:07):
Ohio. Yeah. And then on top of it, you're, um, you're staying going all week. So you're only going when
you leave home. You won't be home again for, you know, five, six, seven days. Yeah. I mean, like, if I
leave, I'm gonna leave Sunday morning at 6:00. I bobtail up there, hook up the load up our. Because,
you know, I've been off for five weeks, and, um, I'll, I'll tell if I hook up the load. I'll go to

(48:32):
Louisville. That's the best way to go down 64. Go to Mizzou, blow my load off. Go get my tanker
washed out Monday morning at the truck works. Then I go to green Bay and load and I head back to
Brain City. Be back up there Tuesday morning. Like. Clockwork, watching out. I doubt I can do it. Five
and a half days or less. And also, his load sounds fantastic

(48:58):
in theory. Until the snow comes. Until the snow comes. Yep. Ain't nothing
until the ice and snow comes. And I was already an adult. Sounds well, yeah. Cause he said, yeah,
you got me, man. I'm sorry to interrupt you on this once, Anthony, but that's what everybody said after

(49:18):
playing city two. When I took envelopes, I said, you ain't going to like it when the snow and ice come.
No, it's. And listen, when you've been driving for as long as you have, you've seen that snow and ice
before. You said you've been to 40 states. So obviously some of those states are going to be
wintry states in the winter months. Uh, we only got that that swath down south that gets the sun 24

(49:41):
over seven. So, um, uh, or uh, excuse me, Stephanie, it kind of sounds like, do you have very much
experience driving in the snow and ice, uh, either from your prior gig or where you're at now? Yeah.
So I've been to the majority of the lower 48. Um, I don't do the northwest at all.
Um, normally, but, yeah, you know, Maine, Connecticut, all that good stuff. Uh,

(50:06):
Colorado. I am a little hurt that you don't come out to see me here at the northwest, because, you
know, I would buy you a cup of coffee if you had a break to take in Eugene, Oregon. Right. Uh oh. My God.
I'm not going home. Yeah, I know. It's a it's a long trip, I promise you. I did it on a
plane, and it was a long trip. I went out to Plain City and, uh. Yeah. You know, it's, uh, it's very nice

(50:30):
out here, but I totally understand why you guys wouldn't want to come out here, especially in the
winter months. A lot of elevation change out here. Uh, in the Pacific Northwest. Um, and, you know, of
course, you got to get through the Rocky Mountains to even get over here. So it's a pretty hairy trip,
you know? Yeah. Where's your favorite place to drive to, Stephanie.

(50:53):
Favorite place on ten? On ten. Just anywhere on ten. Yeah. So ten
is good money. Just because now you make sure you have any rations, like through the desert, like
Muhammad desert and stuff. Um, but make sure you have everything you should ever need an extra
tire, clothing, food, whatever, because they could get on hand and it's going to take you before you

(51:18):
even see a gas station or human life. It's going to be like 6 or 7 hours one way.
But the money is here and the parking is real good. Oh, you know, right. There's nobody out there.
So I realize, being from the United States of America, I'm just assuming we are all the same,

(51:39):
right? We're all living the same lifestyles and the same. No. If you go from one part of America to
the other, you might as well be in another country. Yep. That's true. The way they are, how they handle
theirself, even their livestock or their wildlife or, um, the
vegetation, the way that people act. Everything is different. It is. Yeah. No question. Jackie, I hear

(52:03):
you giggling about that. You have some thoughts? Yeah. I, I don't know, I, I
might not, I might want to keep to myself on this and what do you think. But no, it's a it's
all good. I love it out of here. You know, I mean, I've learned a lot. I've seen a lot, you know, and I

(52:23):
grew up, you know, in the business. My dad had four trucks. I knew at 13 I was going to drive. So let's
put it that way. And I was driving in because at 14 years old, I drove from Syracuse, New York, to
Cincinnati, Ohio. Nice. Wow. So I was with my uncle, and he had. He had to get some
sleep. Yeah. So I got a little wind chill. So, see, I'm fortunate. I grew up in the in the business,

(52:48):
and I knew that's what I was going to do. For sure. For sure. You know, Stephanie, I think there's
something that I want to touch on that you said there talking about how every state can can be
kind of a different country. I think a lot of times that, uh, that Europeans that I've met don't
understand that when you're talking about, you know, uh, bebop and through Europe and you're

(53:09):
taking this the bullet train all around, and you're seeing Italy in Germany and France, and you
do that all in the in the space of a couple of days. They don't always understand that their
countries are many times as big or smaller than our states. Like, you start putting Alaska and
Texas up against the size of some European countries and it gets downright scary. This is a

(53:31):
huge country and there are all manner of of different lifestyles and cultures all the way
across the country. And it sounds to me like that's one of your favorite parts about trucking,
Stephanie. It is. It is. It is just great. So, um,
I know another one. That's my favorite. It's Connecticut and, uh, the holiday season around

(53:56):
Christmas. Yeah. People out there like a hallmark movie. Yeah. I was about to say that you took the
words right out of my mouth. I've seen the pictures. Uh, they do Christmas different out there
in Connecticut. Yes. It's a hallmark movie. Um, it's great, but I remember going through
the Mojave Desert, and I had never seen these animals before. Uh, you know, and I'm from a long

(54:19):
line of, like, hunters and fishers and whatever. So I'm thinking, I know what America is doing. I was
born I don't know if you know the pronghorn is or not. I was fortunate enough to, uh. I was fortunate
enough to go hunt pronghorn and actually fill my tag. I waited 20 years for that tag, and three
years ago this September, I was able to take down a pronghorn. So I know what you're talking about.

(54:42):
Yeah. So? So me being from Appalachia, you know, country, I've been isolated. We never had money to
go nowhere, you know? But, um, so I'm driving my first couple times to Los Angeles, but
I'm going through the desert, see a pronghorn. I call my grandma, I'll take a simple escape from

(55:02):
the zoo, or it's been imported from Africa or something, because it was like the one that runs
with the lions over there. And mother was like, go, get out the truck. Daphne, you just stay right
there. Don't get out of that truck. And I was at a loss, you know, mind you, she's
almost 89 years old. She's all this crap. So between the two of us, we didn't know what that

(55:26):
thing was. That's so funny. That's funny. I love it. Now that I found out what it was and that it
was supposed to be here, I felt so stupid. Oh, no. Hey, there's. Those things look a lot different
than anything you've ever seen. And you are 100% right when you see them run away from you across
an alfalfa field or across an open desert. They look like they should be running from lions and

(55:49):
tigers, not just from whatever's out in New Mexico. Right? Yeah, and then roadrunners. I'm sorry to be
all animals, but roadrunners. I thought they were big. Like the cartoons. No, we were getting tiny
things, and they were super fast. Oh, yeah, they are. Those things are really cool. I, you know, that is
one thing about Oregon, where I live that a lot of people don't know is the Great Basin Range

(56:11):
stretches into the southern part of Oregon, and we have a pretty big, uh, what I would call almost
alpine desert, uh, down in the lower part of our state. And we do get some antelope. And I am right
there with you. They do not seem like they belong in our state, but they're here, and I'll tell you,
they are delicious. If any of you are a hunter man, they make a good steak. In fact, my wife just

(56:34):
cooked up some antelope for me last night and put it with some gnocchi pasta. It's so good. It might
be my favorite game. Meat, if I'm going to be honest with you. Um, so if you ever get a chance to
get a tag and you like to do you like to go out and hunt, I would highly recommend an antelope
hunt. They're really fun. They're hard. Uh, they are incredibly in tune to their predators. They are

(56:55):
very fast. And you don't get closer to them than about 300 yards unless you're lucky. So, uh, it's
it's a very fun and challenging game. Uh, or if you just enjoy sightseeing, they run in huge herds, and
they're really fun to watch. Yeah. You have to be a good shot on that one. Well, you know, my my adage
with that one, Stephanie is even a blind squirrel finds a nut. Once in a while, I think I was

(57:18):
throwing lead in the air and that thing jumped into it, if you want my honest opinion. But, uh, it
still hit the ground, and I. I got it on my wall because, as I said, I applied for that tag for 20
plus years before I finally got enough preference points to get the tag. So, uh, very, very special
moment for me. I'm glad you brought up antelope. It never. It never hurts my feelings to talk about

(57:40):
them. Um, but, uh, Jackie, I wonder. I never asked you the question that got Stephanie there to talking
about the different animals in the different states. Uh, do you have a favorite place in all of
your experience driving since 1988? Where's your favorite place to end up in the truck? Oh,
man, I really like going south, I really do, okay. I mean, I love going down

(58:04):
in Florida. I just love the view going down. And it's so relaxing going down 75,
you know, down in there. And I'll tell you, I'm like Stephanie in the fall. I've been to Connecticut
and stuff for for bulk delivery now delivering malt and stuff up there for the breweries. And I
really like it up there in the fall too. Yeah, it is because, you know, the I don't know, it's just

(58:31):
the way the trees and everything is up in there. You know, I don't mind it, but when you get out of
can get out of your way. I don't know where Stephanie lives up, but I live here in a town
that's not a hundred mile an hour pace. Mhm. And when I get out of here in these other
states, these vehicles, they're just all motoring. They are. But no I do I like going south I do, I

(58:56):
like going up Connecticut in that area there. Yeah. The colors up there in Connecticut in the fall I
have got to just be mind blowing. And I'll say this. Yeah, I can never hurt anybody's feelings to
get out after you've left Kentucky or Ohio, to get out of the truck down in Florida and warm the
cold bones up a little bit. Right. You're you're exactly right. You know, I mean, it gets cold on our

(59:19):
tune sometimes certain part of the year, but, I mean, it's still nice to go. It is always like that.
Like that. Run that man for sure. Well. That was
something to do in the Everglades and their cheap, um, adventures that you can do in just a couple of
hours. When you shut down, like going on those air boats and stuff, you just take a little trip down

(59:44):
the Everglades. Yeah. Pretty nice. That's great. You got parking for your trip right there, too. Oh.
That's awesome. Oh, I got it. Yeah, I got. Family down in Orlando, so, I mean, it's good for me if I get to
go down there. You know, the few times I went down there for boat, I visit with my cousin, took her
out for dinner and stuff. Barbecue place. So, I mean, it's really good for me to see my family, you know,

(01:00:06):
that's in these other states, too. Absolutely, absolutely. And some of the it's one of the things
that I feel like a lot of people don't understand when they see Over-the-road truck driving as a
career. They think, uh, being out, being isolated, long miles, uh, really hard work. But there are some
caveats that come with it. Stephanie's talked about it there. You just heard Jackie talk about

(01:00:27):
it. You sometimes you get to go out and see family. I mean, who knows how often you're just going to
take a plane flight down to Orlando to see your cousin and take her to dinner? But, hey, if bull
gets you down there, uh, you're down there. It's that easy. It's just part of the gig, and you get
to go out and enjoy some barbecue with a family member. There's nothing wrong with that. And I
think it's all part of how you guys stay level out there on the road and set yourself up for

(01:00:51):
success. To be able to do this job, that is a very demanding job. Um, and listen, it's not an easy one,
but you guys are really good at it, and you can tell that there's a lot of dedication that's made
you good at it. Um, we have gone for almost an hour, believe it or not, Jackie and Stephanie, I'll
always say whenever I look up at the clock and that much time has passed, but it feels like 15

(01:01:13):
minutes. That was a good conversation. Uh, so I want to wrap it up, though, because I know Stephanie has
given us her time right now, and far be it for me to take a single minute more of Jackie's time off
than what I need to. So let's go. Ahead. Sorry. Go ahead. Yeah. Thank you for having
me. Having me. Jackie. If you see me again, make a point. Because everyone is a blur most of the time.

(01:01:38):
Say, I was on the podcast with you. I'm good to give you my number two off the podcast. Yes, sir.
Yes, sir. Well, as. Soon as you give them the ball and we'll call you for advice. So? So we
will. We will make sure that you guys can exchange numbers after we shut the mics off here. I'll make
sure and keep you on the line so we can do that. Because that is a big moment in my life, too. I'm

(01:02:01):
very excited to hear all of the things. You know, Stephanie, I think about this maybe in six months,
we'll get you guys back on here together and talk about what you've learned from Jackie over those
six months since you connected here on the show. But this podcast, there's one thing that we do for
every single person that joins and we call it Final thoughts. This is a time for you to say

(01:02:23):
anything that you didn't say. Bring up anything that might have gotten left on the table during
the recording here, or give some shout outs to family members, coworkers, whoever might be
listening. The point is, the floor is yours and you can take as much time as you need. So Jackie
Thomas, we're going to go to you first for your final thoughts here, my friend. Trucking since 1988.

(01:02:44):
Seen just about everything there is to see a wealth of knowledge. We greatly appreciate your
time here today, Jackie. Final thoughts for us before we let you get back to enjoying the last
bit of your time off. I've really enjoyed this podcast with you and Stephanie and
it's been really, really excited. You know, just hear Stephanie talk about she's been places I

(01:03:08):
haven't been and and I just I encourage anybody, you know, to if they want to work for both. I
mean, it's a good place to work. Amen to that, Jackie. Great stuff from you. Thank you so much for
being here today, my friend. We will get you back on here again soon for sure. Uh, Stephanie Evans,
your time is also greatly appreciated, especially because I know that you waited to get on the road

(01:03:33):
today. Uh, I I'll never ask somebody to do that, but if they are going to do it for me, I'll tell you,
I'm very grateful. Thank you so much for all the great content today. Final thoughts from you
before we let you go. Um, so mine's probably in a in in both directions. I
want to give a shout out to Kelly and Python Terminal. What an amazing, um,

(01:03:57):
person and employee for both trains. And she. She's super loyal and super helpful. And I could have
not done this without Kelly. Um, so very grateful to her. But patience, um,
and knowing the dangers of the job, like, when we leave home, we might not go back. So, um,

(01:04:18):
you know, and I've watched a lot of it, you know, just on the road. So it is it is great. It's good
money. It is an amazing company. But just always be aware of the danger that
comes with it. And it could be in the moment. It could be a split second. You're not paying
attention and trying to hurry or thinking, I'm going to make one more dollar if I stay out one

(01:04:41):
more hour. Or if I do this really fast. And that's not the ticket here. The the goal is to, you
know, to help the company advance as well as myself. And being in a rush or not paying
attention is one of the number one things, um, that, you know, hurt

(01:05:02):
drivers. Absolutely. You know, and and always to be prepared, I would say, like being prepared
for anything that would happen. Um, have all of your provisions with you, anything extra and You
bring that stuff with you? Great advice there, Stephanie. Thank you so much for the time. Hang on
the line with me, guys. After we shut the mics off, we'll get your we'll get your information

(01:05:24):
exchange so that you two can touch base off the air. Uh, this has been a fantastic conversation. Big
thanks to Stephanie Evans and Jackie Thomas. We'll talk to you guys soon. Thanks for being here. Okay.
Okay. Thank you. Have a nice day. I.

(01:05:46):
Can confirm that Jackie and Stephanie exchanged information off the air. And they will be
connecting so that Stephanie can soak up, like, a sponge. All of that great knowledge that Jackie
has amassed over his career. Trucking since 1988. Growing up with a father that had four trucks
and getting his first. I'll put it in quotes. Long haul experience, miles wise at the ripe old age of

(01:06:11):
14. Um, that's that's an amazing story. And what you heard there was a newer driver and I won't even
really consider Stephanie a newer driver. She's been with us for a while, but somebody that
doesn't have as much experience as what Jackie does, um, is is looking to try to
absorb that experience because she's so dedicated to the job. And you could hear that in Stephanie's

(01:06:34):
voice talking about how one of the things that she uses intentionally to keep the isolation and
the loneliness from creeping in is focusing on her truck and making sure that that truck is in
shipshape and everything is running perfectly. That alone gives her the confidence to approach
the job the way that she wants to. And it also helps her not think constantly

(01:07:01):
about that little girl sitting back at home waiting for her to come home. Um, and again, I told
you off the top. Think of the word intentional. This is not something that just happens. It's
something that you have to make happen. Trust me. I mean, you heard our Mother's Day episode just a
couple of weeks ago. It is not easy for a mother to not be talking to their child, especially not

(01:07:24):
when it's available. So what Stephanie does is very intentional, and it produces results, and it
keeps her level out there on the road so that she can do a really good job, get her check and get
home, and then concentrate on the things that matter once the truck is parked. As for Jackie,
seen it all out there, man, there's not a thing that a guy that's been driving since 88 hasn't

(01:07:48):
seen. Um, and I think a lot of that kind of comes with the territory of of
being intentional about staying, uh, staying right out there from a mental standpoint. And you heard
it from Jackie. I mean, have you ever heard a happier guy on this podcast or in general? There's
not anything that you could tell Jackie that's gonna upset him, and that's intentional too. You

(01:08:11):
heard him talk about waking up in a good mood every day. Get a good cup of coffee in you. Even
his girlfriend doesn't understand how he does it. But he does it. And he's been through some things.
Lost a partner to illness, got through cancer himself, went through a cancer diagnosis with his
current significant other, and got through that. That's a guy that doesn't have to be happy every

(01:08:31):
day. But he is because he wants to be. And that is where I wrap it back to being intentional about
your mental health. At the end of the day, this job asks a lot more than driving a truck. It asks for
discipline, it asks for patience. And whether we talk about it or not, it demands a
very high level of mental fortitude. Because here's the reality long haul drivers might spend

(01:08:57):
weeks at a time working in isolation, and studies have shown that truck drivers are at a higher
risk for depression and loneliness compared to the general workforce. And in some research, nearly
1 in 4 drivers report symptoms tied to mental health strain, whether that's stress, fatigue or
just the weight of being out there alone. And that is not a weakness. That's the environment we live

(01:09:21):
in. That's the job. So what matters is what you do about it. Intentional and
what you heard today. That's the blueprint. Stay connected. Find your routines. Take care of the
little things, break up the monotony, and don't ignore the days when something feels a little off.

(01:09:41):
Because out here you can't control the miles, but you can control how you take care of yourself
along the way. And sometimes that's the difference between just getting through it and actually
being good to go out there. And I hope that this episode did a good job of painting the picture of
how just two drivers handle it. And I also hope that the rest of you drivers that are listening

(01:10:03):
to this might want to come on and share the way that you keep your head right out there over the
road. Or maybe you're a regional driver. You don't stay out that long. Maybe you're home every night,
but you still concentrate on your mental health. We're here to talk about it, and more than happy
to welcome you onto the show. I told Stephanie and Jackie they are definitely both. Welcome back

(01:10:23):
anytime. If you're listening to this right now and you're going, how in the heck do I get in touch
with Marcus? That was an awesome episode. I want to be on the show. I hope you're saying that. God, I
hope you're saying that. But it's simple. You just head over to the website podcast.bulktransit.com.
There's a link there where you can email me directly, or if you already have my phone number,
feel free. Shoot me a call, send me a text. I'm available all the time. That way I will answer if

(01:10:49):
I can. If I can't answer, I'll get back to you. Okay, but this is important stuff that we talked about
today. This is kind of a gravitational episode because we learned about some techniques and some
tips and just being intentional about doing things in a way that works for you that I think
will really resonate with a lot of you Bulk drivers out there and Spur as well. We're not

(01:11:11):
going to forget them. Thank you so much for clicking download on today's episode. Um, it is
Mental Health Awareness Month and I think we gave it its flowers today. So really appreciate
Stephanie and Jackie coming on here and sharing so much time with me. And thank all of you for
being here, listening today. We appreciate always every single click that we get podcast.bulktransit.com

(01:11:32):
the website, and we will have another hour of content for you next week,
Wednesday, 5 a.m. local time. Take care out there. Book. Be safe. Make sure to keep that shiny side up.
And that's all she blows for today's episode of Always Pneumatic, Never Static your number one and
probably only Pneumatic Trucking podcast, brought to you by Bulk Transit. Thanks for rolling with us

(01:11:57):
today. Till next time, stay safe. Keep those lines clear and keep it pumping.