Life in the Truck Driver's Seat: Tony's Story

He isn't what most people would consider the stereotypical truck driver. Sure, he listens to country music and enjoys being out on the open road, but that's pretty much where the stereotype ends.

A former bodybuilder and self-described gym rat, Tony was looking for a career that would allow him to increase his earning potential while still being able to enjoy time with his 5, yes, FIVE boys. His goal was to eventually go from working for a company to become an owner-operator, which is what he does now. He doesn't recommend getting into it right away, though. More on that later.

So how did a bodybuilder get into trucking? Well, much like Brian, it became somewhat of a family business. Tony's older brother was already a professional truck driver, and the lifestyle appealed to him. He had previously been working in sales, but did not like the uncertainty of his paycheck, since it was totally based off commission earned. Since he has five children, he felt much more comfortable knowing how much (or at least the minimum) he would be bringing in each month.



Of course, if he wants to increase his earnings, he can always pick up an extra route. That is one benefit of being an owner-operator. He can work as little or as much as he needs. Sometimes, his brother even joins him and they drive as a team. Being an owner-operator isn't for everyone, though, he says. He recommends just being a driver for a while before making any sort of major investment into a truck. "Make sure it is something you'll be able to stand doing for next ten plus years," he says. He also says to make sure that you are a self-starter, and capable of being your own boss. "Some people prefer to work for themselves, while others just want to be told where to go and when, and I am definitely the former."

Tony appreciates the laid-back attitude and attire that he can have as a truck driver, and also enjoys being able to get in his gym time during his breaks on the road. He specifically joined a national-chain gym that has locations along his route, which he drives twice a week. Currently, he transports hydrogen peroxide, which requires a HAZMAT endorsement. "The pay is better," he says, than transporting loads that don't require special credentials.

With 3 of his boys, after getting home from driving his route. Note the gym clothes.

He wouldn't be able to cut it as a professional truck driver, being away from home for days at a time, if it weren't for the support of his fiance, Leslie. She is also self-employed, in the e-commerce industry. Tony describes her as independent, strong, and capable. He jokes that she saves up all of the major household repairs for when he is home which, he admits, helps him to make that transition right back into home life. "She always has something for me to do around the house when I am home," Tony laughs, "So I know that she can't totally survive without me."

Tony and his fiance, Leslie.

At times, he even brings home on the road with him. In addition to being able to work out at the same gym wherever he goes, which helps things to feel more normal, he occasionally brings the whole family along. His two youngest boys often travel with him during their school breaks, which they enjoy very much. Also, "When I used to run my routes through Vegas, I would bring Leslie and the boys with me, and we'd spend the weekend up there. It was a great way to make the most of work and family time, and a wonderful bonding experience."

Even on vacation, Tony is the designated driver!!

To anyone looking to improve their earning potential with a career in trucking, Tony highly recommends it. "I love the financial flexibility I have at this point in my life, which I definitely attribute to my career choice. There are many different types of routes and jobs you can get when you earn your CDL, and it definitely isn't a cookie-cutter career. Many people just see the guy behind the wheel and think it is all the same. It really isn't. You never really know how far you can go until you give it a shot."