From cargo vans to tractor-trailers, expedited trucking uses 'em all. Although the expedited industry is probably best typified by the 6-wheel straight trucks, there are a number of semi-truck owner-operators running the highways hauling fast freight. Let's meet Debra Patrick and her husband Dixie, two of those owner-ops.
From cargo vans to tractor-trailers, expedited trucking uses ’em all. Although the expedited industry is probably best typified by the 6-wheel straight trucks, there are a number of semi-truck owner-operators running the highways hauling fast freight.
Let’s meet two of those owner-ops.
Debra Patrick and her husband Dixie call Pell City, Alabama home and are independent expedited team drivers.
Debra says that she has always been the adventurous type and one who would take on a challenge. At energetic 52, she has two grown children who have presented her with seven grandchildren.
Debra has a rich and varied work history that includes stints as a waitress, gas station attendant, EMT and police dispatcher, Emergency Medical Technician, car salesperson and Assistant Manager of a large hotel.
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She wasn’t content with ordinary jobs, however:
“I had been considering an aviation job for a small shoe company in Birmingham, Al and I received my ground school training along with 42 hours in a single-engine Piper Cherokee, but the job didn’t materialize.”
“I’ve had my ups and downs but I always try to have a positive attitude on every situation.”
“My husband Dixie has been a professional driver since 1976. In 2006 he asked me if I would be interested in driving team with him and I said yes. I rode with him for three months and he taught me a lot about truck driving.”
“After I received my Commercial Drivers License, I headed out on the road for the first time as a commercial driver. It seemed like I couldn’t drive enough. I was so excited along with being a little proud to have my CDL.”
“Dixie and I are the proud owners of a 2006 379 Peterbilt. We formed a company and named it, appropriately enough, Patrick Trucking.”
Debra shares her thoughts on being a professional driver:
“I see a lot of places that I would have never seen if it wasn’t for being a truck driver. I guess you could consider it a retirement plan that pays you to retire!”
“If you’re a lady driver, you have to be tough, especially with the CB language and the dirty parking lots that you run into.”
“A truck driver has a lot of responsibility: You have to make sure that you’re watching everyone that gets in front of you, behind you and beside you, especially when you can gross out at 80,000 lbs. We run down a lot of narrow roads and through big cities and that’s a challenge for a small town country girl.”
“My husband and I are together 24/7 and we make a real good team. We make good money and we enjoy the work. My sister has even nicknamed me the Pretender, because of the adventurous road I have been down.”
“I have a ton of pictures for when we retire; the memory won’t only be burnt into my mind but I can open up a photo album and be amazed once again.”
