Driver Appreciation
How Trucking Transformed Emily Plummer’s Life and Career
Emily Plummer’s story will make you believe in the incredible transformations that the trucking industry can bring. As a dedicated driver for Prime Inc in Springfield, Missouri, she has experienced a life-altering career path that goes far beyond just hauling freight.
Growing up in a tiny Arkansas town, Plummer always felt confined by its limitations. Determined to break free, she eagerly joined JROTC in high school, dreaming of enlisting in the military as her ticket to a brighter future.
When graduation arrived, however, Plummer encountered an unexpected hurdle: her parents’ consent.
“(My mom told me, ‘If you want to go in the military, you will have to wait until you turn 18,’” she said.
After turning 18, Plummer secured a job in a factory, earning a respectable income. Despite this, she found herself unsatisfied.
“I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to be in a small town all my life,” she said. “There had to be more out there, I just knew it.”
After about a year, Plummer relocated to Texas with her father, once again settling in a small town. It was there that a truly transformative experience unfolded right before her eyes. She vividly remembers a trucker, parking alongside her and her father, and her fascination with trucks was instantaneously ignited. Without hesitation, she approached the truck’s owner and requested a glimpse inside.
“From that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a truck driver,” she said.
Discovering the perfect opportunity seemed almost destined when she stumbled upon a recruiter’s advertisement seeking truck drivers for multiple top-tier carriers.
“I did the application, and four companies told me no. There weren’t many female drivers. If there were, they were with their husbands,” she said. “Thinking back, I could’ve gotten a no because I was a woman, but I can’t verify that.”
Feeling lost and unsure about her future at the age of 20, a glimmer of hope appeared when Prime Inc. reached out to her. They suggested that she pursue a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Determined to make a change, Plummer took on the challenge.
With the support of her father, she embarked on rigorous training sessions for pre-trip inspections, using his trusty old Cadillac as a practice vehicle.
“It helped me get an idea of what I was going to do,” she said.
After obtaining her CDL, Plummer was delighted when Prime provided her with a bus ticket to Springfield, Missouri for their driver training program. The rest, as they say, is history – Plummer has proudly served as a driver for Prime for 28 years, celebrating her anniversary on June 18.
From her childhood, Plummer has always carried the belief that giving back is crucial.
“My mom instilled in us to give back,” she said. “The military was something I could do to give back to the country. I realized that driving a truck is another way to give back.”
Plummer not only plays a crucial role in the nation’s supply chain but also contributes to her local community. Along with her husband, they generously support her alma mater’s football team by supplying food and refreshments to the players during games.
“I had one of the young men ask me, ‘Why did you come back to make sure we were fed at football games?’” she said. “I always tell them that I didn’t have that when I was growing up. It’s always good to return to your community. As long as you have touched one person, that’s all that matters. That’s it,” Plummer, affectionately nicknamed “Aunt Emily” by the young men, expressed with a smile.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, numerous businesses were forced to close their doors or adapt to remote work. However, the trucking industry did not have the luxury of such options. With steadfast determination, truck drivers persisted in delivering essential goods like food, medical supplies, and merchandise, gaining newfound recognition and praise from a nation that had previously disregarded them. Truckers became the heroes of the time, receiving enthusiastic cheers, heartfelt thank-you signs, and even food to support them on their journeys.
“My husband and I knew this career came with being unappreciated, but we still wanted to do it. When COVID first hit, we knew that America needed us, so we couldn’t think about ourselves,” Plummer said. “I think the general public realized how important we are to them. We felt appreciated. We enjoyed all of the thank-yous we received on the road.”
Regrettably, the public’s appreciation for truckers was short-lived.
“Once COVID became unimportant to the public, things returned to what they were,” Plummer said. “They don’t understand the sacrifice that comes with being a trucker. We drive for five months at a time and see so many things that range from one extreme to another. They don’t see us missing the sporting events, birthdays, and graduations. They don’t see that we skip physical and mental health care.”
Plummer and her husband have learned to appreciate their downtime, choosing their comfortable bed at home over the bunks on their truck. During this time, they focus on getting rest, spending time with family and friends, and attending important doctor’s appointments to make up for the lack of care on the road. When they are away, Plummer relies on FaceTime or Facebook Messenger to stay connected with loved ones.
Although Plummer prefers to stay in the background and excel at her job, her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In the past year, she has found herself in the spotlight not once, but twice.
Every year, Prime holds a Highway Diamond Gala to honor its female drivers and selects one driver as the Highway Diva of the Year. When Plummer heard her own name being announced during the biography reading, she was surprised by the recognition.
Winning the Highway Diva of the Year award at Prime served as motivation for Plummer. She was later informed that she would be nominated for the TCA’s 2023 Professional Driver of the Year.
She recalls being shocked and saying, “Why would you do that? I won’t win it.”
Plummer was aware that two male drivers from Prime Inc. had won the award in the past, and they had over 30 years of experience. Plummer doubted that the trucking industry was prepared for a female driver to win – but she was wrong.
While braving a winter snowstorm in Nebraska, Plummer received a call from Prime.
“He asked me what I was doing and told me I needed to pack my bags,” she said, adding that the caller told her she had won a spot as one of TCA’s Professional Drivers of the Year and would be traveling to Orlando, Florida, for the awards ceremony during the association’s 2023 convention.
Plummer was left speechless and overwhelmed with emotion. The impact of that phone call validated all the hard work and dedication she had poured into her career and personal life. It wasn’t until her arrival at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, however, that the reality truly sunk in.
“It was such an honor. I met the other four winners, who are all amazing people,” she said. “I know I work hard out there, but I just do my job. I don’t look for anything extra; I don’t go out of the way to put myself out there to be recognized. I just work.”
Source: The Trucker
Photo: Truckload Carriers Association
To celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week from September 15 to 21, RaceTrac has decided to extend the festivities throughout the entire month of September. This extended celebration is brimming with exclusive benefits tailored specifically for truck drivers at all their travel centers and selected diesel locations.
Special Offers for Truck Drivers This September
- Free Hot Coffee: Enjoy one free hot coffee of any size per week throughout the month.
- Celsius Energy Drink: Claim a complimentary 16 oz. Celsius energy drink, available once during September.
- Unique Weekly Deals:
- 4 – 8: Relish a free hot dog, courtesy of Nathan’s Hot Dogs.
- 9 – 15: Treat yourself to a free slice of pizza.
- 16 – 22: Kickstart your morning with a free classic breakfast sandwich.
- 23 – 30: Enjoy a free cheeseburger to wrap up the month.
To redeem these exciting offers, simply select “professional” in your driver profile on the RaceTrac Rewards App. Additionally, throughout September, RaceTrac will double the Reward points for professional drivers on all in-store and pump purchases made through the app, ensuring that every visit is more rewarding.
Source: Truckers News
In the trucking industry, few individuals exemplify the blend of dedication and service quite like Darryl Tolle. His journey, spanning over four decades, reflects not only his commitment to ensuring safety on the road but also his profound contributions to the community and his family.
“I was deployed with Darryl from 2002 to 2003,” remarked retired Brigadier General Steven T. King from the U.S. Army. “His selfless service made it evident that he placed the needs of the mission and the soldiers over his own. His work ethic and dedication made him stand above others as he was often seen working late to ensure the mission was completed to a high standard and his soldiers were taken care of in the process.” Tolle’s military service as a retired sergeant first class in the Kentucky Army National Guard has entrenched him as a figure of selflessness and bravery among his peers.
His influence extends well beyond the military. Michael S. Ferguson, a retired colonel with the U.S. Army, shared, “I served with Darryl Tolle for more than 20 years. Countless soldiers have been mentored by SFC Tolle. He was a long-time standard bearer, the go-to guy when you needed something done. This is a testament to SFC Tolle’s dedication to duty and selfless service.” This unwavering commitment is mirrored in his professional life, where he continues to thrive at Ryder.
After retiring from the National Guard in 2012, Tolle redirected his dedication towards helping his local community through the United Veterans Group. Working alongside fellow veterans, he supports food banks, schools, and cemeteries, further solidifying his reputation as a community leader. Tolle’s devotion extends into his family, particularly when it comes to caring for his in-laws. “My father had a sharp and intelligent mind, but his body was failing him,” Connie Tolle, his wife of 43 years, recalled. “Darryl went out of his way to care for my elderly father… Dad never had to go to a nursing home. He got to keep his independence, living in his home, because of Darryl.”
Connie continued, “A couple of years later, my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Darryl and I took her into our home and crafted a routine… It took a strong man to handle such a challenging situation, because on top of all that, I leaned on him hard, and he kept me from falling.” Such commitment underscores Tolle’s multifaceted role as a provider, caregiver, and a mentor.
With gratitude, Tolle acknowledges his support systems, attributing his career success to his family, mentors, and coworkers. “He taught me a lot about safety. He taught me everything… he was the best man at my wedding,”
When discussing his marriage, Tolle praised his wife’s steadfast support. “She’s the best,” he said with affection. “She raised our family when I was on the road… She is an excellent mother, and now, an excellent grandmother.”
In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Tolle received Ryder’s Driver of the Year Award in July, earning him a place in their Driver of the Year Hall of Fame. Reflecting on his career, he cherishes the connections made while traveling across the country, offering invaluable safety advice to newer drivers. “When you go to work, be focused on work,” he advises. “Don’t worry about what happened at home… just stay focused.” His most crucial tip? Arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing.
Tolle will be celebrated at the CVSA Annual Conference in Big Sky, Montana, where he will receive a $5,000 award and a crystal trophy on September 9. This accolade is sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance, an organization devoted to enhancing highway safety through innovative practices.
The CVSA’s International Driver Excellence Award annually highlights outstanding commercial drivers who uphold high standards of safety and operational excellence. Darryl Tolle embodies these principles and beyond. His legacy in the trucking sector is a testament to the balance of a successful career, dedicated community service, and unwavering family commitment. “Ryder values someone who is responsible, determined and trustworthy. Darryl Tolle is the embodiment of this and more,” noted McSweeney, emphasizing Tolle’s impactful contributions to the company’s culture.
As Tolle continues his journey, both on the road and in his community, he remains an inspiring figure. “When you go to work, be focused on work,” he advises new drivers, showcasing his unwavering dedication to safety and professionalism—a hallmark that defines Darryl Tolle. With the honor of receiving the International Driver Excellence Award this year, Tolle sets a commendable standard for the trucking industry, exemplifying excellence, safety, and an enduring commitment to service
Source: Truckers News
Image: CVSA
A truck driver from Arizona is being recognized for his heroism after aiding a fellow driver in a critical situation when their truck was involved in an accident.
Heroic Act on an Arizona Highway
The inspiring courage of Rudy Castellanos from Tucson, Arizona, has not gone unnoticed as he was recently named a TCA Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for his lifesaving actions. Castellanos, a dedicated driver for Hi Pro Inc. in Twentynine Palms, California, is being honored for his swift and selfless response.
Details of the Highway Accident
At approximately 7 a.m. on July 2, Castellanos was navigating the mountainous roads near Tucson when he saw the unexpected happen. He was trailing closely behind another semi-truck when the truck’s rear tire exploded, causing it to overturn dramatically.
“There was a big noise,” Castellanos described, “and the truck just laid down on its right side.”
Reacting without delay, Castellanos pulled over and ran to assist the trapped driver, ensuring his safety. Fortunately, the driver received only minor injuries. Castellanos swiftly called 911 to report the accident. He then had to return to his job duties, showcasing his commitment.
“I was the only one who stopped,” Castellanos revealed. “I called 911 from my phone, and then I told him I had to leave to get back to work.”
Rudy Castellanos’s decisive actions and instinctive willingness to help highlight the virtues that embody professional truck drivers. His recognition by the Truckload Carriers Association underscores the bravery and dedication prevalent within the trucking profession.
Source: Truckers News
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