The Spirit of the American Trucker – December 2019

I recently found this bull hauler (Bobby Swestka of Lawler, IA) in my mirror and later had a conversation with him. I asked him about why he does what he does and why he drives what he drives and this is what he said: “I wanted to upgrade to a newer truck when I started doing longer runs, and I knew Marcus “Pepper” Giddens was trying to sell this 2013 Kenworth. I liked it, so I sold my other one and went down the street to his house and bought it. This truck has had three owners and all of them live in the same county! If I couldn’t be out here doing a good job and looking good – and making money – you wouldn’t see me out here. If you drive a fuel-efficient truck, more power to ya. Maybe you can afford to run for cheap, but not me! I hope I don’t sound like a guy that knows it all, because I certainly do not, but I have a lot of respect for all the guys that have been out here doing it for a while no matter their ride – if they got pride in it, they’re alright by me.” This picture was taken when Bobby foolishly washed his truck without checking the weather forecast and the truck remained clean for only 30 minutes! I guess that proves he is not lying about not knowing it all. Either way, pride and respect are what will separate you from the real truckers and the steering wheel holders – no matter what you drive!