The trucking industry makes dreams a reality
By Larry Spiekermeier, Owner-Operator, Whitewood Transport
While traveling America’s roadways over the course of my 50 year career in trucking, I was able to visit 49 states. Not surprisingly, Hawaii was the only state I never made it to and it was on my bucket list seemingly forever. After receiving my second Motor Carrier of Montana Driver of the Year award, Whitewood Transport generously gifted my family and me a dream vacation to Hawaii; and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see my 50th state — thanks to trucking.
I often say the best part about trucking is being able to see America. It’s something most jobs just can’t offer, and one of the reasons I was initially drawn to a career in the trucking industry. Trucking has also provided me with exciting and unique opportunities throughout my career, such as a two-week journey from Montana to Washington, D.C. to deliver the national Christmas tree in 2017. The trip was one of my proudest accomplishments.
After a 50-year career in trucking, my family and I embarked on our trip to Hawaii in November 2018 to celebrate my retirement. I was looking forward to spending time with my family and seeing my 50th state, but thanks to trucking, I was also able to cross one more item off my bucket list, one that I never would have imagined being able to do: Operating a truck in my 50th state.
Whitewood Transport, with the help and coordination of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), arranged for me to operate a Hawaii Logistic Services truck during my vacation. I was especially proud to be joined by my wife and children as I set off on my final delivery in my final state on the island of Oahu. After taking part in the “blessing” of the new fleet of trucks about to be put in to service — a time-honored tradition in Hawaii — I departed to make my deliveries.
While on the road, I was happy to see the tremendous amount of courtesy extended from other vehicles who really represented the Hawaiian way of life: easy going, laid back and friendly. Everyone I met, whether on the road or in person, gave the Hawaiian greeting sign. I proudly returned the sign to those around me. I was also impressed by Hawaiian truck operators who often travel on narrow roads with tight corners, and through heavy traffic, to reach challenging delivery points after picking up cargo ship deliveries brought to the island seaport.
Hawaii was a vacation of a lifetime. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined having an opportunity to operate a truck in all 50 states. Trucking made that dream a reality for me and I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity. The industry is filled with wonderful and caring people who give to communities and enjoy giving back to others. Thank you to Whitewood, Hawaii Logistic Services and ATA for helping to make my vacation such a memorable experience.
I also thank the trucking industry at-large for providing me a life-long career I was proud to work in every day. My concentration has always been on doing my job safely and well. I have always taken great pride in knowing my job and my industry help deliver the goods people and communities nationwide rely on every day. It’s been an honor making deliveries across this great country.
