Veteran Truck Driver on his 57-Year Career in Trucking

TMAF interviewed Ron Baird, the 2020–21 National Tank Truck Carriers Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year sponsored by Great West Casualty. We spoke with Ron to learn more about his 57-year career as a professional truck driver.

Ron was around farm trucks at an early age. Growing up on a farm in Indiana, Ron would ride along in feed trucks, and he was taught how to drive tractors by his father. Ron has always loved to drive. He said, “I like driving and motors. I enjoy hearing the motors.”

“Trucking is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Ron told TMAF when asked what inspired him to become a truck driver. “For 70 years now, I’ve had a steering wheel in my hand, whether it was a fam tractor or a semi-truck.”

After Ron left high school, he got his first job as a professional truck driver. After spending five years as a truck driver, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy while the draft was going on. Ron served in the Navy for two years in the construction division and then rejoined the trucking industry once he completed his service.

In his current job as a driver for G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation, Ron is on the road most of the week. While his schedule varies week to week, he usually leaves on Sunday and gets home on Friday after around 4 to 5 deliveries.

Throughout his 57-year career, the veteran truck driver has accumulated more than 7.3 million accident-free miles. Trucking has taken Ron to 48 states and five providences in Canada. He has also driven a truck in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Cuba while in Navy Sea Bees.

Being able to travel is what Ron loves most about the trucking industry. He said, “I like traveling and going to different places all over the country.” His favorite route to travel is Las Cruces going into Santa Rosa, New Mexico. He said he also really enjoys the scenery while driving in Utah and Colorado.

With all of his travel experience, Ron considers himself a “professional tourist” and is a go-to source for suggestions and advice when his friends are making travel plans.

While on the road, safety is “an absolute must,” according to Ron. “You have to be safe. I’ve seen too many accidents on the road.” Some of the road safety tips that Ron practices are: Pay attention to the other motorists around you and constantly be looking up ahead and around you and keep a safe following distance.

Ron told TMAF that he feels proud to be a truck driver every day, but he was especially proud to see the trucking industry get recognition for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the most special moments in his career have been participating in Make A Wish parades at truck shows and being able to take the children for a ride. He also is proud to be able to help other motorists on the road if they have a flat tire and need their tire changed, or if another truck driver is stopped and needs help with their truck.

When asked how it felt to be awarded the 2020–21 National Tank Truck Carriers Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year, Ron said he was proud. He said, It’s a big deal! I always thought, if you’re a tank driver, this is your award to go for.” Ron encourages his fellow drivers to pursue this award. “I think any tank driver should set a goal to try to win this award. It makes you a better driver because you try harder, and it helps your company by strengthening their reputation, insurance and with business development.”