Many looking for second careers are finding it in trucking

Layoffs caused by the pandemic and downsizing have people looking for reliable employment

SILOAM, N.C. – For over 35 years, Donnie Roberts of Lexington, N.C., was a photographer and reporter at the local newspaper. He thought he would retire from that job, but at the age of 58, his position was eliminated due to down-sizing in 2020. Suddenly finding himself needing to do something else to make a living, he decide to give trucking a try.

"I can't say I didn't see the down-sizing coming, but when it did, I was left wondering what I could do next," Roberts said. "I've always loved to travel, so I got into trucking where I could do that and make a decent living in the process."

Roberts enrolled in the trucking training program offered at Davidson County Community College, and received his commercial driver license (CDL) at the training's close.

Donnie Roberts takes a selfie on his first day as a driver for Hardy Brothers, Inc. {Contributed photo}

"I hadn't even been in a big rig before, and through the training, I realized this was the beginning of something cool," he said. "There are a ton of trucking companies out there looking for drivers, so I didn't think I would have any trouble finding a job. When I came across Hardy Brothers, I liked their safety-first approach and how they really respected their drivers. I now feel like I'm part of the family there, and I look forward to working with them until I retire."

When Roberts was hired by Hardy Brothers, his first several trips were with a trainer who showed Roberts the in's and out's of driving a truck.

"I'm not going to lie, the first two weeks were pretty challenging, but as I got more accustomed to driving and all that it entails, I became much more comfortable," Roberts said. "I love what I'm doing now. It's a great way to see the country."

Hardy Brothers puts the safety of its drivers first. No truck in the Hardy Brothers fleet is older than four years, which reduces breakdowns and increases driver safety. Also, drivers never have to touch the freight they haul as they drop one trailer at its destination in California and return home with a trailer full of produce that must get to its destination quickly to preserve freshness.

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While many trucking companies regularly experience turnover in the ninety percent range and more, Hardy Brothers' turnover rate is consistently around twenty percent. The company's safety ratings are regularly in the top five percent nationwide.

"Our drivers are our most important asset, and we do whatever it takes to keep them safe," said Ryan Hardy, vice president and grandson of founder Ralph Hardy. "And unlike some other trucking companies where drivers are routinely on the road for weeks at a time, we want our drivers to be home regularly to be with their families. While it costs us potential revenue by not having the trucks on the road longer, it's not all about revenue. It is about giving drivers what they need to be happy to drive with us. We also have routes where drivers go out and back in two days with our north/south routes."

For those considering driving as a second career, Roberts has some helpful advice. "There is a lot to learn about trucking, and you will make mistakes. Unfortunately, a lot of new drivers don't give it enough of a chance, but I feel like with any job, you have to feel your way through the first few months, and then it starts to become easier and more comfortable."

For more information on Hardy Brothers, visit hardybros.com.

About Hardy Brothers: Hardy Brothers, Inc. is a full-service long-haul trucking company based in Siloam, N.C. Founded in 1965 by Ralph Hardy with one truck, the Hardy Brothers fleet has grown to over 50 trucks that pull refrigerated trailers owned by the company. Ralph continues to visit the office every day of the week to check on drivers out on the road. The company's driver teams regularly travel to California and back in five days, while solo drivers make north/south runs for their clients. The company is run by Ralph's son, Eddie, and his grandson, Ryan. For more information, visit hardybros.com, Facebook and Instagram.