Cover Story

Wayne Tucker - Covenant Transport, Inc.

Wayne Tucker has been driving trucks professionally for most of his life. After taking a hiatus, he decided to drive again as a company driver for Covenant Transport. Part of his decision was based on the fact that his youngest son decided to become a professional truck driver. After they both underwent the appropriate training, father and son became a team for Covenant Transport. That was six years ago.
     Now as a trainer, Tucker stays quite busy, often staying on the road for a month at a time. He is a recipient of a five-year safety ring and is looking forward to receiving a six-year safety award. Since safety is very important to Tucker, he appreciates that safety is important to Covenant as well. Tucker hopes to become a discretionary driver for Covenant Transport, too.
     “If it’s snowing and icy, discretionary drivers are allowed to go out on the road to see if it is safe for other drivers to drive on,” explains Tucker. “Covenant has a mandatory shut down if the conditions are unsafe.”
     According to Tucker, one of the best things about being a professional truck driver is that you meet a lot of different people, get to see different places, and that something different happens every day. He admits that it can be trying when there are aggressive drivers on the road.
     Tucker advises, “Don’t let the aggressive drivers get to you. You have to deal with it, and put it behind you at night. If you don’t, it will affect your work the next day.”
     Although Tucker humbly states he is just an average driver, he has proved otherwise. Tucker and another driver organized a cookout to raise money for a Covenant hairstylist who had been in an accident. Between the cookout and donations, they earned $1,500. Covenant matched the amount to make the donation a grand total of $3,000.
     Tucker continues to drive for Covenant for various reasons including the people, good equipment, and he’s treated with fairness and respect. Another reason is that Covenant will get him home if he needs to be there.
     In his free time, Tucker enjoys relaxing, hunting, fishing, camping and good dinners. He enjoys cutting up and having a good time. His family consists of his three sons named Billy, Bobby and Danny.
     Tucker’s advice to potential drivers and professional drivers is to take driving seriously because it is a serious business, and if you can’t do it safely, don’t do it at all.
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Wayne Tucker continued success with Covenant Transport. To speak to a Covenant recruiter, dial 1-866-575-2344 or visit their driver information Web site at www.covenantdrivers.com.