Cover Story

Jonathan Garcia - TransAm Trucking, Inc.

In spite of the faltering economy, many professional drivers are finding ways to thrive. More than ever, it takes a renewed dedication to satisfying the carrier and the customer, an upbeat attitude and a strong commitment to safety.
     A perfect example of one who walks this walk is small fleet owner Jonathan Garcia. This driving pro leases three trucks from Olathe, KS-based TransAm Trucking, Inc., a leader in the temperature-controlled freight industry, and he’s on top of the world. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” says Jonathan. “I wouldn’t change a thing…not one thing.”
     Jonathan first got behind the wheel in 2005, after working as a food delivery driver near his home in Paducah, KY. “My career wasn’t going anywhere, and I wanted to accomplish more in my life than help people decide what to have for dinner,” he remembers. “I’d worked previously as director of finance for a nursing home, so I knew how to earn and manage money. A career as a professional driver made sense to me, because I sensed that I could make good money and do some traveling, too.”
     Determined to one day operate his own fleet of trucks, Jonathan earned his CDL and hired on with TransAm. “I’ll be up front with you, their name was a big part of the appeal,” he says with a laugh. ‘TransAm’ is very cool, isn’t it? I also felt that the management team cared about the drivers and really wanted them to be successful. I was sold.”
     Jonathan got on board with three objectives in mind: learn the trucking business inside and out, get his own truck and spend time training young drivers. Thanks to the proven driver program at TransAm, Jonathan was quickly able to accomplish all three goals.
     “With TransAm, I was able to lease a brand-spanking new truck in just five months with no money down and no credit check,” he says. “How great is that? TransAm gave me the business tools I needed to succeed as a lease operator, and when coupled with my experience in accounting, I knew I’d succeed.”
     Jonathan definitely found a winning formula with TransAm, because his business quickly grew to the point that he leased two additional trucks, now driven by his two trusted drivers Leo and Michael. “Those two guys do a fantastic job for me,” he says, “and I can’t imagine operating without them.”
     Personally, Jonathan averages nearly 3,200 miles per week with TransAm, and he points out that the company offers a tremendous compensation package while still getting drivers home when they need to be there. “I made a good, sound decision to lease on to TransAm, there’s no doubt about it,” sums up Jonathan. “We’re going to be friends for a very long time!”
     Jonathan emphasizes the important role that his wife, Rhonda, has played in providing love and support along the way. “At first she thought I was crazy to consider running my own trucking business,” he says, “but now she supports me 1,000%. Why? It’s like I said earlier, I’m happy. I’m totally happy.”