Say What?

Question: What's your definition of a true professional driver?

Blaine Turner, 65, Crittenton, KY

Professional driving experience: 31 years

“Things have changed so much since I started driving 30 years ago. Back then, it was very wild—the Wild, Wild West. The real professional, however, hasn’t changed. You’re talking about a very unique person, someone who not only wants to do the job, but wants to do it right. All I’ve ever wanted to do was drive a truck, and I’ve never had an accident in all these years. I consider myself a true professional.”

Dianne “Granny” Smith, 52, Massillon, OH

Professional driving experience: 20 years

“A true professional is someone who never stops learning, because there’s always something new out here every day. The day a driver thinks they know everything there is to know about this business is the day they need to park the truck and get out of it.”

Ron “Snuffy” Smith, 53, Massillon, OH

Professional driving experience: 29 years

“A true professional is a driver who never stops trying to make it in this business. Driving a truck for a living is not easy. You encounter a lot of hurdles, tough times and what not. The ones who keep going, get through the tough times and come out the other side year after year are the true professionals.”

Linda Beckman, 49, Phoenix, AZ

Professional driving experience: 10 years

“What’s my definition of a true professional driver? That’s easy. It’s someone who is courteous, respectful and thoughtful. It’s someone who pays attention to other drivers and pays attention to the rules we all have to drive by.”

Larry Faul, 60, Independence, KY

Professional driving experience: 39 years

“I don’t have much use for all these cowboys you see out here these days. A true professional is someone who cares about his appearance. He can talk to people without sounding like an idiot. He’s safety conscious, he’s honest and he’s dependable. I think that just about sums it up. We need more of them, that’s for sure.”