Cover Story

Robby McNeese - Butler Transport, Inc.

Robby McNeese has been driving professionally for 15 years, five of them on over-the-road routes. Robby enjoys the trucking life, he is happy to be running with a top carrier like Kansas City, KS-based Butler Transport, Inc., and he looks forward to racking up highway miles for years to come.
     In 1993, Robby was driving ready mix and dump trucks locally when he decided he was ready for other challenges. The young man drove over the road briefly, then returned to local and regional work delivering supplies to restaurant locations. With 20-25 deliveries a day requiring a lot of physical exertion, Robby grew weary of the pace.
     Earlier this year, he decided to give over-the-road driving a second chance and signed on with Butler Transport. “I liked the way the recruiters talked with me; they really seemed to care about the drivers,” says Robby. “I also liked that Butler is a small, family-owned company. They were straight shooters, and I had learned before that not everyone in this business is honest. So often, you can’t believe everything you see and only half of what you hear.”
     Grateful to be talking with a company that was up front with him, Robby signed on. He has only been running with Butler for a relatively short time, but he is already excited by his experience with the company. “The pay at Butler is very competitive, and they keep me rolling,” says Robby. “Butler hauls refrigerated and dry van loads, so that means more opportunities for us drivers. Usually when I empty out, I already know where my next load will be coming from.”
     Robby runs throughout the 48 contiguous states and spends most of his time in the Midwest. He could get home every 10-14 days, but typically stays out for up to three weeks at a time to earn the highest possible income.
     Butler operates top equipment, and Robby is proud of his 2007 Kenworth T-600. A contractor-spec tractor, the Kenworth boasts a C15 Caterpillar engine running at 435 multi-torque horsepower. “They maintain their equipment well,” he says. “They really take care of it.”
     The driver package at Butler also includes comprehensive health insurance including prescription drug coverage, a 401k plan, vacation pay and scheduled pay raises.
     Robby lives in Canton, GA with his wife, Melisa, and their son, Casey. Robby appreciates the support he receives from Melisa, and he knows that it takes a lot of effort to care for things at home while he’s out on the road. 
     When he’s not out on the road with Butler, Robby enjoys fishing and riding his Honda Shadow Saber 1100 motorcycle. As for the future, he plans to continue driving professionally for another five to 10 years.
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Robby continued success with Butler Transport. If you would like to learn more about company driver and independent contractor opportunities available at Butler, give one of their recruiters a call at (800) 528-7825, visit their Web site at butlertransport.com or see their ad on pages 30 and 31 of this issue.