On my very first night working the dock at Overnite Transportation Company, I was assigned to unload a 48-foot trailer full of Revlon cosmetics. It looked like a million cases stacked from floor to ceiling. Honestly, I felt like turning around, walking off the dock, and quitting right then and there. But with God’s patience—andContinue reading “Chapter 6; My First 6 Months At Overnite”
Author Archives: Heartland Patriot
Chapter 7: The Beginning Of My LTL Career
I should start by sharing my initial pay when I was hired at Overnite Transportation. Although it was less than what I earned at my previous full-time job, there were more benefits involved. Overnite was a family-owned, employee-friendly company and, in my opinion, very compassionate when it came to their employees. Even the trailers andContinue reading “Chapter 7: The Beginning Of My LTL Career”
Chapter 8: Finally Back To Driving Again
After six long months of part-time dock work, I finally got to drive again—though not without having to take a driving test for Overnite. The safety officer’s name was Bob Darby, and he was one of the coolest safety men I’ve ever worked with in my 47-year driving career. Now, you have to understand thatContinue reading “Chapter 8: Finally Back To Driving Again”
Chapter 9: My Southwest City Route
My first pickup and delivery route for Overnite Transportation was on the southwest side of Indianapolis. It covered an area from Washington Street all the way to I-65—a very large zone. I rarely went downtown unless a tractor was needed for larger pickups or deliveries. Park Fletcher and Stout Field were the prominent pickup andContinue reading “Chapter 9: My Southwest City Route”
Chapter 10: The Power Of People
This chapter is honestly difficult to title because it’s all about people. It’s summer of 1983, and on my city route, I met many wonderful individuals. I believe I have a likable personality because most of my customers seemed to like me. I quickly got on a first-name basis with nearly all my regular clients,Continue reading “Chapter 10: The Power Of People”
Chapter 11: We Are Family
As I sit here this beautiful Saturday morning, I began thinking about my past and, in particular, my time at Overnite Transportation Company. I began thinking about, of all the companies I have worked for. Overnite was hands down the best by far. I began to feel sad that our economy has changed soContinue reading “Chapter 11: We Are Family”
Chapter 12: The Opportunity Of A Lifetime-The Birth Of Quality Services LTD
While working at Overnite Transportation and building connections and friendships during my early years, an unusual opportunity arose that would change everything for me. It all started when one of the employees responsible for the contract to wash the company’s tractors and trailers decided to forfeit his position. The company then assigned that service toContinue reading “Chapter 12: The Opportunity Of A Lifetime-The Birth Of Quality Services LTD”
Chapter 13: The Union Rumor That Almost Broke Me
Most of my memories at Overnite Transportation are pleasant, and this particular story isn’t really the company’s fault—it’s more about the rumor mill or grapevine. Back in the late 1980s, probably around 1987, the Teamsters Union was making a strong push to organize our terminal. There were always whispers among employees about frustrations over missingContinue reading “Chapter 13: The Union Rumor That Almost Broke Me”
Chapter 14: The Second Move And Huge Changes Incoming
About half a mile up Morris Street from our current terminal, there was an empty 88-door facility with a large yard and a spacious shop with a wash bay. This terminal previously belonged to McLean Trucking before they went bankrupt. Overnite purchased it, and once again, we moved the operation without causing any disruption orContinue reading “Chapter 14: The Second Move And Huge Changes Incoming”
Chapter 15: The Management and Tragedy
This chapter is primarily about the four supervisors I worked under for most of my time at Overnite Transportation. As I mentioned at the beginning of my driving career with McCormick Food Service, Danny Eldridge had a significant impact on every aspect of my life during those four years. But these four men had anContinue reading “Chapter 15: The Management and Tragedy”
My Trucker Life 