From Adversity to Aspiration
"My Journey and Resolve as a Truck Driver"
My professional journey has been a roller-coaster, starting as a dedicated worker and evolving into a passionate truck driver exploring America.
Though challenges have arisen, my commitment to this path remains unwavering.
Let me walk you through my story, hoping to connect with those who believe in second chances...
Humble Beginnings: Arriving in the U.S.
In 2015,
- I left behind my life as a vintage buyer and set foot in the United States with a green card (DV-1), fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Starting in San Antonio, Texas, with limited funds, I quickly adapted.
A Craigslist find got me my first car, and I secured an apartment through a lease transfer.
Remembering Goodwill offered job assistance, I landed a part-time role and soon transitioned to full-time, though I still sought a better livelihood.
Taking on a night shift at an Amazon Warehouse complemented my financial goals, despite an exhausting schedule: Goodwill from 7 AM to 4 PM, brief naps, and Amazon from 10:30 PM to 2 AM.
My hands-on experience with pallet jacks at Goodwill proved invaluable, allowing me to excel at Amazon, where I eventually became an Outbound Lead.
This role piqued my interest in logistics, leading to a full-time Transportation Associate opportunity within Amazon.
Expanding Horizons: Licensing and Local Driving
Despite exhausting work weeks often leading to moments of fatigue, I embraced opportunities for growth.
I earned my CDL-A and worked as Amazon's local yard driver in San Antonio, managing various logistics operations close to home.
Over time, I covered broader routes across Texas, honing skills and gaining experience.
The transition to independence began with enthusiasm but wasnāt without difficulties.
I joined PL TRANS as a Lease Purchase Driver, but issues with their management of Driverās Logs pushed me to find alternatives when time management became unmanageable.
Shortly after, I signed on with COBRA as a Lease Purchase Driverāa new chance to prove myself.
However, frequent truck breakdowns and minimal rest time led to unsafe conditions.
Persistent equipment failuresāa headlight outage, tire punctures, air leaks, and brake hazardsācompromised my ability to operate confidently.
Working under grueling hours, I ultimately made a grave mistake: running a stop sign and causing an accident after driving 778 miles with minimal breaks.
Although I aimed to resolve the mistake swiftly, COBRA had me continue working for two weeks after the accident, scheduling short-haul routes.
On my termination day,
- I returned for truck repairs, only to be informed I was let go.
It was my first and only accident in an unfamiliar yard in Illinois, and the fallout left me with no salary or closure.
Reflections and Resilience
Losing everything after one accident was devastating, yet it revealed critical insights about the importance of balance and adhering to Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
In hindsight, I recognize the toll unsafe practices and long hours can take, physically and mentally.
Iām confident that with the proper support and focus, I can prevent such incidents and deliver my best moving forward. ---
Seeking a Second Chance
Despite setbacks, my passion for driving across America and contributing to the logistics sector persists.
I am determined to rebuild my career, equipped with the lessons Iāve learned.
Whether it's a solo, OTR, regional, or any other position, Iām ready to work tirelessly.
My dream is to drive safely and explore the country while supporting my livelihood.
I hope youāll give me this opportunity to prove myself again.