FMIC SPOTLIGHT - Trucking

We are honored to have the opportunity to highlight the achievements of our policyholder, Chambers Logging, Inc., out of Ackerman, Mississippi. The owner, Mr. Eric Chambers, has been a Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC) policyholder since January 1st, 2019. His operation is one of the first to have come on board with us since writing business in Mississippi. He has a top-notch crew that has not had an in-woods injury or trucking accident since its inception. Eric stated that he is very pleased with his logging and trucking operation employees. Eric noted that Mr. Charles Lanthrip and Mr. Charlie McCarter are his two godsent drivers. Eric said that he is very fortunate to have such sincere and uplifting drivers working for him. He knows they are always going to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner, no matter where they are, in the woods, or on the road, or at the mill. They are both always very positive with good morals and will never use an ill word while speaking to others. Both have been reliable drivers during their time with Chambers Logging, Inc. With that being said; we took the time to spotlight and profile these truck drivers that work hard and elevate their driving professionalism for Chambers Logging, Inc.

Profile - Mr. Charlie McCarter: “Pork Chop”

Mr. Charlie is 65 years old, driving a 95 International Eagle. His CB Handle is “Pork Chop,” and he has been driving professionally for 40+ years, the last 3 years with Chambers Logging, Inc. Charlie and his wife Dianna have six children, three sons, and three daughters. Charlie joked, saying he has “too many” grandchildren to count, but all of them are wonderful. Prior to being employed by Chambers, Charlie drove OTR for many different employers, JB Hunt, just to name one. Charlie then decided to stay at home and began t haul logs for another local logging company before driving for Chambers Logging, Inc.

We asked Charlie a few questions:

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago? Charlie: All the different regulations and rules, the way you drive. OTR, you now have electronic driver logs (ELD). As far as a log truck, not much has changed for me, but I still keep a time-sheet log.

FMIC: What do you like about driving? Charlie: I just like it. I like seeing different places, mills. When I drove OTR, I got to see the countryside. Trucks have always fascinated me as a kid, so I bought a truck. The good Lord has blessed me. I also like talking to other drivers on the CB.

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving? Charlie: My Safety! I watch out for my following distance from other vehicles. I drive defensively.

FMIC: What are your hobbies/activities outside of work? Charlie: I like to mechanic. I like to rebuild motors on cars and pick-ups.

FMIC: How do you define success? Charlie: Being Careful! Being accident-free, being able to go home at the end of the day, and going to work the next day. Staying Alert!

FMIC: What is something about you that not many people know? Charlie: Everyone knows me. I speak what is on my mind. There isn’t much people don’t know about me.

Mr. Charlie McCarter: “Pork Chop”

Profile - Mr. Charles Lanthrip: “Hoss”

Mr. Charles Lanthrip is 72 years old and is currently driving a 2000 Western Star. His CB Handle is “Hoss,” and he has been a professional truck driver for 50+ years. He has been with Chambers Logging for 22 years in September. Charles and his wife Gayle have one daughter and two grandchildren, as well as one great-grandchild. Prior to being employed by Chambers Logging, Mr. Charles has had multiple driving jobs with many different employers, and we will get into more detail on that later in the interview.

We asked Charles a few questions:

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck? Charles: I have traveled over 2 million miles and have never had a speeding ticket or accident.

FMIC: What made you decide to be a truck driver? Charles: I just wanted to get in a truck and see the country.

FMIC: What is your job history of driving a truck? Where did it all start? Charles: I started in 1967 by driving a pulpwood truck for my Father. • My next job was with MS Freight out of Columbus, MS. I was just hauling freight around the Columbus area; I only did that for 3 or 4 months. • I then started working for Bellwood, I would work in the warehouse during the day, and then in the evenings, I would haul their shavings. I worked there for about 20 years and hauled for about 10 of those years.

• After leaving Bellwood, I drove a dump truck for about 6 months for Boatman Trucking.

• Mark Jones was my 5th job driving a truck. I hauled gravel, sand, and asphalt there.

• My log hauling started after hauling gravel and sand for Mark Jones. I hauled for the Brooks Brothers. I hauled for them for about 5 years before working for Chambers Logging.

• I started with Chambers back in September 1999, so almost 22 years ago. I have been here ever since.

FMIC: How has driving a truck changed over the past 20 years? Charles: A lot has changed. Traffic. It used to be fun to drive, but all the traffic has taken the fun out of it. I always have vehicles turning in front of me, trying to pass me in curves and even going up hills.

FMIC: What do you like about driving? Charles: I just like being in the truck by myself.

FMIC: What do you dislike about driving? Charles: I dislike slick logging roads when I am coming out of the woods loaded.

Mr. Charles Lanthrip, CB Handle, “Hoss”

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Charles: I would say keeping my eyes on the road.

FMIC: What safety tips would you give to drivers that are just starting their careers? Charles: Stay focused and concentrate on your driving! Do not let anything distract you while you are driving.

FMIC: How do you define success? Charles: By staying on the road, keeping all of the rig’s wheels on the pavement.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you are not driving? Charles: I like to fish and hunt some. I like to cook out, who doesn’t love a good BBQ.

FMIC: What is something about you that not many people know? Charles: I always try to be courteous. I will hold the door for people and help others when they are in need. If someone cannot reach something on the top shelf at the grocery store, I will go over and get it down for them.

Forestry Mutual would like to thank “Pork Chop”, “Hoss” and Chambers Logging for being apart of our continuing series on Truck Driver Highlight. Keep up the great work. ~FMIC FMIC’s Greg Helton and Eddie Campbell valued the time assisting Mike Powell from the NCFA’s ProLogger Class on Thursday, August 19 2021, in Marion NC. Class Room and In-Woods Training, its always a great time to bring a message of safety. Thank you all that participated.