5 minute read
SPOTLIGHT - TRUCKING
In our 1st Quarter, 2022 Trucking Spotlight series, we are happy to spotlight the achievements of two truck drivers with Lowndes Timber, Inc. out of Valdosta, Georgia. Lowndes Timber has been with Forestry Mutual since January of 2016. Kyle Herring, son of Derek Herring, who oversees the logging crews, had this to say about Leroy and Burnell. “Leroy can run all the equipment and is a hard worker. If he is the first one at the deck in the morning, he can load himself”. Kyle adds, “he is always on time and doesn’t have to worry about him. He is very dependable and reliable.”
When it comes to Burnell and his work ethic, Kyle says, “Burnell is an all-around good driver. He is always safe and very dependable, and on time.” he adds, “He is a well-spoken Christian man. He is just someone you would want to represent your company as a truck driver.”
DRIVER SPOTLIGHT
Our first driver spotlight goes to Leroy Clark Jr., who goes by the CB handle “wild kat kid.” We at FMIC would really like to know the back story on how he acquired that name. Leroy is fifty-seven and a father of six and nine grandchildren. When he is not driving, you can find Leroy fishing and tending his garden...when he has time to plant one.
Leroy has been driving for over thirty-eight years. When asked why he decided to be a truck driver, Leroy answered, “well, one day, I was sitting on my front porch, and a man came up to me and asked if I wanted to drive a truck?” Leroy asked his aunt, who was with him, what she thought of him being a truck driver? She said, “you should do it.” Leroy pauses and continues, “the rest is history.”
Leroy has been driving for Lowndes Timber for twenty-seven years. In 2016 Derek Herring bought Lowndes Timber, and Leroy has stayed on for the last five years. We asked Leroy how driving a log truck has changed over the last twenty years? “Trucks have changed a good bit. I have driven trucks that had no air and no power steering, and tires for trucks have become better too.” He says, “the biggest changes in driving have been the amount of traffic on the roads. You have to always be watching out for folks driving.”
What do you like and dislike about driving a truck? Leroy says, “I really like getting out on the road. I don’t have any dislike for driving. I just really enjoy driving.” He adds, “If I could give any advice to experienced and new drivers, it would be to take it slow and easy.” Leroy adds, “Take it one day at a time and don’t drink and drive.”
DRIVER SPOTLIGHT
Burnell Thomas, nicknamed “Papa” and CB handle “Man Up Stairs.” Burnell is married and has three kids and five grandkids. Burnell has been driving for the past thirty-eight years and the last four years with Lowndes Timber. When asked why you decided to be a truck driver, Burnell responded, “I used to live right next to Interstate 75 when I was younger and saw the trucks driving up and down the Interstate.” he says, “So, I said to myself that I wanted to drive trucks for a living.” Burnell adds, “I got a big help from the gentleman who was also a deacon at his church who was a truck driver and would let me tag along on some of his trips.”
He got his start in 1983 in Macon, Georgia, driving for Poole’s Truck Line. Burnell also drove for Florida Rock and Tank Line out of Jasper, Florida, and for Scale Transport for about ten years before driving for Lowndes Timbers. Burnell says, “I’ve driven just about every type of truck there is. I have driven Mack’s, Kenworth’s, Freightliners, Volvo’s, and even Western Stars.”
Burnell thinks back on the past twenty years and what has changed while driving, “Well, there is more traffic, and more younger drivers are on the road.” Burnell adds, “I like driving. It is like being your own boss.” He pauses and chuckles, “and I don’t have to deal with other people.” Burnell points out, being a truck driver takes you away from your family, “I’ve missed a lot of family time from being on the road so much over the years.” Burnell wanted to add this, “It doesn’t matter if you’re new or old to driving, safety is number one, and don’t forget that the trailer is behind you.
When Burnell is not driving, you can also find him fishing and hanging out with his grandkids. On Sundays after church service, you’ll find him watching the Atlanta Falcons, and after work, he’s enjoying watching the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves.
From all of us at Forestry Mutual Insurance, we want to say thank you to Leroy and Burnell for your expertise and professionalism behind the wheel. ~FMIC
