Verona, Wisconsin, United States
I’m a veteran trucker who’s spent decades solving real-world problems—navigating weather, traffic, tight delivery sites, and the constant puzzle of trip planning and communication. I’m at my best in the in-between moments, where quick thinking and calm conversations keep things on track. These days, I’m learning how to use AI and automation to build tools that reflect what I’ve experienced firsthand. It’s still early, but I’m focused on helping drivers feel more in control—whether through better communication, planning, or negotiation. My mission is simple: to be the bridge between people and solutions, and to quietly build the paths others need to cross.
As a long-haul driver with Hayes Transport, I manage each trip from planning to final delivery with a focus on precision, communication, and professionalism. Every run starts with coordination between outbound and inbound dispatchers, aligning trip plans, fuel stops, and hours-of-service expectations days in advance. I review each BOL in detail—especially with LTL freight—checking delivery windows, weights, and any special instructions. I scout every delivery location using satellite maps to assess parking, access, and whether it’s a dock or job site. When it’s a job site, I contact the crew directly to coordinate—often working with cranes or fork trucks, and stepping in to guide safe unloading practices when needed. I’ve loaded trailers myself, building secure, damage-free loads like a game of Tetris. Backhauls often come from outside brokers, and I proactively manage those relationships to avoid surprises. One thing that sets me apart: I dress sharp for deliveries. Unless I’m in mud, I’m in a dress shirt and slacks—because I believe professionalism should show up with the truck.
I’m in the early stages of exploring how AI and automation can support the real-world challenges truck drivers face every day—especially in areas like communication, planning, and negotiation. Right now, I’m focused on learning the tools, testing ideas, and building simple prototypes for my own use. While none of what I’ve built is in use beyond my own testing yet, the process has already deepened how I think about driver support and what the future of trucking could look like. This is a personal project, not a business—just me learning, building, and seeing where it leads.
I bought my own truck and leased on with Landstar, running a dedicated hazmat chemical account. I delivered bulk totes across the country to a variety of industrial customers, managing every aspect of the business—from route planning and safety compliance to equipment maintenance and customer service. Looking back, I was still young and hadn’t yet developed the safety mindset that’s core to how I operate today. Landstar ended the lease due to safety-related concerns, and while that was a hard lesson, it became a turning point in how I view risk, responsibility, and professionalism on the road. I carry that lesson with me every day.