CHASING MILES - Ed Knight

CHASING MILES

Legend Nominee: Ed Knight

It is often stated by professional truck drivers that driving a semi-truck for a living can be considered somewhat of a refuge – a private sanctuary on wheels offering an ease of calmness away from the chaos of every day life. Sitting alone in your own thoughts can provide an unexplainable sense of serenity that can mentally provide most individuals a chance to reset, if only temporarily. Each time he or she climbs into a tractor, navigating their way onto a long stretch of road, an exhaled sigh of relief signals another opportunity to reconnect with that peaceful energy that only truckers can interpret.

This Legend story is about a truck driver that was determined to discover his own path, doing so he encountered a number of obstacles along the way, only to come out stronger than he could ever have imagined. His faith was tested by the loss of his daughter and again with the untimely death of his wife after 21 years of marriage. He shares with us how his profession as a trucker ultimately helped him pull through some of his darkest days. He also discusses a few of the scenic sights that he favors when traveling the country, also advice to up and coming drivers eager to take on the world. And most importantly, how he encourages others to choose positivity in a world in need of genuine kindness.

SAFE SPACE

Texas resident, Ed Knight was originally born in the town of Bad Kreuznach, Germany in 1957. The oldest of 5, he and his siblings were accustomed to relocating from one military base to the next due to his father’s long-standing career in the U.S. Army. The work ethic his father’s background instilled core values that Ed continues to apply in today’s workforce: punctuality, professionalism and providing top-notch service. A seasoned driver with 38 years under his belt and well-over 2-million lifetime miles, Ed is currently a company driver for Brady Trucking, Inc., based out of Vernal, Utah. Pulling a dry bulk pneumatic tanker, he runs over-the-road, with pervious experience moving dry van and refrigerated freight.

Ed joined the driving force of Brady Trucking in December during the transition of purchasing Mercedes Trucking, Inc. of Winfield, Kansas where Ed had dedicated 7 years of service. Brady Trucking offers a wide range of transportation services throughout all 48 states, plus Canada with operations located across the nation to better optimize customer-tailored solutions. He describes the conversion between companies as, smooth. Stating,

“We have a very driver-friendly atmosphere and the recognition the staff displays to us drivers is a mutual respect. I like the flexibility with my schedule too, but for me it’s not just about the job or driving a truck. It’s the travel that comes with it all… the opportunity to get away. All of it combined makes my job perfect! Being by myself with my dog, Puppe and nothing but distance – in front of us and behind us – means it’s going to be a good day.

Being able to do this for as long as I have is huge for me and knowing that I still find joy in it says it all. That to me is success: longevity. Either you’re made to be a trucker or you’re not. Trucking has basically kept me alive and going; it’s a lifestyle that has to be appreciated. It’s all about what you make it.”

During his father’s years of service, Ed’s mother also worked on base at the restaurants to help support their full household. Her commitment to their family over the years resonated with Ed and sequentially prepared him for the long-haul that life had in store. Adding, “My mother has impacted my life in so many ways, still does. I call her every morning – she is almost 80 years old now. She is this strong-willed German woman that has this innate toughness and honesty about her. As a mom, she taught us to never give up. And she always has the perfect words of wisdom whenever you need to hear them. At the end of every bad day, she is the one who has kept me going.”

FULL CIRCLE

By the age of 18, Ed obtained his chauffeur license and began hauling chain oil to drilling rigs. A few years later, when the opportunity became available to operate a semi-truck, he then went after his CDL. After landing a driving position in the entertainment lane, Ed ran four tours transporting promotional items for various musicians.

His driving career came to a halt following a motorcycle wreck. Ed moved to Arizona to be with his sister, giving himself time to recover. During his hiatus from trucking, he hit a major stumbling block that sent him on a reeling path of despair. Having suffered the passing of his daughter in 1993, Ed describes in hindsight the anguish he endured as traumatic; life altering. With only time on his side to heal, ready for a fresh slate, he relocated with hopes to begin again. I inquired as to where, he responded with:

“Texas… because that’s where all the outlaws go.”

Ed found work cleaning and fueling trucks at a trucking and transportation company, working his way up to a mechanic position. After 2 years he knew it was time. With his CDL in pocket, he did local work before branching out with a company in east Texas running regional throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma transporting grain and dry freight for several years. He then switched to long-haul, pulling reefer for a family-owned business for 9 years.

In 2001, Ed made his final career move to Mercedes Trucking (now Brady Trucking, Inc.), having since been awarded multiple safe driving awards. Currently in a 2014 Freightliner Coronado, he explains that each driver has the decision as to whether or not running as a company driver or an owner operator is a better fit. Ed prefers the benefits of operating solely as a company driver due to the many advantages and the financial freedom. “Less hassle and stress allows more time to enjoy everything else,” he says.

He gushes over the beauty of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; the blue richness of the rivers and lakes. The scenery of our country’s land, along with the many people he has crossed paths with remind him that he is only a tiny fraction of this universe.

“The things I get to see in just one day’s work is more than some people get to experience in their entire lifetime. But weaving in and out of so many strangers’ lives in passing has to be the most interesting part of the job yet rewarding in its own way.”

Ed continues to explain how the significance of his choices have a lasting effect that influences good will… “I try to be the reason someone smiles. They may not know me, and I don’t know them; we both could possibly be dealing with a lot at that moment, but by simply being nice there’s a small chance I could lift their spirit. It doesn’t cost a dime to be cordial and in our line of work, showing just a little bit of compassion can go a long way. I’ve sort of used that logic, especially after my period of grief and with time it’s helped heal me. Goodness in humanity has a way of doing that. I think it’s important that all truck drivers practice common courtesy, being we work among the public. We have an image to uphold. I’m sure we all have days when another person can make you upset, but it helps to remember that we’re all fighting our own battles. Be the bigger person… be kind to one another. You never know what the person staring back at you is going through.”

MORE ROAD TO TRAVEL

Ed’s wife, Sherry, whom he lost to an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2014, joined him on the road occasionally. Initially introduced by Sherry’s brother, the two hit it off instantly marking the start of their relationship as the turning point in his life. Ed continues to explain how she brought out the best in him, pushed him to excel in all aspects in life and eventually molded him into a better version of himself. The vulnerability in his voice is undeniable; the sudden tragedy of losing his best friend will be forever heart-rending.

He speaks words of encouragement to anyone who has found themselves at an all-time low. As time goes by, days get better. It’s ok to mourn their memory, but don’t let the sadness consume you. Rock bottom isn’t such a scary place, because that just means the only direction from there is up. Today his traveling companion is, Puppe his one-year old miniature Dotson. Before her, the late Eva (also a miniature Dotson) traveled the states with him for 15 years.

As a young boy, Ed took to baking and was quite the cook. He and his mother shared many memories in the kitchen together, which in turn helped shape him into the husband he aspired to be. Ed adds, “I love to cook, I’m a natural at it. It all goes back to my mom, she taught me everything. With Sherry, when she didn’t go out on the road with me, I’d cook all of her meals before I left. I still try to find time and places to cook, it’s how I unwind.”

After overcoming some of life’s toughest battles, I asked Ed what he considers to be his proudest accomplishment. Without pause, the tempo in his voice sparked with pride. He answered, “My son, Damon. He’s a teacher and soccer coach out in California. I’m so proud of the way he has matured into this amazing, well-rounded person. Knowing that he turned out as good as he is lets me know that I’ve done at least one thing right. When I count the things in my life that I have to be grateful for, I count him first.”

At the beginning of our interview, I asked for two words that he felt best describes the person everyone knows as, Ed Knight:Outgoing.

Stubborn.

“…I’m a joker. Not because I have to be, but because I think in today’s world you need to be. With all the madness, life can get unbearable at times – we have got to lighten up.”

Though extremely cordial and sociable, his appearance is strictly professional with a tendency to be overly polite. By finding his niche within an industry consistent with change and innovation, Ed’s heartfelt testimony as the underdog-turned-role-model is exactly what we as his brothers and sisters of the trucking community needed to be reminded of. Life dishes out lessons that we often fail. The beauty of Ed’s story is that he made the decision to change his ending.

“I think the main thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I’m not dead yet. I still have a lot of life left to live.”