Courtney Hemond, Author at Whiteline Express, Ltd.

Richard Pryor Was a Truck Driver Before Becoming a Legendary Comedian

November 4, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

The history of famous comedians, actors, and performers with roots in the truck driving industry is actually very well-documented. There are more than a handful of examples of this, including individuals like Chevy Chase, Liam Neeson, and Elvis Presley.

It’s unclear what allows drivers to make this transition. It could just be by pure volume, as an estimated 1% of the US population is made up of truck drivers. It could also be the fact that truck drivers have a lot of time to sit and think — this could help a guy like Elvis write songs or someone like James Cameron hatch ideas for films. Either way, there is no shortage of talent coming out of the trucking industry.

One profession that isn’t surprising to see is that of a comedian. Truck drivers love their jokes and, as mentioned, have ample time to sit and come up with comedy routines.

Legendary comedian Richard Pryor was a truck driver before joining the Army and leaving as an aspiring actor and comedian

Richard Pryor is long gone — the famous comedian passed away in 2005. Still, he’s known as one of the best comedians of all time, earning the nickname “the Picasso of comedy” from Jerry Seinfeld. Pryor won five Grammy Awards in his career.

What most people don’t know about Pryor is that he was a truck driver before entering the Army. This was a long time ago — he was born in 1940 — but he was still a truck driver, nonetheless. Hotcars.com theorizes that Pryor may have practiced his comedy routines on a CB radio, though it’s unlikely, as they weren’t popular in trucks until the 1970s.

In fact, it may have been the solitude of driving a truck in the early days of the industry that inspired Pryor to follow a more human-interaction-adjacent career path as an actor and a comedian. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what sent him down that career path — it seems like he was destined to be a comedian.

Pryor passed away at age 65.

Why Don’t CDL Drivers Get Discounted Insurance Rates?

November 1, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

Becoming a CDL driver can be extremely challenging. For starters, you have to find a way to fund your way through CDL school, followed by a series of tests that allow you to drive some of the most difficult vehicles in the world. Even scarier — it’s tricky to hold onto. At all times, you have to be on your game.

As an example, you can lose your CDL if you don’t pass a series of physical tests, which happen at least every two years. CDL drivers can also lose their license if their blood alcohol content is above .04. That’s half of what it would take for a normal driver to get a DUI. It’s like having a normal driver’s license on hard mode.

Drivers also have to maintain a strong driving record — at any given moment, they are a single infraction away from losing their license. Because of this, it should be clear that drivers with a CDL license are better than the average driver. It’s not an opinion — it’s a fact.

Do CDL drivers get discounted insurance rates?

You can probably tell by the title here — the answer is no.

In fact, some insurance companies would go so far as to claim that CDL drivers are more likely to get into an accident. Jerry (getjerry.com), an auto insurance provider, claims that “In some cases, you may be more likely to get into an accident as driving a truck is fatiguing. Driving long hours can cause strain on your body and eyes. You may also have issues staying awake on overnight drives.”

For lack of better phrasing, this reasoning makes no sense. Driver fatigue applies when you’re driving a semi-truck, but how does this justify withholding insurance discounts from CDL drivers on their non-CDL auto insurance? The website goes on to explain that “there is no way to prove that you are less of a risk to insure if you have a commercial driver’s license.” They go on to explain how being married or being a homeowner is adequate evidence to get these discounts.

Insurance companies aren’t concerned with fairness — they want your money.

It makes no sense. Somebody who is literally a professional driver is not considered a safer driver than the average person.

Unfortunately, this usually comes down to money. If you’re married or a homeowner, you’re more likely to add a vehicle to your policy, which actually may decrease your individual rate but increases their income from your account.

That said, there are a few companies that do give out discounted rates to drivers who possess a CDL. Don’t give up easily, as it often takes time to find an insurance company that is actually looking out for your best interest.

The 5 Most Haunted Roads in the United States

October 31, 2022January 22, 2025Courtney Hemond

Oftentimes, truck driving jobs are occupied by people who enjoy solitude. Unless you drive with a passenger or a companion, which is allowed by most companies, you’re destined to spend most of your day completely alone. For most drivers, this is something that they really appreciate.

But as we approach the creepiest time of the year, being alone in a semi-truck at night can be terrifying. You now have the added factors of cold weather, drunk drivers, and unstable road conditions. We’re about to give you another reason to be scared as you drive — haunted roads.

That’s right. Houses, hospitals, asylums, and many more things can be haunted — why can’t a road? In fact, there are more haunted roads than you’re probably aware of. Today, we’re going to discuss the five most haunted roads in the United States.

*WARNING: Some backstories have graphic details*

These are the 5 most haunted roads in the US

5. Route 666, New Mexico

I’ll be the first to admit that I am extremely skeptical of those who refer to this highway as being “haunted.” Realistically, this one is probably mental for a lot of drivers. “666” is obviously a spooky number and the fatality rate on this highway is *technically* higher than most highways.

Still, this was enough for the highway to be renamed to “Route 491” and have multiple works of fiction based on it. Again, if we’re being realistic, this highway probably wouldn’t be considered “haunted” if it wasn’t called “Route 666” at one point.

4. Route 375, Nevada

This one is actually less haunted and more… alien-y. The mysterious Area 51 is just off course from this road — many drivers who pass by will look for strange activity in the surrounding area.

Also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, Route 375 passes by super-secret Area 51, so UFO seekers drive along this road hoping to spot something out of this world. Drivers should keep their eyes on the road while passengers look toward the sky to watch for any mysterious lights or aircrafts.

3. Riverview Dr (Annie’s Road), New Jersey

Annie’s Road goes by the real name “Riverview Drive.” It’s located in Totowa, New Jersey and has a dark history. According to the story, a couple got into a fight when the man kicked the woman out of the car, where she would fall into the street and get hit by a truck. Her dress would snag and she would be dragged by the truck until she died.

Apparently, she still haunts the roads in search of revenge.

To add to the eeriness, there is no phone reception in the area. Witnesses claim that she seems 100% real before completely vanishing.

2. Clinton Rd, New Jersey

Okay… if you’re afraid of ghosts, it might be best to avoid New Jersey at all costs.

In 1983, a cyclist was riding down the road when he spotted vultures attacking something on the ground. Turns out, they were gnawing at the corpse of Daniel Deppner, who was killed by Richard Kuklinski.

Oddly enough, not many people have experienced “hauntings” that relate to Deppner. Instead, there have been reports of a ghost boy, a haunted druidic temple, a ghost truck, and strange hellish creatures.

1. Route 66, Missouri

This is my favorite one on this list.

While there isn’t a specific history on this road, an abandoned truck stop in Villa Ridge is said to be one of the most haunted spots in the US. Still, if you’ve been a truck driver for a long time, you can imagine some of the stuff that happens in a place like this.

The stories of hauntings are pretty well-documented, getting to the point where paranormal investigation teams have visited. Commercial Truck Trader said, “visiting mediums have suggested the truck stop is a portal to the other side of eternity, where souls reenter our world and attach their spirits to truckers whom they might possess in order to drive themselves home.”

This Man Recreated the Green Goblin Truck From Maximum Overdrive

October 29, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

It’s Halloween time. In the trucking industry, that means… well, almost nothing. Still, it’s a fun time to look at some of the spookier things in the industry — and what better to remember than a blockbuster horror movie involving a semi-truck?

That’s right — I’m talking about Maximum Overdrive, the 1986 Stephen King film starring Emilio Estevez.

The film featured a possessed truck that chased after the protagonist and other characters. The movie received terrible ratings, though it was extremely memorable for many. Apparently, it was memorable enough for one man to make a recreation of it.

A man recreated the “Green Goblin” semi-truck and brought it to the Guilty by Association Truck Show last year

In October of last year, a man named Nate Lawrence showed up to the Guilty by Association Truck Show with a Green Goblin truck. Granted — it wasn’t THE Green Goblin truck — but it was a near-perfect recreation of the antagonist of Maximum Overdrive.

According to Land Line, Lawrence is an expert in the field. He has spent years building haunted houses and movie sets across the United States for years. The Green Goblin truck came naturally.

The truck quickly became a favorite at the show, drawing audiences from all around. Apparently, some people traveled to Missouri from as far as Omaha, Nebraska for the sole purpose of seeing the Green Goblin truck.

“I had a fan come up and tell me they drove all night from Omaha, Neb., just to see the truck. And another hundred people have told me this truck is the reason they came to the show. There are a lot of beautiful trucks here, so for somebody to say that it’s really humbling.”

As of a year ago, Lawrence also planned to recreate the school bus from the very same movie.

2001 Horror Film “Joyride” Featured a Peterbilt 359

October 27, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

The trucking industry is well-represented in films. Unfortunately, it is not always portrayed in the brightest light, with truckers often being the antagonists and, in some cases, the truck itself being the antagonist. A strong example of this is the film Maximum Overdrive, where Emilio Esteves finds himself running from evil, self-aware semi-trucks.

In 2001, we saw another example of this in Joyride, a film that starred Paul Walker.

What starts as a CB radio prank quickly turns into a life-threatening chase for Walker’s character, Lewis Thomas. After pretending to be a woman and tricking a truck driver, the truck driver quickly finds out and soon seeks vengeance. He chases Thomas and other characters in his… you guessed it — Peterbilt 359.

Here are 10 other notable films or TV shows that feature semi-trucks, IMDB

White Line Fever (1975)
Steel Cowboy (1978)
Happy Face Killer (2014)
Snitch (2013)
Black Dog (1998)
Movin’ On (1974-1976)
B.J. and the Bear (1978-1981)
High-Ballin’ (1978)
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Highjack! (1973)

This Trucker Plays American Truck Simulator While Parked

October 25, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

The trucking industry is one of the older industries in the United States but remains one of the most unique. What other job allows you to travel across the country for a living?

For many, the tough part about trucking is how monotonous it can become. Sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle for up to 11 hours a day can be treacherous, no matter how patient of a person you are. For this reason, some truckers are extremely active outside of their normal driving position of a vehicle.

Some, however, really love trucking. Like… a lot.

This trucker plays ‘American Trucking Simulator’ while their truck is parked

In order to be a truck driver, you have to enjoy driving. Heck, most normal people enjoy driving but still — there’s a limit for most. For some, it’s a couple of hours to another state. For others, it’s a normal work day for a truck driver. Some push the limits and drive up to 70 hours a week in their truck.

Either way, being a CDL driver can be exhausting. Logically, you want to find a unique hobby to do in your free time… right?

Not u/BlueJDMSW20 on Reddit. Here’s what this user posted on Reddit, captioned “Anyone else play Truck Simulator when the truck is parked?”

That’s right, they’re playing American Truck Simulator. On a break. From trucking.

If you’re looking for answers on why somebody would want to do this, you’ve come to the wrong place. You’d think after countless hours of driving, the last thing you’d want to do is drive a truck virtually. But hey — to each his own.

A few replies seem skeptical of the hobby as well, with one user replying to the question by saying “f*ck no.” Another user said, “I drive enough IRL (in real life) no need to do it virtually when I’m off.”

Though it’s an undeniably strange hobby, American Truck Simulator is actually a great way to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of a truck. It’s not a perfect game, but it can help new CDL drivers get a good feel for the tricker parts of driving a 70-footer.

Trucking: Pilot Just Upgraded 8 of Their Truck Stops

October 18, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

Pilot is clearly trying to cement itself as the premier truck stop destination in the United States. The company is currently planning a $1 billion remodeling project across 400 Pilot and Flying J locations. Here’s what the press release said about it:

“The three-year $1 billion New Horizons project marks the company’s most significant investment in store modernization to date. It will fully remodel more than 400 Pilot and Flying J travel centers and make additional upgrades at several more locations across the country.”

This is good news for truckers that work for companies in the Pilot/Flying J network. That means you, Whiteline Express drivers.

These are the upgrades that Pilot has already made to 8 truck stops

The upgrade plan is already in effect, with eight truck stops getting first dibs on this expansion plan. According to Yahoo!, here are the locations and what is upgraded at each spot, respectively.

Altoona, IA: Upgraded restrooms and bathrooms, an expanded deli menu, and new Cinnabon kiosk
Boonville, MO: A new breakroom for team members, new kitchen to serve guests their favorite homecooked meal, and four self-checkouts
Florence, SC: New kitchen for team members to prepare an expanded menu of fresh food and grab-and-go cold items, fully remodeled Wendy’s, and four self-checkouts
Gordonsville, TN: Brand new restrooms and showers, newly remodeled Dunkin’ Donuts
Hope Hull, AL: Newly added deli with grab-and-go options, an expanded beverage selection, and new Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J service center
Joplin, MO: Upgraded food and beverage selections, fully remodeled Wendy’s, and four new self-checkouts
Palmdale, CA: Brand new location featuring a full deli with freshly prepared pizza, homestyle meals, and grab-and-go options, Subway, Cinnabon, four self-checkouts, five shower rooms, 55 truck parking spaces, 142 gasoline fueling positions, and 7 diesel lanes with biofuel, DEF, and high-speed pumps for quicker refueling
Pontoon Beach, IL: Fully remodeled restrooms, bathrooms, showers, kitchen, and Cinnabon kiosk

What hasn’t been mentioned so far is the entirely new addition in Palmdale, California. The location will feature a full deli, five showers, a Subway, a Cinnabon, five showers, 55 truck parking spots, and more. Unfortunately for Whiteline drivers, this is not in our area.

Pilot is offering 25% off at a few of their new locations. These locations include Hope Hull, AL, Joplin, MO, and Sullivan, MO. The company is also offering a 10-cent gas discount and three free drinks per week to professional truck drivers if they use Pilot’s myRewards app. This is an extension of their Driver Appreciation benefits.

This Man Jumped on a Semi-truck and Traveled 100 Miles

October 11, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

Hitchhiking is one of the oldest forms of transportation around. Though it can be dangerous at times, there will always be pedestrians with their thumbs out on the side of the road looking to hitch a ride from a passerby. With luck, somebody will stop and let that person into their car and drop them off at the nearest possible location.

This is distinctly different than train hopping, where a person will jump onto an empty (or empty-ish) freight car and travel that way. This is unfortunately illegal, with obvious safety concerns being the issue.

For the first time in recorded history, somebody combined these two concepts. Okay — it might not be the first time this has been done, but it’s still an interesting story.

A man was arrested in Oklahoma for jumping onto a semi-truck and riding it 100 miles to a different state

Again, there are many options that somebody can choose to travel long distances without any existing form of transportation. Legal or illegal, the list is pretty long. This guy just added to it on his 100-mile trip from Wichita, Kansas to Logan County, Oklahoma.

Last Monday, a 30-year-old named Dustin Slocum decided to hop onto the back of a semi-truck and hope for the best. The truck traveled over 100 miles on the highway, receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls along the way. The calls were so ridiculous-sounding that police troopers didn’t believe it at first. Here’s what Eric Foster of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.

“When you get a phone call like that, you’re like, oh, is that what they’re really seeing or is there something else going on?”

How did he do it? Apparently, it was extremely simple — he was just hanging from the back of the truck. The “joyride” came to a stop when other drivers on the road repeatedly waved the semi-truck driver down, which eventually prompted him to pull over. He was completely unaware that Slocum was clinging for dear life on the back of his vehicle.

5 Famous People Who Used to Be Truckers

September 27, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

No matter what your opinion is on truckers, there is a simple truth that will never change — trucking is essential work. Without it, we wouldn’t have food to eat, household goods, or even gasoline for our cars. Because of this, it will always be a popular profession.

It always has been one, too.

In fact, even with a shortage of drivers at hand, over 1% of the US population drives a truck. To put a number on it, we have an estimated 3.5 million drivers across America. With numbers like that, you will inevitably have drivers who either were famous, are famous, or will become famous in the future. Today, we’re looking at the most famous celebrities who used to be truck drivers.

Truck Driver No. 5: Liam Neeson

When you think of Liam Neeson as a truck driver, the first thing that will come to mind is probably his role as a trucker in The Ice Road, a 2021 film that can be found on Netflix. Despite mixed reviews, the movie focuses on an ice driver who is on a rescue mission and does an interesting job portraying the profession.

What many people don’t know, however, is that Neeson was a truck driver as a young adult. He didn’t drive a big-rid but he was a forklift driver in his younger years, something that he reference multiple times during media coverage of the film.

Truck Driver No. 4: Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean has created popular music for quite a long time. The 45-year-old has seen success in the industry since the early 2000s. Two decades later, he’s still chugging along, but what was he doing before this?

Many don’t know this, but Aldean was a local truck driver in Georgia, delivering Pepsi products to convenience stores. I guess being an international rockstar seemed a bit more glamorous than this.

Truck Driver No. 3: James Cameron

As you can see, there’s an apparent pipeline for truckers to become famous in the film industry — maybe this is your queue. James Cameron is best known for movies like Avatar, Titanic, and The Terminator, though he came from humble beginnings.

In order to save up money for films early in his career, Cameron was a truck driver. This would eventually lead to his path to stardom in the film industry, where he is known as one of the greatest directors of all time.

Truck Driver No. 2: Chevy Chase

Like two of the aforementioned celebrities, Chevy Chase is known for his work in the film and television industry. Chase is best remembered for driving a four-wheel station wagon across America in National Lampoon’s Vacation. After finishing med school and performing in a jazz band, Chase drove trucks until his big break as a comedian and actor.

Truck Driver No. 1: Elvis Presley

Do I need to give any background on Elvis Presley? The king of rock n’ roll is one of the most famous human beings in American history. As depicted in the 2022 Baz Luhrmann film Elvis, the musician was a truck driver before breaking onto the music scene.

Elvis drove for Crown Electric Company and it is said that his popular slicked-back hairstyle was popular among truck drivers at the time.

Why the Trucking World Is Getting Excited Over This Taco Bell

September 19, 2022April 11, 2023Courtney Hemond

In trucking, you’ll find a wider variety of news than virtually any other industry. Truckers have a way of getting their names in headlines for good and for bad. One recurring theme among headlines, however, has to do with drive-thrus.

For most truck drivers, going through a drive-thru isn’t an option — the trucks are simply too big, as most establishments have a maximum height of around nine feet. Clearance bars are usually placed at locations to avoid property damage, preventing large vehicles from bumping edges of buildings.

Even so, some are completely unnecessary. Some fast food companies are realizing this and taking steps to cater to trucking companies.

This Taco Bell removed it’s clearance bar entirely, allowing semi-trucks to pass through and order food

It’s what all truckers want — fast food access at all times. There is a very small number of places that cater to truckers but generally speaking, they’re out of luck. Fortunately, those who pass through Nebraska will now have the option to get fast food.

A video posted to YouTube by Natasha Trucking showcased a Taco Bell that knocked down the clearance bar, allowing truck drivers to pass through the Taco Bell drive thru.

Unfortunately, as seen in the video, the speaker system at this Taco Bell has not been altered, so drivers have to open the door and step down to order and receive their food.

Still, it’s pretty convenient for big-rig drivers who are used to parking and ordering inside of restaurants.