2012_TTJM_AllPages

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along for the ride them at home, just in case I had to leave them there, but they really just like the truck a lot better,” she added. Giles’ Texas ranch is home to a herd of goats, two donkeys, two livestock dogs, a flock of Ancona and mini call ducks, countless chickens and a couple of cats — and she plans to continue expanding her menagerie. Her mother watches the ranch while Giles is on the road in the northeastern U.S. for a month at a time. “I could give you a long list of weird chicken breeds [I want] that you’d never hear of again, and I would love to get back into doing cattle eventually, but that’s probably in about 20 years,” Giles said. “I love them all, and eventually I’ll probably have them all.” Her interest in quality breeds of chickens and ducks, many of which cannot be shipped, has led her to use her truck as a nursery for chicks and ducklings. Pet policy is a top priority when it comes to choosing an employer, she said, adding that even her two dogs are not permitted at many companies. All Freight’s pet policy allowed her to procure the parakeets. “I’ve always wanted some but obviously never even thought about it because I’ve been driving a truck, but since I’ve been with this company, they know I have a ranch,” she said. “So, I was in the store one day and was watching these two little parakeets and thought, ‘Let’s give this a shot.’” She said she enjoys the birds’ “funny little habits,” such playing king of the hill by fighting over the highest spot in the play area. “It’s like having toddlers with feathers,” she added. “They really are just happy little bundles of feathers.” The birds sing and chirp throughout the day. Like true Texas birds, they enjoy country music, especially bouncy tunes by Trace Adkins and Toby Keith, Giles said. When she is having a bad day, she added, she plays their favorite song, “We’re from the Country” by Tracy Byrd. She needs the mood boost provided by the birds, she added, because she got them near the two-year anniversary of her husband’s death. “Depression and loneliness is something every single trucker fights with, no matter who they are or how long they’ve been out here,” she said. “It’s all just a mind game to keep yourself going and keep yourself sane, and cute little fluffy birds that tear apart all their toys and throw fits if you give them the wrong seeds are pretty good at it.” The dogs are also a comfort on stressful days, she said, and they provide security, as well. Giles added that she would recommend pets to any trucker. “I know I couldn’t do it without them,” she said. “When you’re just so frustrated and having such a bad day, sometimes it’s just really nice to look at something that’s cute and loves you, and to just take care of [someone] besides yourself.” Photos courtesy of Sarah Giles Sarah Giles’ parakeets’ wings are clipped so they cannot fly around the cab, and Giles has secured any items that could shift and hurt the birds when the truck moves. In addition to birds, Giles travels with two dogs, which provide both comfort and security while she is on the road. 20 the trucker jobs magazine | DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 www.TheTruckerjobs.com
EARN UP TO $1.61 CPM! As an owner operator with Tran Stewart, you enjoy industry-leading pay as well as a host of additional benefits that OOs need to succeed. OWNER OPERATOR PAY & BENEFITS Industry-leading rate: $1.61 per mile Paid Deadhead Miles Minimum M-F commitment required OWNER OPERATORS ENJOY: Sign-On Bonus Great Fuel Discounts at the pump 100% Cargo and Liability Insurance paid No Touch Freight Free Trailers Passengers and Pets Welcomed And More! Ask a recruiter for details 855.869.3430 // www.ThETRUCkER.COM/TRANsTEwART www.TheTruckerJOBS.com the trucker jobs magazine | DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 21
Page 1 and 2: JOBS MAGAZINE JOB Resources: Carrie
Page 3 and 4: No start-up costs or Hazmat require
Page 6 and 7: JOB resources carrier culture These
Page 8 and 9: JOB resources How does the carrier
Page 10 and 11: Behind the wheel Precious Longtime
Page 12 and 13: Behind the wheel “It means a lot
Page 14 and 15: ON THE ROAD with Ken Armstrong Phot
Page 16 and 17: 16 the trucker jobs magazine | DECE
Page 18 and 19: along for the ride Photos courtesy
Page 22 and 23: 22 the trucker jobs magazine | DECE
Page 24 and 25: RIG of the month Interview by Wendy
Page 26: Our company drivers earn approximat
Page 29 and 30: HIRING FLATBED OWNER OPERATORS •
Page 32: Is the largest Bulk Food Grade carr

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