In celebration of National Driver Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize six outstanding drivers from Team CRST. These individuals have been named “Heroes of the Highway” for their unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism and excellence.
We sat down with these drivers to learn more about their journeys, what motivates them on the road and the wisdom they’ve gathered over the years.
Our Drivers:
- Michael Carlson | Dedicated Solutions
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- Regular route: Family Dollar
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- Driving for 2 years, including 9 months with CRST
- Rick Garvey | Specialized Solutions
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- Regular route: East Coast, primarily in New York’s five boroughs along with Connecticut and New Jersey
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- Driving for 29 years, including 24 with CRST
- Marcus Jimenez | Dedicated Solutions
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- Regular route: Denver, CO
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- Driving for 6 years, including 2.5 with CRST
- Lonnie Payne | Capacity Solutions
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- Regular route: Formerly Texas to California, but now a mix of routes
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- Driving for 32 years, including 7 with CRST
- David Rockwood | Capacity Solutions
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- Regular route: Over the Road (OTR)
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- Driving for 16 years, including 13 with CRST
- Arnold Wilkins | Specialized Solutions
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- Regular route: Western North Carolina
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- Driving for 29 years, including 11 with CRST
What inspired you to pursue a career in trucking?
Lonnie Payne: I grew up in this business: my grandfather owned 35 trucks, and my dad owned 17. So I’m third generation. And my grandfather is the one who trained me and taught me to drive – he really instilled my love for the industry.
Marcus Jimenez: I was inspired to pursue truck driving by my father, who was also a driver. Watching his dedication and work ethic growing up made a strong impression on me. I’ve always admired the vital role truck drivers play in keeping the country moving, and following in his footsteps gives me a sense of pride.
Rick Garvey: My uncle was a truck driver, and seeing his dedication inspired me. I also had kids at a young age, so I wanted a stable career to support my family. Trucking gave me that opportunity.
“I’ve always admired the vital role truck drivers play in keeping the country moving…” – Marcus
Describe a typical day on the road.
David Rockwood: For me it’s definitely coffee, pre-trip, then hit the road.
Lonnie: Begin with a solid pre-trip, it’s the foundation of your day. If your equipment isn’t safe and in top condition, you are setting yourself up for failure! Go over your trip plan for the day, make sure you are on top of fueling locations, meal break locations and parking plans. And be sure you have several alternative stopping/parking points, if you need them.
Michael: My typical day starts early – I wake up, get ready and take time to read my Bible and stretch to prepare both mentally and physically for the road ahead. Before I begin driving, I review my route carefully to stay on track. Throughout the day, I unload my trailer at multiple stops, making sure each delivery is handled with care.
“If your equipment isn’t safe and in top condition, you are setting yourself up for failure!” – Lonnie
What’s the best part of being a driver?
Arnold Wilkins: I love the freedom of being responsible and meeting new people.
Michael: The best part of being a truck driver is the sense of freedom that comes with the open road. I enjoy seeing new places and taking in the ever-changing scenery across the country – it never gets old.
Marcus: The best part of being a truck driver is the pride I take in representing the company on the road and knowing that my work helps keep our operations running smoothly.
Lonnie: For me, the best part of being a driver is getting home safely to my family – especially when I know I’ve done my best to protect life during my time away!
“I love the freedom of being responsible and meeting new people.” – Arnold
What’s your favorite place to drive through, and why?
Rick: It’s the George Washington Bridge or Brooklyn, New York. At night you see the skyline lit up, and sometimes it’s breath taking.
Arnold: I love Asheville, North Carolina. Beautiful mountain views, plus good people to be around.
Marcus: My favorite place to drive through is Colorado. I really enjoy being in the city, while being able to see the big mountains to the west. It’s a beautiful contrast that makes the drive memorable.
Lonnie: California runs are my favorite. The open highway reminds me of traveling those same roads with my grandfather. He also had dedicated lanes, and most of his trucks ran round trips from Dallas Fort Worth to Los Angeles. I guess that’s why I enjoy that route, I grew up on it!
“At night, you see the skyline lit up, and it’s breathtaking.” – Rick
What motivates you to strive for excellence?
Lonnie: Since I first started driving, my grandfather drilled into me to be safe, be courteous and operate that truck with professionalism. He always said, “That’s our family name on those doors, so I expect honor, integrity and respect, anything less is unacceptable.” I have never forgotten it.
Marcus: I’m truly honored to be recognized as a Hero of the Highway. What motivates me most is knowing that my work not only contributes to the success of the team and company but also supports my family. They are a big part of why I strive for excellence every day.
Arnold: I’ve always operated with the mindset that people want their stuff, safe and on-time. As I would. It makes it easy for me to understand the importance of the work we do.
Michael: What drives me to strive for excellence is my faith. As a Christian, I believe my work should reflect my values – honesty, integrity and commitment. I want to be a good worker, not just for the job’s sake, but because it’s a reflection of my character and who I represent.
“I believe my work should reflect my values – honesty, integrity and commitment.” – Michael
What advice would you give to other drivers who want to go above and beyond?
Rick: Stay focused, keep learning and take pride in every mile. Consistency is the key.
Lonnie: Slow down. Don’t be rushed or rush yourself – that’s when mistakes happen! Drive the truck as if it were your family in the vehicles and around you!
David: Seek excellence in yourself.
Michael: My advice is to remember that this job is about more than just deliveries – it’s about serving others with excellence. Take pride in the way you work, not just for a paycheck, but to reflect strong values like integrity, responsibility and care.
“Seek excellence in yourself.” – David
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about truck driving?
Arnold: The overall experience of freedom on the road is better than any building I’ve ever worked in.
Rick: It’s not just about driving – it takes skill, patience and constant focus to stay safe on the roads.
Marcus: I wish more people understood how much responsibility and skill truck driving requires. It’s not just about being behind the wheel. It involves safety, planning and long hours. It’s a career that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
Michael: It’s more than just a job – it’s a way to see the country, serve others by keeping essential goods moving, and build a solid, dependable career. You don’t need a four-year degree to get started, and there’s always room to grow.
Lonnie: We are men and women who sacrifice everything to provide for our families, we love God and our families, and we’re doing our very best to protect life every single day, every single mile!
“The experience of freedom on the road is better than any building I’ve ever worked in.” – Arnold
We are incredibly grateful for their contributions to CRST and the entire industry. Please join us in thanking them – and all drivers at CRST and everywhere – for their essential work, this week and every week.
Learn more about CRST’s 2025 Driver Appreciation Week celebration here!
