Oct 21, 2020Carriers3 min read

Trucker Spotlight - Dakota Caldwell

The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path’s solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.

Today we are putting the spotlight on Dakota Caldwell, a 26-year old trucker and YouTuber, who’s been driving for around 2 & 1/2 years now. He used to be a mechanic prior to driving trucks. He always loved driving and knew he wanted a career in driving someday but for some reason, taxi driver always popped in his mind. Let’s get to more about Dakota and how’s life on the road.

What made you decide to be a trucker?

I have always loved big trucks and my high school girlfriend’s dad is really the one that made it seem like it be a good idea and thought id like it.

In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you’ve noticed in the trucking industry?

Honestly, since I’ve started driving, I haven’t seen much change.

What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?

I wanted to show people what it was like out here – WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE – and not what I used to watch on Youtube because that was always misleading. They never showed the things I wanted to see that I knew other people would want to see.

Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?

The first thing you lose as a trucker is your sanity. Once thats out of the way, the real danger comes. You begin to love the solitude and everything really comes into perspective and you see the rest of the world from the outside in. But yes, there are lonely times but you get past it when you see that pay check.

As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?

I haven’t had any. I really adapted well I think. Sometimes, no shower and no hot food but that happens anyway in trucking. And with the roads empty when everyone was home, I turned more miles than ever. Also when everyone came back out, I’ve seen more wrecks in one day than I have in my entire life. Everyone forgot how to drive.

What’s your favorite Truck Brand / Model?

389 Peterbilt all day.

Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?

Being one of those tower climber. That looks fun and you still get to travel.

What’s the best truck stop for you?

TA. I find them to be the best. Besides of course chrome shops lol.

What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?

62 mph trucks in the center lane, drivers on their phone, and drivers doing a dirty 30 (30 min break on the fuel island).

We’re glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?

What I like most about Trucker Path is finding truck stops and seeing the driver reviews. Helps find a good place to shut’er down for the night.

What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?

Look, listen, think, get out, and look. Take your time but never be late and use common sense. It will take you a long way out here.

Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?

They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, Life Behind The Wheel.

Hope you guys enjoy!

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruckloads Truck Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Trucking Industry Truck driver tips Owner Operators Trucking Tips Covid19 Trucker Spotlight