SDDC trucker: patriotic tribute touts nation's colors

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Fall, 2004 by Mitch Chandran

A trucker who often hauls for the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command displays her patriotic pride with flair.

Carol West drives a rig that sports patriotic red, white, and blue colors inside and out. The vehicle's signature is the wrap-around American flag paint scheme adorning the 48-foot trailer.

Carol West, owner and operator of the Little Texas Trucking Co., of New Boston, Texas, considers her workplace to be behind the wheel of a 78-foot Freightliner tractor and trailer, hauling arms, ammunition and explosives for the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

"In 1998, I got my truck paid off," said West. "Instead of buying a newer model, I decided to do something that reflected how I felt about our country and especially our military.

"I designed a paint scheme on my computer that would be my tribute to the armed forces, then had the truck repainted that way."

West proudly displayed the truck at the second annual National Transportation Week Conference at the Washington, D.C., Convention Center.

Her life on the road began in 1978 when she and a friend enrolled in a Florida truck driving school--they were the first two females to attend and graduate.

"Driving this truck and moving freight for the military is a fun thing to do," said West. "I also get to meet a lot of military and civilian members which is very rewarding."

West is not alone when on the road. She and her co-driver have logged more than 1.1 million miles in moving munitions.

Marvin Rowin has shared driving duties with West for many years and knows the truck inside and out.

"I'm proud to drive this truck," said Rowin. "I like what we do, how we do it and everyone we meet."

"When you're a contractor working for the military and especially with munitions, there are a lot of rules to follow," said West. "Training is key and we go through retraining every two years."

West takes her training seriously and credits her success by simply following all the rules.

"I would say I've got the greatest job in the world," said West. "I'm dealing with the top 5 to l0 percent of the people in the country when dealing with the military."

West subcontracts her services to Landstar Systems Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla.

"Carol is a true woman entrepreneur," said Robert Dugger, director of government pricing for Landstar.

"While en route moving her current shipment, she will be planning three to four trips down the road keeping herself steadily available and employed.

"She is a true ambassador of the trucking industry."

The truck draws a lot of compliments, said West.

"I get a lot of people, especially military retirees, thanking me for dedicating my truck to the armed forces," said West. "It makes me happy to see a lot of trucks and cars displaying the flag or other patriotic symbols on them."

West said she is thinking about buying another truck this year. If she does, she wants to get it painted the same way.

"I love what I do," said West, "and I love the people I meet. If I have one thing to say to everyone it is be the best and take great pride in whatever you do and always show your patriotism."

Mitch Chandran, Public Affairs Specialist SDDC Headquarters