FIXTITLE Earl Vandale.docx
BEAUTIFUL FLAWS
The Story
Of
Earl Vandale
A while back, I read a heartfelt quote from an athlete that I think many of us can relate to. She wrote, “I learned to take those experiences that were difficult in my life and in the adversity that I had to overcome, I used it for a positive change.”
This nominee that I’m about to introduce you to I had met in Louisville, back in March. He is extremely impactful in ways he is unaware of. By listening to him go through his life’s history and owning not just the good and rewarding moments that helped shape his existence, he accepts his dark and gloomy days, as well. He shared with me areas in his time line that many would deny. Instead, he takes full responsibility for the way his old life style dominated his choices, until the time came that he realized his importance as a person.
He made an effort to change; to be a better person for those that would call on him for help. He became a more nurturing father, a loving husband, and a reliable individual trusted by many. He carries about with a soft-spoken demeanor, but I noticed that he was quick to speak and at ease with words on two subjects. One, his family and the other, trucking.
Trucking came into his life and changed his entire thinking process. After learning from his mistakes and making friends along the way, Earl Vandale has been an inspiration as a professional truck driver for 26 years. He admits that he didn’t exactly plan on making a career in trucking. Nor, was he raised in the business. His calling didn’t initially present itself until the age of 27.
Earl was born in the early 60’s in the city of Zanesville, Ohio. He is the youngest of three. At an early age, he moved to Xenia with his mother where he spent the majority of his childhood. On into his school years he split his summer breaks and time off with his father in Marietta, Ohio. “As a kid and the runt of the group, I was a mischievous thing,” he says with a laugh. “At my mom’s we lived in the city so there wasn’t much to get in to.” His dad lived in a rural area, on the countryside and Earl was able to let loose the way he needed. That side of his family owned some land on a mountain. There he enjoyed exploring and hunting.
While still in high school, Earl enlisted in the U.S. Army during his junior year. As he waited to graduate, he prepared for service through a program that taught basic skills until he was able to fully join. At the age of 17, he set off for eight weeks of basic training at Fort Jackson, located in South Carolina. Next, he moved to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Also known as the home of the U.S. Army Signal Center. Earl spent four weeks of AIT (Advanced Individual Training), before being stationed at Fort Ord Army Base in Monterey, California. For two years, he worked as a communications switchboard specialist. With his title came excitement, as well as challenges. He was responsible for installation, maintenance, and repairs to a wide variety of communication gear throughout the Army facility. In 1981, Earl opted out. He stated that he feels that everybody at some point should feel the need to serve our country. That standing proud as a U.S. citizen and putting in the time to help in any way possible, is the thing to do.
With no clear objective of which direction to take his focus, he bounced around until his feet hit solid ground. He landed an average job as a carpet cleaner, but deep down inside he knew that he was meant for more. Earl grew tired of working minimum wage jobs and decided to take action.
Intrigued by a friend driving a truck; more of the truck, less of his friend. An idea came to mind. He found a trucking company that would pay for his schooling and he jumped at the opportunity. By the end of 1989, with his CDL in his pocket he immediately went to work. He knew that trucking was the perfect field, simply because of the endless possibilities. Getting the chance to see the country and work, landed Earl in his first truck traveling all 48 states hauling general freight.
Once he was on his own getting into the rhythm, he knew that he had made the right choice. Being a professional truck driver comes with its number of perks, such as the freedom of space and no authority figures around to bark orders. Earl makes sure that all of his deliveries are met in a timely manner. He takes pride in his job and strives to provide good service with each load. The truck he started in was a Mac Conventional, with a mid-roof. He said, “When I first started I told myself, ‘I like this!’” His overall favorite thing about driving is being able to work on his own. Away from an office or the crowds of people. Riding high in a truck, venturing from state to state is exactly how Earl wants to spend the rest of his life.
One of his most memorable days of trucking was just after he began driving, he had only six months of experience. He was on route in Colorado, coming down a mountain when things started to heat up. “Where I live, it’s all flat country,” he explains. Driving down the mountain, gaining speed his breaks got hot and his trailer started going sideways. Two older truck drivers came to his rescue and helped him the rest of the way. Earl continues, “One went ahead, telling me what was coming up; what to expect. While another trucker stayed behind me, explaining how to down shift and where to slow down at. Together, they talked me down that mountain and saved me in more ways than one.” Earl went on saying how that one major event changed his life dramatically. “I was a nervous wreck! After I got off the mountain, I stopped for two hours. Those two drivers were extremely helpful! The whole incident is embedded into my memory and affected my life in a way I can’t explain.”
Experiencing such stress where your life is in danger can significantly alter your way of thinking. “That’s pretty much how I started my career. From then on I wanted to set an example. I got two things out of it. I want drivers to know that you can call for help. It’s completely okay… and you can be the one to answer too. If you’re in need, there is help. Or if you’re in a position to help, then do it. Looking back on that day is exactly why I put myself in a position (every day I drive) that is always open to help others. No matter what.” Earl understands the meaning of being helpful. When he was in trouble, he was within reach of assistance. “That’s one thing you can count on. Truck drivers will help! If you’ve been in the business long enough, you know what it’s like. When one needs help, we’ll come to your aid.”
Since he first started driving, Earl credits his profession as the reason for the positive changes that he has made in his life. With this job comes accountability. In his grasp, he has control of a piece of equipment that he knows can cause irreversible damage. He stresses the importance of safety. His next key to success is trip planning. “It’s essential! Routing is a necessity. Knowing where to get fuel ahead of time or when you should start your day, is a must. Taking that preventative measure for safety allows you more time and is always worth it.” In doing so, the driver’s customers are pleased with the punctuality and the driver is able to maintain a good relationship with their employer. Earl also points out that checking his truck thoroughly and often is a top priority too.
Over the years Earl has helped many drivers, but there is one driver in particular that helped him in a big way. Not in a way like the others that led him off of the mountain. This individual started as a fellow driver and mutual friend, then grew into a mentor for all avenues in Earl’s life. He has been there for Earl with answers to many questions and vice versa. He said, “His name is Mike Thornton. He is an outstanding guy and great driver. He holds an excellent safe driving record and has influenced my progress for the better… but, most importantly he has helped me as a man. He has it all. A nice truck. A nice home… and he got it all by driving a truck. I wanted to be just like him.” Their friendship has lasted over 20 years. Talks out on the road between the two drivers continue just as often as they did years before.
Today, Earl averages 150,000 to 170,000 miles a year. He has reached the 3 million mile mark and received multiple safety and training awards. In February of this year, Earl joined the team at JB Hunt based out of Columbus, Ohio as a company driver. He runs a dedicated route throughout the east coast, hauling kitchen cabinets. His home time is extremely important. The staff at JB Hunt understand Earl’s needs, especially when it comes to family. Usually home for two days at a time, Earl leaves out every Sunday night to have his delivery on time the following Monday. JB Hunt currently has over 700 dedicated accounts to offer their drivers. Which is one of the reasons Earl chose them as his new home. He says, “I like that I have regular people that I know when I make my deliveries. That type of routine makes a difference to me. Plus they have what most other trucking companies don’t. Guaranteed pay.”
I asked Earl, “What is it about trucking that has kept you in the business for 26 years?” His response was straightforward. “Trucking is a well-paying job that lets me provide my family with a good living. And everybody needs truck drivers. Honestly, I can’t think of a better job that I’d rather be doing.” Right now JB Hunt has Earl in a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia. As soon as his wife, Pamela retires he plans on having her by his side. For the last 20 years, Pamela has worked as a home health and personal care aide, helping people who are disabled or impaired.
I was curious if Pamela was intending on getting her CDL too. Earl said that if she did, he feels like that would take away from their quality time riding together. He said, “If we’re both licensed, we would probably end up spending most of our time taking turns driving while the other one slept. I don’t really want that.” I see where he is getting at. Instead, he said that she could help with his paperwork and routing. Other than that, he is just excited to share all of the wonders of touring the road with his wife. “On the weekends when I’m not working, we can actually do some serious traveling,” he adds. One of Earl’s hot spots is Vegas. The casinos and bright lights lure him in every time. He’s also able to enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the wide, open country on the way there.
When Earl is away from his truck, he tries to spend as much time with his family as possible. Together they have a blended family of five kids. Four sons and a daughter. The youngest ranges from 24 years old to 29; with a total of 9 grandchildren. Occasionally, Earl takes his jeep that his wife bought him as a gift, and gets it stuck in the mud. He laughs, “Oh, it makes her cringe every time I take it out. I’ll get mud up to the roof! My sons and I will head up to Dayton, along the river and creek banks and go wild. We’ve played in the snow with it too.” Sounds like anything Earl can drive, he is going to make it worth his while.