FIXTITLE Wayne LaTourette.docx

WHAT MATTERS THE MOST

Legend Nominee: Wayne LaTourette

We have featured many professional truck drivers throughout the years, each with their own unique story, conveying an image of who they are today while sharing pieces of their background that essentially mold childhood memories, friendships and heartbreaks, special moments and life lessons; all into the beautiful elements that create a person’s character.

This Legend nominee is defined not by what he does for a living or where he has traveled, but simply for those closest to him: his family. With a total of five children under one roof, Mary and Bruce LaTourette showered their kids with an array of fun items and toys to keep them active. From gadgets to anything with wheels: go karts, 4-wheelers, mini bikes, motorcycles. You name it, they had it. During the winter they rode snowmobiles, then come summer it was time to water ski. The privilege of such leisure was not given, it was earned. Wayne LaTourette’s father, Bruce worked day and night to provide his family with more than enough. Mary stayed home, tending to their two boys and three girls in a little country town known as, Walton; located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the West Branch of the Delaware River.

Soon to celebrate her 83rd birthday, Mary still resides in Walton, New York and is the silver lining to Wayne’s trucking career. Having the flexibility to visit his beloved mother upstate, when his current residence is in Florida, no other position within a profession could be more accommodating. With over 45 years dedicated to the trucking industry, Wayne is not in it for the documented miles or recognition to receive awards. Each time he accepts a load, the direction of travel always leads back to Ms. Mary every chance possible. Having promised his late father, whom passed away in 2001, that he would look after his mother, being a truck driver enables him to minimize the distance between them, and honoring his word.

Before Wayne was born, Bruce served in the U.S. Army, then later drove full-time for Breakstone’s Sour Cream making deliveries throughout the regional area including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Fast forward to 1980, Bruce relocated to Florida with Wayne’s brother, while he stayed behind running two trucks of his own. When they arrived down south, his father and brother started a trucking company moving heavy equipment. They graduated from four dump trucks to twenty-three. In 1988, Wayne moved to Fort Myers and began running for the family business. He met his wife, Teresa the following year through her brother, who also drove for the company. They wed in 1994, and have four children and six grandchildren.

Together, Wayne and Teresa run over the road pulling flatbed. In 2012, as an owner operator Wayne joined the driving force at Mercer Transportation. Teresa accompanied him to orientation, remaining right by his side from day one. Completely supportive and slightly curious, she first started traveling with Wayne for quality time, rather than spending days and weeks apart. Having only laid eyes within the vicinity between Florida and South Carolina, driving a truck was her ticket to see the rest of the country. She recently attained her permit in February, and has since set her goal on getting her CDL very soon, with plans to run with Wayne as a team. Who better to help mentor and train Teresa than a veteran driver of Wayne’s caliber? With several million miles to his name, Wayne dives a bit deeper into his upbringing to share where most of his driver training derived…

From the time Wayne’s father could shift a gear, he was driving a truck. The same natural instincts were passed down to his sons. Being the oldest of five, Wayne began running up and down dirt roads at the age of 13, picking up hay with straight trucks and hasn’t stopped driving a truck since. Teresa believes that is when he officially “got the bug.” Witnessing first-hand the urgency to provide for their family, and the work ethic his father displayed, Wayne embraced his tough-as-nails attitude along with the respect that went hand in hand. As a young kid, vying to prove himself able, Wayne gladly agreed to any responsibilities passed on to him. “In the winter time, my dad cut logs. Occasionally, I got to go with him. That was a big deal! To get your lunch packed and go to the woods with dad to work, those were the days that meant something to us,” Wayne explained.

When Wayne was still a baby his father’s driving career mostly revolved around the local farms. Whether he was picking up milk cans, hauling coal, or delivering saw dust and hay for farmers, Bruce was constantly on the move. As Wayne got older, he was allowed to jump in the truck and ride alongside his father.

The summer after Wayne turned 16, he went to work on his uncle’s farm. He was paid $45 a week with room and board. During his stay, he worked the farm, tended to the fences, and threw down hay. He eventually saved enough money to purchase his first truck. He and his father went in together and bought a brand new 1971 Chevrolet pickup. Like his father, Wayne was steadfast and strongminded. At 17, he drove dump trucks in the summer and added another job to his résumé working at a snowmobile dealership during the winter that was owned by a family friend, who was a farmer in the same town. Then by 18, he made his way into the construction field full-time driving dump trucks. When Wayne was of age, he obtained a Class A license to operate tractor-trailers.

Over time, Wayne continued gaining experience driving tractor-trailers. At one point, he owned two tractor-trailers, in which he put drivers in both and went to work as a union driver for a local company. After seven years and a life changing experience, he decided it was time for a fresh start. He moved to Florida and joined the family business. He spent the following twenty years working for his family hauling double drop trailers, heavy machinery, and over-dimensional.

As an owner operator, knowing what he knows now about the business and having his wife as co-pilot helps tie everything into place. Teresa’s background as a financial analyst works to their advantage as she handles all their paperwork and communication with agents in managing their work loads. Her ability to assemble information for use in making decisions gives them free reign on scheduling their own work orders. Wayne and Teresa found Mercer Transportation as the perfect fit for that exact benefit; no forced dispatch. Aside from the various incentives the trucking company offers, being able to go where and when they choose, better suites their needs.

Working as a team, I don’t think you will find another duo as qualified and caring as these two. Ready for any situation, they keep tools, wires, and bulbs on-hand if the need be. Wayne states that he couldn’t ask for a more proficient partner at the wheel. He describes his wife as a quick-learner, skillful yet thick-skinned, tough, and always ready to help others. In my opinion, she is the perfect combination: level-headed, determined, but also compassionate. Teresa states that it’s Wayne’s passion for the trucking industry that has helped make him so successful as a professional truck driver. Also, his concern for others. Especially, fellow truck drivers. Ultimately, another trait he inherited…

“If you can help anyone… if you’re given the opportunity to do so… you should. That’s what it is all about! I learned that from my dad. He was the kind of man that you could have a disagreement with, then five minutes later, sit down together and have dinner. He was a good man, very tender-hearted, and helped a lot of people out.”

Wayne’s trucking career was influenced by his father and his uncle, who was also a truck driver, along with other experienced drivers that he crossed paths with over the course of his time on the road. As a kid, Wayne was taught to enjoy fun things in life, as long as he practiced good work habits. Reinforced by his father, Wayne knew there was no other way to perform than to give your very best toward everything attempted. He and Teresa carried those standards with them into parenthood, and raised their children with the same intentions. Three generations later, perseverance and love prevail.

Being able to execute a job safely for 45 years is a huge accomplishment. Factor in never being late for a load, nor a pickup, or delivery. As a third wheel companion, their three-year-old Shitzu, Lili travels in the truck too. Lili’s gentle demeanor and sweet puppy-dog eyes keeps their spirits up and a smile on their faces. Before joining Wayne on the road, Teresa’s main concern was being away from their grandchildren for extended periods of time. Again, with the flexibility of their schedule they get the best of both worlds. As truck drivers, they can visit everyone in all states, while still working from coast to coast.

However, it’s all known that working as a husband and wife team can add strain on any marriage. Both agree, respecting each other’s space in the truck (though it is limited) is extremely important in learning to function together as a team. Wayne claims Teresa keeps him calm and makes up for the areas in which he is weak. For Teresa, learning something new every day has strengthened their relationship. She says, “I have learned so much from Wayne. He has also taught me how to ride a motorcycle, and now I have two of my own. He is patient, but teaches you the right and wrong way of doing things. That’s the way he was taught… To know what is wrong, so that you will do it right. He is a straight-shooter, very humble, and as honest as a person can get.” Collaborating their efforts saves time; during pick up, they work in harmony when strapping down a load and tarping. It requires a little give and take from both individuals to make a relationship within the confines of a truck succeed.

After 23 years of marriage, the hardships of figuring each other out are far gone. Wayne says that having his wife on the road with him full-time removes what was once his toughest obstacle. He explains, “I got to where I don’t like being alone out here. Having Teresa with me makes everything better, for work and for us. We plan to do this until we can’t anymore.” Together, they prefer running long-haul and taking the scenic routes throughout Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. Teresa adds, “We like to pick up stuff from places that we visit from all over. We’re avid collectors of Harley and Peterbilt memorabilia, and anything patriotic.”

Currently in their red and silver 2007 Peterbilt 379, I inquired Wayne to share a few secrets as to his success. For new drivers, he stresses the importance of not getting burned out by running so hard. And proper management of finances, in case of breakdowns, or unexpected expenses, etc. With veteran drivers in mind, he advises them to remember why they started driving in the first place. Then, look back on the simple things that other people miss out on. “There is nothing like a beautiful sunrise. Watching the sun come up, while driving your truck is when you know that it’s going to be a good day,” he said. It’s the little things that other professions can’t provide. As a truck driver, there are plenty of distractions that can pull your attention away from the road. He encourages everyone to constantly stay aware; know what is going on around you at all times, because it only takes a second for everything to change. And plus, remember what matters most… your loved ones. For Wayne, still being able to do what he loves, while experiencing it all with Teresa, life doesn’t get much better. Therefore, their love of travel and family is what motivates them to drive.