LIVING LEGACY - Bret Chastain

LIVING LEGACY

Legend Nominee: Bret Chastain

During the annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree, hosted at the World’s Largest Truck Stop, Iowa 80, all of the usual suspects were in attendance: families, truckers, and the sweltering heat of a typical weekend in July. Being outside, approaching 100 degrees the occasional breeze is enough to remind you how smothering a heat-wave feels without it. Then, despite the added heat index, rain could appear on the radar at any time. Unpredictable.

What is certain was the crowd that drove from miles around to make the scene. How does 43,000 for a headcount sound? Like a parking lot party to me! From musical entertainment, games and not just one, but two fireworks displays, this year’s event was one for the books. As for the Super Truck Beauty Contest, up to 84 professional truck drivers from all corners of the nation came to participate, competing in categories such as; Working Truck, Show Class and Lights at Night.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting this Legend driver at the Walcott Jamboree and like his truck, he is a bit old school, simple yet polished, and in it for the long haul. In the Working Truck Division: 2007-2001 Bobtail Conventional, his white and orange 2005 Mack Vision CXN 613 “Every Dog Has Its Day” took home 3rd place. Bret Chastain originally entered his first truck show back in 1996 after transitioning over from running as a company driver to becoming an owner operator with a 1984 Peterbilt.

Only within the last few years has he ventured further into the trucking circuit. Once Bret purchased his Mack in 2014 and joined the driving force of owner operators at Trailer Transit, Inc., based out of Porter, Indiana he states it wasn’t until roughly 2 years later that his truck was show-ready. The comraderie and atmosphere he encounters during truck shows has become more than a familiar setting, but a reunion among friends.

Every driver we spotlight, they’re selected as recognition for their hard work and positive impact demonstrated through their actions on and off the clock. Digging a bit deeper into Bret’s background, I’d say we have discovered yet another all-American hero, who I’m pleased to see found his niche in the field of trucking; as I feel he represents our industry respectfully and with great pride. As a 17-year veteran and third generation trucker, Bret has never strayed away from his family’s legacy.

Though born in California, his family roots lay in Indiana. His father drove trucks, as did his father before him. Prior to Bret’s father pursuing trucking full-time he drove armored vehicles while serving in the Army. Also following suit, in 1979 Bret joined the Army at the age of 18. Like his father and older brother (who enlisted in the Army, as well), his MOS (military occupation specialties) was Combat. His father fought in WWII, as did his brother during Vietnam, as a Cavalry Scout.

Bret completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood Army base located in the Missouri Ozarks. As a 19D Armored Reconnaissance Specialist he was deployed overseas, stationed in Germany for 2 years and Korea for 1. His time spent in foreign countries at such a young and impressionable age was life-altering for Bret.

“Even before I joined the military, I always had an interest in serving for our country. But keep in mind, I was from a very small town growing up. Then, being sent overseas to live miles from home right off the bat… let’s just say it was a learning experience. My eyes were wide open the entire time!

Interacting with people from all different walks of life and cultures was amazing to me. The change of lifestyles, for instance there wasn’t any fast food chains. Places to eat were more like deli shops where the food was handmade or bakeries with homemade recipes. It was so interesting to witness the pace around me in new places, whether being fast paced or more personable, everywhere I visited was different than the last. A lot like now, when I travel in my truck.

I was pretty much lost over there from day 1, but I enjoyed it because it gave me the opportunity to discover new things and experience life in a way many people can only imagine. Where we were stationed at, you could hop on a train and go anywhere. A group of us would spend weekends in Sweden, France or Italy. The language barrier was always difficult, but people were friendly and often tried to help steer me in the right direction.

Seeing how the world worked in different countries just blew my mind! The people, the food, their daily routines and how diverse and similar we all are provided a sense of mindfulness one can only appreciate first-hand.”

Living abroad created a wave of growth. Once back on U.S. soil in 1982, he debated between re-enlisting or driving a truck for a living…

With two older brothers and one younger sister, Bret’s family is close-knit with a strict moral compass: honesty and integrity. His mother tended to housework and the kids full-time. Once his father was out of the service, he and his brother started a small trucking operation out of California moving freight in the early 50’s. A few years later, they switched lanes to hauling livestock. It was then, at the age of 5 when Bret began riding in the truck with his dad.

By 10, the Chastain family relocated back to Indiana and settled in a little farm town known as, Fowler. Bret was an active member of the 4-H Club and FFA. His enthusiasm for farming and livestock flourished over the years. He studied cattle and enjoyed showing livestock at county and state fairs. Participating in the show ring is no easy quest, especially for children. Aside from the cattle’s nutrition beforehand, proper appearance is essential for a good impression with the judges. Bret’s showmanship skills came naturally, making his father proud, as he too walked the ring of many shows during his time.

On into high school, Bret took his knowledge of farming from the classroom to the local fields. His sophomore year, he landed a variety of jobs after school and during summers working on grain farms growing corn and soy beans. Long, hot days in the sun and operating farm equipment fell right into his wheelhouse. Earning his keep as an employee taught him the value of responsibility and perseverance. Those vary traits ultimately led him into the military after graduating and served as the building blocks in which he developed his strong work ethic.

HOME AGAIN

With his decision to remain in the Army National Guard inactive, Bret shifted his focus to finding a job driving a truck. He was soon introduced to a gentleman that owned a small trucking company out of Lafayette, Indiana. The following 3 years, Bret delivered grain to local co-op plants for farmers. Business began to expand and provided a window of opportunity for Bret to branch out, as well. He purchased a truck of his own, a 1984 Peterbilt. Soon after, he started pulling flatbed and tanker, running more regional work throughout Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. With a total of 6 years with the company, it was time for Bret to continue seeking growth in order to improve his quality of work. He landed a driving position with a nationwide leader in commercial transportation delivering empty trailers from 1989 to 1996.

Gaining experience pulling dry van, flatbed and tanker, there was one specific lane he was eager to revisit. It had been many, many years since he was involved with livestock, but the familiarity was comforting. Bret sold his truck, relocated to Texas, and went to work for a livestock company transporting cattle. He continues,

“The experience I received from my earlier days, just being around livestock helped in understanding that every meticulous movement was extremely important when hauling cattle. You must pay attention when loading, unloading and especially when driving. It’s much different since it’s a live-load. When you’re driving, you’re shifting and constantly moving. That can be dangerous with cattle if you’re not trained properly. As a kid, I enjoyed being around livestock. So, getting to do it again was nice… hard work and very demanding, but I loved it.”

In 1999, back in Indiana, Bret bought a 1996 International cabover and leased on to a company out of Indianapolis moving general freight over the road. With his first taste of long-haul, covering the midwest region to the east coast of Pennsylvania, and further down south to Georgia, he had found his calling. A couple of years later he met his wife, Chris at a local hangout. The two shared similar backgrounds and instantly hit it off. Chris joined Bret on the road for 8 months, later tying the knot in 2002. He adds, “It was nice having someone to ride with me, her company made traveling fun again. Plus, she had hardly been out of Indiana before then. We sort of spent that time exploring all kind of places together. Our favorite destination and still is, Disney World. We now go back every year to celebrate our anniversary there. We become big kids and just have a blast!”

AROUND & AGAIN

Through an agriculture placement service, Bret connected with a ranch located in Petersburg, Texas that was in search of top-quality candidates to manage a cotton farm. His roots were restless and led his career from the trucking lifestyle back to farming. His first year on-sight, Bret devoted every day to his job. Stating, “I loved getting to use the large farming equipment, but growing cotton isn’t like corn or soy bean. The field work required a lot more than I had anticipated, which resulted in a major back injury that ended my farming days.”

Bret was able to check farmer from his list and once physically recovered, he moved on to a working horse ranch nestled throughout the Texas Hill Country. The couple resided and worked the guest ranch with Chris as ranch cook while Bret tended to the day-to-day operations as a ranch hand. Pushing 4 years, Chris was getting homesick and wanted to be near her family. They moved back to Indiana in 2007, Bret retreated to trucking under his own authority hauling grain. Chris opted out of part two to their trucking adventures, and instead returned to school to earn her degree. She is currently a kindergarten teacher.

Since settling in at Trailer Transit, Inc. he too has found his permanent career base. He describes the work environment as laid-back, professional and friendly.

“At Trailer Transit, it’s a great company with great people. That simple! My only regret is not finding this place sooner. We go to all 48 states, plus Canada. The best part is that we get to select where we’re comfortable going. My running area is my usual; the midwest, over to the east coast and southwest. Our home-time varies. You can go out as long as you want or stay home as long as you want. That’s what I appreciate the most. There is absolutely no pressure. Here, they are the easiest company to work for and you make great money doing so.”

With 35 years of experience and a total of 2-million lifetime miles, Bret reveals his secret to success. “To achieve a long-standing career as a professional truck driver there are 3 things you must have… lots of patience, a strong home, and the right people in your circle. If you’re not happy where you are at, it will never work. Life is too short to waste it not doing what you love.” He continued to explain that each person’s definition of success aligns with that certain individual. For him, running his business as an owner operator, buying a home for his wife, and enjoying their life together is all the success he needs.

I read somewhere that leaving a legacy means being remembered for what you want to be remembered for, while making an impression with the potential to change lives for the better. I truly believe Bret is that guy for our generation. The love for our country and inherited respect of his family are worn proudly on his sleeve. For what is life without passion? The same spirit fueled as a young boy, shadowing his father in every aspect of life, he held tight to in pursuit of his own purpose.

“We move America! If not for truckers, nothing would happen. Planes, cargo ships, and trains can’t pull up to your local store for a delivery. That’s us. One way or another, everything you see and touch is moved by a truck driver. It’s not the most appreciated job, but if it serves the people, I will gladly do it.”

-Bret Chastain