Kentucky-based trucker broke into business hauling furniture
Curt Riggs says computers keep him busy when he’s not on the road (The Trucker/Jerry Breeden)
By Jerry Breeden
The Trucker Staff
1/3/2008
Truck driver Curt Riggs is a self-described “computer freak” who admits he spends “a lot of my off-duty time on the Internet.”
Riggs also describes himself as “the Tim Allen of computers. I like building them and taking them apart. I’m always looking for a way to add a bigger motor. I also mess up like Tim Allen does from time to time, but I enjoy tinkering with the machines.”
Riggs lives with his wife Heidi in Monticello, Ky. “We’ve been married for 33 years and she’s the only wife I’ve ever had. I wasn’t even old enough to drink legally when I met her. We don’t have any children, but she has one: me.”
In the trucking industry since 1973, Riggs has been an owner-operator the past five years.
He said the one thing he likes most about the business is his “independence. There isn’t much else left, nowadays. I’m certainly not making a fortune, but I’m trying.”
He said he has no real preference when it comes to driving in certain parts of the country. “I haul trailers,” he said. “I guess it’s all a matter of what time of the year it is. In the winter, I try to stay east, west and south of Kentucky. I always try to stay away from the northeast part of the country.
“The roads up there are terrible; there are tolls to pay; food costs way too much; and, let’s face it, the people are really rude,” he said.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Riggs spent nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps refueling jets and helicopters.
“Being in the Marine Corps was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Riggs. “They taught me a lot about life, honor, loyalty and service. I had to grow up really fast. I’m glad I enlisted and I’d do all over again.”
Riggs’ rig is a 1989 Peterbilt that he says is “in great condition. It still runs and handles great, but the best thing about it is, it’s paid for. “
At the time of his interview with The Trucker, Riggs was leased to Prime Transport of Bristol, Ind.
“I guess you could say I got my indoctrination into this business under the watchful eye of my father, who was leased to Beacon for several years when I was a kid,” said Riggs. “I wasn’t old enough to drive back then, but I got my fair share, or all I wanted, of loading and unloading furniture.”