Trucking opens a new door for former auto painter

Daniel Varady loves the freedom of driving a truck. (The Trucker/Barb Kampbell)

By BARB KAMPBELL
The Trucker Staff

11/13/2008

After working for years as an auto painter, the referral of a friend got Daniel Varady into truck driving and he’s never looked back.

“The auto industry has fallen so hard,” Varady said. “I decided to get away from the chemicals and the politics of that industry. Trucking got me away from it and opened up a new door, but also another set of problems.

“I have problems keeping the truck paid, trying to make money, trying to get home, because I have to make money to pay the truck note. It’s a vicious cycle. I can’t just go home when I want; the price of fuel is killing me. I have not been home for more than three days in a row since I bought my truck.

“I need to get paid more than 90 cents a mile to make my $2,000-a-month truck payment.”

Varady is an owner-operator leased to Transplace and hauls refrigerated loads to the 48 states. He’s been a truck driver for a year and lives in Los Lunas, N.M. He and his wife have a total of six kids between them.

“Trucking gives me a lot of freedom,” Varady said. “A lot of times it’s just me and God and His creation. I don’t have to be stuck in a building working a 9-to-5 job, anymore. It’s just me and my truck.

“As long as I meet my obligations to me and the company I’m completely free. It’s given me a sense of satisfaction that I can do anything.”

And while Varady is happy driving a truck he admits it’s not a job for everyone.

“It’s a different lifestyle,” he said. “You either get used to it or you don’t. I enjoy it. I also enjoy going home when I can get there.”

Varady hopes to start making more money now that he’s signed with Transplace, which was a recent change for him. With more pay per mile he intends to try to get home more as well as make what he called a decent living out on the road.

“When I’m home I enjoy being with my kids,” Varady said. “And I basically stick to my wife like glue. I also like to play. I drive my ’69 Camaro and 2006 Honda CB900 motorcycle, as well as visit with my brother and sister.”

Varady doesn’t have a favorite place to drive, he said he just likes to drive and is happy as long as he’s out driving.

“I don’t like to drive in New York City,” Varady said. “I don’t go much but sometimes I have to; it’s part of the job. It’s really more of a non-preference than a dislike because it offers a unique challenge.

Varady’s thoughts on the trucking community:

“Tell them to just have more togetherness. Think of the other guy a little. Don’t think it’s all me, have a little couth; even if just for a moment, put yourself in their shoes.”