Truck driver tired of old job, wanted to experience something different

In fifth grade everyone made fun of Lorenzo Lisane when he said he wanted to be a trucker. No many of them are driving trucks just like he is. (The Trucker/Barb Kampbell)

By BARB KAMPBELL
The Trucker Staff

12/11/2008

A Triple J Trucking driver from Maple Hill, N.C., Lorenzo Lisane used to work in construction. But he longed for something more so he got into trucking 11 years ago.

“I did construction for 10 years,” Lisane explained. “I decided to be a truck driver because I was getting old and I wanted something dependable. I went to school at CRST. There were plenty of drivers around Maple Hill that I knew were truckers. I just waited on my chance. I wanted to experience other things like working outside of my home town.

“In the fifth grade a teacher asked what we wanted to do,” Lisane continued. “I said I wanted to be a truck driver and everybody picked at me and that’s what a lot of them have ended up doing, now. At the time I knew I could go into that.

“Just being out on the road and meeting new people seemed like the thing to do. Living in a small town I only got to see things on TV.”

Lisane’s favorite thing about trucking is different than what most drivers say.

“My favorite thing is weekend shopping,” he said. “I shop for bargains. I’ll find a local outlet, or Wal-Mart, or a mall and see what kind of clothes I can buy.”

And he has reasons for all the clothes shopping.

“I represent the country of drivers,” Lisane explained. “I take pride in how I appear. First impressions go a long way. How you talk to people and how you look is important. I keep my clothes clean and changed. I have driving clothes and clothes for other activities. I also keep my truck washed and waxed.

“Just because I’m a trucker, I don’t have to look like one.”

Lisane hauls flatbed in the southwest region. He has four grown children and six grandchildren, who all live close except one. He usually is out driving two months at a time and home about three days before going back on the road.

When Lisane does get home he barbecues, fries fish, washes clothes and gets ready for the next journey out. He also visits with friends and his mom. His brother has a catering business, where he pitches in when he can.

“We are a cooking family,” Lisane added.

Lisane believes in doing a good job and remembers that even though he’s his own boss out on the road, he represents more than that.

“I’m on the clock after I get up about 3:30 or 4 a.m.,” he said. “More or less you are the boss. But you represent the dispatcher, yourself and the company all in one.

“I’m laid back. It takes a lot to get under my skin. I’m from the country. When I was in construction it was rush, rush, rush. There’s an old saying: ‘You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

Lisane said when he’s out on the road he sees other drivers doing things that may be inappropriate or unsafe.

“I just try to keep a pocket around me and be safe,” he said. “I like the Southwest to drive. It’s more laid back; I like the atmosphere.

“There are too many gadgets on the road; cell phones, lap tops, and navigation systems,” he said. “Once I got XM Radio I tuned everything else out; I turn off the CB and I’m in my own world. I just drive.

“Everybody has a different attitude. Overall I feel like everybody gets along pretty good. There’s always the misfit though.”

When asked how long he planned to stay in trucking, Lisane had a quick reply.

“Til Jesus calls me home,” he said. “Or I may work as a diesel mechanic and stay at home some day when I don’t want to be out on the road anymore.”

Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at barkkampbell@thetrucker.com.