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Depending on the type of driving you do, you might be home every night or away for weeksat a time. You might drive the same line haul daily, or you might take some of the most scenic routes the continental United States has to offer.

In some form or another, professional drivers typically find their own ways of getting things done. Since they spend the majority of their time in their cab, staying informed and staying comfortable has a lot more to do with how prepared drivers are before heading out. Luckily, mobile technology is changing that. 

In this fourth installment of our professional driver series, I'd like to introduce Kris. Kris is a Central Minnesota native, and he's been a professional driver for the past 25 years. Although he's traveled to or through every state in the lower 48, his favorite way to travel is north to south and south to north. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Kris. 

What’s the difference between good enough and getting what you really want? I think it’s about quality vs. cost. There’s nothing wrong with making decisions with cost as your main deciding factor, and there’s also nothing wrong with making decisions based on quality. Both are perfectly normal ways to go about making decisions about goods and services. But, they are two separate approaches with separate outcomes.

Jim became a professional driver in 1979. He was 25 years old, working on a farm and wanting to do something different. Although it was a new industry for him, Jim got his professional driver's license and got to work. He spent nine years as a company driver before becoming an owner/operator. He currently has three trucks - his oldest grandsons drive the other two.

Deciding on a career path comes more easily for some than others. After all, whatever you choose as a career has an impact on many areas of your life: your income, your family, your friendships, your experiences, and your opportunities are all partially shaped by whatever it is you decide to do with your life.
What an exciting opportunity we all have! There’s a massive world of possibility out there, and you have the ability to decide the right path and the right career for you.  

You're on your route from Wisconsin to the Dakotas, or Canada to Louisiana, and you need to stop for fuel and a leg stretch. You can either make it a quick stop or take your time - because you're ahead of schedule (go, you!). You've heard of Clearwater Travel Plaza from other professional drivers, but have never been there yourself.  Should you make it the next stop along your route? Of course, and here's why. 

Eli has been a professional driver since 1992. He drives locally, hauling overseas containers that supply local businesses. If you're fortunate enough to chat with him, you'll learn he's an honest and thoughtful individual with a great sense of humor and a warm laugh. Eli lives with his wife in Albany, MN; they have two sons and a miniature Bull Terrier. 

What is your favorite menu item?
The sandwich bar – They have really good breads in all different varieties, and they change up the options periodically. The worst part is making up your mind which bread to choose - I can’t believe someone would go to a sandwich chain instead.

The food there is great. I try to stay away from the donuts as much as I can, but they’re really good. Now they carry the McDonald’s Meats meat sticks I like grabbing those once in a while. They just have really good food there.