E298 - My Buddy, My Buddy, Trucker Buddy

·49 min·4 clips

A weather reporter discovers a program where truck drivers become pen pals with elementary school students.

Jayson Luber introduces the episode by mentioning how meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo told him about the Trucker Buddy program. He invites Bill McNamee, a trucker with 30 years in the program, to discuss it. McNamee first shares his background, starting trucking in 1991 after Marine Corps service. He describes his current schedule of being on the road for 4-8 weeks at a time, sleeping in hotel rooms instead of a sleeper cab. The conversation shifts to trucking issues, including parking shortages and post-pandemic traffic increases. McNamee advocates for trucking as a skilled profession and addresses the debate over lowering the CDL age to 18. He talks about his work for Carbon Express, hauling liquid products like petroleum additives. McNamee recounts being sent to a mountain driving school in British Columbia after a Colorado incident. The episode then delves into Trucker Buddy, founded in 1992 by Gary King. McNamee explains the matching process, which involves background checks and teacher mediation. He describes school visits, where kids tour his truck and learn safety lessons. McNamee uses mascots like Miles Quackles and Seatbelt Sam to engage children. He notes the program focuses on grades up to eighth grade and includes field trips to truck stops. McNamee shares common questions from kids, such as about bathroom use and money, which he turns into math lessons. He concludes by discussing his 2023 Citizen Driver Award and other volunteer roles. Luber reflects on the program's benefits for truckers and kids, and mentions McNamee's wife, Carrie, a school bus driver.

As heard by us

A classroom pen pal program that works because the teacher keeps the guardrails in place.

Jason Luber opens on a tip from Lisa Hidalgo and keeps the focus on Bill McNamee, whose long run as a Trucker Buddy gives the episode a sturdy center.

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Why you'd press play

A truck-driver pen pal program with the teacher squarely in the middle.

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