Drivers clock in and head out. Operators? They live and breathe the job. They know the sound of a bad bearing. They don’t wait for a warning light to tell them something’s wrong. They show up early, stay late and take pride in every mile.

After four decades in trucking, Bill Zender has seen the difference for himself. Don’t miss Season 4, Episode 4 of Haul Talk, to hear this self-employed operator’s reflections on what it really means to respect the road, the rig and the trade. Here’s a quick preview.

He Grew Up In It

Bill didn’t fall into trucking by accident. By the time he was eight, he was working on trucks in the family yard. In high school, he was hauling logs through the mountains of Washington state.

“My dad and brothers had 20 trucks and two logging sites. What I learned from them was like going to college.”

He’s still hauling logs today, facing steep grades, ice, snow and 100,000-pound loads.

Power That’s Earned His Respect

Bill’s loyalty to Caterpillar goes way back. He’s run other brands, but when it comes to steep climbs and heavy loads, he says Cat engines stand apart. He’s a big believer in Cat Reman engines, too.

“Basically you’re getting a brand-new motor. You can’t go wrong.”

He appreciates the support, too. When he experienced engine problems over a holiday weekend one year, the nearest Cat dealer didn’t leave him hanging.

“I didn’t ask them to work around the Fourth of July — they just said they’d do it. They were top-notch, helping me out.”

Old-School Roots, Hands-On Habits

Bill doesn’t rely solely on tech to tell him what’s wrong. He trusts his instincts and his regular maintenance routine, including 10,000-mile oil changes.

“I was taught at a very young age that preventive maintenance is the way to do things. Saturday was a workday — a day to get caught up on maintenance. I always check my truck on the weekends and go over everything.”

Sure, these habits help prevent breakdowns. But for Bill, they’re also about pride — doing the job the right way.

It’s A Trade, Not Just A Job

Bill’s biggest frustration with the industry today? Drivers who don’t treat it like a profession.

“They’re just there for the paycheck, and the pride is gone. Professional drivers are courteous, and they take good care of their equipment.”

He believes that trucking — done right — is a skilled trade, and it deserves more respect.

Listen And Learn From One Of The Good Ones

If you’re looking for a little motivation — or a reminder of what makes this work worth doing — don’t miss Bill’s episode of Haul Talk. You’ll hear about:

• The challenges of hauling through Pacific Northwest terrain and weather

• His favorite memories of (and lessons he learned) working with family

• The era of trucking he’d most like to return to and why

Tune into the full episode today!