Last week, America honored the professional truck drivers, both men and women, for their hard work and dedication to providing an essential service to the American economy. As part of the celebration, we featured profiles on two owner-operators. We have one more profile to share with you! Meet Kasey Martinson, owner-operator.
I knew I wanted to be a driver since I was a kid, living on a dairy farm in Hamilton, Montana. In 1990 I began my career as a professional driver and have 3.5 million miles. I have been an owner-operator since 1997. I have driven Freightliner’s throughout my career and I currently drive a Freightliner Cascadia. Currently, I pull open flat bed freight from North Dakota to Texas but I used to haul from coast to coast for 21 years. I truly enjoy driving and being out on the road.
I reside in Hebron, North Dakota with my wife Holly and 3-½ year old daughter Christine. I enjoy being an owner-operator and have made my work by hobby, since it is a full-time around-the-clock kind of job. When I do have some spare time I enjoy riding motorcycles.
I have overcome obstacles throughout my life and career, and although it was not easy, I never gave up. I am a 14-year cancer survivor; I had three kinds of cancer at the same time and am blessed to be here today. My advice to other drivers is to always go to the doctor if you are not feeling well. This is a difficult task while you are out on the road and away from your family doctor, but it is so important. I have lost several friends who were professional drivers, and it’s because they waited too long to get their problems checked out. Since I went to the doctor when I wasn’t feeling well, is why I am here today.
Stay positive, never give up, and take care of your health first and foremost.