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Tom Bradley’s path to trucking wasn’t straightforward. Before ever stepping into a cab, he was a musician, performing in bands alongside his father and brother. Raised in a household where music was a way of life, Tom first picked up a guitar at 11. By 14, he was playing in front of live audiences, and over the years, he expanded his skills to include the fiddle, inspired by his uncle’s electrifying performances.
But life has a way of steering us in unexpected directions. After a major life change, Tom found himself looking for something new. His brother, an oversized yacht hauler, helped him get started. Tom earned his permit on his own, trained under his brother, and later attended a trucking school to get his full license.
For the past five years, he has built a successful career on the road, spending nearly three of them with Knight Refrigerated. He first heard about the company from another driver at a truck stop, who raved about the equipment and responsive dispatch. After dealing with frustrating communication at a previous job, Tom decided to make the switch. “Oh my gosh, I won’t go to any other company. Just won’t. If I had to, I would just quit driving altogether before I switch companies.”
A Compassionate Trainer
Tom’s role extends beyond driving. He’s also a trainer, a position he takes seriously. His approach is shaped by his own experience with instructors who took a drill-sergeant mentality. He remembers how nerve-wracking it was to learn under constant pressure, so he made a decision early on: his students would never feel that way.
“I want my trainees to feel confident in what they’re doing,” Tom explains. “A driver learns better when they’re not constantly second-guessing themselves. I make sure to point out what they’re doing right, not just what needs improvement.”
That balance between correction and encouragement helps his students feel comfortable asking questions, which he believes is key to growth. “If someone is afraid to ask, they’re not going to learn as much. I want them to feel like they can talk to me about anything.”
A Life Full of Creativity
Beyond trucking, Tom is a man of many talents. In addition to playing music, he’s a skilled visual artist and woodworker, with a portfolio of oil paintings and handcrafted pieces. If he could visit anywhere in the world, he’d choose Egypt. He’s fascinated by its history and believes there’s much more to its past than what’s commonly taught.
Lessons from the Road
When asked what he wishes more people understood about trucking, Tom points to a common frustration—drivers don’t stop like regular vehicles. He wishes the general public had more awareness of the space and time needed for a truck to slow down.
As for new drivers, his best advice is to stay ahead of the game. “Plan everything. Always have a backup plan—if not two. Whether it’s parking, navigation, or safety, thinking ahead can make all the difference.”
Though his career has taken him in a different direction from his early days in music, Tom hasn’t left that part of his life behind. Whether he’s training a new driver or playing guitar with family, his love for growth and creativity remains the same. And while he may not have expected to be in the Driver Spotlight, there’s no doubt he’s earned it.
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