Trainer of the Month: James Leftwitch, aka Lefty!

This month, we’re giving a big shoutout to our Trainer of the Month – James Leftwitch, aka Lefty from the Nashville terminal! Lefty’s been a part of the Knight family since 2015, and his story is a great reminder of what it means to love what you do and pass that passion on to others.

How It All Started

Lefty’s trucking roots run deep—he got his first taste of life on the road when he was very young, riding along with his dad, who was also a professional truck driver. “My father was a truck driver who loved the open road,” he said. “That early exposure created a lasting impression on me.”

He kicked off his career back in 1994 with FedEx Critical, where he spent six years fine-tuning his skills before joining Knight. Since then, he’s built not just a career, but a legacy—one mile, one trainee, and one success story at a time.

Nine Years of Training and Counting

Lefty’s been training for nine years now, and while there are financial perks, that’s never been his focus. “It’s not all about the financial gains,” he shared. “What truly brings me joy is witnessing the transformation of the trainee as they develop their skills and confidence behind the wheel.”

Watching his students go from nervous rookies to confident drivers is what keeps him going. “The absolute satisfaction lies in nurturing their growth and seeing them thrive in this challenging yet rewarding profession.”

What Makes a Great Trainee?

According to Lefty, it all comes down to one thing: hunger.“A true sign of someone’s eagerness to grow and succeed is their constant curiosity,” he said. “If they’re asking questions, they’re showing they care. Staying hungry means being open to new ideas, challenges, and experiences.”

Lefty’s Training Philosophy

Lefty teaches more than just how to drive—he teaches balance. “I strive to instill in my trainees the importance of finding harmony among work, safety, mental health, physical well-being, and spiritual fulfillment,” he said.

He wants his drivers to be successful on the road and off it, reminding them that staying grounded and taking care of yourself is just as important as mastering the truck.

Advice for Future Trainers

For anyone thinking about becoming a trainer, Lefty’s advice is simple and sincere: “Please don’t pursue this path solely for financial gain,” he said. “Instead, dedicate yourself to enhancing the trucking industry by making it better, safer, and more courteous for everyone involved.”

Staying Connected

Even after his trainees move on, Lefty keeps in touch. “Even those who have moved on from driving for Knight still reach out to me,” he shared. “It’s heartwarming to receive updates about their families. These relationships have become a cherished part of my journey in training and mentoring.”

Congrats, Lefty! Your dedication, mentorship, and heart for helping others grow make you an incredible asset to Knight and an inspiration to everyone who’s had the chance to learn from you. Thanks for all that you do to make our team—and our roads—stronger every day.