The People Behind the Miles

At Cooper Freight, we believe the story behind every mile matters. This Employee Spotlight features Charles Caruthers, an OTR Driver who has spent the last 9 years helping keep freight moving safely and on time. Charles brings consistency, pride, and a steady commitment to the work—qualities that keep our team strong and our customers supported.

• Name: Charles Caruthers
• Position: OTR Driver
• Years with Cooper Freight: 9

Why Charles Loves Working at Cooper Freight

Ask Charles what keeps him at Cooper Freight, and his answer is simple—and powerful:

“I love working here because I am treated like family.”

That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through respect, consistency, and a team-first mindset—on the road and back at the terminal. For Charles, knowing he’s valued as a person (not just a truck number) makes all the difference.

The Perks That Matter Most

Life on the road requires balance, and Charles appreciates the things that make the job sustainable and rewarding:

• Home on the weekends
• Great pay

Being able to do meaningful work while still making time for life at home is a big part of what makes Cooper Freight a place drivers can build a long-term career.

Road Essentials: Snack of Choice

Every driver has a go-to, and Charles keeps it classic:

Roasted Peanuts

A Verse That Leads the Way

Charles lives by a verse that many know by heart—and for good reason:

John 3:16

It’s a reminder of faith, purpose, and perspective—especially on long days and long miles.

One Misconception Charles Wants People to Understand

Charles keeps it real with a truth every driver wishes more people remembered:

“Trucks don’t stop on a dime.”

That one sentence carries a lot of weight. Driving safely means planning ahead, leaving space, and making careful decisions—because what looks like “just driving” from the outside requires constant awareness and responsibility.

The Pride Behind the Profession

Charles wants people to understand the impact trucking has on everyday life—and the pride drivers take in doing the job well:

“Everything that everyone touches is moved by a truck and we take pride in the job we do day in and day out.”

From groceries and medical supplies to building materials and everyday essentials, trucking plays a critical role in keeping communities running. Drivers like Charles make that possible with consistency, professionalism, and dedication.

Thank You, Charles

We’re grateful for Charles Caruthers… for the last 9 years of dependable service, for representing Cooper Freight with pride, and for helping keep freight moving across the country. Charles, thank you for being a key part of the Cooper Freight family.

Want to Join the Cooper Freight Family?

If you’re looking for a career where you’re treated like family, respected for your work, and able to enjoy meaningful home time, Cooper Freight may be the right fit. Follow along for more Employee Spotlights—and reach out to learn about opportunities.

The People Behind the Miles

At Cooper Freight, we know our drivers are more than the trucks they drive and the miles they run—they’re the heartbeat of what we do. In this Employee Spotlight, we’re proud to introduce Willie Lee, an OTR Driver who has spent 11 years helping keep freight moving across the country with professionalism, skill, and dedication.

• Name: Willie Lee
• Position: OTR Driver
• Years with Cooper Freight: 11

Freedom on the Road. Strength in the Team.

When you talk to Willie, you quickly hear two themes: he loves the independence of the job, and he appreciates being part of a team that has his back.

“I enjoy working at Cooper Freight as an OTR driver because it gives me the freedom of the open road while still being part of a strong team. I like the independence of managing my routes and schedule, and it’s rewarding knowing I’m helping keep freight moving across the country. Another thing I really appreciate is being able to get home on the weekends, which helps keep a great balance between work and personal time.”

That mix—personal responsibility and real support—is a big part of what makes Cooper Freight different. Drivers like Willie are trusted to do the job well, and they’re supported by a company that recognizes the value of what they do every single day.

The Perks That Make a Difference

For Willie, the best perks at Cooper Freight aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the things that make the career sustainable and the work feel respected.

Some of the perks Willie values most include:

• Competitive pay
• Top-quality equipment
• Good benefits
• Home most weekends
• A smaller-company culture where drivers are supported and recognized

He also highlights something that matters to so many drivers and families: work-life balance.

“Being able to get home on the weekends helps keep a great balance between work and personal time.”

Go-To Road Snack

Every driver has that snack.

For Willie? Pink Starburst. Simple. Classic. Road-tested.

A Verse That Guides the Journey

Willie’s favorite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5–6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Willie describes it as a reminder to trust God even when life doesn’t make sense—a powerful mindset for a profession that requires calm judgment, patience, and steady decision-making in changing conditions.

Clearing Up a Big Misconception About Trucking

Willie wants people to understand that truck driving isn’t “just sitting and driving all day.”

“Truck driving is often misunderstood. A lot of people think it’s just sitting and driving all day, but it actually takes a lot of skill, planning, and responsibility.”

He points out what most people don’t see behind the scenes:

• Careful time management
• Strict safety regulations
• Navigating weather and traffic conditions
• Ensuring freight is delivered safely and on time

Another misconception is that drivers are gone constantly. Willie notes that at Cooper Freight, schedules can allow for regular home time—something that makes a huge difference for families.

Truck drivers play a major role in keeping the country running, and it’s a profession that requires professionalism, patience, and dedication.

Why Cooper Freight Makes the Work Even Better

Willie is proud of trucking—and he’s proud of where he gets to do it.

“Trucking takes skill, responsibility, and dedication, and drivers play a big role in keeping the country running. Working at Cooper Freight makes it even better because the company has a great atmosphere, supports its drivers, and allows me to take pride in what I do while still getting home on the weekends.”

Thank You, Willie

We’re grateful for Willie Lee—for his commitment to safety, his pride in the profession, and his steady contribution to the Cooper Freight family. Drivers like Willie represent the best of what trucking is: dependable, disciplined, and essential.

Want to Join the Cooper Freight Family?

If you’re looking for a trucking career where you’re supported, recognized, and respected—and where home time matters… Cooper Freight may be the right fit. Follow along for more Employee Spotlights and reach out to learn about opportunities.