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.

At Cooper Freight, our team is our biggest asset. This month, we’re delighted to spotlight Madison Edlemon, a pivotal member of our Accounting and HR department, whose dedication has significantly contributed to our operations for nearly seven years.

Meet Madison Edlemon: Madison’s role at Cooper Freight spans critical functions, managing both accounting intricacies and human resources. Her dual expertise ensures our operations run smoothly and our team members are well-supported.

Why Cooper Freight? Madison treasures the appreciative and growth-oriented environment at Cooper Freight. “I can tell my efforts are appreciated and professional growth is encouraged here,” she notes. This culture not only fosters personal development but also enhances our company’s efficiency and morale.

Perks of the Job: Madison enjoys several perks at Cooper Freight, notably the company’s commitment to work-life balance, comprehensive insurance benefits, and a robust 401k plan. These benefits reflect our commitment to ensuring a supportive and rewarding work environment for all our employees.

Snack Selections: Whether it’s balancing the books or addressing HR needs, Madison likes to keep her energy up with her favorite snacks: Pretzels, Sour Skittles, and Reese’s. She believes in having a “good flavor balance,” which keeps her going through busy days.

Guiding Philosophy: Madison lives by the adage, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” This philosophy drives her proactive approach at work, inspiring her to seize every opportunity to make a positive impact.

Addressing Misconceptions: Madison is keen to address common misconceptions about the trucking industry. She highlights the challenges faced by truck drivers, including long hours and extended periods away from family, underscoring the essential role they play in our global economy.

A Part of the Cooper Freight Family: “At Cooper Freight, you’re part of a family,” Madison states. Over the years, she has developed meaningful mentorships and friendships within the company, enriching both her professional and personal life.

Conclusion: Madison Edlemon exemplifies the spirit of dedication and community that defines Cooper Freight. As we celebrate her contributions, we are reminded of the strength and support that each team member brings to our family. Thank you, Madison, for your enduring commitment and for helping us steer towards continued success.

#EmployeeSpotlight #CooperFreightFamily #TeamAppreciation

 

As we welcome the new year, it’s a great time for OTR truck drivers to prioritize their health, wellness, and safety on the road. At Cooper Freight, we value the well-being of our drivers and want to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive in their careers. In this blog post, we will share some tips and insights to help OTR truck drivers start the new year strong and stay healthy, safe, and happy on the road.

 

June is Great Outdoors Month, a month-long celebration of the outdoors encouraging everyone to embrace the outdoor spirit of America and head outside into the natural world.

During Great Outdoors Month, we celebrate our Nation’s vast array of parks, wildlife refuges, forests, monuments, marine sanctuaries, waters, national conservation lands, and other natural treasures. Every day, Americans across the country draw inspiration and pride from the beauty of our magnificent outdoor spaces. From lush forests in Washington State and coral reefs in the Virgin Islands to snow-capped mountains in Alaska and rolling hills in Vermont—the grandeur of the American landscape fills our souls and fuels our spirit of adventure. These iconic and stunning natural wonders have always been central to our heritage as a people and essential to our identity as a Nation.

The AAA predicts, “That more than one-third of Americans will travel this holiday season. The record-breaking 112.5 million travelers taking to the nation’s runways, roads and rails for the year-end holidays represent a 4.4 percent increase over last year.” This means possible delays, traffic congestion, and impaired or distracted drivers, all combined with the unpredictable winter weather. Here are a few ways for truck drivers to stay safe during these hectic holiday travels:

Driving is a challenging task. Whether you are an experienced driver or an amateur, driving on snowy roads can be very dangerous and difficult for truck drivers. Since a truck is a big vehicle that requires certain strength to control, the job of driving on slippery roads in the winter goes beyond a challenging task for truck drivers—it is a dangerous mission.

It’s tough to be a trucker – you’re always on the road and don’t have that many options when it comes to Healthy Snacks for the Road. It’s tough to be selective when you have very limited choices when it comes to grab-n-go snacks. But don’t you worry, we’ve got a whole list of snacks for all you truckers out there. Let’s begin shall we.