🎣 Lessons from Texas' Oldest Truck Driver

Good morning!

In this week’s episode of The FreightCaviar Podcast, we sat down with Luther Binford, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday and still drives 600-700 miles a day for Mesilla Valley Transportation, located in El Paso, Texas.

With over 40 years on the road, he shares valuable advice for young truckers, reflects on the industry's changes, and reveals what he loves most about life behind the wheel.

Luther Binford: Pride of Texas

Having recently celebrated his 91st birthday, Luther Binford holds the title of the oldest truck driver in Texas. While some find themselves hopping from one industry to the next, Mr. Binford has been loyal to trucking for almost half a century. 

From the Air Force to the Open Road

After spending twenty years in the Air Force, Mr. Binford worked for more than a decade in construction and later civil service. But it was in the Air Force that he became an expert at operating all kinds of machinery and vehicles.

One day, in his mid-50s, he was asked if he ever thought of becoming a truck driver. Having loved driving, it didn’t take much to convince Luther to become one, and not long after, he got his CDL and was out on the road.

A Record-Setting Career

Although he began driving trucks in 1980, it was in the late 1990s that he joined Mesilla Valley Transportation.

He’s been here ever since, proudly carrying the title of the longest-serving employee at the company.

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The Power of Purpose

Throughout the years, Mr. Binford has been asked many times why he didn’t retire in the 1990s.

“Over my life, practically all I did was work. They ask me now, ‘Why do you keep working so long?’ I say, ‘Because I like working’. It’s really not work to me– it’s a paid vacation because I get the chance to go wherever I want to go. Whether I wanna go or not I’ve learned something by going there.”

For Mr. Binford, the word tired doesn’t exist in his vocabulary.

“I just keep busy all the time. I don’t have time to think about being tired, and I don’t feel tired. That’s what keeps me going– what I’m going to do tomorrow. I get up and try to do it the best that I can.”

40 Years of Industry Changes

Being on the road for as long as he has, Luther has seen a great deal of change– not necessarily for the best, in his opinion.

“We have lots of young drivers that just came out of driving school. They’re not as courteous as they used to be. Many of them, if you try to get on the freeway, won’t let you come in. But overall, the trucks are much better, and in many cases the roads are better than they used to be.”

The Power of Being on a Mission

What brings him the most joy these days?

“Before, I would say that I loved seeing different places, but now that I’ve seen almost everything, it gets right back to the mission. I like it when Messia Valley Transportation puts me on a mission, and I feel good when I complete that mission.”

The Importance of Slowing Down

One thing that Mr. Binford wanted to pass on to the younger generation of drivers is the importance of taking things one step at a time. 

“Don’t be in such a hurry. You’ll get there when you’re supposed to get there, if you slow down and don’t cause a problem. Take life one step at a time.”

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Luther Binford’s story is a testament to passion, work ethic, and purpose.

Listen to the entire interview on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch it on our YouTube Channel.

FREIGHT HUMOR