​Sometimes memories from a career you loved are those that stick with you the longest, even when others fade. Fred Armstrong drove for Central Hauling for years, even earning the two-million-mile jacket he still wears while Alzheimer’s makes it harder for him to keep memories alive.

CalArk and Central Hauling employees still remember him well, too, saying he could be rough around the edges while getting to know you but was, as Kathy “Jack” Jackson in our Company Store remembers, “just the sweetest man you’ve ever met.”

When Zuriel Armstrong, Fred’s son, called and left a message with CalArk with what he thought might be “an odd request” for a Central Hauling hat to give his dad for Christmas, he said he “figured that was that.”

But a few minutes later, Jack (whose description as “an enthusiastic lady” surprises none of those who have noticed her friendly nature and kind heart) called back. She remembered Fred and left more than one hat with Tabitha at the front desk for Zuriel to pick up.

Zuriel contacted us via the website to say, “What a great statement it is about your company. It truly warmed my heart to know there are still good, honest, American companies that care about their employees.”

Bobby McElyea, the General Manager for Central Hauling, received the message. He responded with memories of Zuriel and his respect for Fred’s children while they were there for him during his retirement and transition, saying, “We surely miss him. I am glad to hear that he still thinks of us and is keeping his memories alive about his experiences here.”
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We could easily say exactly what Zuriel said about Central: it’s heart-warming that there are still good, honest drivers who care enough to work hard for us and their families. We wish Fred and his sons all the best. Thanks for letting us share in your story!

Keith Lawson began working for CalArk in 2011 and then driving his own truck for Central Hauling a few months later. While driving in heavy traffic or bad weather can make for some rough drives, he enjoys exploring different parts of the country. Driving has allowed him to witness spectacular scenery like that in the national parks near Moab, Utah.

​About a decade ago he began making YouTube videos to share with other drivers and family, eventually joining a YouTube truckers group to learn and improve. As a result, his channel has interesting visuals, fun intro and outro music, and snappy editing that keeps the pace from dragging.

​PaleriderTV, his YouTube channel, posts new videos every day or two that showcase his dry humor and uncomplaining attitude, letting viewers peek into daily life on the road. Making the videos has even become a paying hobby, as he has enough regular viewers to earn a little AdSense revenue.

Hearing about positive experiences from our Central Hauling drivers makes all of us in the CalArk family feel like our business is doing right. Happy viewing to those of you about to take a look, and take care out there, Keith!

Check out his work here:
PaleriderTV on Facebook
PaleriderTV on YouTube
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Quick note: We love hearing and seeing our drivers in action. Just be sure that if you share work information via YouTube or any other form of social media you follow all applicable laws about device usage while driving. Also keep in mind that what you post reflects on both our business and yours, so please use good judgment when posting. (Check your employee handbook if you need a refresher on our guidelines.)

​Cousins Armando and Enrique came to the US mainland from Puerto Rico in 1998 to drive as a team for CalArk and now own trucks that contract with Central Hauling, the owner operator company in the CalArk family.
 
Enrique’s wife, Rhonda, works in our operations division. Armando and Enrique have earned multiple awards with us, including 2 million safety miles and several 100% on-time delivery awards.
 
Recently the Sanchez family was able to come together for the first time in eleven years to take the photo shown here. With relatives in the military, Arkansas, Puerto Rico, and Georgia, getting everyone together was no easy feat! We’re happy their family is part of ours.

Click HERE to read the story

Daniel Orchard received his One Million Safe Miles award. The distance driven is close to 40 trips around the earth. Conrats Daniel, we are proud of you