Advice for Couples Working Together in Trucking

When it comes to offering advice for couples who work together, particularly in the confined space of a semi cab, Joanne Balmer is quick with her suggestion.

“Choose your battles,” she laughed. “Starting an argument while you’re stuck in a cab for hours isn’t ideal. It’s best to bring things up on your way home so you can get out of the truck sooner.”

Experience Behind the Wheel

Joanne’s insight stems from her four years of trucking alongside her husband, John Balmer Sr., a seasoned trucker with over thirty years of experience. The couple spends a lot of time together, as John estimates he’s on the road about 50 weeks each year.

Finding Balance in the Cab

“Honestly, I’m not sure if there’s a secret to it,” Joanne shared about keeping their partnership harmonious on the road. “We both have defined roles; I manage paperwork, track mileage, and do the cooking.”

She continued, “When it comes to technology, I handle all the electronics since John prefers to keep things old-school. He often hands me his phone, saying, ‘Fix it.’”

A New Journey Together

Married for 23 years, the Balmers decided to embark on this work arrangement after their children became independent. “We discussed it a long time ago—when the kids were grown, I would join him on the road,” John explained.

Having driven for 34 years and covered millions of miles, John, originally from Fort Madison, Iowa, has spent essentially his entire career behind the wheel as an owner-operator, currently leased to D.A. Moore Trucking.

Shared Experiences on the Road

Joanne shares a similar passion for trucking, having grown up around it for over 50 years. Although she faced challenges securing a job due to experience requirements, she was determined not to ride with anyone else but John.

Initially, it took time for the couple to adjust to working together, but they found it rewarding, creating cherished memories while transporting everything from Clydesdales to NASCAR equipment.

Navigating Challenges Together

The couple even faced the hurdles of COVID-19 more easily thanks to their shared company. “At the start of COVID, things were great; Atlanta traffic cleared significantly,” Joanne noted, though she added that finding amenities like food and restrooms became a challenge during that time.

The Joys of Trucking Together

As an owner-operator, John enjoys the freedom that comes with his lifestyle. He reflects, “I do what I want, and I’m mostly in my truck, working on it when I’m out.” He fondly recalls a life surrounded by trucks, learning the ropes from family members.

John admits that sharing the cab with Joanne took some adjustment after years of solitude but appreciates her companionship. “After years on my own, having someone to talk to has made things much nicer,” he said.