The Journey of Bubba Branch: A Legacy in Trucking

Bubba Branch started his journey in trucking at a very young age, riding in his grandfather’s big rig in Florida. His unforgettable memories include navigating the gears and steering wheel of the parked semi-truck.

“I’ve driven countless miles without ever leaving the yard,” he laughed. Proudly, Branch identifies as one of the few Floridians who has roots in the state and cherishes his identity as a truck driver, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

“Trucking has been my life,” he explained. “My grandfather and father spent over 40 years in this field. I consider myself born into the trucking world; among my seven siblings, I was the only one drawn to it.”

Branch fondly recalls travels with his grandfather, saying, “Granddaddy was my favorite; he was just the best.” At 18, he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and secured a job driving a rundown GMC Brigadier General for Miller and Sons in Central Florida, a position he pursued diligently.

Despite challenges with the old truck, including red-tagging by the DOT for safety issues, Branch eventually climbed the ranks in the trucking industry. Now 44, he and his wife, Krystal, run Atlas Heavy Haul in Lakeland, Florida, primarily transporting heavy equipment.

With a passion for hauling, Branch achieved a remarkable feat by transporting a 200,000-pound electrical box to Heinz Field over a grueling 15-day span. He also enjoys enhancing his show truck, a 1996 Kenworth W900 named “Just a Phase.” He has invested considerable time personalizing it and was recently honored at the Shell Rotella SuperRigs event for categories like best chrome and best engine.

As Branch looks ahead, he hopes his son, Kolt, will continue the family legacy. Kolt shares his father’s enthusiasm for trucking and expresses interest in one day owning the rig, albeit with plans to repaint it. Branch emphasizes the need for industry improvements, particularly in parking availability, citing personal experiences of having to park in unauthorized areas due to a lack of options.

Ultimately, Branch aspires for truck drivers to receive the respect they deserve. Reflecting on his career, he expresses gratitude for having the opportunity to do what he loves and encourages recognition for all professionals in the industry.