Early Life and Interests
As a teenager in Onida, South Dakota, Jerry Seaman was passionate about two main pursuits: trucking and football.
He began driving trucks at the age of 12, transporting goods from farms to markets for his father’s company, Seaman Trucking. His underage driving escapades ended when he was pulled over by a police officer in Kansas at 16.
Football Aspirations and Injuries
Seaman excelled as a middle linebacker at Onida High School and went on to the University of Nebraska to pursue football. However, an injury during his freshman year caused by a running back who injured both of his knees shattered his dreams of emulating legendary linebacker Dick Butkus.
“I spent my 19th birthday learning to walk again,” he expressed regretfully in a conversation with The Trucker.
Career in Trucking
With football out of the picture, Seaman transitioned to a long-term career as a driver for Stan’s, a family-run trucking company in Alpena, South Dakota, where he worked for nearly 38 years hauling liquid feed and grain. He became a key decision-maker in company operations and equipment choices.
To date, he has accumulated over 5 million accident-free miles driving for Stan’s and NTA Trucking LTD, where he returned after a short retirement. “It’s not much fun to sit in the garage and watch everybody drive by,” he chuckled, recalling how he quickly returned to the road.
Acknowledgments and Community Involvement
Due to his impressive career and commitment to safety, Seaman received the Citizen Driver Award from TravelCenters of America (TA-Petro) in 2020. This award honors professional drivers who exemplify safety, community involvement, and leadership traits.
Seaman was recognized for his many roles, including being a Sunday school teacher, music director, and his dedication to the Special Olympics, participating in the South Dakota Convoy for Special Olympics since its start in 2002.
Finding His Path at Stan’s
Seaman’s serendipitous entry into trucking began when he was looking for work to support his family. After a drive with his daughter, he noticed Stan’s and decided to inquire about job openings. “Two weeks later, on a Monday morning, I went to work there and stayed until I retired the first time,” he said.
Passion for Trucking and Future Plans
Now at 68, Seaman’s enthusiasm for trucking remains strong. “I just love everything about trucking,” he stated, highlighting his enjoyment of meeting new people and aiding new drivers. Over the years, he has won several accolades, including a Grand Champion award and the Athlete’s Choice Award at the South Dakota Convoy for Special Olympics.
As a 2020 Citizen Driver, he chose to name the TA Express in Vermillion, South Dakota after himself, a location he is quite familiar with. His wife, who has managed their household finances for 43 years, has dubbed his truck “Mistress.” Seaman humorously remarked, “You can’t be married to someone this long and not know they have another love.” He isn’t sure when he’ll retire, saying, “As long as my health and my wife’s health are good, why would I want to quit when I’m having this much fun?”
