Living the Dream: A Trucker’s Journey
GLADWIN, Mich. — The expression “living the dream” is often a lighthearted response to “How are you?” However, for one trucker from Michigan, this phrase genuinely reflects his reality.
“From 6th grade, I knew I wanted to drive a truck,” shared owner-operator Jeremy Ward. “It’s always been my goal.”
Jeremy resides in Gladwin, Michigan, about 80 miles north of Lansing, with his wife and children. When he’s not with family, he’s behind the wheel of his cherished 1995 Peterbilt 379, featuring a Caterpillar 3406E engine and an 18-speed transmission. Its significance lies not just in its specifications but in its rich history.
“I first saw this truck in high school and couldn’t forget its Kawasaki-green paint and checkered flag design,” Ward recalled. “I told my dad about it, and a year later, he bought it.” Though his father eventually sold the truck, it had already become a part of their family story, having accumulated over a million miles before being driven by Ward’s father for two additional years.
During that time, Jeremy founded his company, Wild Ride Express, in 2005, expanding to four trucks. However, the Great Recession in late 2007 forced him to sell his equipment and drive for others, yet his ambition for independence remained strong. In 2014, he seized the chance to repurchase his father’s Peterbilt and returned to driving for the company his father had worked for.
Today, Ward manages two trucks—driving one himself while his father drives the other. Both trucks are leased to an Indianapolis company, VTI Specialized, where they pull flatbeds and take on various backhauls. Ward has extensively refurbished his Peterbilt, repainting everything except for the cherished checkered flags and enhancing it with lime-green lighting from American SuperLite. Diesel Freaks in Gaylord, Michigan, handled engine modifications, boosting its power to 800 horsepower.
While his truck is impressive enough for shows, Ward prefers to enjoy them as an observer rather than a participant. However, after encouragement from Diesel Freaks, he entered a drag racing event in Michigan and found it to be a thrilling experience.
Beyond trucking, Ward cherishes family time and engages in local community activities, aiming to foster camaraderie among drivers through a Facebook group he created, “All-Out Trucking,” which has over 2,600 members. He emphasizes unity in the trucking community, stating, “We’re all out here doing a job.” Looking ahead, he contemplates acquiring a newer truck to allow for leisurely restoration of his beloved Peterbilt while potentially exploring the show circuit in the future.
