Choosing the Right Route: Methods Used by Drivers
Drivers utilize various tools to determine their routes. Many fleet management systems come with built-in or additional routing software, while numerous apps cater to smartphones, tablets, and computers. Traditional paper maps are still in use by those who prefer classic trip planning methods.
Bill Blackmon’s Road to Redemption
Unlike most drivers who attribute their routes to everyday decisions, Bill Blackmon credits divine intervention for his journey. At 26, he enjoyed a seemingly perfect life, with a loving family and a solid trucking job that offered ample income opportunities.
A Turning Point in 1993
“I was just a reckless truck driver, addicted to pills to reach the next load. I wanted to earn more, thinking I was fulfilling my responsibilities,” he shared with The Trucker. This mindset began to shift on Mother’s Day in 1993 when he was urged by family to attend church.
A Life-Changing Experience
After attending the service that day, he experienced a profound transformation. “I hadn’t set foot in a church since childhood, but during the altar call, I walked forward,” Blackmon recounted. Despite lacking formal acceptance or counsel, his journey toward change had begun.
Embracing a New Calling
As Blackmon resumed his church attendance and attended revival services, his faith deepened. A new driving job led him to Pastor Curtis Harrington’s cassette tapes. By December 1996, he felt a stirring in his heart, convinced he was called to ministry, despite being a high school dropout with a challenging past.
Connecting with the Trucking Community
As he evolved spiritually and began speaking at churches, weekends on the road felt isolating. His encounter with a chaplain at a truck stop opened his eyes to community service. Today, he serves as pastor at First Baptist Church in Florien, Louisiana, while leading Truckstop Ministries, assisting drivers in finding faith and support.
Providing Support for Truck Drivers
Blackmon also owns a truck that he uses for ministry outreach, including a 57-foot dry van trailer converted into a mobile chapel. He emphasizes the importance of human connection in a digital age, remaining accessible to drivers seeking support, prayers, or simply someone to talk to, ensuring they have resources for their spiritual needs.
