TJ Kounkel: A Legacy of Farming and Trucking
MERRILL, Iowa — In many families, farming and trucking are cherished traditions, and for TJ Kounkel’s family, both professions are deeply rooted. They manage 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans in northwest Iowa while also running a livestock-hauling operation. For Kounkel, learning to drive farm machinery and trucks was a natural part of his upbringing.
Early Beginnings and Road Familiarity
“I started driving at 18, driving intrastate. I know every road in Iowa,” Kounkel shared with The Trucker, though he admits discussing himself is a challenge. “I’m kind of boring,” he continues. “When I’m not trucking, I stay busy with the farm. There’s always something to do.”
About His Truck
Conversing about his truck, however, excites him. Kounkel drives a 2018 Peterbilt 389, equipped with a Caterpillar C-15 Acert engine and an 18-speed transmission. “We took the engine down to the bare block, and everything was balanced and blueprinted going back together,” he explained. “We’re running CAT compound turbos pushing around 700 hp.” This customized rig was assembled in the family shop on their farm.
Custom Assembly and Features
Award-Winning Truck
His truck achieved Best of Show in the Limited Mileage category at GATS last year and has garnered accolades at local events. “The best part of showing trucks is the show itself — the people you get to meet and the trucks you get to see,” he remarked.
Business Challenges and Future Plans
Kounkel currently transports cattle and hogs in a 2020 Wilson Silverstar Livestock trailer, primarily to processing facilities, but business has slowed. “Everybody is locked down on us, so it’s pretty slow,” he explained, noting that some processing plants have reduced operations or closed entirely. Despite these challenges, he is optimistic about his future. At just 22, he recently purchased 100 acres and a house near his family farm.
Family Legacy
With four years of driving experience behind him and a home of his own, TJ Kounkel is the third generation involved in both farming and trucking. He has a clear vision for his future, which undoubtedly includes more impressive trucks and continued contributions to the family legacy.
