Determination is a value that many Prime driver fathers implement in their daily lives. Being an OTR driver isn’t free from challenges, but through perseverance and prioritization, it can make even the roughest of patches seem minuscule compared to the end goal.

What does determination mean for you? What factors prevent you from giving up on even the most difficult tasks and challenges? How can you teach the value of perseverance to your children?

When you’ve been driving for Prime for over 25 years like Thomas Miller has, you’re no stranger to change, whether it’s changes in the industry or back home. The father of two and grandfather of three was recently awarded the American Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year Award for his years of service, dedication and determination.

Thomas provided Good Dads with plenty of helpful insights for Prime driver fathers you won’t want to miss!

Safety first

One of the key components of working as an over-the-road driver is safety. It ensures you and others are protected, and equipment isn’t damaged. Safety is both a core value for Prime and for Thomas.

“You have to do the same thing day in and day out to keep yourself safe and get back home to your family,” he said. “It leads back to two girls that always counted on financial support and me coming home. Perseverance comes back to you. Stick with what you know—and do it the right way every time.”

Make sure both you and your family have a support system

Thomas has played the role of over-the-road dad for a large part of his life. On more than one occasion, he questioned whether he was making the right choice for himself and his family. Throughout his lengthy career, he still faces struggles that many Prime fathers also face.

“Being out on the road as a driver, we can all agree it can get lonely,” he admitted. “If you have a bad day, or a string of them, you sometimes question why you’re doing this or what is it all for.”

Thomas is fortunate enough to have a support group of friends and family he can call to talk to and work through problems. He says he always looks forward to coming home and spending time with family, although it’s disappointing when he has to miss out on special moments with family while away.

“(When) you see your kids having a great time, it makes it worthwhile, knowing this job has allowed me and afforded me to get them things I always wanted.”

Thomas and his wife, Misty, are empty nesters now. She plays a huge role in Thomas’ support system now that they’re children are fully grown. He still finds time to talk to his family whenever possible, which is crucial to curbing those feelings of loneliness to help you persevere.

Communicate with loved ones back home whenever possible

Many fathers who are just starting out driving over-the-road find the stark lifestyle change difficult to handle. Many find it difficult to persevere and are tempted to throw in the towel. Thomas says the hardest part is the lack of contact and not being physically present for your family.

“When you go home, spend as much time with (your family) as you can,” he emphasized. “There are so many different ways to communicate. Do whatever you can do to stay in touch with kids. Explain to them that dad still loves you, but he has a job to do.”

Staying in touch with family can help you feel more determined. A fun way that Thomas connects with his grandkids is by sending them pictures from over the road. He says his grandsons are fascinated by the number of big trucks that can fit into one truck stop!

“Get them involved in your life as much as you’re involved in theirs, and that helps a lot,” he said.

Teach your children the value of perseverance

When it comes to parenting, Thomas says he was raised in the “old school method.” This was true when it came to the value of perseverance. According to him, the deal was, “if you sign up for something, you’re gonna finish it.”

Both of Thomas’s daughters signed up for team sports growing up: softball and cheerleading. After two games of softball, his oldest daughter wanted to quit.

Thomas told his daughter, “Seven other people are counting on you to be in that position (outfield). It’s not about you; it’s about the others it’s going to affect. You’re going to finish it.”

When his youngest daughter talked about wanting to quit cheerleading, Thomas said that communication was key to helping her.

“Sit down and talk about it,” he suggested. “Talk through it and see what can be changed. Every circumstance is different. There’s not (only) one way to comfort them. Let them know no matter what, we’re still Mom and Dad: We love you and we’re here for you even if you’re mad.”

Final Words

Thomas says he lives by the phrase “never give up.” His career at Prime has had its share of challenges, but by implementing safety and support systems throughout his life, Thomas has found it easier to persevere.

While prepping for the truck driving championships, Prime’s director of safety, Dennis Davis, encouraged Thomas to read the poem “The Man Who Thinks He Can,” which is all about perseverance.

The Man Who Thinks He Can by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don’t,

If you like to win, but you think you can’t

It is almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow’s will

It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are

You’ve got to think high to rise,

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.