As the dust kicked up from the trail, the prairie schooner rocked and creaked along. Jumping and bumping across the well-worn trail it lurched forward behind the steady plodding of the team of oxen. The windswept Nebraska territory slowly inched by. Holding a firm hand on his reins, the driver worried the building clouds in the western skies would mean a wet, cold, uncomfortable night. Glancing over his shoulder into the darkened wagon he hoped for a glimpse of his full term pregnant wife who was trying to lay as comfortably as was possible as the schooner swayed forward. Unknown to him she had just delivered their daughter amid the difficulties of this long journey they had begun together and would finish as a family.
150 years later another concerned husband drove across the Nebraska landscape. He steadied his hand upon the wheel as he headed east toward Lincoln. His pregnant wife lay resting in the sleeper berth. An hour earlier she had complained she had a stomach ache. She had taken an aspirin and told her husband she was going to lay down and rest. There was little for him to do, but to continue to drive on. While listening to the radio he thought he heard the cry of a baby. From behind the pulled curtain of the sleeper berth his wife gently notified him of the birth of their child. Near Milford, Ne on I-80 she self-delivered their daughter, Amanda.
Chris and Tammy Back had driven truck together for the past seven years. Driving had afforded the Backs an opportunity to work together and allowed them to invest in a farm in their native Colorado. The birth of Amanda was instrumental in the Backs joining National Carriers in June of 2003. The company they were driving for would not allow children to travel with their parents.
Tammy called several companies searching for one that would allow a baby to be a passenger in the truck with a liberal rider policy. The company would also need to provide the income Backs required for their newly enlarged family. They began their search to be on the road to success after analyzing the options available to them, Chris, Tammy, and Amanda arrived at National Carriers orientation six weeks later. Amanda attended in her pumpkin seat as her parents became qualified to drive for NCI. The Backs felt bonding with both parents was a priority for Amanda. They wanted her to know who her parents were and what they did for a living. She remained on the truck until she began public school.
Today, Tammy and Amanda spend the school year at their Colorado farm as Chris continues to drive. During the summer they hit the road in the families’ 2003 Peterbilt 379. Recently, the Backs were recognized for ten years of safe driving at NCI. Each received a Seiko wrist watch for their accomplishment. Operating on the 48 state lease, Chris is dispatched my David George, who insures Chris gets home when needed. Just as importantly, David gets Chris a load when he is ready to head back out on the road to success.
“NCI provides well for us and we enjoy the family atmosphere”, Chris shared.
