“On the road again
Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again”
– “On the Road Again” Willie Nelson
While talking with Ashley Haines, Tim Holmes, and Dan Ankebrant, all of whom are drivers at CIT Signature Transportation (CIT), this song kept playing in my mind. Their collective stories were eerily similar to the lyrics of Willie Nelson’s 1980 song, “On the Road Again.”
Like several others, Ashley, Tim, and Dan have appreciated the extra time not working has afforded to spend with family, complete projects around the house, and simply relax a bit. However, they all expressed the challenges that arise from staying home and not working. They’re running out of projects on their honey-do lists, some of them report weight gain as a result of their new, more sedentary lifestyle, and they simply miss being on the road. Mainly, all three drivers highlighted two important elements of the job they missed: the people, and the experiences of traveling to other places.
“The life I love is making music with my friends”
When asked, all three of the drivers mentioned “the people” as being one of the things they miss most about driving. Tim comments on how “most of the clients” are “very friendly” and “very appreciative.” Further, Ashley explains how CIT serves, “a lot of diverse groups. One day you might have a group of middle school/high school kids, and the next day [you might] have a retirement home.” As most people who have been on a road trip can attest, sometimes the company you keep is the best part of the journey. CIT has been lucky to drive hundreds of groups over the last thirty-two years. No two groups are the same, and that’s something the drivers love.
“Goin’ places that I’ve never been/ Seein’ things that I may never see again”
There are few places in North America that haven’t been covered by CIT’s wheels. As stated by Tim, drivers get to go places “out of a normal person’s reach. These places are a long way for people like us [people that live in the Midwest] to drive and go see.” That’s pretty special. Not everyone can go to the East Coast, Orlando, or Nova Scotia for a day at the office. Especially now that the the drivers have been cooped up at home; they are certainly feeling the itch to get back on the road and see some sights beyond their own backyards. Take a look at the slideshow below to see a few places CIT has been.
“And I can’t wait to get on the road again”
As Dan says “the buses are ready to roll, and the drivers are ready to roll.” When your group is ready to get on the road again, Ashley, Tim, Dan, and everyone else at CIT can’t wait to take you safely to your destination. Click here to book a trip and get these drivers back where they and Willie Nelson love, back on the road again.
Written by: Emily Grzywacz
