CRST Dedicated Solutions company driver Jim Nalin drives the "American Patriot" 2022 Freightliner Cascadia featured in the video above. The truck features a wrap dedicated to the Veterans in Trucking organization.
Nalin, an 11-year Army veteran himself who served two tours in Iraq, was presented with the keys to the truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show in 2022. He runs a dedicated route out of Dallas to Arizona and back hauling human plasma, and likewise participates in numerous truck shows and veterans-related events, including Wreaths Across America each December.
Overdrive caught up with Nalin at the 2023 Guilty By Association Truck Show at 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Missouri, where he had the truck on display.
Nalin said when he was told he was going to get the wrapped truck to drive, he initially didn't expect it
CRST is one of many fleets around trucking making a point of bringing in veterans to transition from military service to civilian life. Nalin said in his experience of being a veteran truck driver, trucking's often strict time schedule resembles that of the military, making it a smooth transition.
As for "American Patriot," the truck is customized inside and out, Nalin noted, powered by a 605-hp Detroit DD15 with a DT12 automated manual transmission. Inside the rig, it boasts custom seats, custom flooring and more. The wrap features a number of military-related graphics intended to garner the attention of veterans.
