Louis Brosz, 54

Allentown, Pa.

When he was 24, Louis Brosz escaped communist Budapest, Hungary, for New York City in search of a job and adventure.

He drove a taxi in the big city for 11 years before he decided to buy a truck and work on his own terms as an owner-operator.

"That was a warmup for the truck," he said. "Making the living. Seeing the country."

Mr. Brosz had the easy manners and appearance of someone on a summer vacation. Unlike most truckers in heavy shoes and blue jeans, he wore sandals, shorts and a loose fitting shirt.

He recently drove frozen food for Midwest Coast Transport and had been on the road for three weeks.

Ms. Brosz enjoys owning his own truck and being in control of his future. He and his brother work together, and in the past have been able to make good money.

These days expenses keep things tight. With the freedom of working for yourself come the responsibility of fuel costs, maintenance and repairs.

"This is the price of being independent," he said

Comments