By Saleem Mubarak
For many, driving a truck is just a job. But for Yongyi Zhou, a Chinese immigrant who moved to the United States just three years ago, it was the fastest path to achieving a classic American dream: becoming his own boss.
Today, Yongyi operates as an independent owner-operator, running "Over the Road" long-haul routes across the country.
In a recent candid conversation with Trucking Mind, he shared what life is really like behind the wheel of what he calls "a monster" on the highway, balancing the freedom of the open road with the heavy weight of personal sacrifice.
Becoming Your Own Boss in Three Months
Before getting into the driver's seat, Yongyi looked at other professions. "If you want to be an electrician, a contractor, or a nurse, you need years of training," Yongyi explained. "But to be a professional driver, it only takes two or three months."
For an immigrant starting over later in life, the trucking industry offered an immediate gateway to financial independence. Today, he manages his own Motor Carrier (MC) authority, chooses his own loads through his dispatcher, and loves the freedom that comes with it.
He isn't interested in local routes; he prefers the long haul. In just the last month, he logged over 13,000 miles.
"I can support my life," Yongyi says. "And I can drive around and have a look at the whole of America. I enjoy the life of looking around."
The Heavy Price of the Highway: A Family Divided
While the income and the freedom are the best parts of the job, they come at a steep emotional cost.
Yongyi lives and works in the U.S. entirely alone. His wife and son still live in Shanghai, China. While they have visited him a few times, the separation is a daily struggle.
"Can you imagine that? Maybe Americans didn’t do that. Now I regret that I came to America alone," he admits softly. "I miss them every day."
To bridge the ocean between them, Yongyi has mastered a strict communication routine to beat the time-zone difference. He talks to his family twice a day—very early in the morning before he starts driving (which is bedtime in China) and again in the afternoon when he finishes his shift (which is morning in China).
Staying Grounded on the Road
When he isn't driving his massive truck, Yongyi focuses heavily on his health—a major challenge for many long-haul drivers. To fight the sedentary lifestyle of trucking, he spends his downtime climbing mountains and going swimming to lose weight and stay fit.
He also keeps a sharp, humorous eye on his fellow motorists. When asked about the funniest or most interesting things he sees on the road, he laughs. "The funniest thing is watching the different types of drivers. Some are reckless, and some are very polite."
Surviving the Political and Economic Shift
Life on the road has become more complicated recently.
Yongyi noted that the political climate and changing government regulations—especially regarding foreign drivers and commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals—are creating uncertainties in the freight market.
He pointed out that media coverage and political rhetoric often unfairly target foreign-born drivers when accidents happen, even though safety statistics tell a different story. These administrative shifts, combined with high fuel prices, are contributing to a carrier shortage that impacts the entire U.S. supply chain.
Yet, Yongyi remains deeply motivated. His ultimate goal? "I want to be an American in the future," he says. He wants to keep doing work that brings true value to the country.
Words of Wisdom for Rookie Drivers
Yongyi’s journey hasn't been without mistakes. Having survived a minor accident early on, he has a simple, unforgettable three-phrase piece of advice for anyone just entering the trucking industry: "Keep your eyes on the road. Hand on the wheels. Mind on driving. You have to keep safe, because remember—you are driving a monster."