An Open Letter to the Skilled Reserve Street Truck Drivers

Dear Reserve Street Truck Drivers,

It's not easy doing what you men and women do. Being able to navigate the busiest street in Missoula is an art form and you should be applauded. Not only is Reserve Street the most difficult street to navigate as a driver, my brain can't fathom how you manage to get in and out of the places you need to make your deliveries.

Our radio stations are located right next to one of the Sherwin Williams paint stores on South Reserve. About once a week we watch in awe how the truck drivers manipulate the narrow alley that intersects with Reserve Street.

Not only do you have to face oncoming traffic on Reserve Street, but you then have to back the semi-trailer into the alley, while traffic is waiting patiently for you to complete your task. If you think it is difficult to back up a trailer with a boat at a local lake in Montana while people watch, imagine Reserve Street traffic all watching you do your job.

This week when Sherwin Williams got their recent delivery, we watched on and were amazed at the speed and efficiency that the driver accomplished his task. So much so that I had to go outside to meet and compliment him on a job well done. I learned his name is John Duer and he is based out of Reno, Nevada, where his deliveries originate. Imagine driving all the way from Reno, getting to Missoula and then having to deal with Reserve Street. He unloaded his paint and was back on the road in no time at all. That's the job and I admire the people who do that for a living.

I have also had the pleasure of witnessing another trucker over the years who has impressed me with his skill. His name Liam Lederer from Decker Truck Line. Liam has been the driver who has delivered the Decker refrigerated truck for our annual Guerrilla Turkey Drive for many years. I have seen him get in and out of some seemingly impossible spots over the years.

My hat is off to all of the truck-driving men and women who have to navigate Missoula's Reserve Street. Thank you for doing what you do, you help keep our city moving.

Sincerely,

Chris Wolfe