From Wilco to the World
Black Zack grew up in the heart of West Virginia, moving between Gary, Wilco, and Princeton throughout his youth. While his journey was not always easy, including facing subliminal racism in some areas, he found a sense of community in McDowell County that stayed with him. After a rough patch in 2014 where he struggled with his mental health and felt like his life was at a standstill, he decided it was time to change his path for the better. He began bartering his way toward a new career, eventually selling a car motor to pay for his 40 hour surface mining class.
“McDowell County, everybody will give you a shirt off their back, everybody will.”
The Art of the Heavy Haul
Transitioning into trucking was a turning point that required mastering the technical side of the industry. Black Zack started by driving off-road Mac trucks, learning the intense focus required to navigate switchbacks that felt like something out of a movie. He learned the hard way about the dangers of the job, once losing air brakes while hauling a load downhill on a big state curve. Driving these massive machines is an art form, especially when you have to match your RPMs to the transmission to snap into gear without using a clutch. Whether it is managing weight limits or knowing when to use a Jake brake, every move is about staying in sync with the vehicle.
“It is like you are in sync with your vehicle. From day one, do not jake a truck over 1,800 RPM. Never.”
Beyond the Coal Dust
Now, Black Zack is looking toward a future in hauling fuel, having recently earned his tanker and hazmat endorsements. He has also become a digital sensation on social media, with a documentary about his life as a West Virginia coal hauler racking up nearly 700,000 views. Despite his growing fame, he stays focused on self improvement by practicing intermittent fasting and maintaining a meticulously clean cab. He takes pride in his work and his ride, ensuring his truck always smells good and stays organized for the long hauls. For Black Zack, trucking is not just a job, it is a way to provide for his family and share his unique story with the world.
“I would have never thought it got that much traction. I am tickled to death.”
Want to hear the full story of the man behind the wheel? You won’t want to miss the grit and heart in the original video conversation below!
