How Two Drivers Are Changing the Conversation Around Trucking Through Social Media
What happens when two truck drivers with a combined audience of more than 170,000 followers sit down to talk about life on the road? You get an honest look at trucking, social media, and the people behind the wheel.
On a recent episode of Beyond the Rig, we caught up with Knight drivers Chris “Panda” Adams and Ione Martin, two truck driver influencers who are helping thousands of people take a fresh look at the trucking industry. Although their paths into trucking were different, both have built loyal followings by sharing authentic glimpses of life on the road.
From career growth and personal freedom to overcoming challenges and finding adventure, their stories prove there’s much more to trucking than meets the eye.
Different Roads, One Unexpected Career
Neither Chris “Panda” Adams nor Ione Martin originally planned to become truck drivers, but both found careers they now love.
Born in South Korea, Panda moved to the United States when he was nine years old. Before earning his CDL, he spent eight years with Frito-Lay, traveling through New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. Looking back, those experiences helped prepare him for life on the road.
“I didn’t always think I was going to be a truck driver, but it kind of fell into my lap. One thing led to another. No looking back. I think it was a great choice.”
Even Panda’s well-known nickname has a story behind it. While joking with friends in high school, he turned a comment about being a “teddy bear” into the nickname that has followed him ever since.
“Any big guy can be a teddy bear. I’m Asian, so call me Panda Bear.”
Since joining Knight in 2024, Panda has driven more than 250,000 miles out of our Katy Terminal.
Meanwhile, Ione’s path to trucking began after graduating from the University of Tennessee. Unsure of what career to pursue, she became curious about the trucking industry after speaking with drivers during her travels between Tennessee and Virginia.
With student loads to pay and an uncertain career path ahead, she decided to take a chance.
“I just didn’t know what to do. So I decided, I’m going to go be a truck driver. That sounds fun.”
What started as a temporary plan, quickly became a long-term career.
Based out of our Charlotte Terminal, Ione Martin has been behind the wheel since 2016. Along the way, she has built a loyal social media following by sharing life on the road alongside her rescue dog, Wells. Her authentic storytelling even earned national recognition when she was featured in People magazine last year.
Today, Panda serves as a trainer, helping new drivers launch their careers, while Ione is approaching a decade behind the wheel and continues inspiring others through her experiences on and off the road.
Social Media with a Purpose
While both drivers have built sizable social media followings, neither originally set out to become truck driver influencers.
Over time, what began as a way to share their experiences behind the wheel evolved into platforms that educate, entertain and inspire thousands.
Today, Chris “Panda” Adams has more than 24,000 followers on TikTok (@Panda_OTR), while Ione Martin reaches nearly 150,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok (@Ione.and.wells).
For Panda, social media created as a creative outlet. His journey as a content creator didn’t begin behind the wheel. Early on, he focused on food reviews, visiting local restaurants and sharing honest options with followers.
Today, he uses his platform to answer questions about trucking, share his experiences, and encourage others considering a CDL career.
For Ione, social media has allowed her to connect with other women in trucking and show that there is a place for everyone in the industry.
From a TikTok Video to the Driver’s Seat
Social media has connected Panda with thousands of drivers and aspiring truckers, but one story stands out.
During Driver Appreciation Week, Panda was training a new driver named Brandon. At first, he didn’t know Brandon had discovered him on TikTok before joining Knight. As they spent time together on the road, Brandon shared more of his story. Before earning his CDL through Knight’s training program, he had fallen on hard times.
Inspired by Panda’s content, Brandon decided to take the next step. He enrolled in CDL school, earned his license, and started building a new future for himself.
Then came an unexpected twist. After following Panda online and beginning his trucking journey, Brandon was assigned to Panda as his trainer.
For Panda, the experience was a powerful reminder that social media can do more than entertain. Sometimes, it inspires people to pursue a new career and change the direction of their life. Brandon’s journey proves that hard work, determination, and opportunity can create a fresh start.
Building a Life, Not Just a Career
One theme came up repeatedly throughout the conversation: trucking doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold.
For Ione, that realization changed everything.
After returning to over-the-road driving following a difficult period in her personal life, she committed to making the most of every opportunity on the road.
“If I have to go back on the road, I’m going to have fun with it.”
Instead of spending downtime scrolling through her phone, she began exploring nearby attractions, visiting parks, chasing waterfalls,, and discovering hidden gems across the country with her rescue dog, Wells.
As a result, her social media channels have become a source of inspiration for drivers looking to create a healthier work-life balance while on the road.
"My Google Maps knows me by now, so it'll start popping up things I like."
Ione Martin, Charlotte Driver
Finding Opportunity in Every Situation
Both drivers shared examples of how perspective can completely change the trucking experience. When Ione found herself stuck without a load, she turned a frustrating situation into an adventure. She rented a car, loaded up Wells, and spent the day exploring Sequoia National Forest.
“That was probably one of the cooling things we’ve done on the road.”
Similarly, Panda believes success in trucking comes from adaptability and problem-solving.
“They’re going to tell you where to pick up, where they’d like you to get fuel, and when to deliver. Everything between that, you have to piece all those puzzles together.”
That mindset has helped him thrive as both a driver and trainer.
Finding Freedom Between Loads
One perk both drivers highlighted is the flexibility to make the most of downtime on the road. When schedules allow, they can take a break, explore a new city, or visit a local landmark before heading to their next load.
Panda shared one memorable example from Chicago. After completing a delivery, Panda learned his next load would not be ready until the following day. As a result, he and his trainee spent the afternoon exploring downtown Chicago. They tried Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, visited “The Bean” statue, and walked along the Navy Pier.
For Panda, moments like these are a reminder that trucing is about more than moving freight. With smart time management, drivers can experience new places and create lasting memories while traveling the country.
Home Time on Their Terms
Although their schedules differ, both Panda and Ione have found routines that fit their lifestyles here at Knight Transportation. Panda typically stays out three to four weeks before taking four days at home, while Ione prefers four to five weeks on the road before taking time off.
What they appreciate most is the flexibility. Home time doesn’t always have to mean going home.
Ione often uses her time off to visit family in Virginia, while other trips take her to see loved ones in different parts of the country. That freedom allows drivers to choose how they want to spend their time, making it easier to stay connected and experience new places along the way.
For both drivers, trucking offers more than a career. It provides the flexibility to create a schedule that works for their lives while exploring destinations across the country.
"Do your best to make your pickups on time. Always adhere to your clock schedule and what you're allowed to do. Do your best to make your delivery on time. Everything in between, you get to choose."
Chris "Panda" Adams, Katy Driver
More Than a Dog, a Roadside Companion
Beyond the miles and social media following, one companion has been with Ione for much of the journey: Wells.
Wells, her rescue dog, has become a fan favorite on her social media channels and an important part of her daily life on the road. According to Ione, having Wells by her side makes all the difference.
“I’m so much less lonely. I have someone to talk to.”
Wells also motivated her to get outside, explore new places, and maintain a positive routine, even during challenging stretches on the road.
From Trainee to Trainer in Six Months
Just six months after completing his own training and going solo, Panda was asked a question that changed the course of his career: “Are you ready to train?”
From day one, Panda made it clear he wanted to become a trainer. He focused on proving himself, building trust, and mastering the job. When the opportunity came, he was ready.
Today, Panda has trained 12 students and takes pride in helping new drivers succeed.
His training philosophy centers around being a “chameleon.” In other words, he adapts his coaching style to fit each student’s personality and learning style. Some students are quiet, others are talkative. Some learn quickly, while others need more time and guidance.
Before meeting a student, Panda spends time getting to know them over the phone. By building trust early, he creates a comfortable environment where new drivers can ask questions, gain confidence, and develop safe driving habits.
For Panda, successful training is about more than teaching skills. It’s about understanding each person and helping them become confident professionals on the road.
Representation Matters
As a female driver, Ione has witnessed significant changes in the trucking industry throughout her career. When she first started driving, seeing another woman behind the wheel was uncommon. Today, more women are entering the profession and building successful careers of their own.
“Block out a lot of the noise.”
That’s the advice Ione gives to women considering a career in trucking. She encourages them to stay focused on their goals and not let outside opinions define what they can achieve.
Over the years, social media has also helped create a stronger sense of community among female drivers. As one of the industry’s most recognizable truck driver influencers, Ione has used her platform to encourage and connect with women entering the profession.
“It’s one of my favorite things, getting messages from women saying, ‘I’m starting CDL school because of you.”
For Ione, those messages are a reminder of how much the industry continues to evolve. What was once a male-dominated profession is becoming a more diverse, with more women finding opportunities and long-term success behind the wheel.
In many ways, that growth is one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. By sharing her experiences, Ione hopes to encourage the next generation of women to pursue trucking with confidence, embrace new opportunities and create their own path in the industry.
Why They’ve Stayed with Knight
Despite their growing social media audiences, both drivers say the reasons they’ve remained at Knight are surprisingly simple.
Both drivers appreciate the programs and benefits that help make life on the road more comfortable and rewarding, including:
- Honest and transparent conversations with recruiters
- Pet-friendly policies
- Passenger rider policy
- 22 terminals nationwide with driver-focused amenities
- Comprehensive benefits (medical insurance, 401(k) retirement, paid vacation, and more.)
For Chris “Panda” Adams, the decision began before he ever got behind the wheel. As a new driver researching trucking companies, he asked recruiters detailed questions about pay, operations and expectations. As a result, Knight stood out for its transparency and honesty throughout the recruiting process.
“Everything I was promised and told was going to work a certain way has, and flourished into more than I ever expected.”
Ultimately, both Panda and Martin agree that trucking comes with challenges no matter where you work. However, they believe Knight stands apart by combining driver support, strong benefits, terminal access and lifestyle flexibility. Together, those advantages have helped both drivers build successful careers while enjoying life both on and off the road.
“I just can’t relate to anybody who’s had the experiences or opinions they have and negative aspects toward this company. I’m happy as heaven.” – Chris “Panda” Adams
A Message for the Next Generation of Drivers
Both drivers shared a common message for the next generation: approach trucking with the right mindset and be willing to adapt.
For Chris “Panda” Adams, one lesson stands out:
“If you have a CDL, you always have a job.”
However, Panda says success in trucking requires flexibility. The industry is constantly evolving, and drivers must be willing to grow with it. Over time, he has built with his team at Knight, which gives him the freedom to do his job without feeling micromanaged.
At the same time, Panda reminds new drivers that trucking comes with significant responsibility.
“You’re hauling an 80,000-pound truck. One mistake can have devastating consequences.”
Meanwhile, Ione Martin believes communication is one of the most important skills a driver can have. She encourages drivers to advocate for themselves and maintain open conversations with their Driver Managers.
For example, drivers may need to discuss ways to increase miles, adjust routes, or address concerns on the road.
Ultimately, both drivers agree that success starts with adaptability, professionalism, and open communication. By embracing those qualities, the next generation of drivers can build long and rewarding careers in the industry.
Looking Ahead
Although their long-term goals may differ, both drivers share a deep appreciation for the opportunities trucking has provided.
Panda credits trucking with helping him build financial stability and create opportunities he never imagined.
While, Ione is focused on achieving more balance while continuing to enjoy the freedom and adventure that drew her to the profession in the first place.
Their stories are a reminder that trucking is about far more than moving freight from point A to point B. It’s about building a career, creating financial stability, exploring the country and connecting with people along the way.
Whether they’re mentoring new drivers, encouraging future CDL holders or sharing life behind the wheel, Panda and Ione are proving how truck driver influencers can help reshape perceptions of the trucking industry, one post and one mile at a time.
Watch the full conversation to hear these two one-of-a-kind Knight truck drivers share their stories firsthand.
