For Lual Akoon, a 46-year-old independent owner-operator based in Eagan, Minnesota, the journey from war-torn Sudan to the American trucking industry has been long and arduous. Born near the South Sudan city of Aweil, Akoon’s early years were marked by the devastation of the second Sudanese Civil War. His village was attacked, and he was forced to flee, losing many family members and friends along the way.
As a child, Akoon escaped with hundreds of other boys, now famously known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” embarking on a perilous journey across Sudan, Ethiopia, and eventually Kenya. The journey, spanning thousands of miles and several years, saw many perishing from hunger, dehydration, and attacks by wild animals.
In 1999, Akoon was among the 3,500 Sudanese refugees resettled in the United States. He arrived in Des Moines, Iowa, and soon found work in a pizza packaging facility while attending community college. He married in 2004 and now has five children.
Akoon’s introduction to trucking began with a short stint as an Amazon delivery driver. He then attended driver training with CRST and later drove for Transport America and CFI. In 2022, Bay and Bay Transportation offered him a job, which led him to eventually become an independent owner-operator. Today, he owns a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, hauling loads for various companies.
Beyond driving, Akoon has become an industry advocate through the Coalition for Independent Truckers’ ambassador program. This initiative trains owner-operators to engage with legislators and explain the importance of preserving the independent contractor model. Akoon’s role involves educating lawmakers about the realities and challenges of the trucking industry, including the scarcity of truck parking.
As an ambassador, Akoon has taken legislators on ride-alongs to provide firsthand insights into the trucking profession. His personal story and experiences resonate deeply, showcasing the significance of preserving the freedom and opportunities that the independent contractor model provides.
Akoon’s journey from a Sudanese refugee to a successful trucking entrepreneur embodies the American dream. He continues to advocate for the rights and freedoms of independent truckers while planning to expand his business and create a legacy for his family.
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