Celebrating 40 years of excellence: Honoring Michael Cooper's remarkable career

With 40 years of service, over two million accident-free miles, and a legacy of lifting others up, Michael Cooper's journey is one for the history books.

April 29, 2025

On April 23, 1985, a young man from Shreveport, Louisiana, took a job with GST Trucking—not knowing he was beginning a carhauling journey that would span 40 years, two million accident-free miles, and countless lives touched along the way.

Today, Michael Cooper stands as the longest-serving associate in USAL's history, and one of its most admired.

Throughout his career, Mr. Cooper has been a living example of what it means to serve with humility, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. His "can-do" attitude isn't just a slogan—it's a way of life. Co-workers often say he has a way of making everyone around him feel good about their work, lifting spirits, and encouraging others to be their best. As the saying goes, people may forget what you said or did, but they never forget how you made them feel. Mr. Cooper makes those around him feel better, stronger, and valued.

Milestones have followed him along the way. In 2011, he joined the elite ranks of USAL's Million Mile Club, celebrating one million accident-free miles. Just last month, during USAL's All Associates Day event, he was recognized for an even rarer achievement: two million miles without a preventable accident—a testament to his skill, care, and commitment to safety.

The celebration of his 40-year career was fitting for a man who means so much to so many. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at a surprise luncheon to honor the man who has been a steady presence through decades of change. True to his form, Mr. Cooper smiled, shook hands, and humbly shared the moment was a bit overwhelming but very special.

Outside of work, Mr. Cooper is a proud Houstonian, a die-hard Houston Astros fan, and above all, a family man. It's clear that the same loyalty and heart he's given to USAL is woven through every part of his life. His time behind the wheel often meant time away from his growing family—an often unseen sacrifice made in service of providing stability, opportunity, and support for those he loves most.

Michael Cooper's story is more than just about longevity; it's about the kind of quiet leadership that leaves a lasting legacy. His 40 years of service are a powerful reminder that attitude, dedication, and heart matter, and that they make all the difference.

Cooper's 40: By the Numbers

• 187 - Average number of loads hauled per year

• 1,490 - Average number of units hauled per year

• 7,480 - Estimated number of loads hauled in 40 years

• 59,560 - Estimated number of units hauled in 40 years

• 238,240 - Estimated number of tires (of units) strapped/secured in 40 years

• 3,557,251 - Estimated number of total miles driven in 40 years; or circling the Earth 145 times

Congratulations, Mr. Cooper, on a truly remarkable career! Here's to the road you've humbly paved and to the many more you continue to inspire.