At an age when most have long since retired, Luther Binford—known affectionately as “Mr. B” to many—remains on the road, doing what he loves. Born March 7, 1934, the 91-year-old truck driver celebrated his recent birthday not by slowing down, but by marking over 4,352,414 miles driven for Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) – a record of dedication spanning decades. In fact, Binford is recognized as the oldest truck driver in El Paso, Texas, and indeed in all of Texas and New Mexico. Based on industry interviews, he is likely the second-oldest truck driver in the entire United States, a testament to his remarkable longevity behind the wheel. But statistics and titles only tell part of the story. To meet Luther Binford is to encounter a warm, humble man whose passion for trucking and mission-oriented approach have kept him rolling through the years. “I’ve been working all my life. That’s all I know… I’m not ready to go, so I’m gonna try to work a little while longer,” he says with a determined smile. This engaging journey through his life and career honors a man who proves that age is truly just a number when you’re driven by purpose.
Early Life and Career Before Trucking
Luther Binford’s story begins on a small farm in rural Alabama, where he learned the value of hard work early on. “I’ve been working since I was 13 years old,” he recalls of his youth, when he had to drop out of school to run the family farm and plow with a team of mules. Those tough early years instilled in him a resilient work ethic and a sense of responsibility beyond his age. By the time he was a teenager, young Luther was already the man of the house, tending crops and keeping the farm going. “I was born in Alabama, quit school when I was 14 years old [and] took over the farm,” he says, matter-of-factly. The long days of labor under the Southern sun were just the beginning of a lifetime of hard work.
At 17, Luther made a bold decision that would shape the next two decades of his life: he joined the U.S. Air Force. Because he was underage, his mother proudly signed the papers to give her consent. Thus began a 20-year military career that took him far from the Alabama farm. In the Air Force, Mr. B honed his skills in construction and heavy equipment operation. He became an expert at operating all types of machinery and driving all kinds of vehicles – experiences that would later pave the way for his success in trucking. “After spending 20 years in the Air Force, I tried doing a few different jobs,” he says, noting that he worked in construction (the same field he was in during his service) and later in civil service for about 13 years. Throughout those post-military years, he never lost the habit of hard work. In fact, Binford proudly notes that “thank God I haven’t missed a paycheck since I was 17 years old”, highlighting over seven decades of continuous employment. By the early 1980s, he had built a solid career and even dabbled in business ownership after the Air Force, but life still had another adventure waiting for him just around the corner.
Journey into the Trucking Industry
That next great adventure arrived in the late 1980s, when a simple question from a friend changed everything. Someone asked Luther one day if he’d ever considered becoming a truck driver. For a man who had driven heavy equipment and loved driving anything with wheels, the suggestion struck a chord. “I didn’t think twice. I said, ‘Yes. I love driving,'” Mr. B recalls of that moment. In 1988, at an age when many people might be eyeing retirement, Luther Binford embarked on an entirely new career on the open road. He was 54 years old when he earned his commercial driver’s license and set off on this new path – an age that proved no barrier to someone with his determination and energy.
Luther’s trucking career began at a company in El Paso called Elba, which hauled mail for the postal service. He thrived in the role and spent seven years there mastering the craft of over-the-road driving. When that company relocated its operations to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the commute became impractical for Binford. Undeterred, he soon found a position with another carrier known as Shippers, where he drove for an additional three years. During these early trucking years, Mr. B crisscrossed highways and back roads, gaining invaluable experience and loving every minute behind the wheel.
Fate intervened one day over the crackle of a CB radio, a tool of the trade for truckers in those days. While chatting with fellow drivers, Luther mentioned the company he worked for and heard in response about another outfit that had a great reputation – Mesilla Valley Transportation. His interest was piqued. “They told me about this company, MVT. I said, ‘Oh, let me try it out,'” he recounts. Wasting no time, Mr. B went to MVT’s terminal to inquire about a job. The folks at MVT were delighted to bring an experienced driver like him on board. “I talked to the people here, and they said, ‘Yeah, we’d be glad to have you.’ And that’s when I started working here,” he says, marking April 27, 1998 as the start of what would become a record-setting tenure with the company.
Dedication and Mission-Driven Approach to Trucking
What sets Luther Binford apart is not just the length of his career, but the enthusiasm and mission-oriented approach he brings to the job every day. For him, trucking isn’t just work – it’s a series of important missions to complete. “My mind stays basically on where I’m going, when I’m gonna get there, and make sure I get there safe,” he explains about his focused approach to driving. This mentality clearly carries over from his military days, where completing the mission was paramount.
“I liked it when Mesilla Valley put me on a mission and I feel good when I complete that mission,” Mr. B says, revealing the satisfaction he still derives from a job well done. “I like to feel like I’m completing something, I’m doing something.” At 91 years young, he maintains the infectious dedication of someone half his age when he talks about driving. “Driving, I love driving,” he says simply, and that love has clearly sustained him through millions of miles.
Luther’s dedication is deeply rooted in a lifelong habit of hard work. “Over my life… that’s practically all I did is work, work, work,” he chuckles. Having never been idle since his teens, he finds it natural to stay active. In fact, slowing down doesn’t appeal to him much. Many of his contemporaries retired years ago, but Binford saw what happened when they stopped having a purpose. “Most of my friends that I knew, they quit work. They’re not with me anymore,” he observes, implying that staying active has been a key to his longevity. As long as he’s able, he prefers to keep on trucking – literally. “I’m not ready to go,” he says with determination, “so I’m gonna try to work a little while longer”. This unwavering commitment to keep moving forward has earned him admiration far and wide.
Despite all he has accomplished, Luther remains humble and grateful – especially to MVT, the company he calls home. He praises the supportive environment and the people at MVT who have treated him well for nearly three decades. “It’s great, and the company’s great,” he says. “The 26, 27 years I’ve been with them, it’s the best company I’ve been with… when I quit, I’ll quit with them”. Knowing that he has the backing of a company that values him gives Mr. B even more reason to continue doing what he loves. He doesn’t take a single day of work for granted. Every morning he climbs into his truck, Luther Binford is living his dream – proving that when you love your job and see it as a mission, “it’s not work… I don’t look at it as a job”, but rather as a fulfilling journey.
Memorable Experiences and Challenges
In a trucking career that has spanned nearly 37 years, Luther Binford has seen almost every mile of highway America has to offer. “Since 1988, I have driven practically everywhere – the 48 states and most of Canada,” he says with pride. From the snow-lined interstates of the far north to the sun-baked roads of the deep south, Mr. B has experienced the vast beauty and variety of the continent from the driver’s seat of his rig. He has a treasure trove of memories: watching the sunrise in the Arizona desert, feeling the mist off the Great Lakes, rolling through Appalachian mountain passes, and visiting countless towns and cities along the way. Ask him if he has a favorite place, and this man of faith will simply say he is content wherever the road leads. “I have convinced myself that where I am, that’s where I’m supposed to be… and I try to be pleased right here and now,” Luther shares, expressing that he finds something to appreciate in every journey. For him, every trip is special, and every delivery is a mission to accomplish. It’s no wonder he calls trucking a “paid vacation” – his joy in the journey turns work into pleasure.
When asked about memorable trips, Binford speaks fondly of his journeys to Canada. “I would say that all of the trips that I made to Canada [were memorable]. Those people over there… they’re just nice people as far as how they treat people. They really treat everybody nice. And I liked it so much because it was clean. They didn’t, you don’t see no dirty streets or trash all over the place.” His appreciation for the beauty and cleanliness of our northern neighbor speaks to his keen eye for detail and order.
Of course, trucking is not without its challenges, and Luther has navigated them across generations of change in the industry. At the start of his driving days, trucks were more rudimentary – manual transmissions, fewer comforts – but Mr. B took it in stride. Over the years, he’s driven everything from sturdy Mack trucks and Freightliners to the modern International rigs in MVT’s fleet. He appreciates how far technology has come. “Overall, the trucks are much better” nowadays, he notes, reflecting on advancements that have made trucks safer and more comfortable. He’s also witnessed the expansion and improvement of the highway system. “In many cases the roads are much better” than they used to be, he says, though the ever-increasing traffic means road maintenance can hardly keep up. Through it all, Luther has adapted, learning new equipment and new rules with the flexibility of a seasoned pro.
One change he’s noticed, however, is in the culture on the road. The trucking community, once small and tight-knit, has grown immensely, and with that growth has come a new generation of drivers. Mr. B observes that some of today’s drivers don’t always share the old-school sense of highway courtesy that he values. “We have lots of young drivers out here… They’re not as courteous as they used to be,” he says candidly. For example, he mentions that many drivers won’t slow down or yield to let a fellow truck merge onto a busy freeway, something that was common courtesy in years past. It’s a minor gripe from a man who has seen trends come and go. Rather than let it frustrate him, Luther uses it as a teaching point, gently encouraging younger drivers to be more considerate and patient. Despite these changes, he insists the positives outweigh the negatives. The thrill of completing each mission is still there for him, and he has “no complaints at all” about the life he’s chosen.
As he’s grown older, Binford has made practical adjustments to continue doing what he loves safely. Cold weather and icy roads, which never used to faze him, have become something he prefers to avoid in his 90s. “My body is not exactly what it used to be as far as weather is concerned. I don’t like cold weather anymore… I don’t like running in snow and ice,” he admits with a chuckle. Fortunately, MVT has been very understanding, allowing him to stick to routes through the southern states during winter months to steer clear of harsh conditions. It’s one of the many ways the company supports him, and it’s enabled Mr. B to keep on trucking when many others might have hung up their keys. After all these years, he still genuinely enjoys being behind the wheel, listening to his favorite radio stations as the miles roll by, and embracing the freedom of the highway. The challenges of age and industry evolution may require small concessions, but they have never diminished Luther Binford’s love of the journey.
Personal Philosophy and Wisdom
Spend a few minutes talking with Luther Binford, and it becomes clear that his extraordinary career is powered not just by physical stamina, but by a deep well of faith and wisdom. At the core of Mr. B’s outlook is an unwavering faith in God. He credits God for his health, his longevity, and the opportunity to keep doing what he does. “What keeps you young and healthy?” we ask. Luther’s answer is immediate and heartfelt: “God. I believe in the Bible… I try not to do too many things that it says I should not do. What keeps me going is just going. So that’s what I’ll do for a little while longer if it’s all right with God”. For Binford, each day on Earth – each mile on the road – is a gift from above, and he meets it with gratitude. Every morning, he says, he starts his day by simply thanking God. That simple ritual, coupled with his positive attitude, forms the bedrock of his daily life.
Luther’s philosophy on aging and staying active is refreshingly straightforward: keep moving and keep purpose in your life. He has seen too many of his peers retire and then rapidly decline. In contrast, he chooses to remain engaged and useful. “The only thing I can say is that God is just not ready for me yet. He has something else He wants me to do, and I’m gonna hang around and find out what it is,” Mr. B says with a humble laugh. This sense of purpose – the idea that his journey isn’t finished – fuels him each day. Even as a nonagenarian, he sets an alarm, gets dressed in his crisp MVT uniform, and heads out to serve others by delivering the goods that keep our economy running. In his view, as long as he can contribute, he should. Work is not a burden; it’s a blessing that gives his life meaning.
That’s not to say Luther doesn’t allow himself a bit of humor and humanity. He’ll be the first to tell you he’s not perfect. With a twinkle in his eye, he confesses his one vice: “My doctors advise me to limit sweet foods for health reasons. But I love sweets,” he says, laughing at himself. It’s a charming admission that shows Binford lives life with balance – a little candy here and there sweetens the journey, even as he watches his health. His joyful spirit is evident in his laughter and quick wit. He doesn’t dwell on aches, pains, or the number on his birth certificate. Instead, he focuses on what he can do and what he can give.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Luther Binford’s character is his devotion not just to work, but to family and service. He believes in taking care of those he loves with the same energy he puts into his job. For instance, every morning before he heads out, Mr. B makes sure to brew a cup of coffee for his wife – a small act of love that he considers part of his duty. “God made us for Him, and He made the woman for us… He wants us to satisfy them and keep them happy,” he says, reflecting on the importance of caring for his spouse. This gentle wisdom speaks volumes about the kind of husband, father, and friend he is. He sees service as a virtue, whether it’s completing a mission on time or bringing his wife a morning smile. Luther’s life philosophy could be summed up in a few simple principles: faith, gratitude, patience, and kindness.
When asked what advice he has for younger drivers and the younger generation in general, Mr. B doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t get in a hurry,” he says. “Everybody seems to be in a hurry now, but they ain’t going no place… Slow down. Take life one step at a time”. In an era obsessed with speed, Luther advocates for patience and steady perseverance – lessons he’s learned from nearly a century of living. His perspective is a precious reminder that life is a marathon, not a sprint. After all, this is a man who started a new career at 54 and then excelled at it for almost four decades. Patience, persistence, and faith carried him through, and he believes they will do the same for anyone willing to work hard and trust in a higher plan. “Where I am, that’s where I’m supposed to be,” he says about life’s twists and turns, showing his profound trust that each moment has purpose. Such words of wisdom leave a deep impression on everyone who hears them.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Luther Binford’s career extends far beyond the loads he has hauled or the 4,352,414 miles he has driven. He has become an inspiration and a mentor figure to many, both within the MVT family and across the wider trucking community. When MVT celebrated his 91st birthday at the El Paso terminal, fellow drivers, dispatchers, and even company executives gathered to honor the living legend in their midst. The applause and admiration were heartfelt – a recognition that Mr. B’s dedication elevates everyone around him. Younger drivers often look at Luther and realize that age should not be a limiting factor if you maintain your health, keep a positive attitude, and truly love what you do. He has shattered stereotypes about aging, showing that a 91-year-old can handle a big rig and tight delivery schedule as well as anyone. In doing so, he’s given others the confidence to push past their own perceived limits. “I believe there’s a lot of wisdom, a lot of takeaways that we could learn from Mr. Luther,” one interviewer remarked, voicing what so many feel when they hear his story.
Within MVT, Binford’s influence is felt in countless ways, big and small. He is the driver who always has a friendly word for colleagues and a helpful tip for the rookies. Need advice on how to handle a tricky route or tough weather? Ask Mr. B – he’s probably been there and done that. Concerned about balancing work with family? Luther can share how he’s managed to do it with grace. His 70+ years of continuous work experience and nearly 4.4 million accident-free miles make him a repository of knowledge. Yet he offers that knowledge with humility. He leads by example – showing up on time, treating others with respect, and taking pride in doing the job right. It’s no surprise that around the yard, drivers speak of him with reverence. As one colleague put it during the birthday celebration, “You’re a legend, Mr. Luther.” Indeed, he is. In an industry that often battles high turnover and burnout, Luther Binford stands out as a beacon of longevity and loyalty.
Beyond the respect from peers, Mr. B’s story has rippled out to the broader community. He’s been featured in media stories celebrating aging with grace and proving that “age is just a number.” His name has become synonymous with dedication in the local El Paso trucking circles. And while he humbly shrugs off the attention, there’s a sense that Luther is proud to be a standard-bearer for what a driver can achieve with the right attitude. Being likely the second-oldest active truck driver in the U.S. is an amazing distinction, but what matters more to him is the road ahead – the next mission, the next chance to contribute. Still, when the time comes that he finally decides to hang up his keys, Binford can do so knowing he has left an indelible legacy. MVT may one day retire his truck number or put his name on a plaque, but perhaps the greatest honor will be the stories that other drivers continue to tell about him – how Mr. B inspired them to work harder, complain less, and love the journey.
Conclusion
As we honor Luther “Mr. B” Binford, we celebrate not only a remarkable career but also the spirit and heart of the man behind the wheel. His journey – from an Alabama farm boy plowing fields behind mules, to an Air Force veteran, to a record-setting truck driver with over 4.3 million miles – is a testament to the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Luther’s life shows us that it’s never too late to find your calling and excel at it. At 91 years old, he continues to start his engine each day with a sense of purpose and gratitude, embodying the phrase “driven by purpose” in the most literal and profound way. He once said, “God is just not ready for me yet… He has something else He wants me to do, and I’m gonna hang around and find out what it is”. For all of us who have been touched by his story, we are thankful that Luther Binford has “hung around” this long and shared his journey with us.
In an age of constant change, Mr. B reminds us of the enduring power of passion and purpose. His approach to each haul as a mission to be accomplished has sustained him through decades on the road. His big rig may eventually roll to a final stop, but the example he has set will continue to roll on in the lives of others. Luther often describes his work as a “paid vacation,” but those of us watching him would call it a master class in loving what you do and seeing purpose in your work. Thank you, Mr. Binford, for every mile, every mission completed, and every smile. Your road has been long and extraordinary, and through it all, you have shown that the greatest rewards in life come from giving your very best. Happy Birthday and God bless you, Luther – you truly are a legend on the road.