The Open Road Stories

The Race to Pine Bluff

Vincent Fitzgerald Episode 9

Veteran truck driver Bobby "Big Rig" Durham is racing against the clock to make his final delivery of the night to the Tyson Foods distribution center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. With a strict deadline and a bonus on the line, Bobby pushes the limits of his rig, cutting corners—both literally and figuratively—to stay on schedule. As the minutes slip away, he takes risky turns, speeds through backroads, and dangerously overtakes another truck, all in a desperate bid to meet his quota.

Just when it seems like he might make it, flashing blue lights appear in his mirror—a state trooper has been waiting in the shadows. Knowing that pulling over means missing his deadline, Bobby hesitates, but ultimately relents, bringing his truck to a stop with only minutes to spare. The trooper confronts him about his reckless driving and seems ready to issue a ticket, but recognizing Bobby’s predicament, he lets him go with a warning.

Now with only two minutes left, Bobby pushes his truck to the limit and barrels into the warehouse just as the clock strikes midnight. He made it—barely. But at what cost?