For nearly two decades, Lemmon and Cynthia Soza have made long-haul trucking work as both a business partnership and a marriage. The Nicaragua and Costa Rica natives found their rhythm early: when one drives, the other sleeps, enabling them to run their truck nearly continuously across the 5,000-mile round trips between Ayr, Ontario and Montebello, California. It's a demanding schedule that requires precise timing and reliability from both their relationship and their equipment.

The Sozas have been loyal Volvo drivers since they began working as a team in 2009. Their latest truck — the all-new VNL 860 — is the fifth Volvo they’ve owned since becoming a driving team. It’s been a game-changer. The VNL 860 has transformed their operation in ways that extend far beyond the cab, delivering extraordinary fuel economy improvements and comfort features that have enhanced their professional success.

The VNL 860's remarkable performance gains, delivering fuel economy improvements that have dropped their operating costs from 70 cents per mile to just 47 cents per mile, mean this early adoption opportunity has already begun paying dividends for every mile they drive.

For a husband-and-wife team of owner-operators whose truck serves as both their office and their home away from home, the VNL 860's spacious sleeper, advanced amenities, and industry-leading sleeping environment mean the difference between merely surviving long hauls and truly thriving during them.

The power couple: Profile of a husband-and-wife truck driving duo

Q: How did you two get started in trucking?

A: "I started driving in 1997 and bought my own truck for the first time in 2005," says Lemmon Soza, who thought trucking would suit him much better than his previous construction jobs.

"I like the open road, the freedom, meeting new people everywhere. I love traveling across Canada, into the US." For Cynthia Soza, the path was different but equally determined. "Back in 2008 there was this recession, and rumors that it would be hard out there for solo drivers. The feeling, at the time, was the industry was going to seek out team drivers," she explains. "I wanted to try it with Lemmon. The rest is history. And this year it will be 17 years driving together."

Q: What's it like being both a driving team and a husband and wife at the same time?

A: "This was another challenge too, especially in the beginning. It was a small space. But you get used to it, right?” Cynthia quips. Lemmon adds with a chuckle, "When I'm driving, she's sleeping, but she's not always sleeping. It's not always drive, drive, drive. Sometimes she gets out of the bunk and has an actual conversation with me."

"For sure. Another great thing about being a husband-and-wife team is, yes, we are working, but at the same time, if we make a good plan, we can sometimes stop and sightsee and discover new places. It's almost like being on vacation!" Cynthia notes.

Engineering excellence meets real-world performance

The Sozas have run with Ayr-based Liberty Linehaul for more than a decade. Ron Cameron, Liberty’s Director of Safety, has been watching the Sozas' performance closely since they took delivery of their VNL 860, and what he's seen has surprised even him.

"One of the key things I tell all of our owner operators is let the numbers make sense. Look at your total cost for the truck," Cameron explains.

The VNL 860's dramatic efficiency gains stem from a comprehensive redesign that touches every aspect of the truck's performance. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab cuts through the air with minimal resistance, while the curved and bonded windshield, tighter wheel closeouts, and optimized chassis fairings work together to slash drag.

"This engine and transmission are a wonder. It's so quiet yet when I consider the money I’m making, it sounds like music to my ears," Lemmon observes.

Efficiency is just one piece of the puzzle

For the Sozas’ weekly 5,000-mile round trips, comfort and livability matter just as much as fuel economy.

"I love it. I have my little kitchen and microwave. I love having the room for my little grill. And the airplane-style window shades are amazing," Cynthia says, describing their rolling home.

The VNL 860's 74-inch full-height sleeper also delivers one of the industry's largest mattresses, and the difference is immediately apparent. "After we took delivery of this truck, I have slept better, and longer hours, than ever before,” Cynthia explains. “I used to wake up every time my husband would stop for any reason. But now it's like sleeping on a cloud."

Tony Cybulski is a long-time sales representative at Expressway Trucks in Ayr, and he’s sold the Sozas each of their previous Volvos. He’s been watching customer reactions to the new VNL across his territory, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Some of the new features on the VNL that my owner-operator customers are taking notice of are the drivability, the quietness and smoothness of the ride, the car-like driving features, and of course, the sloped windshield. You can't even see the hood!”

Bold results

Perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from someone who's been in the business long enough to see trends come and go. Cameron says they take note when owner-operators like the Sozas are being successful with a new truck,

An endless horizon of possibility

The Sozas' success story demonstrates that rewards come to those willing to recognize opportunity, embrace thoughtful innovation, and act.

The early bird gets the worm. The early adopter gets the profit. And for the Sozas, that profit is already showing up where it matters most: in their bottom line and in their life together on North America's highways.