Welcome to a conversation starter and community storytelling project that explores the future, the past, and the rapid transformations shaping the present. Stealing Fire has spanned over 25,000 miles across 27 states, documenting and gathering stories about the work, life, technology, and perspectives within the trucking industry. This journey was partially captured in a video and published by More Perfect Union.  But the first few miles began with extensive research and a brief conversation with Ben Cleeton about his friend, Andre Ralow Wilson—a second-generation truck driver, featured above. Ralow has a bit of The Ghost of John Henry in him, just like every other truck driver on the road today. 
 

This project is a collection of images, videos, podcast episodes, and research materials aimed at bridging information gaps in the trucking community regarding the projected impacts of artificial intelligence. In April 2025, the first autonomous trucking company launched commercially on Interstate 45—a milestone that signals what’s to come, posing a serious risk to the livelihoods of 3.5 million truck drivers from diverse corners and communities across the United States. The goal of this project is to spark meaningful conversations about this critical shift. It took the dedication of many people to bring this vision to life. As we navigate these changes, let’s never forget: lift as you climb.