Cagri Sarigoz · Updated August 19, 2025
Nathaniel James Bruce, a CitizenShipper driver and Coast Guard veteran, has blended his love for animals and his sense of adventure into a fulfilling career. Growing up on an 80-acre farm instilled in him a deep affinity for animals, which he continues to nurture today with his rescue dog and cat. Currently residing with his family, Nathaniel has embarked on a new journey with CitizenShipper, driven by the desire to be his own boss and to explore the country. In this driver interview, we’ll learn more about his time using CitizenShipper.
Discovering CitizenShipper: A Leap into the Unknown
It all began when Nathaniel stumbled upon a YouTube video that mentioned CitizenShipper. Intrigued by the prospect of charting his own course across the country, he decided to join the platform. Reflecting on his initial experience, Nathaniel recalls, “On day three of bidding, I finally won my first job and was really excited to get started. It was stressful not knowing where, what, or when my next job would be, yet I found I was up for the adventure of it all.”
Memorable Experiences: Touching Lives One Pet at a Time
Nathaniel often finds himself transporting dogs, but one of his most memorable experiences involved a cat whose owner had passed away. “The cat had completely shut down,” Nathaniel shared. “During the trip to her new forever home, I was able to slowly bring her out of her shell, and I had her curled up in my lap and purring in no time. Transporting animals from rough conditions to happy endings is the best part of this job.”
Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Safety is paramount for Nathaniel, who drives a 2017 Ford Transit 250. Each animal is secured in their individual carrier and kept separate throughout the journey. He harnesses dogs with individual leashes, and breaks are conducted one dog at a time. Cats usually remain in their carriers, though Nathaniel sometimes interacts with them within the van. Extra blankets, food and water accompany the trips, and he meticulously sanitizes the carriers and van after each delivery.
Communication: The Pillar of Trust
For Nathaniel, communication with pet owners is crucial. He remarks, “99% of my client communication is through text, so we both have records of what’s said and agreed upon. I typically set up a group chat if multiple parties are involved.” His dedication to frequent updates with photos, videos and GPS locations ensures that clients remain at ease. “Clients are happy to receive those updates and often reach out with updates on their pets post-delivery,” Nathaniel adds.
Aspirations and Growth
Nathaniel is committed to his role as a full-time driver. He has expressed interest in expanding his operations to include other drivers. As for now, he focuses on improving his current service – “I want to invest in a newer van, better climate control and top-notch carriers. I’m gonna class up the joint!”
Valuable Insights for New Drivers
Nathaniel encourages new drivers by saying, “Driving is the easy part. Engaging with potential clients and selling yourself is essential. Flexibility is key! Stay on the road as long as you can, and if you don’t have immediate jobs, something will pop up.” He also underlines the importance of communication for increasing customer satisfaction.
The Rewarding Path of CitizenShipper
Despite the challenges, Nathaniel James Bruce finds immense fulfillment in reuniting pets with their owners or helping them find new homes. “Helping an animal’s story end happily is the cat’s pajamas!” he exclaims. His travels have highlighted commonalities amongst diverse communities, enriching his journey with profound human and animal connections.
For those contemplating joining the CitizenShipper community, Nathaniel’s story serves as a testament to the rewarding experiences that await. The blend of flexibility, personal empowerment, and the chance to make a positive impact on lives, all form the essence of being a CitizenShipper driver.
Marketing and product leader with over 14 years of experience, proficient in growth marketing, product management, and team development in fast-paced environments. Experienced in establishing and growing marketing functions and teams from the ground up.
