I have to admit, I consumed this one via audiobook. And instead of trying to get drawn into this book, I let it sort of drift past me. The audiobook is narrated by McPhee, who has a great voice for the task and some fun pronunciations, even though he's just a fellow New Jerseyan.
It's great, in the way that all of the other McPhee books I've read have been great: he shares a little timeless wisdom about people, some fun facts about how barges and semi trailers work, engaging sketches of lots of great personalities. I'd read it in book form to absorb more, but even as an audiobook that just accompanied me on my morning walking commute, Uncommon Carriers was a welcome companion.