Truck Drivers USA asked its audience, “What’s a rookie mistake you made once and never again?” Drivers shared stories from their first months behind the wheel as well as mistakes that happened later in their careers. Their responses show how one bad moment can lead to a habit that lasts for decades.

Trailer Hookups Leave Little Room for Shortcuts

Hooking and unhooking mistakes appeared throughout the responses, especially when drivers were distracted or in a hurry.

Nathan Toennies forgot to lower the landing gear while dropping an empty trailer. The trailer landed on the truck frame, and the close call taught him to slow down and double-check the process before pulling away.

Connie Baker backed under a loaded trailer without first checking its height over the fifth wheel. After jumping the fifth wheel, she spent more than an hour carefully working the tractor back out so she could lower the trailer and reconnect correctly.

Cody Huddleston also high hooked a trailer during his first day alone in a new company truck. The kingpin passed the fifth wheel and became stuck in front of the skid plate, turning a rushed hookup into a mistake he never repeated.

James West developed a second walk around after forgetting to lower the landing gear while dropping an empty trailer. He now checks the connection process again whenever he hooks or unhooks, even when everything appears correct the first time.

Phillip Prince added another reason to inspect the fifth wheel before leaving. After returning from a brief stop inside a truck stop, he discovered that someone had pulled the release. The incident led him to check the fifth wheel after every stop and again before starting his day.

Rushing Can Disrupt Even Familiar Routines

Several drivers described mistakes that happened because they moved too quickly through a task they had already performed many times.

Dennis McIntyre parked at a truck stop in Des Moines and went inside to eat without setting the parking brake. While sitting near a window, he saw the truck begin rolling toward another row of parked vehicles. He reached the cab and stopped it with about a foot and a half to spare.

Jerry Winn also rushed while dropping a trailer and forgot the landing gear. Because he pulled forward slowly, the trailer landed on the truck frame instead of falling to the ground.

Dave Roberts forgot to disconnect the air lines before pulling away from a trailer. The lines were torn apart, leaving him with a costly reminder that the final walk around matters just as much as the first one.

Rodney Moscovitch backed toward a dock without securing the open trailer doors. The mistake reinforced a simple routine that can easily be missed when a driver is focused only on reaching the dock.

Ed Calvert skipped a pre-trip inspection because he was in a hurry. Nothing serious happened, but the possibility of what could have gone wrong was enough to make the lesson permanent.

Route Decisions Can Become Hard to Undo

A wrong turn in a passenger vehicle may cost a few minutes. In a tractor-trailer, the same decision can end at a low bridge, a dead end, or a space with no room to turn around.

Larry Grin reached a low bridge in Chicago but was able to stop before striking it. Diane Virgin also learned not to follow GPS directions blindly after being routed through downtown Chicago.

Tara Marie had a similar experience after using Google Maps to avoid traffic in Portland, Oregon. The shortcut showed why navigation designed for passenger vehicles cannot account for every restriction a truck driver needs to consider.

Chris Busch missed an interstate exit after a car blocked his lane change. He took the next exit expecting to make two left turns and return to the highway, but the second turn did not exist. The route instead led into a housing development under construction, where a worker helped him find a way out.

Harley Beers drove to a shipper after dispatch told him to try the location even though it might be closed. He found a locked gate and barely enough room to turn around without entering a cemetery. Since then, he calls ahead and waits for confirmation before entering a location that may not be open.

Weather and Terrain Punish Assumptions

Some of the most serious responses involved drivers who misjudged rain, snow, ice, or mountain grades.

Ron Tired left the cruise control engaged in the rain because he believed the loaded truck was too heavy to lose traction. He regained control, but the experience reminded him that weight does not eliminate the risk of hydroplaning.

Keith Morgan learned not to assume the road was safe simply because conditions looked manageable from a truck stop parking lot.

Al Libby used the engine brake on packed snow and felt a loaded reefer begin to come around quickly. The truck’s reaction made the risk clear and changed how he handled similar conditions afterward.

Smitty Smith began descending a mountain in too high of a gear without an engine brake. Victor Krueger also misjudged his position on Cabbage Hill after thinking he had already reached the final curve. Both experiences showed how quickly a familiar grade can become dangerous when speed, gearing, or location is misjudged.

Kennedy William Packee removed his chains after reaching a pullout with a slight incline, then discovered he could not pull forward. The truck nearly moved toward the edge before he learned how carefully momentum had to be managed on the ice.

Weight and Load Checks Cannot Be Assumed.

A few drivers learned early that paperwork, load information, and axle weights still need to be verified before leaving.

Kolina Olson did not scale a load and received a $1,200 lesson that led her to scale every load afterward.

Zach Lively said his driving school had not covered sliding tandems. When he reached a scale house, the trailer was about 2,000 pounds overweight while the drives remained well under their limit. He ended up moving bags of dog food inside the trailer by hand because he did not yet understand how to correct the axle distribution.

Ken Woodward accepted an overweight load on his first solo trip and became stuck both leaving the mill and again during delivery. The experience gave him an immediate education in how weight affects traction, access, and the entire trip.

Eddie De Leon loaded milo instead of corn, showing that even the correct trailer at the correct facility still requires confirmation of the actual product being loaded.

The Best Lessons Become Daily Habits

Every driver has a different story, but the takeaway is remarkably consistent. The mistake itself is rarely what lasts. The routine that develops afterward is what stays with a driver throughout a career.

Jeff Parks, who has spent 36 years behind the wheel, admitted that mistakes can still happen from time to time. Scott Dilg, after 33 years of driving, joked that he is still getting better. Their comments serve as a reminder that experience doesn’t eliminate mistakes, but it does encourage drivers to build better habits from them.

What started as one forgotten step, one wrong turn, or one rushed decision became a lesson these drivers say they never needed to learn twice.

Join our TDUSA Facebook community to join in on conversations like these.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 23, 2026

The post The Rookie Mistakes Truck Drivers Say They Learned the Hard Way appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

We asked the TDUSA community to tell us about a time another truck driver helped them when they really needed it. The responses came from drivers with decades behind the wheel and from those who were only days into their careers. Some stories involved major challenges, while others centered on a simple gesture that left a lasting impression.

Together, they serve as a reminder that even in a fast-paced industry, there are still drivers willing to stop, lend a hand, and help someone get safely back on the road.

The Drivers Who Shared Their Experience

For Joseph Caruso, help arrived unexpectedly during a chaotic delivery at an Aldi distribution center in Indiana.

With more than 100 trucks waiting to unload, another driver noticed Joseph struggling to back into a tight parking space. The driver asked for his phone number, called him, and guided him into the spot step by step while watching from outside.

Joseph said he’ll never forget the stranger who appeared “like a guardian angel.”

Some acts of kindness didn’t involve tools or equipment at all.

Rudy N Tara Fraga shared that during one of the worst days of her life, another driver simply looked at her outside a truck stop and said, “It’ll be okay.” Those three words, spoken by someone she had never met, stayed with her long after the moment had passed.

Learning From Drivers Who Had Been There Before

Many responses came from drivers who remembered experienced truckers taking the time to help someone just starting.

Christie Marshall recalled learning to slide trailer tandems years ago, when it often required two people. While some told her to figure it out on her own, she said it was the veteran drivers who stepped in to help and teach. Looking back after 24 years behind the wheel, those lessons are still among the ones she remembers most.

Penny Lang shared a similar experience from her early days driving in Chicago. Struggling to back into a difficult location, she was approached by an older Carroll Fulmer driver who asked if he could help. She watched him complete the maneuver, picking up techniques she says she has never forgotten.

For Indie Smith, the moment came during her first week driving solo. It was late, raining, and she found herself overwhelmed trying to complete a blindside back. After seeing she was struggling, another driver climbed into her truck and backed it into the dock. Eight years later, she credits that act of kindness with helping her continue her trucking career.

Help That Kept Drivers Moving

Some drivers remembered practical assistance that turned a difficult situation into a manageable one.

While driving through a Pennsylvania blizzard, Vivian Wheeler lost a windshield wiper and could barely see the road. A driver behind her realized what had happened, caught up with her at an off-ramp, and handed her a replacement wiper. When Vivian offered to pay, he simply told her to pay it forward. She says she has tried to do exactly that ever since.

Donald Wolf said another driver showed him how to install tire chains during a Wyoming snowstorm when he had never chained up before.

Coming down Colorado’s Wolf Creek Pass with a fully loaded lumber trailer, Lethane Smith was guided by two experienced drivers using CB radios. One stayed in front, another behind, talking him safely down the mountain every step of the way.

Jay Belliveau recalled breaking down along the highway near Fremont, Ohio. After sitting for more than 14 hours waiting for repairs, a local truck driver who had passed him earlier in the day stopped on his way home with food and drinks, simply wanting to check on someone having a rough day.

Sometimes It’s the Smallest Gestures

Not every memorable story involved an emergency.

Raelyn Osborne spent nearly 30 minutes trying to position her fifth wheel before another driver walked over and helped line it up in about a minute.

When Yvonne Alabama accidentally high-hooked a loaded trailer as a new driver, another trucker arrived with a board and helped free her truck.

Mel Luke shared how another driver noticed lumber shifting on his trailer, contacted him over the CB radio, and met him at a nearby rest area. Together, they worked the boards back into place before continuing down the road.

Even when help wasn’t requested, fellow drivers noticed when someone needed it.

Steven Kopp Sr. remembered being thrown from his flatbed after a winter wind caught his tarp. Two nearby drivers rushed over, helped him back into his truck, and finished securing the load before sending him on his way.

 A Tradition Worth Continuing

Many of the stories shared by the TDUSA community happened years ago. Others took place only recently. What they all have in common is that another truck driver chose to stop what they were doing to help someone else.

Whether it was offering advice over a CB radio, replacing a broken windshield wiper, backing into a difficult dock, or simply offering encouraging words at the right moment, those small acts left a lasting impression.

Professional truck drivers spend countless hours traveling America’s highways. These stories show that sometimes the moments people remember most have nothing to do with the miles they drove, but with the people they met along the way. Join the TDUSA Facebook community today to be a part of conversations like these.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 16, 2026

The post Truck Drivers Share the Acts of Kindness from Fellow Drivers They’ll Never Forget appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For Marty Ellis, a tour truck operator with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), transporting The Wall That Heals became one of the most meaningful trips of his career.

The traveling exhibit, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., visits communities across the country alongside a mobile education center, allowing veterans and their families to experience the memorial closer to home.

When Ellis was asked to haul the exhibit, accepting the assignment came naturally.

“I know a lot of veterans that were in Vietnam. My uncle was in the Coast Guard, and he got wounded over there,” Ellis told The Trucker. “So many people from Vietnam were treated so poorly when they came back. I felt that this is a way to show my respect for what they had to go through. Not only serving, but also when they got back — how they were treated.”

More Than Just Another Trailer

Ellis said the significance of the trip didn’t fully sink in until he was already on the road.

“Hauling the wall — you don’t think it’s going to be an emotional thing,” he said. “You’re just pulling around another trailer … until you’re driving along, thinking about all the names on that wall. It really hits hard.”

As the exhibit traveled from one community to the next, Ellis said people regularly acknowledged the truck with waves, honks, and personal stories.

One Vietnam veteran told Ellis that one of his close friends was among the names engraved on the memorial. Ellis encouraged him to visit the exhibit during its next stop.

Another encounter came from a motorcyclist who rode alongside the trailer for several moments.

“I could see the guy on the bike reaching out to touch the trailer,” Ellis recalled. “I don’t know if he ever touched it, but it was like he felt so strongly about connecting to it.”

Experiences like those reinforced the impact the traveling memorial continues to have on veterans, their families, and the communities it visits.

A Career Built Around Connecting with Drivers

Before entering the trucking industry, Ellis served in the U.S. Army. After leaving military service, he worked in his father-in-law’s beekeeping business before beginning a career in commercial trucking.

Today, he travels the country behind the wheel of OOIDA’s Spirit of the American Trucker, a mobile exhibit that visits truck stops, industry events, and trade shows to meet professional drivers and discuss issues affecting the industry.

Norita Taylor, OOIDA’s director of public relations and membership, said the association’s involvement with The Wall That Heals reflects its commitment to recognizing veterans within its membership.

“A lot of our members are veterans from all branches,” Taylor said. “We’ve been focused on making sure that we can honor that aspect of our membership.”

Meeting Drivers Where They Are

Ellis says one of the most rewarding parts of his job is having conversations with drivers where they work rather than expecting them to visit OOIDA’s headquarters.

“With this truck and trailer, we’re able to see them where they’re at, whether it’s a truck show or truck stops,” Ellis said. “I think it means a lot to our members to be able to see us and talk about some of the issues they have going on.”

As a commercial driver himself, Ellis believes that shared experience helps build trust.

“I have to deal with the same things that every driver out here has to do, whether it’s passing a physical, DOT regulations and that type of thing,” he said. “Once they realize that I drive this all over the country — it’s a different conversation after that.”

For Ellis, hauling The Wall That Heals was a reminder that trucking is about more than moving freight. Some loads leave a lasting impression long after the trip is over.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 9, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: OOIDA

The post OOIDA’s Marty Ellis Says Hauling the Wall That Heals Was Unlike Any Load He’s Ever Moved appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Nelson was traveling through California on May 21 after making a delivery when he stopped at a rest area along Interstate 40. While there, he noticed a family whose daughter’s vehicle had broken down after overheating in the desert heat during a trip from Los Angeles to New York.

Nelson first checked to see whether he could help determine what was wrong with the vehicle. After returning to his truck for supper, he said he kept thinking about the family.

“Afterwards I went back to my truck and was starting to eat supper, and it was weighing real heavy on me,” Nelson recalled. “The Lord was speaking to me and told me to go back and check on them, see if they needed any food or water or anything.”

When Nelson went back, he learned the family had been waiting for a tow truck and had run out of food and water.

“So I went back to my truck and got some snacks and some water,” he said. “They had called the tow truck, but it hadn’t come yet, and they were out of food and water. They didn’t have anything.”

Nelson shared what he had and stayed with the family until help arrived.

“I just couldn’t feel right about not at least offering to share with them what I had,” he said.

His actions prompted motorist Scott Morrison to nominate him for recognition through TCA’s Highway Angel program.

“Thank you,” Morrison wrote. “I’m not sure if Mike works for you, but if he does, he was very kind to us when our car broke down in California. He made sure we had water and any other necessities while we waited for AAA. His kindness was very appreciated.”

Nelson has been driving professionally since the mid 1990s and said he did not expect to be recognized for helping.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I was just thankful that, you know, you show a little kindness when somebody’s having some trouble.”

The Highway Angel program recognizes professional truck drivers who show courage, compassion, and service while on the road. More information about the program is available through the Truckload Carriers Association.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 2, 2026

Source: Truckers News

image Source: Mike Nelson

The post Crawford Trucking Driver Named Highway Angel After Helping Stranded Family appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A lot of drivers are surprised by how much progress happens during that first year. Tasks that felt stressful early on eventually start feeling routine. Backing improves, trip planning gets easier, communication becomes smoother, and drivers start learning how to handle problems without every delay turning into a bad day. The adjustment period is real, but so is the growth that comes with experience.

The Pace of the Job Starts Making More Sense

The first few months can feel busy because everything is happening at once. Freight schedules, customer appointments, fuel stops, traffic, weather, parking, and hours of service all start shaping the day in ways CDL school cannot fully recreate.

Over time, drivers usually start noticing patterns. They learn which truck stops fill early, how much extra time certain routes require, which customers move freight quickly, and how to build more realistic trip plans instead of trying to force every day into a perfect schedule. That experience makes the job feel more manageable.

A driver who felt overwhelmed during the first month may feel far more comfortable handling the same run several months later simply because the routine is no longer unfamiliar.

Confidence Behind the Wheel Builds Gradually

Most drivers become more comfortable driving on the highway fairly quickly. Tight docks, crowded truck stops, narrow customer lots, and difficult backing situations usually take longer.

That is normal during the first year. A lot of improvement comes from repetition. Drivers start learning how to set up backing angles better, when to stop and reset, how to watch trailer movement earlier, and how to stay calmer when other trucks are waiting nearby.

Many experienced drivers still remember difficult backing situations from their first year because almost everybody deals with them while learning.

The difference is that situations that once felt stressful eventually start feeling much more routine with enough time behind the wheel.

Drivers Usually Learn What Type of Trucking Fits Them Best

The first job is not always the type of trucking a driver stays in long-term. Some drivers realize they prefer regional routes over long-haul freight after spending more time away from home. Others become interested in flatbed, tanker, dedicated freight, local work, or specialized hauling once they gain more exposure to different parts of the industry.

That first year gives drivers a better understanding of how different schedules, freight types, equipment, and companies can completely change the day-to-day experience. For many drivers, the first year is when career goals start becoming more specific.

The Lifestyle Side of Trucking Takes Adjustment

The schedule change can still take time to get used to during the first year. Sleep routines may change constantly. Food options are not always ideal on the road. Home time may feel different from what was expected, especially for drivers running longer routes.

Most drivers eventually start building routines that make life on the road easier to manage. Better trip planning, more organized downtime, and learning how to balance work and rest usually make a major difference once drivers settle into the job.

The first year often feels like a learning period because it is one. Drivers are building skills, routines, confidence, and experience at the same time.

By the end of that first year, many drivers look back and realize how much more comfortable the job feels compared to when they first started.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

The post What New Truck Drivers Should Expect During Their First Year on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

What First-Year Truck Drivers Actually Earn

New drivers are usually paid per mile, with starting rates around 40 to 55 cents per mile, depending on the carrier and freight type. Weekly income often falls between 800 and 1,300 dollars, but it can swing lower or higher depending on miles and delays.

Lower weeks tend to come from sitting at shippers, waiting on dispatch, or running shorter loads. Higher weeks come from steady miles, longer routes, and fewer delays. Pay becomes more consistent after the first few months once dispatch sees reliable performance.

What the Schedule Really Looks Like

First-year roles are typically over the road. A common schedule is two to three weeks out with two to four days at home, though it varies by carrier.

Daily plans are built around delivery times, hours of service limits, and load availability. Some days involve full driving shifts, while others include long wait times at docks. The biggest adjustment early on is managing time when plans change.

Local and dedicated routes are rarely available at the start. Many companies require several months to a year of experience before moving into those positions.

What Training and Early Driving Are Actually Like

Training usually begins with a trainer for several weeks before running solo. This period focuses on real conditions, including backing into tight docks, planning routes, and handling live loads.

After going solo, mistakes can happen. Missed turns, slow backing, and time management issues are common early on. Carriers track performance closely during the first year. Great improvement leads to better loads and more consistent miles.

What Expenses and Deductions Look Like

Company drivers generally have limited out-of-pocket costs, but deductions can still appear for benefits, advances, or equipment. These reduce take-home pay and can catch new drivers off guard.

Owner-operators take on higher costs, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments. Earnings can be higher, but income is less predictable early on.

What Affects Your Opportunities After Year One

The first year is used to measure safety, reliability, and consistency. A clean record and steady delivery history lead to better routes, higher-paying freight, and more flexibility.

Higher-paying positions, including dedicated lanes, local routes, and specialized freight, usually require six to twelve months of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the first year the hardest part of trucking?
A: Yes. It involves adjusting to time away from home, inconsistent schedules, and learning how to manage miles and time.

Q: How long does it take for pay to improve?
A: Pay typically becomes more consistent after three to six months as miles stabilize and performance improves.

Q: When can drivers move into local jobs?
A: Most local roles require six to twelve months of experience, depending on the company.

Q: Why do some weeks pay less than others?
A: Lower weeks are usually caused by delays at shippers, fewer miles, or time spent waiting between loads.

Q: What matters most in the first year?
A: Safe driving, on-time delivery, and running consistent miles.

What the First Year Sets Up

The first year determines what comes next. Drivers who stay safe, run consistently, and avoid violations are the ones who move into better-paying routes and more stable schedules.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 2, 2026

The post What to Expect in Your First Year as a Truck Driver appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Specialty Award Winners

• Rookie of the Year: Thomas Brownlow, XPO
• Written Test Champion: Steve Elliston, Walmart
• Pre-Trip Champion: Brent Darnell, Southeastern Freight Lines
• Small Team Trophy: Old Dominion Freight Line
• Large Team Trophy: Walmart Transportation

Individual Class Winners

• Three-Axle: Chuck Pearson, ABF Freight System
• Four-Axle: Joe Norris, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Five-Axle: Tony Johnson, Frito-Lay
• Flatbed: David Price, Publix
• Sleeper: Mark Cofer, FedEx Freight
• Step Van: Matthew Futral, FedEx Express
• Straight Truck: Daniel Arnold, FedEx Freight
• Tanker: Steve Elliston, Walmart
• Twins: Darren Isreal, XPO

The National Truck Driving and Step Van Driving Competition is scheduled for August 11 through 14 in Pittsburgh.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 2, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Georgia Trucking Association

The post Frito-Lay Driver Wins Georgia Trucking Association Driving Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

The post Three Truck Drivers Recognized for Highway Angel Honors in March appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The announcement came during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The event highlights women who continue raising the bar across trucking through consistency, professionalism, and long-term impact.

A Career Built Over Decades

Brown’s career spans 46 years, covering everything from running as an independent owner-operator to managing operations for a specialized refrigerated fleet. She currently serves as operations manager at Blackjack Express LLC while still spending time behind the wheel hauling heavy, oversize, and refrigerated freight.

Her background includes launching Rollin’ B LLC and steadily building a reputation rooted in safety, reliability, and leadership. Over time, that consistency has turned into a legacy recognized across the industry.

She has also earned multiple honors throughout her career, including the National Association of Small Trucking Companies Woman Driver of the Year Award, the TA Petro Citizen Driver Award, and recognition as an inaugural inductee at the Mid-America Trucking Show Wall of Fame.

Leadership Beyond the Driver’s Seat

Brown has been involved with the Women In Trucking Association since 2007 as a charter member. She is now serving her second term on the board of directors and works as a liaison to the Women In Trucking Foundation board.

Her influence goes beyond titles. She has contributed as a safety collaborator with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has spent years mentoring other drivers while staying active in her community.

Her story also includes personal resilience, having survived melanoma cancer three times while continuing to stay engaged in the industry.

Recognition From Industry Leaders

Her selection for Driver of the Year reflects how peers and leadership view her impact.

“We are proud to recognize Ingrid, whose tireless commitment to excellence, safety, and empowering women in this industry sets a standard that inspires us all,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO.

That same respect is echoed by others who have worked alongside her.

“Ingrid consistently operates with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and integrity, understanding that her actions reflect not only on her company, but on the trucking industry as a whole,” said Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics. “Through her actions, attitude, and dedication, she elevates the profession and inspires those around her.”

What the Award Represents

The Driver of the Year Award, presented with support from Walmart, focuses on individuals who consistently prioritize safety while helping shape how the public views trucking.

“Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it reflects our commitment to safety, excellence, and a culture of belonging across transportation,” said Ryan McDaniel, Walmart senior vice president, transportation. “Ingrid Brown embodies what this recognition stands for: a seasoned professional whose leadership, safety advocacy, and dedication to the industry have made a meaningful impact. Congrats to Ingrid for being named Driver of the Year.”

Finalists Recognized Alongside Brown

Brown was selected from a strong group of finalists, each bringing their own contributions to the profession:

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, professional driver and driver development instructor, FedEx Freight
Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
KellyLynn McLaughlin, national transportation driver, dump and roll off, Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Why This Recognition Matters

Awards like this highlight what many already know. Long careers built on safety, consistency, and mentorship don’t just move freight. They shape the future of trucking.

Brown’s story reflects what’s possible when experience meets leadership and when drivers stay committed to doing the job right year after year.

The post Ingrid Brown Earns WIT 2026 Driver of the Year Recognition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Why Trucking Appeals to Beginners

Graduates fresh from CDL training step into entry-level trucking jobs starting around $50,000 annually, with pay climbing steadily as you rack up safe miles. Employers care more about your commitment and clean background than years behind the wheel.

Lifestyle Factors to Think Through

Many routes keep you away from home for days or even weeks, so gauge if that fits your life. You’ll handle physical tasks like climbing into the cab, inspections, and long hours seated, and passing a DOT physical for vision, hearing, and health comes first. CDL training typically costs $4,000 to $7,000, but company-sponsored programs often cover it for those eager to learn truck driving skills.

Sit down with family to discuss changing routines, including nights away or holiday shifts. Also plan for extras like fuel and roadside meals.

Finding the Right CDL Training Program

Look for programs running 4 to 8 weeks, mixing classroom lessons, yard drills, and road time to earn your Class A license. FMCSA-registered truck driving schools with 90%+ job placement and solid hands-on hours stand out. A nearby option eases the learn truck drive stretch without extra travel hassles.

Endorsements for hazmat or tankers can make you more hireable right away. Always review their test pass rates and company partnerships.

Official Directory of Truck Driving Schools

The FMCSA directory gives you a free, downloadable list of over 5,000 verified providers across the country. Check it out at FMCSA Training Provider Registry—search by state, see compliance info, and get direct contacts.

Put it to use like this:

• Focus on active schools with strong student success.
• Match up program lengths, prices, and schedules.
• Give your top picks a call to check openings.

It’s your straightforward path to quality CDL training.

Landing No Experience Truck Driving Jobs

Major carriers with student fleets pay you during training and guarantee entry-level trucking jobs once you finish truck driving school. Spotlight your new CDL and dependable attitude in applications for no-experience truck driving jobs. Job fairs right at training centers let you chat with recruiters on the spot.

Start regional for more home time and keep an eye on $5,000 sign-on bonuses in demand areas.

Interview Tips to Get Hired

Research the company’s routes and FMCSA safety ratings before you go. Arrive 15 minutes early with your CDL, medical card, resume, dressed in a collared shirt and boots.

Handle typical questions smoothly:

• Detail your pre-trip inspection from nose to tail.
• Explain safely managing a tire blowout or fatigue.
• Recap Hours of Service rules, like no more than 11 hours driving per day.

Ask about their training teams and home time to show you’re serious. Practice with STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for confident answers.

Your Step-by-Step Plan Forward

Download the FMCSA directory now and contact three schools. Set up your DOT physical this week. Tweak your resume to highlight skills like customer service or basic repairs.

Power through CDL training, pass your skills test, nail the interview, and claim that entry-level trucking job soon. Safe driving and best wishes on your journey!

The post Things to Consider if You Want to Be a Truck Driver: Complete Starter Guide for Aspiring Student Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.