Andrew Inlow, a truck driver from Booneville, Mississippi, was recently awarded the prestigious Highway Angel title by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Recognized for his extraordinary efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Andrew exemplified compassion and selflessness by helping feed hundreds stranded near Asheville, North Carolina. He drives for Maverick Transportation, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
A Community in Need
On September 27, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Andrew and several fellow truck drivers found themselves stranded in Candler, North Carolina, just outside Asheville. Hurricane Helene had crippled the region, leaving roads impassable, cutting off power, and isolating communities without communication or access to necessities. Parked at a TA Truck Stop, the truckers faced the common challenge of finding food amidst the devastation.
Andrew recalled, “We had a driver who was delivering hamburgers to restaurants in the area, so he actually opened up his unit and pulled out a box of hamburgers and started cooking for all the truck drivers.”
Inspired by this act of generosity, Andrew and others decided to take things further. The following day, he drove into Asheville with a group of drivers to search for supplies. They purchased another grill with a mission to prepare food for anyone in need.
“The food’s gonna go bad anyway, so that kind of kicked everything into motion,” Andrew explained.
Going Beyond Expectations
Andrew’s commitment extended well beyond the truck stop. He went door-to-door at a nearby Days Inn, asking guests if they were in need of food. Among the guests was Dianna Sains, traveling with her family to assist in a cross-country move. Stranded without food or water for nearly three days, Dianna overheard the news about food being shared by the truckers. She soon connected with Andrew, who ensured her family had access to what they needed.
“They had no food and no real water for almost three days,” Andrew said. Dianna expressed her gratitude for the truckers’ generosity, saying, “She got all excited because these big scary truck drivers were trying to give away food.”
Andrew also purchased snacks, chips, and drinks from the TA Truck Stop using his own funds—spending roughly $1,000 in total. Over the course of nearly five days, Andrew estimates that he and the other truckers helped feed around 150 stranded individuals.
Although he devoted most of his time to helping others, Andrew revealed that his own well-being took a backseat. “I hardly ate,” he admitted. “I actually had drivers that I had become friends with who forced me to eat because my mind was on everybody else.”
A Legacy of Kindness
Without the swift actions and generosity of Andrew and the group of truck drivers, the local community in Candler would have faced even greater challenges in those early, critical days following the hurricane.
“I always tried to stay on the positive side because there’s no reason to be negative and cause anybody to be negative,” Andrew shared. “I just did what anybody else should do.”
Recognizing Everyday Heroes
Andrew’s determination to help others aligns with the spirit of the TCA Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been honored as Highway Angels for their extraordinary acts of kindness, courage, and thoughtfulness while on the job. The program, with support from EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, celebrates drivers like Andrew who go above and beyond for others.
Source: Truckers News
Image: Truckers News
