Edward Heard Jr.’s Commitment to Leading the Next Generation of Truck Drivers
Edward Heard Jr, a seasoned professional truck driver with 13 years of experience, has spent nearly a decade of his career at Highway Transport. His dedication to safety and outstanding performance on the road, boasting almost 900,000 accident-free miles, has earned him a spot as an elite eight finalist for the National Tank Truck Carrier Driver of the Year.
Edward stumbled upon tank driving and discovered it to be an unexpectedly peaceful and rewarding career. Despite the inherent danger of transporting hazardous materials, he finds tranquility in his work and considers it the most fulfilling job he has ever had. According to Edward, the key to driving with ease lies in prioritizing safety as a core value — a deliberate and purposeful commitment to ensuring everyone’s well-being and delivering the cargo securely to its destination.
Highlighting the importance of safety, Edward shared insights into his daily routine. His safety regimen begins with prioritizing proper rest to ensure he is mentally sharp. He meticulously conducts all necessary inspections before hitting the road and continues to perform checks at each stop, emphasizing that safety is non-negotiable and should always take precedence.
Edward’s commitment to safety and excellence is one of the reasons he has been chosen as a finalist for the prestigious NTTC Driver of the Year award. Reflecting on this recognition, he expressed its significance in his professional journey and how it provides a platform to showcase the positive stories of tank truck drivers who often go unnoticed.
“This is a pinnacle mark in my professional career. Most people do not get the opportunity to share their talents like this so to receive the William A. Usher, Sr. trophy would mean everything, especially for a tank truck driver since a lot of us feel that we don’t get the recognition that we deserve. Others paint us in a negative light, and it is awesome to have this platform to share our stories, so I’m honored and very grateful for the opportunity.”
Edward envisions using the title of Driver of the Year to expand his mentorship efforts. Already deeply invested in mentoring, he believes the recognition would make it easier for him to guide and support other talented and younger drivers. He shared that he has helped train over 100 new drivers. When they start the training, many are distracted and have personal issues, but with Edward’s mentoring, he has been able to guide them in the right direction. For Edward, mentorship is more than just technical training; it’s about imparting life skills and providing encouragement to those who may be struggling personally.
“A lot of these guys are crying out for help. They’ve never had a mentor, so it’s up to you to encourage and teach them, and I guarantee you to go a long way. In the future, your mentee may not remember you or your name, but they will remember the help you provided.”
As Edward looks forward to potentially being crowned Driver of the Year, his commitment to mentorship remains steadfast, with a vision of leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of drivers.
