“Trucking is bigger and greater than what you can even image.”

Darrien Henderson, Professional Truck Driver, J&M Tank Lines Inc.

Darrien Henderson is a professional truck driver from Mobile, Alabama who has been driving for 23 years. He is a tank driver and hauls several products, including cement and calcium. He is mainly a local driver delivering to communities within his state.

Over his career, he has accumulated over one million accident-free miles. He serves as a trucking ambassador on America’s Road Team Captains for 2022–2023.

At the start of his career, Darrien was a sanitation worker. At that time, Darrien’s friend encouraged him to get his CDL license. Having an interest in trucks from an early age, Darrien made the decision to join the industry and get his license. Darrien told TMAF, “I always had a passion for trucks when I was younger. Throughout my career, I’ve tried other jobs to give myself options, but it was always the trucks. I gravitated to them.”

Safety while behind the wheel and on the job is extremely important to Darrien. As a safety trainer at his company, his job includes training new tank truck drivers. “I like to teach by giving the drivers scenarios based on experiences that have happened to me or someone I know.” He continued, “I always tell them — be cautious, be safe at the job site, and follow a check list to get back home safely. If you do something every day, it becomes routine.”

Darrien’s commitment to safety pays off and has been recognized by several customers when he makes his stops at the plants. He has been told by many customers that they are impressed with his dedication to his job and safety. He said, “While I’m on the job, I make sure my truck is clean and I look the part. I take pride my job. While offloading at a site, I’m always walking around my truck and trailer to check on everything. I’ve had several people at the plants notice. I’m just doing my job, but it makes you feel good that people notice. It makes you want to do more.”

“Trucking is a great career,” he stated. “There’s a lot of opportunities in the industry now — a lot of great career opportunities.” He encourages people who are interested in trucking to join. “Come on in and be a part of the trucking industry. It’s bigger and greater than what you can even image,” Darrien stated.

Darrien also explained how now is a great time to be a truck driver with people taking notice and appreciating our work throughout the pandemic, which has been very tough on drivers. “We’ve been going through a lot keeping the country going, but we keep doing what we’re doing to keep moving America forward. I like to recognize my fellow drivers and congratulate them.”