“Trucking is the best job in the world to me.”

Derrick Only, Professional Truck Driver, Pilot Company

Professional driver Derrick Only has been working in the trucking industry for 30 years now. He works for Pilot Company as the lead driver in Denver, Colorado managing a crew of drivers and overseeing daily operations.

An Army veteran, Derrick made the decision to join the trucking industry after he left the military. Because Derrick specialized in heavy equipment and had experience as a tank driver, he considered a job as a truck driver after his four years of military service.

With experience driving tanks, and a love for driving, long car rides and traveling, Derrick found a career he loves in trucking. “Being a truck driver, you’ve got to love to drive.” Explaining what he loves most about trucking, Derrick cited the ability to see America and different scenery. “When you’re out on the road, that’s when you get to see America.” With trucking, “you get paid to see the country,” he explained.

Speaking about taking a job in trucking all those years ago, Derrick said, “I never thought I would be doing it this long. It’s just something I wanted to try and I’m still pinching myself!”

While Pilot Company drivers transport products, like hazmat fuel and gas, safety is the most important thing to Derrick when he is behind the wheel or managing his crew of drivers. “I look at it this way,” he told TMAF. “We can get another truck, but we can’t get another you…safety has to be the forefront.”

Derrick’s love for trucking has influenced his fellow family members to join the industry too. His two brothers and his son all drive trucks now. “I kind of started a tradition! I’ve got everyone in a truck now,” he joked.

Having a mixture of people that represents America as a whole, is important Derrick told TMAF. He explained that in his 30 years within trucking, he has been pleased to see the industry become more diverse.

While trucking may not be a job for everyone, there are many benefits and opportunities that come with a career in trucking. Most importantly to Derrick, trucking provides you with the opportunity to manage your own time and money.

“Trucking is the best job in the world to me. I did it and I fell in love with the job. I can’t envision doing anything else.”

In his spare time, Derrick likes to go to the gym, workout and swim. He enjoys his downtime and the opportunity to relax.