The Journey of Herschel Evans: A Passion for Trucking

Nearly every professional truck driver can recall the precise moment they fell in love with trucking. For 53-year-old Herschel Evans, it dates back to his youth in Atlanta, before he obtained his driving license; he fondly remembers taking a long-nose blue Peterbilt to a local dairy bar for lunch.

Inspired by Family

Growing up in downtown Atlanta, Evans first felt the pull of the “bug” from his father, who was a strong proponent of do-it-yourself projects. “My father never hired anyone to handle repairs,” Evans reflected. “He handled plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and even truck repairs himself.”

Early Experiences with Trucks

Friends often visited the Evans home seeking assistance with their trucks, and young Evans would eagerly lend a hand to his father. “I was already putting clutches in trucks before I could drive,” he noted. His first exposure to those eye-catching Peterbilts was while washing trucks for General Truck Leasing, where he had to drive them around the terminal yard.

A Leap into Driving

His big break came when General Truck Leasing acquired 30 new trailers meant for leasing. Instead of sending long-term employees, they chose less experienced workers like Evans to deliver the trailers. Armed with a Class 5 license, he eventually found a part-time job delivering freight in metro Atlanta. Meanwhile, he pursued his dream of being a mechanic by starting as a fuel and wash man at Ryder Truck Rental.

Professional Achievements

Despite the lure of mechanics, Evans could not shake his love of driving. What began with that blue Peterbilt ultimately led him to Ryder’s driver’s seat and, later, to Holland in 1994. Today, he boasts over 3.1 million accident-free miles as a City C&P driver and serves as a trainer. In addition to his driving accolades, Evans is a respected trucking advocate and industry leader.

Community Involvement and Recognition

In 2011, Evans reformed a truck-driving championship into the Safety Drive for a Cure and has been deeply involved in charity initiatives, such as the Atlanta Ride for Kids. His efforts earned him spots on the American Trucking Associations’ America’s Road Team, along with several prestigious awards, such as the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award and the International Driver Excellence Award.

Dedication to Service

His commitment to trucking goes beyond personal achievement; Evans actively supports causes close to his heart, especially the Atlanta Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, which will benefit from the $2,500 cash award he received as a Citizen Driver in 2020. “Helping others is what I believe in,” he remarked, emphasizing his Christian values.

Evans takes immense pride in his career and the connections he’s built within the trucking community. “Trucking is indescribable,” he said. “It requires skill and dedication. You must truly understand the rules and your equipment to succeed.” Indeed, the industry is filled with dedicated individuals like Herschel Evans, further elevating the profession’s reputation.