CANDLER, N.C. — Andrew Inlow, a professional driver for Maverick Transportation based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for his humanitarian response to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Stranded at a TA Truck Stop on September 27, 2024, Inlow shifted his focus from his own load to the immediate survival needs of the surrounding community after the storm crippled infrastructure and communication lines.
The logistics of the disaster left the Asheville area effectively cut off, with roads washed out and power grids failing. Inlow observed a fellow driver clearing out a refrigerated unit to cook hamburgers for stranded colleagues, an act that sparked a larger relief effort. Inlow and other drivers sourced an additional grill and began preparing meals for anyone in the vicinity, effectively turning a truck stop parking lot into a community kitchen. This commitment lasted for five days, during which Inlow bypassed his own nutritional needs to ensure others were fed.
Inlow’s reach extended beyond the truck stop when he began canvassing a nearby Days Inn to find families who had been without food or water for three days. One such family, traveling for a cross-country move, was rescued by Inlow’s initiative. By the end of the operation, Inlow had spent approximately $1,000 of his own money on supplies, including snacks and beverages, to support roughly 150 stranded individuals. His peers eventually had to intervene to ensure he consumed enough food himself while managing the ongoing relief operation.
What This Means for Drivers
This incident highlights the role of the modern CDL-A driver as a first responder when disaster strikes the supply chain. While fleet managers prioritize on-time delivery, owner-operators and company drivers often find themselves in the best position to provide aid in remote or damaged areas where traditional relief services cannot yet reach. Drivers should maintain a personal emergency kit that exceeds minimum FMCSA regulations to ensure they remain self-sufficient while assisting others in crisis zones.
Industry Reaction
The Truckload Carriers Association continues to highlight these instances to improve the public perception of the trucking industry. By recognizing the individual initiative of drivers like Inlow, the association underscores that professional drivers are often the backbone of disaster recovery efforts. While many trucking companies are hiring, the industry increasingly looks for candidates who demonstrate the level of character and community responsibility displayed by Inlow during the North Carolina recovery.
Key Points
- Andrew Inlow drives for Maverick Transportation, a Little Rock-based carrier.
- The relief effort took place in Candler, North Carolina, following the landfall of Hurricane Helene.
- Inlow personally funded approximately $1,000 in food and supplies for stranded civilians.
- The five-day operation provided meals for an estimated 150 people who lacked access to basic necessities.
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