Truckload Carriers Association Names

Scott Derrick a TCA Highway Angel

March 19th, 2026

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Scott Derrick, a professional driver for ABF Freight, a TCA Highway Angel for his heroic actions following a fiery crash on Interstate 15 in California.

In the early morning hours of November 8, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Derrick was traveling northbound on I-15 near Oak Hills, California, when he came upon a serious accident involving a Honda passenger vehicle and a UPS truck. The Honda had collided with the UPS truck and was engulfed in flames.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” says Derrick.

Without hesitation, Derrick pulled his ABF tractor to a stop and grabbed the onboard fire extinguisher. The driver of the UPS truck was pulling people out of the back of the burning car, but there was one man still stuck inside.

“The flames were hitting him in the face,” he said. “I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

He quickly worked to suppress the flames, temporarily knocking down the fire and creating a critical window of time. That swift action allowed him to reach the vehicle and pull the injured man to safety.

“Everybody just gave up,” says Derrick. “I thought, I’m not letting this guy burn.”

His courage and decisive response in a dangerous, fast-moving situation likely prevented further injury — or worse.

“I hugged him and I said, “Dude, you’re hurt, but you’re alive!” the 30-year truck driver said.

Derrick’s actions reflect the professionalism and commitment to safety demonstrated daily by America’s professional truck drivers.

“I just thought, he’s not gonna die while I’m here tonight,” says Derrick.

Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Derrick.

The TCA Highway Angels website can be accessed at https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.