
The best part of Terrel Herring’s job is making people smile.
“There’s never a dull moment with my job. It’s very rewarding to see the reaction from kids when you drive up and honk the horn, when you can help an elderly person with a can, or even just stop to chat a while,” Herring, 63, of Hallettsville, said.
Herring was recognized as the National Resident Driver of the Year with his job at Republic Services by the National Waste and Recycling Association, which each year recognizes outstanding drivers and operators who work in the waste and recycling services industry.
“This is a very humbling experience, and I never expected it, but this award is very much appreciated,” Herring said.
According to The National Waste and Recycling Association, the driver of the year awards are for drivers who are safe and responsible when operating their trucks, have outstanding performance records and drivers whose contributions have enhanced the overall safety and image of the solid waste industry.
The driver of the year awards are broken down into the three categories based on how many trucks are in the fleet at each company, local companies hat have less than 500 trucks in a fleet, regional companies that have 500 to 2,500 trucks and national companies that have more than 2,500 trucks in a fleet. Independent judges selected the winners based on the difficulty of a driver’s route based on the number of pickups and miles driven weekly as well as letters of recommendation.
After winning the award, Herring was presented the key to a new garbage truck by Republic Services’ Chief Operating Officer Gregg Brummer. The truck was named “Preacher.” The driver’s side door reads, “This truck is driven by Terrel Herring, National Waste and Recycling Association’s Driver of the Year.”
Herring started working at Republic Services over 26 years ago in San Antonio after a driver asked him whether he knew anyone with a commercial driver’s license who wanted to work for the company. That’s when Herring got his start at the company.
In 2012, he transferred to Victoria and became a residential driver. For 12 years, he has been a driver to the company.
Republic Services said Herring exemplifies a commitment to serve every day with his positivity and exceptional customer service.
Keep an eye out for Herring and his new truck when he drives around town. Give him a smile and a wave and it just might make his day.
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