From Delivery to Diplomacy: 2 UPS Drivers Chosen as Florida’s Trucker Ambassadors

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

When most folks think about truck drivers, they picture diesel fumes, long miles, and maybe a grumpy CB radio exchange. But two Jacksonville-based UPS drivers just flipped that script completely.

In a move that’s got the industry buzzing, the Florida Trucking Association (FTA) handpicked Demetrius “Dee” Hastings and Miguel Sanchez to be official ambassadors for the trucking industry. Yep — from hauling brown boxes to holding mics in front of classrooms and civic groups.

But this ain’t just a "feel-good" fluff piece. Let’s break it down — real talk style — and show why this story matters to every trucker out here grinding.

Meet the Drivers Behind the Headlines

Demetrius “Dee” Hastings and Miguel Sanchez both drive for UPS out of Jacksonville, Florida. With seven years of experience under their belts, these aren’t newbies — but they’re not grizzled lifers either.

What got them selected?

Outstanding safety records – these guys don’t just drive, they drive smart.
Leadership in the ranks – respected by peers, dependable, and known for showing up.
Positive representation – these are the drivers you'd actually want talking to your kids about safety.

That’s exactly what they'll be doing as part of the Florida Road Team, the FTA’s version of a public relations strike force for the industry.

So... What’s the “Florida Road Team” Anyway?

Think of it like a trucking diplomacy squad.

These drivers don’t just hop on a stage and wave. They:

Visit schools to teach kids how to safely interact with big rigs on the road.

Speak to community groups about the importance of the trucking industry.

Represent the human side of the industry to media, legislators, and the public.

It’s about flipping the script from “those truckers always in the way” to “those truckers literally keep America moving — safely.”

Why This Matters for You (Even If You’re Not in Florida or UPS)

This story proves a few things:

1. Trucking Is More Than Driving
Sure, getting loads from A to B is job one. But the best drivers are also ambassadors, educators, and leaders.
If you’ve got a clean record and carry yourself right, there may be more opportunities out there than just the next load.

2. Safety Sells
Too many folks sleep on the power of a clean CDL. Hastings and Sanchez got this gig because they stayed out of trouble and did the job right. That kind of track record opens doors — even ones that lead off the road.

3. The Industry Is Hungry for Positivity
There’s been a LOT of bad press lately — from low pay to burnout to layoffs. This move by the FTA shows the industry is investing in real people with real stories to help restore the image of trucking.

And YOU might be next.

Real Talk: Not Everyone Wants to Be an “Ambassador”

And that’s cool. But even if you ain’t tryna stand in front of a school full of teenagers, there are still some strong takeaways here:

Build your reputation. Safety record. Attitude. Work ethic. That stuff travels.

Develop your skills. Speaking. Leadership. Reliability. You never know who’s watching.

Look for leverage. Are there company programs, local trucking orgs, or outreach teams you could volunteer for?

Remember: The trucker stereotype is up for grabs — and folks like Sanchez and Hastings are rewriting it one school visit at a time.

Want to Build a Career and an Exit Plan?

Now here’s where it gets good. You might be inspired to follow in Dee and Miguel’s footsteps — or maybe you’re saying “That’s great, but I need a better way to make money off the road.”

Either way, don’t just scroll past this moment.

If you're already in trucking, now’s the time to:

Use your experience to start creating content

Learn AI tools to build passive income

Build a transition plan before burnout or breakdown takes the wheel

Final Thought

These two UPS drivers are proof that trucking ain't just a job — it's a platform. Whether you use that to inspire the next generation, start a side hustle, or take control of your future… it all starts with owning your story.

So here's the move, driver:
👉 Learn how to get started in trucking, upgrade your mindset, or build your own off-duty income hustle at LifeAsATrucker.com

👉 Already trucking and ready to make money on your own terms? Visit OffDutyMoney.com
to start stacking skills and dollars.

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