Doyle Archer, a 90-year-old nonagenarian from Kansas, recently became the world’s oldest truck driver. Despite his age, Archer has been driving commercial big rigs for 60 years and has traveled a total of 5.5 million miles across the US and Canada. He has visited numerous landmarks and cities during his career, likening his job to an ongoing vacation where he gets to explore the country on a regular basis.
Archer has visited places like the Kennedy and Johnson space centers, driven along Route 66, and witnessed iconic landmarks such as the Twin Towers before they were tragically destroyed on 9/11. He acknowledges that being a truck driver requires hard work, long hours, and sometimes inconvenient schedules, but he remains dedicated to his job. He describes the responsibility of driving an 80,000-pound truck on the highway and the need to always stay focused.
Archer’s record as the oldest truck driver was verified by Guinness World Records on February 2 and was officially announced last month. Despite this recognition, Archer remains humble and does not plan on retiring anytime soon. He credits the support of his wife, Lois, of 70 years, in enabling him to continue his trucking career. He still has trips planned for the future, including an upcoming journey to Oklahoma, and expresses a lack of desire to retire anytime soon.
His love for trucking began in the early 1960s when gasoline was much cheaper, and he has since earned various awards and designations for his safe driving record, including a “Million Mile Safe Driver” title. Archer emphasizes the importance of staying focused and responsible while on the road, considering the massive size and weight of the trucks he drives. Despite the challenges, he finds fulfillment in his job and sees it as an interesting and rewarding way of life.
Archer’s background in agriculture and his rural upbringing have influenced his approach to trucking, instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. He describes his love for traveling and exploring new places as a key motivator for continuing his career as a truck driver. With 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, Archer finds joy in sharing his experiences and stories with his family, ensuring that his legacy as the world’s oldest truck driver is passed down through the generations.
From driving through the mountains of the northwest to navigating busy city streets, Archer’s career as a truck driver has been filled with memorable experiences and challenges. He remains dedicated to his job and sees no reason to retire, despite his age. With the support of his family and coworkers, Archer plans to continue trucking and exploring new destinations for as long as he is able, demonstrating a passion for his work that has spanned six decades.
