In trucking, we have terms for our elders. “Greybeards” and “old heads” are terms you might hear on the loading dock or in a truck stop. But getting called “an original” means you are one of a kind and have been around far longer than anyone else.
For Sheffield, England‘s Brian Wilson, owner and driver for E. Wilson and Sons, who started driving for his father at 16 years old, it has been an adventure.
Guinness World Records is awaiting your application
Most people have to ask Guinness to come verify their accomplishments, but for Wilson, they are waiting on him. The current “oldest trucker in the world” is Jack Fisher at 88 years and four days old. Wilson would beat him by more than nearly 2 years.
Wilson sharpened his truck driving skills in the 1950s – driving American troop carriers in Germany with the Royal Horse Guards during his time in the British National Service. In the 1960s, following a stint delivering petrol for Esso, better known as their trade name ExxonMobil, Wilson joined his father Edward’s haulage company – E. Wilson & Son.
Today, Brian Wilson owns the family business, transporting mainly steel springs. Friends and co-workers say he can move around and handle the tarps as well as any man 40 years younger.
Paul Mummery, from the Road Haulage Association, added:
“Seventy years behind the wheel is phenomenal service and shows an amazing dedication to our industry. He will have seen a lot of changes over the years as the job has evolved and it’s really heart-warming to see that he still loves driving lorries. He’s an inspiration to us all.”
Paul Mummery, Road Haulage Association, Head of News and Media
Brian Wilson will have his yearly physical near Christmas, and this one might be his last. He says his retirement will depend on his wife and the situation at the time. He often jokes to his co-workers and friends on who will retire first, him or his lorry.
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