A TRAVELER’S HEART - Frik Henning
A TRAVELER’S HEART
Legend Nominee: Frik Henning
This Legend truck driver comes to us from the large city of Durban, located in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. An owner operator of 14 years, he resides in Texas, returning to his native homeland each March to teach courses in scuba diving and boat instructing. Growing up in South Africa along the east coast where the subtropical climate meets the stretched beaches of the Indian Ocean, adventure seeker, Frik Henning became a strong admirer at an early age of all activities tourist flocked from around the globe to experience.
A sailor in high school, Frik obtained his private pilot’s license at age 19. He has since accumulated 749 hours of total flight time to-date. He is a licensed captain with 25 years of experience and certified scuba diving instructor, logging an impressive record of 2,000 dives.
Before venturing into the trucking industry, Frik was an engineer for 22 years, operating the world’s longest train constructed in South Africa. Following in his father’s footsteps, both men drove the 200-wagon coal train for the same rail line. Frik took an early retirement in 1997 and purchased his first semi-truck at the age of 42, launching his own trucking business. In a 1980 Navistar International, Frik remained in South Africa for 6 years contracted by a friend pulling flatbed hauling timber to a lumber yard three times a week, splitting his time as a scuba instructor at Sodwana Bay – a popular tourist destination.
After obtaining a U.S. work visa, with the advice of his close friend and professional truck driver, Banie (also Frik’s initial introduction to trucking), Frik joined him in America. He drove for farmers throughout Minnesota and Indiana 8 months out of the year, spending the remaining 4 working off the coast of South Africa. An avid ocean enthusiast at heart, stepping away from the wheel of his big rig provides a great escape from the pressures that tie into the profession of driving a truck for a living.
Combining all of his means of travel: boat, plane, train and semi-truck, all present a serious and (possible) danger if not operated safely. Separating his hobbies of leisure and duties as a train engineer or truck driver, the emphasis of caution and attention to detail saves lives. Frik explains,
“There are not many people that fly planes, versus driving a truck on a road with 2 or more lanes. That limited amount of space increases the odds of an accident.
I mostly enjoy flying and scuba diving because I feel like I am returning from a vacation refreshed. As a train engineer, I drove a train that was 3 miles long for 4 weeks on, then 1 week off. During that down-time I would unwind and come back revived. Trucking is much the same, you have to be professional and constantly aware. It can get extremely stressful and that is also the beauty of it. The responsibilities of operating a train and a semi-truck are significant, but there is a passion that comes with being a truck driver. As an owner operator, you can be proud of what you do and make your lifestyle better. Plus, as a trucker you can be proud of what you drive because it’s yours. It represents you and all of your hard work. A lot of people can be successful in trucking, you just have to commit to the job, and it can prove very rewarding in many ways.”
In 2010, Frik suffered the loss of his father, Frik Sr. Ms. Anita came to America and joined her son in the truck, as the two visited 21 states within 6 months. Their road adventures included one special visit to Graceland, the home once owned by legendary icon, Elvis Presley. “She was born the same year as Elvis. That was a big dream of hers – to visit Graceland. She was so excited, she was crying. We went all over the place, she was my best buddy. Driving a truck gave us that opportunity to enjoy together.” His mother returned to South Africa and passed away one month later.
Frik’s wife, Melissa was working at a trucking company in Indiana when the couple met. Side by side they have run over-the-road working as a team, enjoyed many scuba dives, and flown in their personal airplanes together. Taking aviation to the next form of flight training, he earned his license to fly powered parachutes. Frik is currently an owner of an ultralight Predator; a 2-seater aircraft consisting of a parachute with a motor and wheels.
Discovering hobbies affords us the opportunity to learn new skills and become part of who we are. Gaining such unique experiences make life more interesting. For instance, Frik was a part of an exploration dive team back in 1998 that rediscovered the prehistoric Coelacanth fish – thought to have gone extinct nearly 66 million years ago. He adds, “I have seen everything in the ocean. I was the first instructor to introduce shark diving to scuba diving. Many people have this misconception of what they expect when it comes to sharks. They are very gracious to dive with. There is a fascinating world below the ocean surface. All I can do is teach students, so they can experience it too.”
Frik’s next adventure is set to unfold in a couple of years, he and Melissa wish to sail in their boat around the world – “Wherever the wind takes us.”
Quickway Transportation is based out of Tennessee, Frik drives for their Fort Worth terminal located in Texas. He enjoys their family-atmosphere and helpful staff. He hopes to lease two trucks on with Quickway Transportation as he travels the world. Running local work in a 2012 Kenworth, he pulls a reefer trailer, returning home every night. With over 2-million miles under his belt and a life-long list of incredible experiences, he discusses the diversity of cultures and adjusting to the rules and regulations of South Africa and America.
He recalls his first vivid memory upon entering the states; he parked his truck at a truck stop among several other semi-trucks, and the roaring of the many sitting idle caused the ground beneath his feet to vibrate. Never before had he experienced the power of that many trucks in a single place at one time.
Frik was unaccustomed to the road signs here in the states, as he had expected, but learned quickly. The speed limit in South Africa is 45 or below, in America semi-trucks can accelerate the same speed as cars. Frik says, “The cultures between the two countries are very similar, which is why I chose to come to America while my family all live in Australia. America offers a lot of opportunity. South Africa is still a developing country, it’s nice to have law and order where I live now.”
What another driver can take away from Frik’s experience, he says is – patience. He adds, being aware of your surroundings at all times when driving. And simply being nice to one another can go a long way too. Poise, composure, and a sense of calmness is practiced whether he is in the seat of a truck or plane, or swimming underwater. Interests and hobbies increases your knowledge and challenges you through the development of activities. Discovering something you can frequently enjoy, such as your job makes work less about business and more satisfying.
While interviewing Frik, his love for life and desire to experience it to the fullest extent became indisputable. His connection to the world is centered around a passion for all that offers joy. Frik’s story inspires others to imagine, as his own memories continue to push the envelope. Eager to explore more at sea and truly embrace a lifestyle that allows for world travel, he waits patiently, running the roads and instructing strangers. Life is all about experiences and driving a semi-truck for a living has landed on Frik’s lineup of accomplishments.
“I encourage people to remember, you have control of your own lifestyle. Use it wisely. Whatever it is that you’re planning or wanting to do one day… plan it, do it, and don’t cancel. Make it work – experience life.”