About Us — Trucker Down

“Trucking is the engine of the economy and drivers are the key.”

*Our Founder*

Etienne Hightower founded Trucker Down after witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by truck drivers and their families. With more than 20 years of leadership and public service experience—including service as a South Carolina Highway Patrolman and Special Agent with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service—along with his experience founding and growing Believers Trucking into a successful transportation company, Mr. Hightower brings a deep understanding of the trucking industry and the people who keep it moving. Trucker Down is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting drivers and their families during times of injury, tragedy, and financial hardship while creating pathways to long-term career stability through emergency assistance, CDL scholarships, career development, mentorship, and workforce support.

What Can We Do?

Listen to the needs of our truckers and their families and we respond with the necessary aid to keep these families healthy and supported. We are dedicated to human services. Assistance may be in the form of direct financial payments, community wellness activities and/or other benefits. We are also active in bringing more public awareness of how to share the road safely with large trucks and educating our truckers on proper health and nutrition by professionals in those fields.

How Do We Do It?

Trucker Down accepts applications for assistance through the web portal, email or US Postal Service. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors for Trucker Down to determine allocation of assistance to CDLA drivers or their family where appropriate. If a trucker tragically passes away as a result of an accident or medial issue while driving, Trucker Down is a resource for the families of these hard-working women and men. Further, Trucker Down is a resource for drivers that may be experiencing a personal hardship. These applications are also reviewed by the Board of Directors for Trucker Down to determine suitable support to keep our drivers healthy and on the road.