Truckload Authority Staff

About Truckload Authority Staff: The Truckload Authority News Staff, comprised of award winning journalists and graphic artists, produces content for Truckload Authority, working in cooperation with the Truckload Carriers Association staff. Truckload Authority aims to keep TCA members abreast on the latest trends in the trucking industry as well as articles that feature TCA member executives and drivers. The Truckload Authority staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Posts by Truckload Authority Staff

TCA Scholarship Fund awards more than $160K to 2022-23 recipients

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named its 2022-23 TCA Scholarship Fund recipients. “What makes the TCA Scholarship Fund so special is the fact that it is funded by the proud and generous people of the trucking industry,” said American Central Transport Senior Vice President and CIO and the Fund’s Chairman Bob Kretsinger. “Whether it’s through fundraisers, company and/or individual donations, the Fund has been awarding scholarships for nearly 50 years. This year we had an outstanding number of applications, yet we were still able to award nearly 25% of all applicants with a scholarship.” Since 1973, the Fund has been providing scholarships to students associated with the trucking industry. Each scholarship recipient must be a student in good standing attending a four-year college or university and must be associated with a TCA member company as an employee, independent contractor, or the child, grandchild, or spouse of an employee or independent contractor of a TCA member company. The Fund awards its scholarships without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or genetic information. Again this year, the application process was managed by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC). A selection committee, established by OFIC, scored the applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s GPA, major, extracurricular activities, hours worked, and more. This school year, 19 high school seniors, 15 college freshman, 11 college sophomores, seven college juniors, and three college seniors were awarded scholarships totaling more than $160,000. Recipients are located across the U.S. and Canada; Wisconsin leads the way with eight recipients. Additionally, the Fund announced a new, fully endowed Past Chairmen’s Fund scholarship — the Tom Kretsinger, Jr., Scholarship. Kretsinger served as TCA’s Chairman from 2013-2014. For a TCA past chairman to have a fully-endowed scholarship in their name, their Past Chairmen’s Fund is required to receive $50,000 in donations. The inaugural recipient of the scholarship, in the amount of $3,250, is Anthony Ciraulo, whose father works at Werner Enterprises based in Omaha, Nebraska. Ciraulo will be a college senior at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and is majoring in accounting. Scholarship winners and company affiliation include: Tristan Schelvan, H.O. Wolding – NAIT Scholarship, $6,250 Rae Ballinger, H.O Wolding – John Kaburick Scholarship, $4,500 Alexandra Wayne, Brown Trucking Co. – Kai Norris Scholarship, $3,250 Joshua Short, Cargo Transporters, Inc. – Darrel Clark Wilson III Scholarship, $3,250 Mallory Beamer, Dutch Maid Logistics – Thomas Welby Scholarship, $3,250 Jared Anderson, deBoer Transportation, Inc. – Stoney Reese Stubbs Scholarship, $3,250 Cade Walder, Nussbaum Transportation – Robert Low Scholarship, $3,250 Amy Pitzel, Bison Transport – Robert D. Penner Scholarship, $3,250 Landry Kirsling, H.O. Wolding – Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship, $3,250 Connor Gates, Prime Inc. – Thomas R. Schilli Scholarship, $3,250 Nathan Gariepy, Load One, LLC – Keith Tuttle Scholarship, $3,250 Anthony Ciraulo, Werner Enterprises – Tom Kretsinger, Jr., Scholarship, $3,250 The following students have been awarded $2,725 for the 2022-23 school year: Elizabeth Wilhelm, Hirschbach Motor Lines Toby Plattner, Nussbaum Transportation Parker Litterick, Warren Transport, Inc. Jack Thompson, Cheema Freightlines, LLC Jocelyn Calderon, Whiteline Express, Ltd. Isabella Makowske, Dart Transit Company Olivia Thompson, Cheema Freightlines, LLC Keylan Newton, Covenant Transport Services Megan Rogers, Don Hummer Trucking Corp. Martina Tolhurst, Bison Transport Isabella McDaniel, Buchanan Hauling & Rigging Emily Dudaitis, E and V Services, Inc. Annika Waltenberg, H.O. Wolding Chase Forwerck, Keller Logistics, LLC Nicholas Farrell, Load One, LLC Jack Rogers, Don Hummer Trucking Corp. Chloe Smith, Barber Trucking, Inc. Courtney Street, Wilson Logistics Tanner Nelson, Bay & Bay Skyler Seybold, Prime Inc. Kylie Woods, Woods Transportation LLC Alyssa Kirsling, H.O. Wolding Nathan Stice, CFI Rylee Deckard, Prime Inc. Natalie Houser, Daseke – Boyd Bros Transportation, Inc. Mason Jenkins, Doug Andrus Distributing LLC Andrew Goble, DMC Insurance Victoria Freeman, U.S. Xpress, Inc. Jacob Moore, Covenant Logistics Molly Nugent, R.E. Garrison Trucking James Floyd, KLLM Transport Services Kaden Buatte, Prime Inc. Genesis Drake, Cargo Transporters, Inc. Kelsey Fullenkamp, Whiteline Express, Ltd. Eva Whang, Veriha Trucking Ariel Swerlein, Classic Carriers, Inc. Kylie Wenger, Wilson Logistics Jaida Ndungu, USA Truck, Inc. Seth Bose, K & J Trucking Theresa Stephens, McLeod Software Kelsey McGaughey, PGT Trucking, Inc. Jackson Smith, Arctic Express Benay Taylor, Prime Inc. To learn more about the TCA Scholarship Fund, or for information on how you can donate to the Past Chairmen’s Fund, visit truckload.org/scholarships.

TCA applauds nomination of FMCSA’s Robin Hutcheson as agency administrator

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) congratulates Robin Hutcheson on her nomination to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as the agency’s administrator. “Our members welcome the opportunity to continue to work together and hope to see her confirmed in a timely manner by the Senate,” said TCA President Jim Ward. “Hutcheson is well equipped with extensive experience drafting and implementing transportation policy.” She previously served as the deputy assistant secretary for safety policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she spearheaded the formation of the National Roadway Safety Strategy and was crucial to the development of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As these programs will help shape transportation policy and spending for years to come, the trucking industry will be fortunate to have someone as well-versed as Hutcheson leading the FMCSA, added Ward. Hutcheson’s background also includes transportation administration at the local level. She previously served as the transportation director for Salt Lake City and the director of public works for Minneapolis. “TCA has always greatly valued its positive working relationship with FMCSA and its leadership,” said Ward. “Our collaboration is more important than ever, as the trucking industry has demonstrated its essential status during these unprecedented times. The pandemic and labor shortages have disrupted supply chains and challenged industry, but trucking has remained relentless in our efforts to move America forward. With the nomination of Administrator Hutcheson, we feel the industry is even better positioned to tackle these challenges.”

TCA’s David Heller promoted to Senior Vice President of Safety and Government Affairs

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has announced that David Heller has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Safety and Government Affairs. In this capacity, he will expand TCA’s reach as it relates to safety and will strengthen the association’s advocacy on Capitol Hill in order to best serve TCA members and trucking as a whole. “This promotion will reemphasize TCA’s commitment to being a leading presence within the trucking and safety community,” said TCA Chairman and Load One LLC CEO John Elliott. “TCA is better poised than ever before to help advance efforts to protect our truck drivers and the motoring public on our roadways. Dave will strengthen TCA’s relationships with industry stakeholders and government partners to safeguard the interests of the truckload segment and bring parties together to work toward our common goals.” Heller has worked for TCA since 2005, initially as the Director of Safety, and most recently as the Vice President of Government Affairs. Before that, he spent seven years as Manager of Safety Programs for the American Trucking Associations. During his time with TCA, Heller has become recognized as a leading expert in his field, sought after for commentary on national news networks like CNN and FOX News, among others. The announcement was made following TCA’s Safety & Security Meeting in Nashville, which took place June 5-7. More than 300 safety and human-resources professionals gathered in downtown Nashville to discuss problems and find solutions. Heller oversees TCA’s Safety & Security Division Committee, which consists of nearly a dozen truckload safety professionals from the association’s for-hire carrier membership base. Heller and the committee members plan the annual meeting. Heller will work to enhance the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and TCA’s Driver Training, Safety Professional, and Maintenance Supervisor Certificate programs while working with member fleets on regulatory and compliance endeavors. Additionally, Heller manages TCA’s annual Call on Washington, where he ensures TCA members are given the opportunity to engage with policymakers and share their perspectives. To learn more about TCA’s upcoming events and programs, visit truckload.org.

Big Freight Systems, Bison Transport win TCA’s Fleet Safety grand prizes

By Truckload Authority Staff - August 15, 2022

Big Freight Systems, Inc., of Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada, and Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, are grand prize winners in the 2021 TCA Fleet Safety Awards contest. The contest is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Great West Casualty Company and Supporting Sponsors Peterson Manufacturing Company and Tenstreet. Both companies, as well as all carriers which placed in the top three of their mileage-based divisions, were also recognized during TCA’s 2022 Safety & Security Meeting June 5-7 at the Renaissance Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. Big Freight Systems was named the winner of the small carrier division (total annual mileage of less than 25 million), and Bison Transport was the Grand Prize winner in the large carrier division (total annual mileage of 25 million or more). Both carriers demonstrated that they had exceptional safety programs and impressive accident frequency ratios over the last year. “TCA is honored to recognize Big Freight Systems and Bison Transport for their amazing safety achievements,” said then-TCA President John Lyboldt. “This year we received the most entries ever in the history of the Fleet Safety Awards, showing that TCA’s members are truly industry leaders when it comes to safety. Big Freight Systems and Bison are very deserving of the grand prize as a testament to their efforts to improve safety for all with whom they share the roadways.” To learn more about the TCA Fleet Safety Award process or to apply for the 2022 contest, visit truckload.org/fleet-safety.

FTC’S Emory Mills named 2022 Clare Casey Award recipient

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has awarded FTC Transportation Director of Safety and Driver Administration Emory Mills as its 2022 TCA Safety Professional of the Year-Clare C. Casey Award recipient. The announcement was made during TCA’s 41st Annual Safety and Security Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, in June. The honor is given to a trucking industry professional whose actions and achievements have made a profound contribution to enhancing safety on North America’s highways. “I’m extremely honored to have been selected for the Clare C. Casey Award, and overwhelmed to stand alongside of previous award winners, colleagues in safety, who have been an amazing resource over the years and who have always freely shared their wisdom and experiences,” said Mills. “My appreciation also goes out to the TCA team, who go above and beyond, and so many others in our great industry,” she continued. “Most of all, thank you to my family at home for their ongoing support, and to my FTC Transportation family whom it is truly my privilege to work alongside of each day.” Emory’s career began at FTC in 2000 where she started in the fuel taxes and permits department. Later she moved into the safety space as a driver and safety coordinator, advancing to driver and safety manager and then to her current position as director of safety and driver administration. She earned the Certified Director of Safety (CDS) designation from the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI); OSHA Certification from Fred Pryor; and Reasonable Suspicion Certification from Great West Casualty Company. “Emory is very deserving of this award, as she works tirelessly to educate our team and maintain our safety record at FTC Transportation,” shared FTC President Greg Garen. “We have had an excellent safety record for many years in large part to Emory’s guidance and dedication to safety and FTC Transportation. I could not be more proud for her getting the Clare C. Casey Award. She is an excellent example of how hard work makes one successful.” FTC’s Director of Operations John Shepard agreed. “Emory is the reason for the success in safety at FTC,” he said. “She has made it a coulter. Everything we do is around safety.” The award is named after Clare Casey, a safety professional who actively served TCA from 1979 until 1989. He was devoted to ensuring that all truckload safety professionals build a strong safety network, and was instrumental in forming the first annual Safety & Security Division meeting in 1982. The first Clare C. Casey Award was presented in 1990, one year after his death.

System Transport, three Maryland organizations recognized for Capitol Christmas Tree efforts

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

D.M. Bowman, Inc. of Williamsport, Maryland; Visit Hagerstown-Washington County Conventions & Visitors Bureau of Hagerstown, Maryland; and the Town of Williamsport were recognized for their contributions to the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative during TCA’s Annual Convention Truckload 2022: Las Vegas in March. A “2021 Whistle Stop Award” was presented to then-D.M. Bowman, Inc.’s President and TCA Chairman Jim Ward and D.M. Bowman representatives; Town of Williamsport’s Main Street Manager Kathyrn Gratton; and Visit Hagerstown’s Director of Marketing & Communications Betsy DeVore for helping plan TCA’s whistle stop. A “2021 Joyous Journey Award” was presented to System Transport, which transported the tree more than 3,000 miles last fall. “The People’s Tree,” an 84-foot White Fir, was harvested from the Six Rivers National Forest in California and concluded its journey on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The 2021 journey included dozens of community celebrations. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 50-year tradition in which one of the nation’s 155 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible through support from partners, including nonprofit Choose Outdoors, along with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, as well as volunteers locally and across America. The Williamsport whistle stop featured remarks by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) then-Deputy Administrator Meera Joshi; personal markers to sign the tree’s banner; an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus; balloon animals by Rick Reed Magic & Balloons; Christmas carolers; commemorative ornaments for purchase; a hot cocoa station; local food and beverage vendors; and a Toys 4 Tots donation drive. In addition, the event was covered by live remote broadcasts from WWEG, 106.9 The Eagle; WAFY Key 103, Max Country 100.5/93.5; 102.1More FM; and WARK 98.9FM. To view photos from the whistle stop and historic events, visit truckload.org/Flickr. The National Forests in North Carolina will provide the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be transported by a truckload carrier that has not yet been chosen. This is the third time the tree will be provided by North Carolina; the previous years were 1974 and 1998. For more information about TCA’s annual holiday initiative, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com.

12 member companies inducted into TCA’s prestigious Ambassador Club during Truckload 2022: Las Vegas

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

During the Board of Directors’ meeting at the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Truckload 2022: Las Vegas event, 154 member companies were recognized for their long-standing commitment and contribution to the association. Membership committee chairman, Garner Trucking’s Director of Operations Tim Chrulski, and the committee’s vice chair, Locomation, Inc.’s Chief Commercial Officer Glynn Spangenberg, congratulated the members for their loyalty. Twelve companies were inducted into TCA’s prestigious Ambassador Club for reaching 25 years of membership and received Ambassador Club plaques: Add On Systems, LLC – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma AWL Transport – Mantua, Ohio Christenson Transportation, Inc. – Strafford, Missouri Classic Carriers, Inc. – Versailles, Ohio Erb Group of Companies – New Hamburg, Ontario Fleet Owner Magazine – Milton, Georgia Gypsum Express Ltd. – Baldwinsville, New York M&W Transportation Co., Inc. – Nashville, Tennessee Pressure Systems International, Inc. – San Antonio, Texas RIMS Transport Corp. – Hamilton, Ontario Trimble Maps – Princeton, New Jersey TrueNorth Companies, LLC – Cedar Rapids, Iowa Additionally, Warren Transport, Inc., based in Waterloo, Iowa, was recognized for its 70 years of membership with TCA. To view TCA’s entire list of Ambassador Club members, visit truckload.org/history.

Highway Angels | July-August 2022

By Truckload Authority Staff - July 18, 2022

Professional truck drivers Karl Scholl, David Horton, Dave Stuckey, Mark Giles, Anthony Scerbo, Lee Thomson, Bruce Stremmel, Jean-Carlo Gachet, Matthew Marchand, Robert Schuhl, Greg Vandal, Elwood Blackstock, Greg Rupp, Matthew Lawson, and Melissa Bencivengo have been named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for their acts of heroism while on the road. In recognition of these drivers’ willingness to assist fellow drivers and motorists, TCA has presented each Highway Angel with a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their employers have also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a receipent. Special thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsor, DriverFacts. To nominate a driver or read more about these and other Highway Angels award recipients, visit highwayangel.org. Karl Scholl Karl Scholl of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, who drives for Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is being recognized for stopping to aid couple who landed in the ditch during icy road conditions. Scholl was traveling near Moyie, British Columbia, one December morning when he noticed other drivers flashing their lights, signaling that there was something up ahead. “The roads were in poor condition from ice and snow,” he shared with TCA. “As I crested a hill, I saw a black pickup towing a 12-foot U-Haul in the ditch.” A couple were standing on the narrow shoulder, he shared. They had lost control on black ice, and their truck had crossed the center line and landed in the ditch at an angle. After some difficulty, they had managed to climb out and make their way up to the road.  Scholl slowed as he approached the scene and then positioned his truck and trailer as a barricade to prevent other drivers from sliding into the motorists. “I put on my safety vest and jumped out to check on the couple,” he said. He also grabbed some traffic cones. Although shaken and scared, the couple told Scholl they were OK and had already called for a tow truck. Scholl invited them, and their two border collies, to wait in his truck, and assured them everything would be OK. He then set up traffic cones behind his truck to alert other drivers, and began directing traffic in both directions to prevent the scene from becoming worse. Once the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived on scene they let Scholl continue directing traffic. He stayed on scene for two hours, until the couple’s truck and U-Haul were eventually pulled from the ditch. “I’m really glad that everyone stayed safe that day,” shared Scholl. In a letter to Bison Transport, the couple Scholl helped said that “not only did (Karl) help us on this very unpredictable and frightening morning, but he restored faith in our hearts that human kindness and caring goes a long way on a very cold December morning. Thanks to Karl we have learned to pay it forward and we will always stop to lend a hand to those on the road in need. Thank you Karl we are forever grateful.” David Horton David Horton, who lives in Kernersville, North Carolina, and drives for Best Dedicated of Vernon Hills, Illinois, is being recognized for avoiding a head-on collision and rendering aid to an ill driver who lost consciousness. On the morning of January 6, Horton was driving through Kershaw, South Carolina, on his way to Marshville, North Carolina, when a car from oncoming traffic suddenly veered directly in his path. Horton acted swiftly and swerved to avoid a head-on collision. He immediately pulled over to the shoulder, called 911, and went to aid the driver of the car, which had stopped nearby. “When I got to his car, he asked, ‘What happened?’” Horton shared with TCA. The driver, an older man who was suffering a medical emergency, had momentarily lost consciousness while at the wheel. Horton patiently waited with the driver, and made sure he was attended to by local emergency personnel once they arrived at the scene. Horton said he responded instinctively during the situation, but was scared “after the fact,” adding, “I thought how close it was that a life could have been taken.” The family of the driver, whose condition has improved, said the outcome would have been much different had Horton not skillfully swerved to miss the car and called for help. In a heartfelt thank-you letter written to Horton’s trucking fleet, Best Dedicated, the driver’s son-in-law wrote, “Me and my wife appreciate the act of valor that (Horton) took.” Dave Stuckey Dave Stuckey of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, who drives for Ward Trucking of Altoona, Pennsylvania, is being recognized for helping a motorist whose car had stalled in an intersection and caught fire. In November 2021, Stuckey pulled out of the Perrysburg, Pennsylvania, terminal at 3:30 a.m. and was approaching a red light when he noticed a car stopped just past the light. He found this odd, as the car was not waiting for the red light, but instead was “stalled” in the lane, after it had already made it through the light. Stuckey shared with TCA that he noticed some sparks under the car that concerned him, so he called 911. He quickly got out of his truck and went over to the car to talk to the male driver who was sitting inside. Stuckey said the driver seemed to be in shock and kept saying he had to get going, but Stuckey told him he needed to get out of the car because he was worried about the sparks. The man got out of the vehicle — and immediately, the car erupted in flames. A minute or so later, the car was completely engulfed. The whole incident happened very quickly. Stuckey has been with Ward Trucking since 1977, and has been recognized many times for his exemplary safe driving history. His vigilance in seeking help for the driver of the sparking car, as well as convincing him to exit the vehicle, illustrates his strong character and integrity. If it had not been for Stuckey, the driver may have perished in the car fire. Mark Giles Mark Giles of Point Blank, Texas, who drives for Decker Truck Line of Fort Dodge, Iowa, is being recognized for aiding a young woman after she was dumped behind the parking lot of a truck stop. Giles pulled into a truck stop off Highway 59 near Domino, Texas, one evening in late December and parked in the back to do his post-trip inspection. As he was checking the back of his trailer, he happened to glance around and saw what looked like a body lying in the grass next to some trees. Alarmed, he rushed over. “She looked like a young girl, maybe 12 years old,” he shared with TCA. “It looked like someone had dragged her back there behind another truck and left her. She was in a fetal position, facing away from me, with an arm over her face.” The girl was breathing, but unresponsive. Giles ran back to his truck and called 911. He then hurried back to the girl to wait for help to arrive. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, they discovered the “girl” was actually a 28-year-old woman. Giles was horrified. “She was just an itty bitty thing, and couldn’t have weighed more than 80 pounds,” he recalled. They managed to get her talking, but she was quite dazed and very weak. “She said she had ridden all the way from Ohio to Texas with one of the truck drivers parked nearby,” said Giles. The deputies got the woman into an ambulance and took her to the hospital. Giles later talked with one of the officers, who told him the young woman likely wouldn’t have made it through the night if he hadn’t found her. “I’m not the one who saved her life,” insisted Giles. “God did. All I did was make a phone call. I don’t normally go to that truck stop, but the good Lord sent me there (that night).” Giles has been driving for 27 years. “As truck drivers, we cover a lot of miles,” he said. “It makes you look around. We see (a lot of) things out there. There are a lot of people who can’t protect themselves. It takes so little to make a phone call to help someone. If anything comes out of this, I hope it’s that we help each other.” Anthony Scerbo & Lee Thompson Anthony Scerbo and Lee Thomson are being recognized for administering lifesaving CPR to a fellow truck driver who had a heart attack while driving. York, Pennsylvania-based S&H Express’ Scerbo was in the middle of a shift on December 18, when he spotted an ASAP CDL Training Academy truck approaching him. Shelly Truck Driving School, an affiliate of S&H Express, has a contract to test ASAP’s CDL candidates and Thomson, a Shelly Truck Driving School Instructor, was testing an ASAP student driver. Scerbo thought something was odd; then he noticed the ASAP truck was up on the sidewalk and saw Thomson’s hand motioning for him to stop. “It’s amazing how quickly our brains process that something is very, very wrong,” Scerbo shared with TCA. As Scerbo pulled alongside the ASAP truck, Thomson shouted that the CDL candidate he was testing had a heart attack while driving. Thomson had already called 911, and the dispatcher said to start CPR. Without hesitation, Scerbo hopped out of his truck and ran over to assist. Thomson unbuckled the student and flung open the door, and Scerbo pulled the man out of the truck and placed him gently onto the ground. “I put the student on his back with his ankles crossed and arms out — crucifix position — with his head turned to the side,” recalled Scerbo. “The guy didn’t have a pulse and he wasn’t breathing, so I started chest compression.” Scerbo couldn’t detect a heartbeat, so he continued CPR until emergency personnel took over a short time later. Thanks to quick thinking by Thomson and Scerbo, the student survived. Bruce Stremmel Bruce Stremmel, who lives in Macomb, Michigan, and drives for Tom Maceri and Son of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, is being recognized for rescuing a fellow truck driver after a pre-dawn crash during a blinding snowstorm. Just before 6 a.m. on January 7, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Stremmel was driving his regular route from Detroit to Chicago, traveling westbound on Interstate 94. While dealing with low visibility because heavy snow, he encountered an accident. Another truck, heading eastbound on the same highway, had wrecked. Stremmel pulled over, called the police, and ran to the crashed vehicle. The driver was severely injured and appeared to have a broken leg. Stremmel carefully extracted the man from the truck cab, helped him over the guard rail and into his own truck, where they waited for police. A truck driver for over 17 years, Stremmel said he sensed the peril surrounding the encounter. “It was a pretty dangerous night,” he said. “I was scared. I’m like, ‘We’re in a bad situation. If another truck loses control, we’re done.’” Stremmel has been driving the Detroit to Chicago route for about nine years and said he has seen his share of accidents, but this was his first time assisting with a wreck. “I didn’t think twice about doing it,” he shared with TCA, “I never thought about my own safety or anything.” Jean-Carlo Gachet Jean-Carlo Gachet, who lives in Chester, Virginia, and drives for Abilene Motor Express of West Memphis, Arkansas, is being recognized for offering hot breakfast to motorists who were stranded along Interstate 95 near Stafford, Virginia, because of inclement weather and numerous crashes. Gachet was one of hundreds of motorists stuck on I-95 on January 4, 2022, in a standstill that stretched for over 40 miles. A fast-falling snowstorm had resulted in jackknifed tractor-trailers and hundreds of other accident, leading to. Gachet came upon the traffic snarl around 1 a.m. while traveling to make a delivery in Georgia. He was concerned for the passengers in a car stuck near him in traffic. “Truckers are ready for a week to a month at a time on the road, so we have plenty of resources,” Gachet shared with TCA. “No car was ready for that situation, and some were stuck more than 24 hours.” Around 8 a.m., after sitting for more than seven hours, Gachet heated up a Jimmy Dean bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast bowl he had stored in his rig, made a cup of fruit punch, and walked over to the car to deliver the hot breakfast. “They were shocked, and really thankful for the meal and the cup of juice that I offered them,” he said with a smile. Gachet was filming the event on his smartphone and Tweeted the video, which received an overwhelming reaction. Within hours, media worldwide picked up the story, and even Jimmy Dean Foods chimed in. Jimmy Dean Foods Tweeted: “This kindly act warmed our boots! Thanks for helping out your neighbor, Jean-Carlo. Since you gave breakfast to those in need, we’re giving you a year’s supply of Jimmy Dean breakfast and will #payitforward by giving 100K breakfasts to @FeedingAmerica in your name!” Matthew Marchand Matthew Marchand, who lives in Ottawa, Canada, and drives for Premier Bulk Systems of Markham, Ontario, Canada, is also being recognized for providing emergency supplies to stranded motorists during January 3’s Interstate 95 standstill near Stafford, Virginia. While trapped for over 13 hours on the road, Marchand got out of his truck and checked in with motorists near his vehicle. He found other travelers generally had fuel but were not prepared with food or water. As time went on, and day turned to night, Marchand went to sleep — but was awakened by a man whose wife and children were stranded in a Tesla automobile nearby. “He asked me if I could charge his car,” said Marchand. He explained that his truck didn’t have the capabilities. The man asked for water, which Marchand supplied, and he gave the family two blankets as well. “At least they had something to keep warm,” said Marchand, adding that he told the man if he and his family needed to be warmer, they were welcome to pile into his truck cab. Eventually, around 7:30 a.m. the next morning, the highway cleared and the Tesla, as well as Marchand, were able to drive away. Robert Schuhl Robert Schuhl, who lives in Stockbridge, Georgia, and drives for ABF Freight System of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is being recognized for rushing to the aid of a UPS driver whose truck overturned. On September 10, 2021, Schuhl was eastbound on Interstate 22 near Hamilton, Alabama, on his way to Atlanta when a UPS truck lost control and tipped over on its right side. “It looked like the driver was making a left turn, but then the truck bounced and rolled over,” shared Schuhl. Acting swiftly, he safely pulled over and ran over to the truck. Another motorist had also stopped. He and Schuhl climbed up on top of the overturned truck, where the motorist held the door open while Schuhl climbed inside. He first turned off the ignition and then maneuvered to help the driver, who was lying against the passenger door. “Her head was bleeding, and she was dazed,” he recalled. “I told her we were there to help her and get her out of the vehicle. However, there was no way she would be able to stand up and get out through the top.” Schuhl and the other motorist decided their best option was to kick out the broken windshield. Another motorist, a nurse, stopped to help, about the same time a police officer arrived. They helped Schuhl and the motorist move the windshield out of the way, and the nurse advised on how to safely move the driver. “We covered the driver’s face to protect her from the glass and lifted her just outside the vehicle,” shared Schuhl. “We didn’t want to move her any further.” Another UPS driver stopped and helped comfort the injured driver until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, Schuhl wasn’t able to learn what caused the accident, but is relieved that the driver didn’t appear to have any serious injuries. Schuhl has been driving for 33 years. Greg Vandal Greg Vandal of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada, who drives for Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is being recognized for helping a stranded motorist following a fire that destroyed his vehicle. Vandal was bound for Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway one morning in mid-December when he saw a vehicle on the shoulder with white smoke billowing around it. “As I got closer, I could see flames where the gas tank would be,” he shared with TCA. He quickly prepared to pull over. “I grabbed my fire extinguisher, but by the time I got there, the fire was too far gone, and the fire extinguisher didn’t do much.” Thankfully, the driver was out of the vehicle and unharmed. The man asked Vandal to break a back window so he could retrieve his suitcase. Vandal noticed the car’s New York license plates. “The poor guy was out there in the middle of nowhere and it was very cold, maybe minus-20 degrees, and he wasn’t dressed for the occasion,” he said. Vandal invited him to sit in the cab to warm up. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, but not before it completely consumed the vehicle. Vandal learned the motorist was driving from New York to Calgary for his goddaughter’s wedding, and that he had 400 miles to go. Vandal contacted Bison Transport to request permission for him to ride along with him to Calgary. The request was approved. The two men settled in for a long drive and got to know one another. Vandal asked him when the wedding was taking place. “He looked at his watch and said, ‘right now.’ Well, that wasn’t going to happen for him,” said Vandal. Although Vandal wouldn’t be able to get the man to church in time for the wedding, he knew he could probably get him to Calgary in time to catch part of the reception. Now the two men were on a mission. “When we got to Calgary, I dropped my trailers at their location, dropped the tractor, and then we hopped in my car and I got him to the wedding reception,” Vandal said with a smile. The driver’s family warmly welcomed Vandal and invited him to join the party. “They were very gracious, and kinda gave me a celebrity’s welcome,” shared Vandal. “It was a wonderful time. I met some really, really nice people.” The two men have since become good friends. Bison Transport received a note of thanks from the motorist. In part, he said, “Greg’s act of selflessness and spirit of goodness personifies what it is to be a hero and for that my family and I are incredibly grateful. When I look back on the events of 2021 … the only defining moment for me was when Greg and I crossed paths on a lone stretch of Canadian highway and instantly formed a lifelong bond and friendship.” Elwood Blackstock Elwood Blackstock of Eden, North Carolina, is being recognized for helping safely locate a missing elderly man described in a Silver Alert. In early November, Blackstock, a driver with Best Logistics Group, was on Route 40, about 40 miles outside Wilmington, North Carolina. It was 3 a.m. when he received a Silver Alert about a missing elderly male. Blackstock soon spotted a driver and vehicle that matched the missing man’s description and called 911 to report the man’s location. Blackstock kept an eye on the man until police arrived and were then able to safely pull the driver over. Blackstock has been a professional truck driver for six years, five of those with Best Cartage, one of three fleets at Best Logistics Group. Director of Fleet Operations Rob Treadaway, shared with TCA, “We are incredibly grateful to have drivers like Elwood Blackstock on our team, who care about the community and go out of their way to ensure the safety of others.” Greg Rupp Greg Rupp of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, who drives for Ward Trucking of Altoona, Pennsylvania, is being recognized for stopping to help at the scene of a motorist who was struck while pushing his stalled vehicle. It was around 5 a.m. one October morning in 2021 and Rupp, a parts delivery driver, was heading to the last stop of his route. “I was on Route 40 outside of Brownsville (Pennsylvania),” he shared with TCA. “It’s kind of a rollercoaster-windy road. You have to be cautious in this area.” That morning, as he drove down a hill toward a stop light, he slowed, checked his mirrors, and saw several cars behind him. “When I looked at the traffic light again, I saw a car approaching the intersection from the opposite direction. It hit something in the road and sent it flying into the air,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘What did I just witness?’” The car had hit a dark-colored Jeep that was stopped in the road. “It didn’t have any lights on — no headlights, no four-ways,” said Rupp. As it turns out, the Jeep had broken down and the driver was attempting to push it to the side of the road. “Someone else had stopped to help when the driver of the Jeep was struck by the oncoming car. He hit the driver’s corner of the Jeep and spun it off the road,” he added. “What I saw flying in the air was a person. It was terrible.” Rupp shared that without its lights on, the Jeep wasn’t visible in the darkness. He grabbed his phone and called 911. He then maneuvered his truck to the side of the road, grabbed his vest and flashlight, and ran to the scene. “There were two other people already with the victim, talking to him,” said Rupp. He took action to direct traffic around the scene so no one else would be hit. It wasn’t long before a trooper and first responders arrived. Rupp remained on the scene to talk with the investigating officers. Sadly, he learned the injured driver died a few days later. Matthew Lawson Matthew Lawson, who lives in Kernersville, North Carolina, and drives for CalArk International of Little Rock, Arkansas, is being recognized for rushing to pull a man out of his vehicle after it veered down an embankment next to a river. As a truck driver for nearly 20 years, there have been many times Lawson has pulled over to help motorists who were stopped on the side of the road. But one incident in October required him to go above and beyond. He was leaving Mountain City, Tennessee, on Highway 91 around 1 a.m. when he saw a vehicle swerve off the road and topple over an embankment, headed straight for the river. Lawson pulled over, then climbed down the embankment, opened the driver’s door, and found that the driver, a man in his early 20s, was unconscious. “I reached down and took his foot off the gas pedal so the wheels would stop spinning,” said Lawson. “The tires were digging into the dirt. I didn’t feel safe leaving him in the vehicle because if it dislodged from the tree it would go into the river.” Lawson carefully leaned the driver back, put his arms around him and lifted him out of car and onto the river bank. “I readjusted my grip around his hips and waist and began to climb the hill to pull him to safety,” he recalled, adding that he had nearly crested the hill when the driver began to struggle. “I assured him that I had him and everything was OK — that there had been an accident and I was trying to get him to safety.” The driver said he could walk so Lawson helped him up to the road and toward his truck. He then called for help and waited for first responders to arrive. “I don’t know what caused him to go off the road,” said Lawson. “He couldn’t say much. I could tell he had a concussion. I tried to get him in my truck to get him warm, but he couldn’t make the climb, and sat on the step instead. “My mother was a nurse and I’ve always followed what she’s said about head injuries,” he continued. “I kept talking to him as we waited for the first responders.” After they arrived, Lawson went back to the vehicle and retrieved the driver’s phone. “He wanted to call his folks,” he added. Melissa Bencivengo Melissa Bencivengo of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, a driver with Carbon Express based in Wharton, New Jersey, was recognized for stopping at the scene of a three-vehicle accident after she saw a driver lose control. It was rush hour on September 7 as Bencivengo drove along Interstate 280 near Newark, New Jersey. She had just dropped off a trailer, and traffic was heavy. Bencivengo watched as a car in front of her sped up and began moving sporadically. “It looked like she was trying to weave in and out of the traffic ahead of her,” recalled Bencivengo. “She cut to the right and rear-ended a Jeep, which spun her into the left lane. Then she bounced off another car, hit the Jeep again, careened out of control, crashed into a concrete barrier on the right side, did a 180, and ended up blocking both lanes.” Bencivengo carefully positioned her cab at a 45-degree angle to block both lanes of traffic behind her. She put on her four-ways, grabbed her emergency kit, and ran to assist the driver of the first vehicle. Bencivengo quickly assessed the woman’s condition, noting that she was able to stand and walk. Another motorist stayed with her while Bencivengo checked on the other drivers. The driver of the Jeep and his son had minor injuries, and the driver of the third vehicle wasn’t hurt. By this time, traffic was backed up for miles. The interstate had concrete barriers on each side, and there was no way for emergency vehicles to get to the scene. “We had to open up the lane,” said Bencivengo. The car was inoperable, and the tow strap was broken. “Someone suggested bouncing the car to move it.” Bencivengo recruited three other truck drivers and three bystanders to help “bounce” the vehicle on its own suspension to shift its position; eventually, they were able to move it completely out of the way. Bencivengo repositioned her truck, leaving enough room for emergency vehicles and a tow truck to pull in. Then she directed traffic, narrowly avoiding being struck by one vehicle, until police officers arrived. The tow truck driver and EMTs who arrived on the scene thanked Bencivengo for making the scene safe for them to get in and do their jobs. Bencivengo trained to be a junior firefighter when she was just 15 years old, and learned how to secure and assess a scene. She is also a certified nurse’s aide, which helped her when assessing the condition of those involved in the accident.

Truckload Authority July/August 2022 – Digital Edition

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2024

Truckload Authority July/August 2022 Digital Edition: What Goes Up, Must Come Down: Trucking industry hopes maxim applies to fuel costs, not rates. Also in this edition: Troubled Waters | Time is Money | Detained.

Truckload Authority May/June 2022 – Digital Edition

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 21, 2022

Truckload Authority May/June 2022 Digital Edition: Very Humbling: Third-generation trucking professional John Elliot expresses feelings upon becoming new TCA chairman. Also in this edition: War Cries | A New Recipe | Highway Angel of the Year.

Fourth annual Truckload Strong Fundraiser generates more than $115,000

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

On March 21, more than 300 truckload industry professionals and their guests gathered at the premier Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade in Las Vegas to raise more than $115,000. Thanks to the generosity of event host Daimler Truck, all proceeds raised will help support and elevate TCA’s major initiatives and programs, including the Truckload Strong campaign. During the event, bowlers and non-bowlers alike were invited to “spare” a moment to fuel the future of truckload and “strike” up conversations with other industry professionals, “splitting” the evening between bowling and entertainment. The three-hour event featured a DJ spinning chart-topping hits requested by attendees, numerous food stations, a fun photo booth, cigar rolling station, and more. Monies were raised via lane sponsorships, individual ticket sales, commemorative flashing neon LED tumblers, and general donations. Eventgoers were encouraged to compete with colleagues for a chance to win up to four prizes thanks to sponsor DriverFacts: Best Team Score; Best Individual Score; Best-Dressed Team; and Best-Dressed Individual. Make plans now to attend the fifth annual Truckload Strong fundraiser set for Monday, March 6, during Truckload 2023: Orlando. More information to be shared soon at truckload.org.

WAA recognizes TCA members as Honor Fleets for longevity in fulfilling the mission

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) members who volunteered their time and equipment to transport remembrance wreaths for Wreaths Across America (WAA) were recognized for their efforts during Truckload 2022: Las Vegas. WAA’s Director of Transportation and the Mobile Education Exhibit Don Queeney presented Thank You awards to those Honor Fleet members, who have transported wreaths for 10 or more years, during the Communications & Image Committee meeting at Truckload 2022: Las Vegas at the Wynn Las Vegas. “Since the first load of wreaths was delivered to Arlington National Cemetery, we have experienced overwhelming support from the transportation industry, and TCA in particular, in helping us move this mission,” said Queeney. “The carriers being recognized today are part of a group who always find a way to help deliver these important truckloads of respect year after year. Our gratitude for their efforts is greater than this token of appreciation can describe, but we hope they know how important their part is in fulfilling the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.” The following carriers, WAA’s Honor Fleet members, were recognized during the presentation: C.R. England – Salt Lake City, Utah; Cargo Transporters – Claremont, North Carolina; Dart Transit Co. – Eagan, Minnesota; Freymiller – Oklahoma City; Hartt Transportation Systems – Bangor, Maine; Load One, LLC – Taylor, Michigan; Motor Carrier Service (MCS) – Northwood, Ohio; Pottle’s Transportation – Hermon, Maine; Prime Inc. – Springfield, Missouri; Knight-Swift Transportation – Phoenix, Arizona; U.S. Xpress, Inc. – Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since 2008, TCA has helped to secure, or has encouraged professional truck drivers and motor carriers, to haul remembrance wreaths each December on behalf of WAA. For nearly a decade, TCA and its sponsor, Pilot Flying J, have supported WAA’s Arlington Wreath Rally which takes place the Friday evening before National Wreath Laying Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Thanks to Pilot Flying J, nearly 100 professional truck drivers and their guests receive a meal and driver appreciation gifts during the event. To view available routes this fall, or to complete an interest form, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Industry professional Ray Haight honored with TCA’s Past Chairmen’s Award

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

During the Monday, March 21, general session at Truckload 2022: Las Vegas, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) bestowed its prestigious Past Chairmen’s Award upon long-time industry professional Ray Haight of Lambeth, Ontario, Canada. Haight has amassed more than 30 years of experience in the trucking industry. Most recently he joined Dunbar, Pennsylvania-based truckload carrier, JLE Industries, as its Executive Performance Impact Coach. This role spurs from his successful stint as the TCA Profitability Program’s (TPP) Carrier Retention Coach. Haight was instrumental in creating the TPP’s Driver Retention Project Plan, an educational series that resulted in reduced driver turnover in numerous fleets throughout the trucking industry. Haight was also the co-founder of StakUp Inc., an online transportation benchmarking service and the operating platform of TPP. Haight served as TCA’s chairman from 2008-09 and was instrumental in changing Professional Truck Driver Institute’s (PTDI) board of directors to a fully functioning board that took an active role in moving PTDI forward. Additionally, he served as chairman of the PTDI; North American Training and Management Institute (NATMI); Industry Committee for Apprenticeship; as well as a commercial tractor-trailer driver appointed by The Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. Aside from currently serving as the chairman of TCA’s Recruitment and Retention Human Relations Committee, he has been an active member of the association’s board of directors, Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, and Membership Committee. Haight has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry including the 2008 Lee Crittenden Award for his service and dedication to PTDI. Other personal and professional accolades include alumni of the UWO’s Ivey School of Business’s Quantum Shift Program; winning team member of the Top 50 Best Managed Companies of Canada (2002-2007); winning team member of the Shipper’s Choice award (2003-2007); winning team member of the Truckload Carriers Association’s National Fleet Safety Award (1999, 2001, and 2003); and winning team member of the Over the Road Retention Award (2003). Haight is a second-generation trucker. His parents ran a small four-truck fleet operation that worked for a local shipper into the U.S. market. Haight took to the road for 10 years as a driver and an owner-operator, logging over 1 million accident-free miles prior to starting his own company, Southwestern Express, Inc., based in London, Ontario, in 1984, which serviced long haul lanes with both dry van and refrigerated equipment. In 1990, MacKinnon Transport Ltd. was brought in as a partner and Southwestern Express moved from London to Guelph, Ontario. Shortly after, in January of 2000, MacKinnon Transport Ltd., and Southwestern Express, Inc., were amalgamated. Haight held the position of President and COO until May of 2005; at that time MacKinnon Transport, Inc., was a 275-truck fleet, warehousing and logistics company. The Past Chairmen’s Award is TCA’s highest honor. Recipients are leaders who have made a significant contribution to the business community, the trucking industry, and the organization. Contrary to the name of the award, the awardee does not have to be a past chairman of the association.

Highway Angels | May-June 2022

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

Professional truck drivers Mark Outen, Amos Thurman, and the late Adam “Troy” Miller and the late Ashish Patel, have been named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for their acts of heroism while on the road. For their willingness to assist fellow drivers and motorists, TCA has presented each Highway Angel with a certificate, a patch, a lapel pin, and truck decals. Their employers have also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. Special thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsor, DriverFacts. To nominate a driver or meet additional Highway Angels recipients, visit highwayangel.org. MARK OUTEN Mark Outen, who lives in West Jefferson, North Carolina, and drives for Hirschbach Motor Lines of Dubuque, Iowa, was honored for rushing to the aid of a man who was injured while working on a truck axle. Outen was pulling into a rest area near Grain Valley, Missouri, one day in late August 2021, when he noticed someone from a truck service company working on the rear axle of a trailer. “I pulled up and parked out of the way to give him plenty of room,” shared Outen. A moment later he heard a loud bang. “It was like a shotgun going off,” he said. “I looked around and saw a guy on the ground holding his stomach.” It turned out that the service technician was working on a faulty pressure valve, and a part of the axle blew off, striking him in the stomach. Outen rushed over to the man. “He had what looked like a two-ring mark or impression where the piece hit him, and his stomach was already turning blue from the force of the object,” he recalled. “It was shocking. I thought maybe his intestines were damaged and he had internal bleeding.” Outen, who used to work as a diesel mechanic, said he had never seen an axle fall apart like that. The driver of the trailer also rushed over and helped Outen lay the injured man down on the ground. “While he called 911, I called my wife, who is a nurse, to see what we should do to keep him comfortable,” Outen shared with TCA. “She told me to move him out of the sun and put something under his head, and to not give him any water at that point.” First responders arrived about 15 minutes later, and Outen helped get the man on the gurney. The man’s wife reached out to Outen via Facebook to thank him for his help. “They kept him overnight for observation and then he was able to go home,” he said, adding that he’s relieved the man wasn’t seriously injured. “I didn’t do anything heroic that day. Sometimes you just need to step up and help your fellow human being.” AMOS THURMAN Amos Thurman, who lives in Homer Glen, Illinois and drives for ABF Freight System of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was honored for helping a woman and her two daughters after their vehicle overturned into a ditch. Thurman shared that he’s come across many bad traffic accidents during his 40 years as a truck driver. Some have taken place right in front of him. This was the case one evening in September when he was traveling near Festus, Missouri. “I was coming up (U.S. Highway) 67 and saw an SUV in the left lane, switching lanes,” shared Thurman. “She lost control while making the lane change and went right off the road. She went into the ditch and then up in the air and then flipped over.” Without hesitation, Thurman safely pulled over and jumped out to help. When he reached the overturned SUV, he found that all the doors were jammed shut. Inside, a mother and her two daughters were still in their seat belts and hanging upside down. Another motorist stopped to help. The two of them struggled to open the doors. “We wanted to get them out in case there was a fire,” said Thurman. Eventually, he was able to pry one of the doors open. “The mother was in the driver’s seat, and she had one daughter in the front seat and one in the back seat,” he shared. Thurman and the other motorist were able to free the 16-year-old girl in the back seat. However, he couldn’t reach the younger girl in the front seat. “I wanted to cut the mother’s seat belt to get them out, but she said she didn’t want me to,” he said. Thurman calmed the woman and told her he would stay with them until first responders arrived. “I’m glad everyone was OK and able to go on with their lives,” he shared with TCA. Sadly, Thurman lost his own sister in a traffic accident a few days later when she was struck by a drunk driver. He said he will always stop to help when he can, and he hopes that others will as well. ADAM “TROY” MILLER and ASHISH PATEL The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has posthumously recognized Adam “Troy” Miller, 53, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and Ashish Patel, 46, of Ontario, Canada, as Highway Angels for stopping to help at the scene of a serious accident. According to a police report, there were two crashes near the entrance ramp to Interstate 81 about 7:20 a.m. Thursday, July 1 in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. There had been heavy rain earlier that morning. The first crash occurred when two passenger cars lost control, hydroplaned, and drove through the grassy median, striking a parked tractor-trailer and getting wedged underneath the trailer. Several motorists, including Miller and Patel, stopped to help. As they did so, a third vehicle, an SUV, also lost control in the same area, struck the rear of the parked tractor-trailer, and then hit Patel and Miller. Both men died at the scene. Miller was a professional truck driver with Portner Trucking based in Thurmont, Maryland, and Patel drove for Bison Transport based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Miller’s widow, Julie, shared with TCA that her husband had a 28-year career as a professional truck driver and was on his way to work that morning. She wasn’t surprised that he had stopped to help. “He was an excellent driver,” she said. “He could put a big rig in the smallest space I’ve ever seen in my life. He took his job very seriously. And he always pulled over to help someone.” Miller leaves behind children Kristina N. Judkins (Miller), Joshua A. Miller, Brandon C. Miller, stepson Joshua A. Mills, and grandson, Maveric M. Miller. Miller loved fishing, working on muscle cars, and playing 8-ball and 9-ball pool. “He was a diehard, fall-over Pittsburgh Steelers fan, the only one in the family,” she said. “He was easy to smile, easy to laugh. He would do anything for anybody.” Patel’s widow, Shilpa, shared that her husband enjoyed being a professional truck driver and always accepted challenges that came his way. He didn’t speak English at first when he moved to Canada from India in 2010. He drove for Bison Transport for four years. In 2019, he received a Safe Driver Award for 250,000 miles of safe driving. “He helped others get their licenses and learn about the job,” she said. “He always encouraged people. He always shared the good points about the driving life. If someone was looking for a job, they would ask Ashish. He said, ‘If you are young, drive a truck; it will help you have a long road for your life.’” Patel leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter, Vishwa.

TCA’s 2022 Safety & Security Meeting set for June 5-7

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual Safety & Security Meeting will be held June 5-7 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. This highly anticipated meeting has consistently brought truckload carrier safety professionals together to discuss problems, share ideas, and seek solutions to make their businesses and the nation’s roads safer. Special thanks to our Major Sponsors: Drivers Legal Plan, EBE Technologies, ISAAC Instruments, and Northland Insurance. The event will feature its popular “Safety in the Round” sessions, which draw from the knowledge of the group to solve common safety management and human-resource problems. Topics typically include workers’ compensation issues, employee/employer communication, improving driver-hiring procedures, and others. In addition to specialized educational sessions developed by TCA safety officers, attendees enjoy several networking opportunities and can learn about the latest products and services in the exhibit hall. The event also includes a first-timers’ orientation, receptions, and several meals together. The meeting kicks off Sunday, June 5 with a CEO panel on “Safety as a Retention Tool” and a general session on the topic “Managing Expectations in the Midst of Litigation.” The Monday, June 6, schedule includes a general session about regulatory updates as well as workshops and a general session on “Staying Positive in Safety.” Tuesday, June 7 offers attendees four concurrent workshops, and the meeting will wrap up with a general session on “Top 10 Data Points and Why.” For more information or to register your team for this event, visit truckload.org/events.

Load One’s John Elliott takes the helm as TCA Chair

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the only trade association whose sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry, today announced that Load One, LLC’s CEO John Elliott, will serve as its 2022-2023 chairman. A third-generation transportation professional, Elliott founded Load One in 2003. Under his leadership, the Taylor, Michigan-based provider of domestic and international transportation and logistics services has grown to over $135 million in annual revenue and operates over 450 power units. Load One is ranked as one of the five largest expedited freight companies in the United States by the Journal of Commerce, and as the fifth largest air/expedite provider in North America by Transport Topics. The company has also won numerous awards and recognition and has been twice named as a Best Fleet to Drive For. The annual TCA program recognizes fleets providing exceptional workplace experiences for company drivers and independent contractors. Elliott was the founder of ARC Supply Chain Solutions a global provider of third party logistic services. His extensive industry work includes serving as a TCA officer, its first vice chairman, the Advocacy Advisory Committee chairman, and as a member of TCA’s Board of Directors, Financial Oversight Committee, Highway Policy Committee, and Regulatory Policy Committee. He has also been a vice president of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) since 2018 and was previously the president of The Expedite Association of North America (TEANA). A holder of a degree in Aviation Management and Logistics from Eastern Michigan University, Elliott is an avid sports fan and supporter of charitable causes like Wreaths Across America and Toys for Tots. The following individuals will assist Elliott as TCA’s officers: Immediate Past Chair: Dennis Dellinger, President & CEO, Cargo Transporters, Inc. First Vice Chair: David Williams, Executive Vice President, Knight-Swift Transportation Second Vice Chair: Karen Smerchek, President, Veriha Trucking, Inc. Treasurer: John Culp, President, Maverick USA Secretary: Jon Coca, President, Diamond Transportation System, Inc. Association Vice President to ATA: Ed Nagle, President, Nagle Toledo, Inc. At-Large Officer: Amber Edmondson, President, Trailiner Corp. At-Large Officer: Pete Hill, Vice President, Hill Brothers Transportation, Inc. At-Large Officer: Joey Hogan, President, Covenant Transport At-Large Officer: Mark Seymour, President & CEO, Kriska Transportation Group At-Large Officer: Trevor Kurtz, General Manager, Brian Kurtz Trucking, LTD

Carriers inducted into Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge have recognized eight fleets entering the newly launched Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame. Now in its 14th year, Best Fleets to Drive For is an annual survey and contest that recognizes the North American for-hire trucking companies that provide the best workplace experience for drivers. Fleets are evaluated using a range of criteria, including programs for drivers, driver satisfaction, and results in safety and retention. The top scoring participants are named Best Fleets to Drive For. Expanding on that recognition, the Hall of Fame identifies carriers that have either been named a Best Fleet for 10 consecutive years or have been named seven consecutive years and won an overall award. “The Hall of Fame recognizes fleets demonstrating exceptional performance year after year,” said CarriersEdge CEO Jane Jazrawy. “The inaugural entrants have continued to raise the bar for years, and their achievements demonstrate an enviable level of excellence.” The Hall of Fame is sponsored by EpicVue. The 2022 Best Fleets Hall of Fame recipients are: Bison Transport Inc. – Winnipeg, Manitoba; Boyle Transportation – Billerica, Massachusetts; Central Oregon Truck Co., Inc. – Redmond, Oregon; FTC Transportation, Inc. – Oklahoma City; Grand Island Express – Grand Island, Nebraska; Halvor Lines, Inc. – Superior, Wisconsin; Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc. – Hudson, Illinois; and Prime Inc. – Springfield, Missouri. For information about the Best Fleets program, follow the hashtag #BestFleets22 on social media or visit bestfleetstodrivefor.com.

Inspiration & information: Keynote, featured speakers wow audience at Truckload 2022: Las Vegas

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

Before I start, I have to make a disclaimer … I’m not ‘woke,’ and I’m not PC.” These words, spoken by keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Monday, March 21, during the first general session of Truckload 2022: Las Vegas, drew chuckles and applause from the audience. The presentation was made possible by International Trucks. “That doesn’t mean that I’m not nice,” he continued in a quiet but compelling voice. “I never like to offend people, but at the same time, I don’t believe in twisting yourself into a pretzel so that you don’t offend anybody.” As Carson shared his story of growing up in poverty and overcoming obstacles — both personal and those imposed by society — to become a groundbreaking neurosurgeon, the audience grew quiet and attentive. Carson, who has earned numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for nearly three decades, served as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is the founder and chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute. He also has close ties to the trucking industry: He serves on the Board of Directors for Chattanooga-based Covenant Transport. During his address, Carson spoke passionately about the danger “cancel culture” poses to humanity, noting that differences of opinion can be a good thing and that it is possible to disagree with a person yet still remain friends or maintain a beneficial business relationship. A love for America and its people, a strong spiritual faith, and a desire to help others are at the root of Carson’s philosophy and purpose. He pointed to the trucking community as a strong example of what it means to help others, regardless of their race, social status, or other factors. “One of the things that really impressed me about a lot of our professional truck drivers is they really do look around and try to help people,” he shared. “They frequently will help a stranded driver, someone that they don’t even know. It’s something that we all need to strive to emulate.” He also encouraged those at all levels of business to “think outside the box” when seeking solutions, and to inspire employees to succeed. “Can you imagine what it’s like to be a first-year long-haul truck driver? Or a supervisor of such a driver, or even a C-suite person?” he said. “Sometimes they don’t do everything perfectly, and then to (have) people just come down on them rather than have people make helpful suggestions. What an incredible difference this could make.” During Tuesday’s general session, featured speakers Hector Monsegur, a former black hat hacker, and former FBI agent Christopher Tarbell, regaled the group with the story of an unlikely friendship, as well as the importance of cybersecurity. The presentation was made possible by Pilot Flying J. After being turned in to authorities by a fellow hacker, arrested by Tarbell, and facing a prison sentence of more than 100 years, Monsegur spent the better part of a year helping the FBI identify and stop other hackers. Today the duo travels to share their intertwined stories, evoking laughter while impressing upon listeners just how easily hackers can access online information and offering tips for preventing security breaches. Following the presentation, Monsegur and Tarbell fielded questions from the audience about securing sensitive or proprietary information, how cyberattacks can impact automated logistics systems and vehicles, and how to secure personal data. To view photos from the presentations, visit TCA’s Flickr album at truckload.org/Flickr.

TCA signs on as official sponsor of national apprenticeship program

By Truckload Authority Staff - April 29, 2022

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has officially registered as an apprenticeship sponsor with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). As a recognized sponsor at the national level, TCA can now provide its member companies the ability to offer apprenticeships to job applicants while TCA and its partner FASTPORT — a DOL intermediary specializing in transportation and logistics — administers the program for the participating companies. TCA sincerely thanks the carriers who have already signed on to the program and looks forward to expanding across the association. Participants as of March 20 include Melton Truck Lines, Inc.; Tyson Foods; and D.M. Bowman, Inc. During TCA’s Recruitment & Retention Human Resources Committee at Truckload 2022: Las Vegas, FASTPORT’s Executive Director for Work Force Development and Government Programs David Harrison addressed the application process for carriers, shared benefits for driver apprentices, and included the work process schedule and related instructional curriculum. “It is imperative that truckload carriers have a seat at the table as our industry is responsible for the training of the largest population of drivers,” noted former TCA President John Lyboldt. “TCA recognizes the critical role of professional truck drivers and their steadfast commitment to the movement of much-needed goods,” he added. “This program further solidifies TCA’s support of our essential workforce and their professionalism, dedication, and discipline.” “This program will help to fill the ever-growing void the trucking industry continues to grapple with, in time — being short more than 80,000 drivers,” added then-TCA Chairman Jim Ward. “Well-rounded training and a clear career path will elevate the commercial driver job as we know it.” For more information on federally-recognized apprenticeships, visit apprenticeship.gov, or contact TCA’s Vice President of Operations and Education, Jim Schoonover, at [email protected] or 571-444-0310.

Highway Angels | March-April 2022

By Truckload Authority Staff - February 24, 2022

Professional truck drivers Alfonso Archuleta, Paul Ryan Bales, Roy Davison, and Larry Hull have been named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for their acts of heroism while on the road. For their willingness to assist fellow drivers and motorists, TCA has presented each Highway Angel with a certificate, a patch, a lapel pin, and truck decals. Their employers have also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. Special thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsor, DriverFacts. To nominate a driver or meet additional Highway Angels recipients, visit www.highwayangel.org. ALFONSO ARCHULETA Alfonso Archuleta, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and drives for ABF Freight System of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was honored for stopping to aid a FedEx driver whose double trailer overturned into a ditch. Early one morning in August 2021, Archuleta was traveling on U.S. Highway 54 near Stratford, Texas. The sun was coming up, making things a bit hazy because it had just rained. Suddenly, he saw a truck ahead, lying on its side in the ditch. It was a FedEx truck pulling a set of doubles that had passed him a bit earlier. Archuleta immediately pulled over and grabbed a pair of rubber gloves. “You never know what you’re going to find,” he shared with TCA. He ran to check on the driver. “I asked him if he had any broken bones and he said ‘no.’” At about the same time, an off-duty volunteer firefighter pulled up and helped Archuleta get the driver out of the truck. “The driver was really upset,” recalled Archuleta. “He said he had just gotten over COVID and this was his first day back. He didn’t know what had happened, and (he) must have blacked out.” Archuleta then walked to the back of the trailer to see if the driver was hauling any hazardous materials. “He had corrosive on board,” he said. “We got the paperwork out to give to the fire department when they arrived and saw that he was hauling batteries.” Thankfully, the driver seemed to be okay. “He was just really upset that he turned the truck over,” shared Archuleta. He tried to calm the driver. “I told him that as long as he was okay, not to worry about the truck.” At that point, the volunteer firefighter said he would stay with the driver until first responders arrived so that Archuleta could get back on his route. Archuleta said his father also drove a truck for a living. “As a little kid, I would do walkarounds with him to check the tires and inspect the vehicle,” he recalled. “My dad was always a safe driver. I always stress to young drivers how it important it is to make sure you’re as safe as you can be. It’s important to share your knowledge. You learn it and you pass it along. Taking a little bit of time could save a life.” PAUL RYAN BALES Paul Ryan Bales, who lives in Nixa, Missouri, and drives for Ryder, located in Miami, was honored for rushing to the aid of a man who was trapped in an overturned vehicle that soon caught fire. The morning of August 20, 2021, Bales was eastbound on Interstate 44 near Rolla, Missouri, on his way to St. Louis — something he does every Friday — when he noticed cars ahead of him were hitting their brakes and swerving. “I figured it was something in the road,” he recalled. “But as I approached the overpass, I saw a pickup truck on the shoulder in a ball. It was a mangled mess, upside down. I thought it must have just happened.” He quickly pulled off on the shoulder and ran back. “Two other guys, construction workers in a pickup stopped. We didn’t know how many people were in the pickup or ejected,” he shared with TCA, adding that they found a man under the truck. “He wasn’t moving.” Then they noticed flames coming from beneath the front of the truck. “We dragged him as far (away) as we could without injuring him,” shared Bales. “He was in bad shape.” Bales then ran back to his truck to grab a fire extinguisher from his truck, but it was no match against the flames. “I tried to flag down other trucks (by) waving my fire extinguisher in the air,” he said. Another driver stopped, but by this time the pickup was engulfed in flames. It wasn’t long before paramedics and firefighters arrived on scene. “They air-evacuated him to St. Louis,” said Bales. “You know when they bring the helicopter in, it’s not good.” Bales has been driving for 30 years, 22 of them with Ryder, and he has been the first one on the scene of many accidents. “I’m glad I noticed him, saw his truck. That time of the morning, everyone is on a mission to get to work, and it was a Friday that day,” he said. He’s also grateful for the other drivers who stopped to help that day and helped save the driver’s life. Bales said the driver, an older man, wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and had been ejected from his vehicle. “I could see where he had hit the guardrail,” he said. “The truck went end-over-end underneath the bridge. It was dark underneath the overpass, and other drivers were concentrating on avoiding pieces of metal strewn from the truck. The top (of the truck) was ripped off like a sardine can.” Despite the seriousness of the accident and the injuries the driver sustained, Bales later heard he was expected to make a full recovery. ROY DAVISON Roy Davison, who lives in Crown Point, Indiana, and drives for ABF Freight System of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was honored for stopping to help a couple after they lost control of the U-Haul truck and trailer they were driving and flipped. Late in the evening of October 9, 2021, Davison was eastbound on Interstate 94 near Altoona, Wisconsin, on his way to Chicago. He had just crested a hill when he saw a U-Haul truck ahead, which was pulling a trailer loaded with a minivan, lose control and flip. The trailer separated from the truck and rolled over in the ditch, crushing the roof of the minivan. Without a moment to spare, Davison slowed and maneuvered his truck and trailer to block the two-lane road. He then jumped out and ran to the overturned U-Haul which was laying on its passenger side. “I saw two faces looking through the windshield at me,” Davison shared with TCA. “I knew it wouldn’t be safe to break the windshield to get them out, so I climbed up onto the undercarriage of the U-Haul.” Another driver who had stopped held the driver’s door open. Davison carefully made his way inside the truck. The driver and passenger, a couple in their 60s, were still strapped into their seats. “I helped the driver step on the armrest and then boosted her up, and the other driver pulled her up,” said Davison. He then worked on helping the passenger, who was buried underneath some of the couple’s possessions, which had come loose when the U-Haul flipped over. “We finally got him out,” he said. “They were both able to walk on their own.” Once they were safely out of the vehicle, Davison asked the driver what had happened. “She said, ‘It just got all squirrelly, and thank you, Jesus!’” he said. “They were lucky to be able to walk away from it. They took quite a ride coming over that hill. I almost didn’t see them when I came over the hill as there was some fog.” Davison recalled that all of the couple’s belongings were in the U-Haul truck and in the minivan. “There was broken glass everywhere, and their stuff was scattered all around,” he said. “I felt really bad for them. I found their cellphones and keys, and they had their family Bible with them, which they took in the ambulance with them.” Davison has been driving for nearly 23 years, 15 of those with ABF. LARRY HULL Larry Hull, who lives in Harrah, Oklahoma, and drives for Taylor Truck Lines of Northfield, Minnesota, was honored for stopping to assist a young woman who was trapped in her vehicle following a deadly collision. On the morning of October 5, 2021, Hull was heading out of Byhalia, Mississippi, on Mississippi Highway 7 when he encountered a two-vehicle accident on the two-lane roadway. “Two cars had just collided moments earlier,” he shared with TCA. Hull, a former firefighter, safely pulled over and jumped out to assist. “I got out and ran to check on the occupants of the first car,” he said. “Two other motorists stopped at the same time as I did. They were both nurses.” They discovered two women in the first car who were gravely injured. “We did what we could, but unfortunately, they died at the scene” he shared. Hull then rushed over to the other vehicle and found a young woman, whom he later learned was 24 years old. “I worked on keeping her calm,” recalled Hull. “She had a broken ankle, but I couldn’t determine what other injuries she may have.” When first responders arrived, Hull helped extricate the young woman from her vehicle. Hull said the young woman’s uncle and father have been in touch with him and thanked him for helping the young woman. They believe she would have lost her life that day if it weren’t for Hull. “She had significant injuries and has a long recovery ahead of her,” he shared with TCA. “But she is back home with family, including her daughter.” Hull doesn’t know how the accident happened that day. “It was around 8 a.m. and traffic was light,” he remembered. He added that several other motorists stopped to help. “They either had training, like those two nurses, or they offered to help in any way they could,” he said. Hull has been a professional truck driver for 17 years and has served as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years.