AUSTIN, Texas – The American Trucking Associations Monday presented the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards to one motor carrier, one trucking affiliated organization, one professional truck driver, and one allied company.
ATA also presented an honorable mention award in the affiliated category.
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are named in honor of the late Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA vice president of public affairs.
“Safety is paramount in trucking, and every day men and women throughout every aspect of our industry do their part to further the safety-first image we are trying to create,” said ATA Chairman David Manning, president of TCW. “However, when we find that an individual, company, or organization has exceeded these expectations, we set out to recognize these parties for their efforts. The winners present today are those individuals.”
The awards honor trucking’s champions of image, professionalism and safety, and recognize individuals and groups that use innovative approaches to improve the image of the trucking industry.
This year’s winners of the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are:
- America’s Road Team Captain and FedEx Freight professional truck driver Don Logan for his tireless work toward creating a positive culture within the trucking industry and demonstrating the positive role of the industry to external audiences. From his role in the establishment of a FedEx Road Team, to his legacy of success at state and national truck driving competitions, Captain Don Logan sets a standard of professionalism for all truck drivers.
- The Tennessee Trucking Association Foundation for its partnership with state transportation offices to develop statewide educational and medical programs aimed at the safety and well-being of senior drivers. The association accomplished this while continuing their high school share the road programs, demonstrating that road safety should and can be accessible at any stage of life. Tennessee also supports a state Road Team.
- Werner Enterprises for creating a culture of pride in its organization and support of its employees, which in turn creates positive ambassadors for the trucking industry. From its support of veterans and current military members to their participation in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events, Werner reflects a positive image of a life in the trucking industry recently exemplified by Werner’s impressive appearance as industry representatives at the White House.
- Pilot Flying J for creating a positive image of truck drivers and the company’s prolific record of community involvement, including fundraising for United Way and Wreaths Across America. Pilot Flying J is also recognized for its steadfast dedication to creating a positive image of the industry through their support of Trucking Moves America Forward.
- Honorable Mention: ATA recognized St. Christopher’s Fund for providing more than $2.3 million in assistance to 2,336 over-the-road and regional drivers and their families when illness or injury has caused the driver to be out of work.
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear also introduced the Trucking Cares Foundation Premier Achievement Award during his ATA President’s Address. The newly created award will recognize an individual or trucking industry group that “goes the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The first-ever Trucking Cares Foundation Premier Achievement Award was presented to professional truck driver Herschel Evans of Holland Inc.
Evans was acknowledged for establishing a truck rodeo called the Safety Drive for a Cure, a truck safety and skills competition benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Last year, Safety Drive for a Cure raised $30,550 with 116 drivers competing from 21 states with 31 sponsors.
Evans is also involved in the Convoy of Care, helping deliver critical supplies to families affected by major natural disasters, most recently through Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael relief deliveries. With the award, ATA’s Trucking Cares Foundation provided Evans a check in the amount of $5,000 made out to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
CAPTION FOR PHOTO
Courtesy: AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are named in honor of the late Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA vice president of public affairs.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
