In this episode we have a story about a trucker abandoning a military tank along the interstate, Pilot Flying J’s Road Warriors contest winners, and the story of one lucky kitty who survived a big rig accident, along with the CAT Scale Rig of the Week.
Tucker Russ:
A trucker abandons a military tank along the interstate Nebraska and Pilot Flying J announces the winners of its road Warriors contest. Plus, we’ve got a heartwarming story of one lucky kitty who survived in big rig accident and is now in good hands as she waits to be returned to her owner. That’s a quick look at the stories we’re covering, along with our CAT Scale rig of the week, on this edition of The Trucker News Channel.
Tucker Russ:
Well, someone out there is thinking, “Now, where’s that tank?” Don’t worry, the Nebraska State Patrol found it earlier this month when a trooper was alerted that a large military vehicle was sitting on a park trailer at the Interstate 80 on ramp near Overton. Turns out the tank belonged to the South Dakota National Guard. Police later learned that it was being returned to South Dakota from a training mission in California when it was abandoned by a driver for the trucking company contracted to move it. The patrol worked with the South Dakota National Guard to return to tank. And they’re still looking for that driver who abandoned it. Was it you?
Tucker Russ:
Pilot Flying J has announced the winners of its annual Road Warrior Contest, with Eric Britton of Clarksville, Tennessee, as this year’s $10,000 grand prize winner. Nominated by his wife, Eric was recognized for his service as a veteran and a driver. Eric served for 15 years in the Army, and after retiring, he began driving for FirstFleet. He now has 19 years and 2 million safe miles under his belt. The second place winner is Zdenko Zalac, of Clinton, Ohio received $5,000. Zdenko has been an owner/operator and driver for more than 20 years and has over 3 million accident free miles. Third place winner, Mona Beedle, of Auburndale, Florida, received $2,500. She’s been a driver for more than 30 years for RayLee Transport, and is a strong advocate for women drivers. Congratulations drivers, we have a short video of Eric receiving his prize. Take a look.
Jim Haslam:
Hi Eric, this is Jim Haslam. I’m the Chairman and Founder of Pilot Flying J and a service veteran myself. So first of all, thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for being a professional driver. It’s my privilege now to say that you are the Pilot Road Warrior. You are picked because of your professionalism, your dedication to your profession, your enthusiasm, and in general, you embody what a professional truck driver should be.
Shemeka:
Eric is truly heaven sent, and he is definitely one in a million. His mother did a great job raising him. I know she’s extremely proud of her son. He’s such a hard worker and very dedicated to everything that he does. I’m just very proud of Eric.
Jimi Rogers:
He’s just a really great guy. He loves and adores my mom, which I really appreciate. And I’ll always be forever grateful for it.
Jim Haslam:
As our Road Warrior, and we know what Road Warriors are, you’re fighting every day, just like you did in the service. You will receive a $10,000 prize. Thank you. And congratulations, Eric, for being our Road Warrior of the Year.
CAT Scale Commercial:
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Tucker Russ:
That’s right. It’s the Rig of the Week.
Tucker Russ:
CAT Scale Rig of the Week. This week’s Rig of the Week goes to Brett Chastain of Flora, Indiana. Brett has dedicated his truck, a 2005 Mack CXN with a 15 speed transmission, to a group of often unsung heroes, the canines who serve the nation’s military and law enforcement agencies, Nice rig. A veteran of the US Army and Army National Guard, Brett served several tours in military hotspots. Brett says he grew to respect the dedication and bravery of the bomb sniffing dogs he worked with as a Calvary Scout. In addition to Mack’s familiar bulldog emblem on the hood, a nod to man’s best friend, Fred’s truck bears 29 paw prints so far, each in memory of a canine that gave its life in the line of duty.
Tucker Russ:
If you have rig you’d like to profile here on the CAT Scale Rig of the Week, send us a video to [email protected]. Nice rig.
Tucker Russ:
Well, they say drivers pets are often their best friends and one driver will be happy to know that her cat was saved from a big rig accident that sent her owner to the hospital. Ms. Kitty was found following the accident on interstate 10 in California. After being treated for minor injuries, she spent some time with the California Highway Patrol before making new friends at the local animal shelter. She was even given the #bigrigkitty When volunteers shared her story on Facebook.
Tucker Russ:
When the driver is released from the hospital, she and Ms. Kitty will be reunited. If the driver has to stay in the hospital longer than the shelter can keep the kitty, don’t worry, they’re going to work with nonprofit partners to ensure Ms. Kitty makes her way back to her owner’s family in Arkansas. Do you drivers have a pet you’d like us to feature here on the trucker.com? Send us a photo at thetrucker.com/newstip.
Tucker Russ:
Well, that’s it for this edition. If you’re watching us on YouTube, make sure to click that little red subscribe button below. You can also go to thetrucker.com for all the latest news stories, just for truckers. On behalf of everyone here at The Trucker News Channel, thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time.
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.