Professional movers honored at MSC annual meeting
The American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference awarded two professional drivers the organization’s Super Van Operator Award during the MSC Annual Meeting.
“Drivers make up the heart of the moving industry,” said MSC Executive Director Ryan Bowley. “I’m proud to recognize these two outstanding professionals for their efforts on behalf of the moving and storage industry.”
The Super Van Operator Award honors exemplary drivers and owner-operators in four categories who provide safe, reliable, and customer-oriented truck transportation in service to the nation’s household goods carriers.
William Pranger of Prager Moving & Storage (an Atlas Van Lines agent) received the award this year. Glen Cooksey of JK Moving Services was given a lifetime Super Van Operator Award.
“Bill and Glen aren’t just proud MSC members, they are also tremendous examples of what this industry does on a daily basis. They demonstrate the professionalism and service we all strive for,” Bowley said.
Women In Trucking names 2024 top women to watch in transportation
The Women In Trucking Association recently announced its 2024 top women to watch in transportation. The editorial staff of Redefining the Road, WIT’s official magazine, selected these individuals for their significant career accomplishments in the past 12 to 18 months, as well as their efforts to promote gender diversity.
“This year’s list is comprised of 75 impressive women who have excelled in their career in a male-populated industry,” said Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director of Redefining the Road. “We are pleased to take this opportunity to shed light on the incredible achievements of these accomplished professionals.”
Those recognized on the 2024 Top Women to Watch in Transportation list work for many company types, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, equipment manufacturers, retailer truck dealers, professional services companies, technology innovators, and private fleets. Their job functions include sales/marketing (29%), safety/operations (19%), human resources/talent management (17%), corporate management (12%), customer experience/service (10%), engineering/technology (6%), driver/training (4%), and financial (3%).
The complete list of women can be viewed here.
“For eight years, we’ve been pleased to recognize the accomplishments of women in transportation who make a significant impact to the industry and those around them,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “These women exemplify the mission and values of the Women In Trucking Association and truly are top women to watch in our industry.”
Fleet Services by Cox Automotive joins forces with U.S. Army’s PaYS Program
Fleet Services by Cox Automotive announced its commitment to the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success Program, which helps soldiers prepare for a career after the Army.
“We commend Fleet Services by Cox Automotive for their commitment to helping our military professionals as they transition into civilian workforce,” said Antonio Johnson, PaYS program manager. “Hiring veterans enriches employers with unparalleled skills, discipline, and leadership. This partnership demonstrates the Army’s investment in its soldiers and their futures.”
The PaYS Program collaborates with the Army and private industry, academic institutions, and state and local public institutes. This strategic initiative supports soldiers by guaranteeing them five job interviews and potential employment opportunities after their service in the Army. By connecting America’s youth with employers who recognize the invaluable skills, discipline, and work ethic of military service members, the program encourages a dual commitment to national service and personal growth. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 1,220 employers have partnered with the program.
“We are extremely proud to partner with the U.S. Army’s PaYS Program and honored to be part of efforts to build bridges between soldiers and businesses, reinforcing the idea that the Army is a rich source of skilled and reliable recruits,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP of Fleet Services by Cox Automotive. “This partnership is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty personnel, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on both our organization and the lives of those who have served our country.”
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for extinguishing car fire
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Stephen Miller from Tifton, Georgia, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to extinguish a car fire. Miller works for Hogan Transports out of Maryland Heights, Missouri.
On February 21, 2024, at 12:15 a.m., Miller was traveling southbound on I-75 in Punta Gorda, Florida, when a vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. As they traveled over a bridge near exit 164, the vehicle in front of Miller crossed a dip in the road.
“The guy hit the dip, and I thought he wiped out because there was a huge plume of smoke,” Miller said. “As I was coming through the smoke, I’m looking for a wrecked-out vehicle.”
Miller continued driving and noticed the car in front of him emitting smoke and flames shooting out from underneath. The driver of the inflamed car pulled over. Immediately, Miller safely pulled his truck over and grabbed his fire extinguisher. As other vehicles passed the scene, he sprang into action.
“I jumped out and ran back there and shot the fire extinguisher underneath the car to see if I could get the fire out from there because that’s where it was coming from,” Miller said.
The fire wasn’t going out, so he asked the driver to pop the hood—then Miller deployed the rest of the fire extinguisher. The fire continued, so he ran back to his truck and grabbed the 40-pack of bottled water he kept.
“I got the fire out with the bottles of water,” said Miller, who has been driving a truck for 10 years.
He stayed by the vehicle with the driver until first responders arrived. There were no injuries to the male driver and passenger from the car.
“I was raised if you see something, you help out if you can. We gotta look out for each other,” Miller said.
Trucking Cares Foundation launches fentanyl public awareness campaign
The American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Cares Foundation and Facing Fentanyl have joined forces to sound the alarm about the increasing threat of the illicit fentanyl epidemic.
Cities and towns nationwide are awash in lethal fentanyl. DEA reports that at least seven in 10 counterfeit pills are deadly. Fentanyl poisoning claims the lives of more than 70,000 Americans each year, with a fentanyl-related death occurring approximately once every five minutes. Fentanyl continues to be the number one killer of adults 18-45, and children under 14 are dying of fentanyl poisoning faster than any other age group.
The trucking industry is fighting to reverse these tragic statistics. Through this united effort, trucking companies have the opportunity to purchase trailer wraps with fentanyl PSAs featuring messages from families who have lost loved ones to illicit fentanyl poisonings. To help maximize the campaign’s impact and expand its reach to as many roadways as possible, these trailer wraps are available at a deeply discounted price. The new wraps were unveiled at the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.
“The ATA family and trucking at large is determined to deliver positive awareness to the growing fentanyl crisis in America,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “Our citizens, employees, and families are being devastated by this evil drug, and I’m proud that TCF has decided to get involved in this critical need.”
TCF and Facing Fentanyl partnered with Lowen Color Graphics to develop this powerful campaign featuring five graphic design options for 53-foot trailers. These graphics will be produced using premium 3M vinyl protected with a film laminate, ensuring up to seven years of durability. Lowen is providing a significant discount of up to 40% to make these wraps as affordable as possible.
“In the face of immense loss, families impacted by fentanyl have shown remarkable resilience,” said Andrea Thomas, co-founder of Voices for Awareness and Facing Fentanyl. “Each image shared represents not just a life lost but a family shattered. It is a testament to the strength of those who have suffered unimaginable pain that they have chosen to turn their grief into action. By raising awareness, providing resources like opioid reversal and education kits to schools, and working with law enforcement, first responders, and communities, we are not only honoring the memory of our loved ones but actively working to prevent further tragedies.”
