As the end of summer approaches, the trucking industry is focused on awarding drivers and granting scholarships to help others advance in the industry. Read more about each case in this week’s Five Good Things.
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Top five drivers honored in Relay Payments’ Haul of Fame
Relay Payments recently announced the Top Five for its second annual Haul of Fame contest, which honors truck drivers and their contributions to the trucking industry.
More than 2,500 votes were cast by the public, revealing the 2024 Relay Payments Haul of Fame Top Five. These exceptional drivers include:
- Kevin Worley: With 48 years of experience, Kevin began his trucking career hauling automobiles and has driven across nearly every interstate. Known for his care of equipment and adherence to safety, Kevin loves the open road. His dedication has earned him a reputation as a standout professional in the industry.
- Kirk Phillips: Kirk has been a truck driver for 43 years with Johnsonville Trucking, amassing more than 3.1 million safe miles. A member of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers President's Safe Driver's Club for 25 years, Kirk is known for his dedication to safety and mentorship. He also drives the 'Big Taste Grill' truck, providing food and supplies during disaster relief events.
- Roger Machback: Roger has been driving trucks for 24 years and returned to the road in 2008 after losing his right arm in a boating accident. He designed a custom prosthetic arm and became one of the first in Maine to qualify for interstate travel with an amputation. Roger now advocates for other amputees, helping them regain their CDLs and adapt to life post-amputation.
- Fidel Herrera: Fidel has been a truck driver for 20-plus years, starting with a local supermarket before obtaining his CDL. Known for his dedication to safety, clean trucks, and mentoring fellow drivers, Fidel enjoys the freedom of the road and providing excellent service.
- Deb Labree: Deb, a truck driver for 18 years, is a key figure in Women In Trucking, serving on the organization’s board and the Image Team. She exemplifies that trucking is not just a “man's job” and is a role model for aspiring female drivers. Deb is committed to safety and efficiency, making her an inspiration for all in the industry.
A celebrity judging panel will evaluate these five drivers, and two will be selected as the 2024 Haul of Fame winners.
The two winners will receive various prizes, including a trip to the Quaker State 400 from September 6-8, ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Semi-finalists announced for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award
Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative have announced the semi-finalists for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. Launched in 2016 to recognize the achievements of veterans transitioning into the transportation industry, this year’s program semi-finalists represent multiple branches of the United States military, including National Guard and Reserve components. The semi-finalists include:
- Jadarion Blakemore, U.S. Army (E-5), CRST - The Transportation Solution Inc. (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Quantae Dozier, U.S. Army (E-4), Epes Transport System LLC (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Richard Flirt III, U.S. Navy (E-4), Legacy Express (Trained by Fox Valley Technical College)
- Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7), Melton Truck Lines (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Justin Sisler, U.S. Marine Corps (E-2), Prime Inc. (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)
- Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport Inc.
- Mark Joseph, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army National Guard (O-3), Stevens Transport (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)
- Cory Troxwell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport (Trained by Phoenix Truck Driving Institute)
- Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC (Truck Driver Institute)
- William Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises (Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School)
The grand prize is a Kenworth T680 truck, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and Paccar powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine rated at 455 hp, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.
“This year’s group of ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award’ semi-finalists are inspiring examples of accomplished military veterans who are making a successful transition into the trucking industry,” Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing, said. “Kenworth is honored to mark our ninth year of participation in the program with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. I look forward to meeting all the esteemed semi-finalists this fall and presenting the T680 keys to a deserving veteran in Washington, D.C., at the end of the year.”
As part of the ninth annual award program, each semi-finalist will attend a ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on September 25 in Columbus, Ohio. The following day will include a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where semi-finalists will be recognized and finalists will be announced.
Finalists and the ultimate winner will be part of an expanded veteran-focused week that includes: a Veteran-Ready Summit on December 11-14' the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award announcement on December 13; Employment Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support Signing Ceremony later that afternoon; and Wreaths Across America on December 14.
A public vote will occur online from November 1 until Veteran’s Day. This voting is an important determiner for the award’s Selection Committee, which makes the ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner.
Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship 2024 winners announced
The NATSO Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded $25,000 in educational scholarships through the Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship program to five students with ties to the truck stop and travel center industry.
Recipients of the NATSO Foundation’s 2024 Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship are:
- Kamryn Lemburg, Sapp Bros. York, York, Nebraska
- Jaken Lindsey, Petro Stopping Center #352, Gadsden, Alabama
- Madison Medlen, TravelCenters of America, Westlake, Ohio
- Katie Nelsen, Sapp Bros. Columbus, Columbus, Nebraska
- Jennifer Walsh, TravelCenters of America, Westlake, Ohio
These scholarships are financed by proceeds from the NATSO Connect fundraiser and tax-deductible contributions to the NATSO Foundation.
“Through the incredible generosity of travel center companies, individuals, and vendor companies, we were able to again provide these scholarships,” said Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation. “The Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship Program has been awarding scholarships for more than 30 years.”
The scholarships provide much-needed and deserved assistance to those planning for their post-secondary education. All truck stop and travel center owners and operators, their employees, and their legal dependents are eligible. Applicants are selected based on a short essay, academic merit, and community activities.
The scholarship program is named after Bill and Carolyn Moon, who founded the Iowa 80 Group and made substantial contributions to NATSO, actively supporting and participating in industry-related government affairs issues.
See also: TravelCenters of America to build truck charging stations in Ontario, California
ASE Chairman’s scholarship awarded
Anthony Williams, a collision repair student at Wyotech in Laramie, Wyoming, has been awarded the ASE Chairman’s scholarship for the 2024-25 school year.
“We want to congratulate Anthony on being selected as this year’s ASE Chairman's scholarship honoree,” Tom Trisdale, chairman of the ASE Board of Directors, said. “We had many exceptional candidates apply, but Anthony stood out for his outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and all of us at ASE congratulate him on this tremendous honor.”
The ASE Chairman’s Scholarship recognizes the strong technical skills and foundational knowledge required to support the industry as an entry-level technician. The ASE Chairman is a voluntary leadership position, and the scholarship recognizes and honors the ASE Chairman's dedication to advancing all service professionals.
Women In Trucking fall 2024 scholarship nominations open
The Women In Trucking Foundation is now accepting applications for the fall 2024 scholarship cycle.
Any woman attending a training facility to advance their career in safety, driving, technical, or leadership in the trucking industry is eligible to apply for a scholarship. Applicants must complete the scholarship application, including an essay section outlining career objectives and how this training will help meet those goals. The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET on September 16, 2024.
The scholarship winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a free one-year membership to the Women In Trucking Association. Winners will be announced in October 2024.
