Though the end of summer is almost in sight, the trucking industry is still fired up over good deeds. Read more about the latest awards, recognition, and good deeds in this week’s Five Good Things.
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ATA announces National Truck Driving Champions
The American Trucking Associations proclaimed Jackie Reed, a professional driver with FedEx Freight from Mississippi, the Bendix Grand Champion at the 2024 National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships.
“Jackie demonstrated the precision and professionalism we have come to expect from NTDC champions,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “While all of our competitors are champions, he separated himself from even this elite field, showing the skills that have produced three million miles of accident-free driving over his 34-year career. Congratulations to him and to all our NTDC participants.”
ATA’s National Truck Driving & Step Van Championships took place from August 21-24 in Indianapolis, bringing 422 drivers from 49 states with nearly 685 million accident-free miles.
Reed took home the Bendix Grand Champion award, as well as first place in the tank truck vehicle class.
In addition, ATA honored Todd Gimpel, a professional driver with FedEx Freight from Nebraska, with the 2024 Rookie of the Year Award, and the state of Colorado was crowned the team champion for having the highest collective score.
ATA also honored Richard Sweeney of XPO with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award. David Wiechers with ABF Freight was chosen as the Sam Gillette Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient.
This year’s event included driving competitions across nine vehicle classes, vehicle inspection, and a written exam. A full list of award winners can be viewed here.
J.B. Hunt awards $533k to recipients in third year of scholarship program for families
J.B. Hunt Transport Services has awarded scholarships to 100 new recipients of the J.B. Hunt Scholarship for Families program, bringing the total educational financial assistance provided in the program's third year to exceed $533,000.
“This is one of my favorite company initiatives because it enables us to support what’s most important to our people: their families,” said Brad Hicks, president of highway services and EVP of people at J.B. Hunt. “From those who were part of our inaugural class to new recipients this year, these students are relentless in their commitment to continuing their education, and we are proud to support their academic journey.”
Since launching the program in 2022, J.B. Hunt has awarded more than $1.2 million in financial assistance to the families of J.B. Hunt employees. This year’s recipient class is comprised of students from 25 states throughout the country and includes students like Taylor Schultz, a Springdale, Arkansas native studying finance.
“This scholarship represents more than financial aid,” Schultz said. “It signifies recognition of my efforts and potential, boosting my confidence and inspiring me to contribute meaningfully to my chosen field of study.”
NAFA announces the winners of its 2024 Green Fleet Awards
NAFA Fleet Management Association recently announced the winners of its 2024 Green Fleet Awards. This recognition celebrates fleets that have contributed to environmental sustainability.
"We are immensely proud of the strides our winners have made in enhancing fleet sustainability," said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. "The City of New York’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services, along with other awardees, have set exemplary standards in green initiatives that inspire the entire fleet community."
This year's top honor, Top Green Fleet of 2024, was awarded to the City of New York’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services. It reflects its efforts in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability within its fleet operations.
Other recognitions include:
- Best Bio-Based Efforts: Prince George’s County, Maryland
- Best Policies, Procedures, and Long-Term Planning: Miami-Dade County, Florida, ISD Fleet Management
- Most Improved Fleet: Miami Beach, Florida
- Best Special Vehicle Project: Hennepin County, Minnesota
- Best Long-Term Greening Effort: Cedric Roberts, CAFM – Birmingham, Alabama
- Mentor of the Year: Michael Duffy, CAFM – University of Virginia
The awards were presented at the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo in Durham, North Carolina, where industry professionals gathered to discuss trends, technologies, and practices shaping sustainable fleet management.
"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by NAFA as the top green fleet of 2024. This award is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of New York City’s fleet,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “As we continue to implement greener technologies, we are proud to lead the way in creating cleaner, healthier futures for all New Yorkers.”
See also: Roeth: Sustainability becoming a strategic priority
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing two truck drivers
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Rashon Smith from Olympia, Washington, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing two truck drivers whose semis crashed on Interstate 10 during a storm. Smith drives for Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
On July 31, 2024, Smith and his wife were driving on I-10 westbound near Ft. Stockton, Texas, and were caught in a severe storm. Rashon noticed two overturned semis up ahead on the opposite side of the road.
“A really bad storm had hit—two semis on the other side of the road overturned into the median, partially blocking the eastbound road,” Smith said. “I just started laying on my air horn, so everyone on the other side of the road kinda knew to slow down.”
He pulled over, and Smith rushed to assist the drivers while his wife called 911.
“Me and another trucker, we helped pull the first guy from his truck,” he said. “We climbed on top and opened his door and were able to carry him out.” The other driver had a broken windshield, so Rashon was able to help him through the window.
“His truck was a little shattered,” Smith said. “We were able to pull him from the windshield.” The drivers had cuts and scrapes. Coincidentally, a group of military medics was traveling on the highway and stopped to help.
“I’m a veteran; the old Navy in me kicked in—if you see someone hurt, you help,” Smith said.
Trucking Cares Foundation donates $40,000 toward truck driver training
The Trucking Cares Foundation recently donated $40,000 to the Next Generation in Trucking Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to training the next generation of trucking industry professionals.
The grant from Trucking Cares Foundation will be used to develop TruckFit and incorporate it into CDL training curriculums that the organization provides to high schools, community/technical colleges, and private schools around North America. This fitness course instructs new drivers on prioritizing their physical and mental health while on the road.
“Driver health is a priority as we train the next-generation workforce of commercial drivers,” said Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of Next Generation in Trucking Association. “Now, with the partnership with the Trucking Cares Foundation, we can make this a reality and offer practical ways for student drivers to stay healthy while on the road before their careers begin.”
