Women In Trucking Association announces 2025 Driver of the Year finalists
The Women In Trucking Association recently announced four finalists for the 2025 Driver of the Year award. This annual award recognizes female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively enhancing the public image of the trucking industry.
The 2025 Driver of the Year finalists are:
- Ericka Norfleet, owner-operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking
- Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
- Kathy Blaies, professional carhauler, United Road
- Sandy Winters, company driver, Leonard’s Express
The winner of the 2025 Driver of the Year award will be announced at the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event, hosted by WIT on March 28 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville.
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for helping extinguish a truck fire
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Matt Harris from Ione, California, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to help extinguish a truck fire during a nighttime crash in Lakehead, California. Harris drives for ABF Freight out of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
On February 18, Harris was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 when he came upon a tractor trailer that had been in an accident and was on fire.
“I saw a glow on the horizon,” said Harris, who has been driving the same route since 1994. “It was the truck that was on fire. I came around the bend, and there was fire in the slow lane and diesel fuel all over the slow lane.”
He pulled over, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and fought the fire until the fire department arrived. The driver of the truck had crashed into the guard rail but exited the crashed truck without injury.
“The driver of the truck was freaked out; he was in shock,” he said. “The tires were on fire, so I put that out and then underneath the fuel tank. I put out the most critical parts of the fire, by the fuel tanks, before my fire extinguisher ran out.”
Driving a truck since 1988, Harris has seen his share of accidents on the road but says he stops because that’s what he would hope would happen if he were in trouble.
“Do unto others—the Golden Rule,” he said. “That’s it.”
TMC recognizes contributions to industry with highest award
American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council honored five professionals with its highest honor—the Silver Spark Plug—at the opening of TMC’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.
“The Silver Spark Plug is given to individuals who demonstrate professional excellence in commercial vehicle maintenance as our industry’s highest honor,” Robert Braswell, TMC executive director, said. “Our winners this year represent the highest level of expertise and ability in our industry. We are pleased to recognize them with this award.”
This year’s honorees are Jack Vander Giessen, Cummins-Meritor; Andrew Krum, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute; Joey Young, Publix Supermarkets; Mark Kennedy, Knight Swift Transportation; and Bryan Lewis, ASE.
“TMC’s members keep our industry moving, and these four individuals represent the highest level of the professional excellence the council strives for,” Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said. “More than half of the 8.5 million people employed by the trucking industry do something other than drive a truck, and without them, our nation’s goods would not be delivered to our stores, hospitals, and factories. These individuals are examples to all of us in this industry, and we are proud to honor them with this award.”
Averitt announces inaugural Integrated Carrier Awards
As part of its commitment to recognize excellence among its partners, Averitt has announced its inaugural Integrated Carrier Awards, honoring top-performing carriers among its truckload, brokerage, intermodal, and non-asset network. These awards are based on tracking and visibility, proactive communication, overall carrier quality, on-time performance, and total volume covered.
“This recognition highlights the vital role our full-load carrier partners play in providing seamless service to our customers,” Steve McDonald, VP of integrated services, said. “Their commitment to reliability and quality strengthens our ability to deliver transportation solutions across North America.”
The 2025 Averitt Integrated Carrier Award winners are as follows:
- Small Fleet Dry Van Carrier: Hidden Creek Transportation
- Large Fleet Dry Van Carrier: Mercer JTV
- Truckload Carrier for Mexico: Central de Fletes
- Truckload Carrier for Canada: Trans Expert Inc.
- Flatbed Carrier: Melton Truck Lines
- Reefer Carrier: J.R.’s Transportation
- Intermodal Rail Carrier: Florida East Coast
- Drayage Carrier: Intermodal West
- Integrated Services Provider of the Year: Landstar B & B
This annual program reflects Averitt’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong partnerships with carriers that uphold the highest quality and service standards in the industry.
ATA’s Moving & Storage Conference recognizes industry leaders with prestigious awards
American Trucking Associations’ Moving & Storage Conference recognized Jack Griffin, chairman and CEO of Atlas Van Lines, with the Moving & Storage Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Jack is a pillar of the moving and storage industry, pioneering new business models, adopting innovative technology, and advocating for policies that benefit businesses and contribute to the well-being of workers,” Steve McKenna, MSI chairman, said. “Throughout his tenure at Atlas, Jack has deftly navigated the turbulent economy while elevating moving standards. He is passionate about improving customer service and has had an indispensable role in enhancing the industry's public image and growth.”
Griffin was elected CEO of Atlas World Group in November 2016, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to his current position. He is a proud member of ATA and ATA’s MSC, serving on the executive committee, and previously chaired the Moving and Storage Institute. Additionally, he is an active member of the International Association of Movers, Worldwide ERC, and Society of Human Resource Management.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, MSC handed out several awards to member carriers as part of the group’s annual meeting this week:
- American Red Ball Transit, JK Moving Services, and Wheaton Van Lines were honored with Fleet Safety Awards.
- Moyer & Sons Moving and Storage was named Independent Mover of the Year.
- Imlach Group was recognized with the Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award.
- Supermove received the Summit Award for Supplier Member.
