“Keith always has a good attitude and is a great communicator,” said Fleet Manager Denny Bland, who nominated Keith for this honor. “He’s an invaluable member the USA Truck team. His strong work ethic is exemplary and he is true professional. I know that when he gets a load, he will get it done and always works to do so safely and in a timely fashion.”

The Driver of the Month honor is given to driver team members who consistently display their commitment to safety, DOT compliance, customer service, appropriate use of available hours and overall professionalism. “Keith has certainly demonstrated his commitment to these objectives, and we are pleased to have him on our team,” Bland said. “Congratulations, Keith, and thank you for all that you do for USA Truck and for your profession.”

For his recognition as July’s Driver of the Month, Keith will receive 35,000 Focused on Safety Awards Points, a certificate to honor his achievement and company-wide Communication Station recognition.

USA Truck is a medium haul, common & contract carrier specializing in truckload quantities of general commodities.  Founded in 1983, USA Truck operates in all 48 states, and in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec and is headquartered in Van Buren, Arkansas.

For more information, call USA Truck at 1-800-872-8782 or visit our website at usatruck@usa-truck.com.

Scott Killey was selected as Driver of the Month in the Reefer-Van Division. Killey was nominated by his fleet manager, Gary Northrup, who said, “Scott always has a great attitude. He does whatever we need done; he comes out early to help load trailers and drop them in Hammond for other drivers.” Killey has worked with Decker for six years.

Robert Laux was chosen as the Flatbed Division’s Driver of the Month.

Laux’s fleet manager, Jerry Chapman says, “Robert does a great job, is always on time and does a lot of Hazmat loads for us.” Laux will celebrate his 10th year with Decker in October.

In addition to winning a Decker gift certificate, both of these drivers will now be eligible to compete for Driver/Owner-Operator of the Year. This year-end recognition of one driver from each division brings a 1-cent-per-mile pay increase for twelve months.

Decker’s Drivers of the Month are selected by their fleet managers based on overall performance within all areas of the company, including operational productivity, safety record, maintenance/care of equipment, payroll, billing and customer service.

Founded in 1931, Decker Truck Line, Inc. is a diversified carrier, transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

For more information, visit www.drivedecker.com.

B-T, Inc. is pleased to announce that Sheldon McAfee has been chosen as the company’s Driver of the Month for July.

McAfee was nominated by his fleet manager, Chris Krogman, who said “Sheldon has an outstanding attitude and represents B-T very well on the road. He has great customer service skills and will do whatever we need him to do to get the job done!”

In addition to winning a B-T gift certificate, McAfee will now be eligible to compete for Driver/Owner-Operator of the Year. This year-end recognition brings a 1-cent-per-mile pay increase for twelve months.

B-T’s Drivers of the Month are selected by their fleet managers based on overall performance within all areas of the company, including operational productivity, safety record, maintenance/care of equipment, payroll, billing and customer service.

B-T, Inc. is a member of the Decker Truck Line family of companies. Founded in 1931, Decker is a diversified carrier, transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces.

For more information, visit www.drivebt.com or www.drivedecker.com.

Hall of Fame fisherman Ted Takasaki led the trip for the dozen drivers who were randomly selected by ATS to attend. Senior ATS management hosting the trip included CEO Rollie Anderson along with Brent Anderson, Scott Anderson, Oscar Kleman and Gary Stang.

The fishing excursion included days of fishing for walleyes as well as accommodations in a 5-star resort, private air charter to and from the resort, custom crafted rods and reels, special fishing shirts and caps, and an additional week’s gross pay for each driver.

“Everybody had a great time and we caught lots of walleyes in the 22-inch to 28-inch category. Due to lake regulations we practiced CPR — catch, photo and release,” said Oscar Klemen, Vice President of Driver Recruiting. “We wanted each driver to relax, have fun and create memories. The week’s pay helped take the worry out of making a truck payment or paying bills at home. The laughter from our boats is still echoing across the waters of Leech Lake. After all, how often do you have the opportunity to spend time with the CEO and find out that he is just one of the guys? We have some new things planned for next year’s trip. It’s a tough act to follow but it will be bigger and better than this year!”

Founded in 1955, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc. is a leader in flatbed, specialized, wind energy, van and international transportation. With offices in St. Cloud, MN, Gary, IN, Waterloo, IA, Fontana, CA, Dallas, TX, Hickory, NC, Laredo, TX, Manitowoc, WI, Jacksonville, FL, San Juan, PR, Bridgewater, NJ, and Missoula, MT, ATS is the largest truckload carrier in Minnesota, and the 39th largest for hire carrier in North America, operating over 2400 tractors and over 8600 trailers.

For more information call 1-855-JOIN-ATS or visit their website www.atsinc.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., (August 2012) – Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information has announced the finalists in its Trucking’s Top Rookie contest. The program, which received 29 nominations this year, is designed to increase pride and professionalism among new drivers, and to promote truck driving as a career choice during a severe driver shortage.

An expert panel of judges, which included representatives from motor carriers, training schools (both public and private), suppliers and trade associations, named 10 finalists: Scott Curry, Werner Enterprises; Annette Dellinger, C.R. England Global Transportation; Michael Gartner, Roehl Transport; Roberto Jaimes, Werner Enterprises; Andrew Lee, TMC Transportation; James Perdue, Roehl Transport; Gordon Redvay, Crete Carrier Corp.; Mike Samra, Schneider National; Paul Webb, Epes Transportation and Jerry Wolff, TMC Transportation.

More than $25,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to these deserving drivers at a ceremony on Friday, August 24 during the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. Trucking’s Top Rookie will be chosen from these 10 finalists. Eric Harley of the Midnight Trucking Radio Network will interview the winner, who will receive a variety of prizes including:

• $10,000 cash
• One-year complimentary National Association of Independent Truckers membership
• A Year’s supply of 5-Hour Energy drinks
• RoadPro Getting Started Living On-The-Go Package
• OGIO briefcase and duffle bag from NAIT
• $1,000 cash and 100,000 MyRewards points from Pilot Flying J
• American Trucking Associations “Good Stuff Trucks Bring It” package
• A COBRA Electronics 8000 Pro HD Navigation System
• Lindora Clinic Lean for Life® On-the-Road program

The other nine finalists will each receive $1,000 in cash and a variety of other prizes. Trucking’s Top Rookie is a partnership between Randall-Reilly, Truckload Carriers Association, Progressive Insurance, the National Association of Independent Truckers, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, Shell ROTELLA, National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, American Trucking Associations and the Red Eye Radio Network.

           

“On the Road to Music City” can be heard twice a week on Renegade Radio Nashville, a unique Internet radio station that plays big name country stars as well as new, unsigned artists. The show attracts all types of listeners, but is especially tailored to truck drivers, who can call in to dedicate songs to their loved ones back home. In between the music — which includes both live, guest performances and pre-recorded tracks — Lawler promotes TCA; trucking events, people, and causes; and the trucking industry in general. During one segment, she describes the true life deeds of Highway Angels, who may have fixed a mechanical problem for an elderly person, helped locate a missing child, or even rescued an accident victim from a life-threatening situation.

“This show is going to do wonders for the image of drivers and trucking,” said Chris Burruss, TCA’s president. “It’s greatly expanding the reach of the Highway Angel program, since listeners can be located anywhere in the world. And, in almost every segment, Lindsay demonstrates a respect and appreciation for our drivers that is sure to have an impact on her listeners — both here and abroad.”

Leigh Foxall, director of freight matching for Internet Truckstop, the company that sponsors TCA’s Highway Angel program, agrees. “It’s obvious when you hear this show that it combines Lindsay’s two biggest passions — music and trucking. People identify with music and they’re going to be fascinated by the Angel stories, so this is an outstanding way for our program to gain a bigger foothold in the public consciousness.”

How did Lawler, who has not yet signed with a major record label, score her own radio show? For one thing, she already had 10 years of experience working in radio prior to launching her full-time music career. Another stroke of luck was that one of the founders of Renegade Radio Nashville, “Captain Jack” Aponte, is a former truck driver who has great respect for the profession. He has known Lawler for years and considers her to be a talented artist who brings a fresh, new dynamic to the station.

“I share Lindsay’s goal in wanting to reach out to drivers. With her, they have someone they can relate to… a friend to help pass all those lonely hours on the road,” he said.

Tune in to “On the Road to Music City” live every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. (CT) at www.RenegadeRadioNashville.com. Free apps for mobile devices can be downloaded from the site, or listeners can search for “Renegade Radio Nashville” wherever they normally shop for apps. Once an app is installed, drivers can listen by plugging their mobile device in to speakers, an iPod, etc. Song requests or comments can be phoned in during the show to (615) 696-6095.

For more details about Lindsay Lawler and her music, visit www.LindsayLawler.com.

In route to his title, Don has logged 25 years as a professional truck driver, with over 2.1 million miles behind the wheel. Don began competing in his state truck driving championships in 2006, and this year he made his sixth trip to the National Truck Driving Championships.  This is the third win for Don at the national level, placing first in the three-axle class in 2009 and in the twins class in 2010.  Don holds six state titles.

The contestants were the state champions in nine truck types from all 50 states. Collectively, they have driven 604,122,031 accident-free miles.

In their respective classes, drivers tested their expertise in the driving skills they use daily. The competition course inside the Minneapolis Convention Center challenged their knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. The skills course tested drivers’ ability to judge distances, maneuver tight spaces, reverse, park, and position their vehicle exactly over scales, before barriers or around curves.

“The National Truck Driving Championships competitors are the best of the best – the safest, most skilled and most knowledgeable among professional drivers,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.  “I applaud all the competitors for their achievements and dedication to safety, and congratulate Don on his Grand Champion award which showcases his superior driving skill and commitment to safety.”

Don also won the individual flatbed truck driving competition. Joining Don as champions in their respective classes:

Straight Truck:  PA – Robert Dolan, Con-way Freight, Allentown, Pa.

Three-Axle: MA – Roland Bolduc, FedEx Express, Windsor, Conn.

Four-Axle:NE – Scott Stroup, YRC Freight, Omaha, Neb.

Five-Axle: ID – Michael Grogan, Con-way Freight, Boise, Idaho

Flatbed:  KS – Donald Logan, FedEx Freight, Topeka, Kan.

Tank Truck:  KY – Brent Quire, Con-way Freight, Louisville, Ky.

Twins: AL -Michael Umphrey, Con-way Freight, Decatur, Ala.

Sleeper Berth:  PA – Leo Flack, A. Duie Pyle, Inc., West Chester, Pa.

Step Van:  Edward Gertz, FedEx Express, Londonderry, N.H.

Don Logan succeeds Paul Phillips, a professional truck driver with Con-way Freight from Coarsegold, Calif., as the National Grand Champion.

Robert Sutton, a driver for ABF Freight System, Inc. from Boise, Idaho, was named the 2012 National Rookie of the Year after competing in the Three-Axle division.  Xata Corporation is the sponsor of the award.

The Pennsylvania state truck driving championship team won honors as the highest scoring state team, followed by Washington and Georgia respectively.  This marks the 15^th time Pennsylvania has won the state trophy, the first dating back to 1956.

Don Logan also won the Vehicle Condition Award, one of the longest running NTDC awards.  The Vehicle Condition Award recognizes the contestant who has proven – during this competition – that he or she has a thorough understanding of equipment, an extraordinary ability to inspect and evaluate a truck’s condition, and unequivocal commitment to safety.  Biodiesel: America’s Advanced Biofuel was the sponsor of the award.

Denis Litalien, a driver for Clifford W. Perham, Inc., from Wells, Maine, was awarded the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award.  Litalien participated in the Five-Axle competition.

Marking his 20^th year as a volunteer at the state level and 14 years at the national level, Jack Taylor was awarded the Life-Time Volunteer Award.  Truck Writers was the sponsor of the Life-Time Volunteer Award.

A full list of award winners is attached.

*Editors: High resolution photos of the winners are available.

ATA’s Truck Driving Championships included top professional truck drivers from around the nation competing at state and regional levels to make it to the national competition Aug.7-11 in Minneapolis, Minn.  The NTDC attracted over 2,000 cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators. For more information, visit the 2012 National Truck Driving Championships website: www.truckline.com/Federation/Councils/slpmc/NTDC/Pages/Default.aspx

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitteror on Facebook. Good stuff. Trucks Bring It!

The American Trucking Associations leads the effort for safer highways, focusing on greater education, enforcement and enhancement of traffic safety laws for all drivers.  www.trucking.org.

2012 National Truck Driving Championship Winners:

Straight Truck Class

1. PA – Robert Dolan, Con-way Freight, Allentown, Pa.

2. NJ – Michael Scripko, Con-way Freight, Hamilton, N.J.

3. AL – Scott Ward, Con-way Freight, Decatur, Ala.

3-Axle Class

1. MA – Roland Bolduc, FedEx Express, Windsor, Conn.

2. NY – Gerald Thompson, Con-way Freight, Tonawanda, N.Y.

3. NH – Wayne McClellan, Con-way Freight, Manchester, N.H.

4-Axle Class

1. NE – Scott Stroup, YRC Freight, Omaha, Neb.

2. OR – Christopher Outen, FedEx Freight, Portland, Ore.

3. PA – Kevin Miskiewicz, YRC Freight, Line Lexington, Pa.

5-Axle Class

1. ID – Michael Grogran, Con-way Freight, Boise, Idaho

2. CA – Richard Camarda, ABF Freight System, Inc., Sacramento, Calif.

3. WA – Gary Herrygers, The Boeing Company, Renton, Wash.

Flatbed Class

1. KS – Donald Logan, FedEx Freight, Topeka, Kan.

2. ME – Kevin Duran, Hannaford Trucking Co., Portland, Maine

3. WV – Kenneth Grimmett, Con-way Freight, Belle, W.Va.

Tank Truck Class

1. KY – Brent Quire, Con-way Freight, Louisville, Ky.

2. MS – Jason Matte, FedEx Freight, Richland, Miss.

3. WA – Victor Skoglund, FedEx Freight, Everett, Wash.

Twins Class

1. AL – Michael Umphrey, Con-way Freight, Decatur, Ala.

2. NY – Mark McLean, FedEx Freight, Montgomery, N.Y.

3. NC – Leonard Coelman, FedEx Freight, Greensboro, N.C.

Sleeper Berth Class

1. PA – Leo Flack, A. Duie Pyle, Inc., Westchester, Pa.

2. LA – Pat Rudesill, FedEx Ground, Hammond, La.

3. WA – Roy Carcia, Peninsula Truck Lines, Spokane, Wash.

Step Van

1. NH – Edward Gertz, FedEx Express, Londonderry, N.H.

2. AZ – Sean Saxon, FedEx Ground, Tempe, Ariz.

3. N.C. – Michael Bills, FedEx Express, Durham, N.C.

Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion:  Don Logan, FedEx Freight, Topeka, Kan.

National Rookie of the Year:  Robert Sutton, ABF Freight System, Inc., Boise, Idaho

Team Trophy:  The Pennsylvania state truck driving championship team won honors as the highest scoring state team, followed by Washington and Georgia respectively.

Vehicle Condition Award:  Don Logan, FedEx Freight, Topeka, Kan.

Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award:  Denis Litalien, Clifford W. Perham, Inc., Wells, Maine

Life-Time Volunteer Award:  Jack Taylor

TravelCenters of America LLC (TravelCenters), operator of TA and Petro Stopping Centers branded travel centers, today launched its annual campaign in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF), a non-profit organization that helps truck drivers suffering from financial hardship due to medical problems. The campaign will run at all TA and Petro locations from Aug. 15 – Sept. 15, 2012.

During the month-long event, guests and employees at TA and Petro Stopping Centers will be invited to make donations of $1 or more. Commemorative 2012 wristbands will be given to everyone choosing to donate. Donations may be made at all company restaurants, travel stores, fuel islands and truck service facilities. One hundred percent of all donations will go to the SCF.

“I’m looking forward to again helping SCF raise money for truck drivers – our customers – in need,” said Tom O’Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters.

TravelCenters has been supporting drivers through the SCF since 2010. The TA and Petro annual campaign contributions mark the largest single donations the Fund receives each year. As of May, 2012, SCF has helped 555 truck drivers and their families with monthly bills, including utilities and mortgages. The organization also funds health research to benefit professional drivers.

“Once again, we thank TA and Petro for implementing this campaign on our behalf,” said Dr. Donna Kennedy, SCF’s Executive Director. “Our partnership with TravelCenters through the Band Together annual campaigns and year-round events has really raised awareness of SCF and generates a great deal of money and support, which allows us to help hundreds of drivers. We wouldn’t be where we are without the help of TA and Petro,” she continued.

This month, Crete Carrier, a premier provider of truckload and logistics services, officially welcomed five very special trucks into its newly launched Patriot Fleet. The new black International ProStar tractors differ from the other 6,000 company trucks in a significant way: they are proudly decorated with decals that honor the United States Armed Forces.

“The Patriot Fleet trucks represent those that have served and sacrificed for our freedoms,” notes Tonn Ostergard, President and CEO at Crete Carrier. “We are honored to add these five Patriot Fleet trucks to the fleet and proudly represent America’s heroes.”

Five veterans have been chosen to drive the custom Patriot Fleet trucks, but The Patriot Fleet doesn’t stop with the five men behind the wheel. In fact, all drivers, office, and shop employees with veteran status are also part of the fleet.

“Since nearly 30% of the employees at Crete Carrier Corporation have veteran status these trucks represent all of those members within the Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking family. We are all very proud of the men and women who have shown their patriotism to our country,” said Jeff Dady, Driver Development Manager at Crete Carrier. “We are recognizing our drivers, shop, and office employees with the 5 trucks, but also with custom identification tags and individual patriot fleet decals. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of an organization like Crete Carrier Corporation that is doing so much for its current and prior military members.”

Through the years, Crete Carrier has participated in a number of programs specifically for current and former military personnel, including its proud contributions to the Operation Enduring Care Program of the USO, being a certified employer partner of the Armed Forces, and supporting the Wounded Warrior Program.

Crete and Shaffer have consistently been recognized as a national leader in supporting current and former members of the military and has received numerous national, state and armed service awards. This year alone, Crete Carrier Corporation was named to CivilianJobs.com’s annual Most Valuable Employers for Military list. Crete also received a Patriot Award from the Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for the third straight year. Also, the ESGR presented the inaugural Five Star Employer Support Award to Crete Carrier Corporation.

To learn more about Crete Carrier Corporation’s career opportunities for current and former military members, please visit http://www.thepatriotfleet.com. You can also join the conversation on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thepatriotfleet.

Each week the White House honors “ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things ” through its “Champions of Change” initiative.  This past week, the White House recognized leaders who have developed innovative programs in the area of transportation. They invited individuals representing “organizations that have provided exemplary leadership in the growth and expansion of the transportation industry at the local, state or regional level.”

Ellen Voie of Green Bay,WI, President/CEO and founder of the Women In Trucking Association, was selected for this distinction.  Voie was invited to the White House with twelve other Champions who were recognized by US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

“Meeting our nation’s transportation challenges requires innovative thinking and the leadership skills to translate plans and dreams into greater mobility, better jobs, and more livable communities,” said LaHood.  “And that is exactly what these Champions of Change have demonstrated–each and every one,” he added.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro introduced Voie before her participation in a panel discussion led by Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta.  The event was streamed live via the web to viewers around the world.

Voie founded the nonprofit association Women In Trucking, Inc. in 2007, whose mission is to encourage women to consider a career in the trucking industry, to address challenges that women face when working in the trucking industry, and to celebrate the success of its members.  In 2011 the Women In Trucking Scholarship Foundation was formed to provide funding for members pursuing careers in trucking related areas such as safety, maintenance, leadership and driving.

Leigh Foxall, Women In Trucking’s Chairwoman attended the event, “It is very exciting to have Ellen recognized for her work.  It is evidence that Women In Trucking’s efforts to bring awareness to the great careers in the transportation industry is being recognized,” she added. “It was an honor for both Ellen and members of the board to attend this event at the White House on behalf of the entire trucking industry.”

Voie’s Blog appears on the White House website. You can also read U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s Blog about the event.