The Trucker Newspaper - November 15, 2018

14 • November 15-30, 2018 Nation
THETRUCKER.COM
Driver, other stakeholders receive Mike Russell award for improving industry image
Courtesy: ATA
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards
are named in honor of the late Mike Russell,
a trucking industry supporter and former
ATA vice president of public affairs.
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
AUSTIN, Texas — The American Trucking
Associations October 29 presented the Mike
Russell Trucking Image Awards to one motor
carrier, one trucking affiliated organization,
one professional truck driver and one allied
company.
ATA also presented an honorable mention
award in the affiliated category.
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards
are named in honor of the late Mike Russell,
a trucking industry supporter and former ATA
vice president of public affairs.
“Safety is paramount in trucking, and every
day men and women throughout every aspect
of our industry do their part to further the
safety-first image we are trying to create,” said
ATA Chairman David Manning. “However,
when we find that an individual, company, or
organization has exceeded these expectations,
we set out to recognize these parties for their
efforts. The winners presented today are those
individuals.”
The awards honor trucking’s champions of
image, professionalism and safety, and recognize
individuals and groups that use innovative
approaches to improve the image of the trucking
industry.
This year’s winners of the Mike Russell
Trucking Image Awards are:
• America’s Road Team Captain and FedEx
Freight truck driver Don Logan for his work
toward creating a positive culture within the
trucking industry and demonstrating the positive
role of the industry to external audiences.
He established a FedEx Road Team in addition
to his success at state and national truck driving
competitions.
• The Tennessee Trucking Association
Foundation for its partnership with state transportation
offices to develop statewide educational
and medical programs aimed at the
safety and well-being of senior drivers. The
association also has high school share-the-road
programs.
• Werner Enterprises for creating a culture
of pride in its organization and support of its
employees. Werner was also recognized for supporting
veterans and current military members
and for reflecting a positive image of trucking
at public events, including serving as industry
representatives at the White House.
• Pilot Flying J for creating a positive image
of truck drivers and the company’s record of
community involvement, including fundraising
for United Way and Wreaths Across America.
Pilot Flying J is also recognized for its dedication
to creating a positive image of the industry
through their support of Trucking Moves America
Forward.
• Honorable Mention: ATA recognized the
St. Christopher Trucker’s Relief Fund for providing
more than $2.3 million in assistance to
2,336 over-the-road and regional drivers and
their families when illness or injury has caused
the driver to be out of work.
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear also introduced
ATA’s Trucking Cares Foundation Premier
Achievement Award during his president’s
address. The newly created award will recognize
an individual or trucking industry group
that “goes the extra mile to make a difference in
the lives of others.”
The first Trucking Cares Foundation Premier
Achievement Award was presented to professional
truck driver Herschel Evans of Holland Inc.
Evans was acknowledged for establishing a
truck rodeo called the Safety Drive for a Cure,
a truck safety and skills competition benefiting
the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Last
year, Safety Drive for a Cure raised $30,550
with 116 drivers competing from 21 states with
31 sponsors.
Evans is also involved in the Convoy of
Care, helping deliver critical supplies to families
affected by major natural disasters, most
recently through Hurricane Florence and Hurricane
Michael relief deliveries. With the award,
ATA’s Trucking Cares Foundation provided Evans
a check in the amount of $5,000 made out
to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. 8
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