Recognition Road

ATA Honors Four Groups with Mike Russell “Good Stuff” Trucking Image Award

The American Trucking Associations recently announced recipients of the fifth-annual Mike Russell “Good Stuff” Trucking Image Award at its annual Management Conference & Exhibition held earlier this month in Grapevine, Texas.

This year four outstanding industry ambassadors received the award: motor carrier honoree Baylor Trucking Inc., Milan, Ind.; industry supplier honoree Mack Trucks, Greensboro, N.C. as well as the Minnesota Trucking Association and the Tennessee Trucking Association both winning the state association award.

“As an industry, it is important that we highlight trucking’s essentiality,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “These award recipients have gone above and beyond to promote trucking’s role as the backbone of the American economy.  They are all dedicated to enhancing the industry’s image.”

The Baylor Trucking campaigns focus on having the public understand how safe and important the trucking industry is.  Their campaigns include a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure where they are in the process of decaling five trailers branded “Driving for a Cure,” an extensive National Truck Driver Appreciation Week campaign and a social media campaign where they promote their drivers and their safety records.

Mack Trucks reminded everyone that trucking and America go hand in hand while appearing on the show Undercover Boss.  They took the opportunity, while celebrating 50 years of powertrain assembly in their Hagerstown, Md., plant, to highlight trucking across the state of Maryland. Whether contributing to organizations like the Bethesda Fisher House, volunteering at Skills USA, or transporting a mock space shuttle to Cape Canaveral, Fla., Mack is immersed in communities across the U.S.  Mack’s support of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week along with their strong support of highway safety and the Share the Road program put the trucking industry in a positive light.

The Minnesota Trucking Association developed a three part image campaign to enhance the image of their membership.  They leveraged a state shutdown to bring an unprecedented level of positive awareness to the trucking industry, making MTA a household name.  They successfully inoculated the media against running negative safety statistics by increasing their execution and coverage of safety events; and they took a proactive approach in generating ongoing positive media not only for the association, but for their members as well. Their Image Task Force created an Image Idea Guide for their member companies’ use.

The image campaign of the Tennessee Trucking Associations focused on changing public opinion that trucks are not barriers to their existence but providers.  They talked to Tennessee citizens, the media and legislators, worked closely with organizations across the state to ensure they have a seat at the table.  They pioneered a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Safety to do 10 roadside inspections throughout the year and utilize the Tennessee Road Team to advance highway safety.  They are deep in Tennessee communities, hosting four Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf events, with proceeds going to local charities.

The award honors those that creatively generate positive awareness of the trucking industry. Submissions were evaluated by an impartial panel of judges based on creativity, execution and reach/impact. The award is named in honor of the late Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and media official who helped develop the “Good stuff. Trucks Bring It.” campaign as vice president of public affairs for American Trucking Associations.

“Good stuff. Trucks Bring It” is an industry-wide campaign aimed at improving the image of trucking. By emphasizing the relevance of trucking to all aspects of American society, the image campaign presents the public with a positive, modern image of the professional driver and industry. Everything we use comes by truck. “Trucks Bring It” is how the industry informs the public of its importance. www.trucksbringit.com.

C.R. England Receives the Communitas Award for Social Responsibility in Green Initiatives

C.R. England, a Salt Lake City-based global transportation provider, received the 2011 Communitas Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in Green Initiatives.  Communitas Awards recognized 30 businesses, organizations and individuals this year for excellence in community service and corporate social responsibility.

“We are pleased to receive the Communitas Award for the second year in a row,” said Chad England, COO, C.R. England. “This award is a great achievement as we continue to work towards greener transportation.  Our efforts include the addition of liquid natural gas tractors, 53-foot refrigerated intermodal containers and a new fuel incentive program for our drivers.”

Communitas Awards is an outgrowth of the pro bono recognition program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (www.amcpros.com), a several thousand member group that honors creative achievement and fosters partnerships with charities and community organizations. As part of its mission, AMCP gives grants to community organizations and underwrites a large portion of Communitas expenses.

“By recognizing individuals, organizations and companies for their volunteerism and socially responsible business practices, we are hoping to not only bring attention to great programs, but are working with community minded leaders to make the spirit of communitas an essential element of every business,” said Ed Dalheim, executive director of AMCP.

For more information, visit www.crengland.com.

CRST Malone Recognizes Outstanding Drivers for 2011

CRST Malone recognized Outstanding Owner Operators and Million-Mile Award winners at its annual awards banquet held October 14, 2011 at the Marriott Grandview in Birmingham, AL.

Tim Downs was awarded the 2011 Owner Operator of the Year Award, which was presented by CRST Malone President Jim Schommer and Safety Director Harry Kimball.

CRST Malone's 2011 Owner Operator of the Year: (L to R) Safety Director Harry Kimball; Owner Operator of the Year Tim Downs; CRST Malone President Jim Schommer.

Three owner operators were also recognized as CRST Malone’s Owner Operators of the Quarter. James Hand, Sr. was the winner for the first quarter, Chris Grizzle won for the second quarter and Tim Downs received the award for the third quarter.

CRST Malone also presented a Four-Million-Mile Award to Joseph Huffman, and Three-Million-Mile Awards to David Schwandt and Eddie Krogman. Two-Million-Mile Awards went to David Gregory, Gary Schimmel, Glenn Brown, Lindy Daily and Michael Bridges. Receiving One-Million-Mile Awards were Gary Aud and William Mathews.
The honorees attending were presented with a variety of prizes including plaques, watches, rings and jackets. Spouses of the award winners were also recognized for their contributions during the Friday evening banquet and at the group breakfast that followed on Saturday.

CRST Malone is the largest U. S. flatbed organization under one roof, with over 1400 trucks and field offices throughout the United States. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, CRST Malone provides freight services in strategic areas including Sided Equipment, Specialized Freight, Long Haul, Regional, and LTL.

CRST Malone was founded in 1928 on the principals of superior customer service, along with the relentless pursuit of maximizing the success of our independent contractors and terminals. The company continues today as one of the oldest truckload carriers in the industry.

For more information, contact CRST Malone Recruiting at (800) 366-6361 or visit their website at www.joinmalone.com

Exceptional ConWay Drivers Recognized for Outstanding Effort and Dedication

Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), recently announced the 12 winners of its Drivers of the Month recognition for August and September 2011.

“These drivers truly are the best-of-the-best. They continually work hard to ensure the livelihood of Con-way Truckload’s core values of safety, integrity, commitment, and excellence,” said Saul Gonzalez, chief operating officer, Con-way Truckload. “To be able to work with these drivers truly is an honor and I congratulate and thank them.”

The following drivers were recognized by the company:

August

• Contractor Team of the Month: Michael & Lori Downey began driving 10 years ago as a second career, joining Con-way Truckload in 2004. Their advice to fellow drivers is to pay attention and adjust to changing weather. “If you feel like conditions are worsening, just slow down or pull over until they improve,” they say. The Downeys reside in Neodesha, Kan., and when they are not on the road, they enjoy relaxing and spending time with their family.
• Company Driver of the Month: John Wilkins began his professional driving career four years ago and joined Con-way Truckload in 2009. While he enjoys the challenges that driving brings, he understands that the key to safe travel is space and patience. Wilkins resides in Orland, Ind., with his wife Paneerak. Together they have five children, Joy, John, Stina, Nuka and Nunu, and four grandchildren.
• Company Team of the Month: Lee Chapman and Bernard Richter both chose driving as a second career, leaving their old jobs for the open road. “Everything changes day to day, but with proper planning we arrive safely and on time,” Chapman says. As to what he enjoys about his job, Richter adds, “We love to travel, and it never gets boring out here.” Chapman lives in Oceanside, Calif., where he enjoys restoring classic cars. Richter resides in San Diego and has four children with his wife Rosie. When he’s not behind the wheel, he enjoys flying planes and sailing.
• Contractor Driver of the Month: Santiago Rios recalls growing up playing with toy trucks, knowing one day he wanted to own one. He has been driving professionally for more than nine years and has driven more than 975,000 miles since joining Con-way Truckload in 2004. Rios enjoys the freedom of the road, and the advice he shares with other drivers is simple, “Drive cautiously, follow all the rules and return home safely.” Rios lives in San Antonio with his wife Shave and their three children.

September

• Company Driver of the Month: David Proctor has been driving professionally for more than 15 years and has driven over 915,000 miles since joining Con-way in 2005. He advises, “Even after working for the company for six years, being overly confident should be the number one concern for drivers.” He appreciates that driving allows him to tour the country, seeing places and sights he never knew existed. A resident of New Orleans and father of three daughters, Proctor enjoys in his free time playing chess and reading.
• Company Team of the Month: Robert and Joe Melendez have achieved more than 1.9 million miles in the years they have been driving for Con-way Truckload. The brothers advise new drivers to have patience and never be afraid to ask questions. They understand that driving is a team effort and are thankful to the company for always getting them home when necessary. Austin, Texas, is home to both Robert and Joe. Joe resides with his wife Claudia and their three children.
• Contractor Team of the Month: Robert and Cecilia Wallraven, known on the road as “Father Time” and “Mother Nature,” have driven more than 2.9 million miles since joining Con-way Truckload in 1998. They advise other drivers to maintain one’s truck and keep all eyes on the road. Robert and Cecilia currently reside in Clarksville, Tenn. They have been married 27 years and have five children, 11 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and four poodles. In his spare time, Robert enjoys riding his two Harleys, while Cecilia has published a children’s book and enjoys writing poetry.
• Contractor Driver of the Month: Alan St. Peters enjoys the adventure of driving a truck and waking up each day in a new location. He has been driving professionally for 39 years and has driven four million plus miles during his professional driving career. His advice to other drivers is simple, “Be aware of what’s around you at all times.” St. Peters lives in Gainesville, Texas, with his wife of 11 years, Ann, and their son Dan.

The following 13 drivers have achieved the significant career milestone of one million miles driven during the months of August and September:

Brian Wines of Sandyville, W.Va.; David Blocker of Webb City, Mo.; Donald Dollar of Crystal City, Texas; Donna Wassmer of Harrogate, Tenn.; John Struth III of Winnsboro, La.; Rebecca Furlong of Copeville, Texas; Richard Hume of Lorain, Ohio; Richard Rice of Joplin, Mo.; Valarie Miller of Espyville, Pa.; Howard Williams of Bronaugh, Mo.; Owen Keefus of Battle Creek, Mich.; Eugene Carroll of El Paso, Texas; and Ricardo Lee of Norfolk, Va.

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