ATA honors four with Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards

During the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition, ATA presented four Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards to a motor carrier, a state association, a professional driver and to an industry communications professional in recognition of their efforts to improve the image of the trucking industry.

“Since 2007, the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards have shone a light on the great work our carriers, associations, and most of all, drivers do in promoting the image of the trucking industry,” said Incoming ATA Chair Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc. “This year’s winners have all gone above and beyond to show just how safe, professional and essential trucking is.”

This year's winners of the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards are:
First awarded in 2007, the Mike Russell Trucking Image award is given to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization and industry supplier who each demonstrate excellence in illustrating the industry's essentiality, professionalism, and commitment to safety on and off the highways. This year, for the first time, the Mike Russell Awards are sponsored by Great West Casualty Company.

• Carbon Express for their work to improve their drivers’ quality of life, outreach to the community through social media and their work with America’s Road Team;
• The Indiana Motor Truck Association for their work to promote safe driving by working with state officials on several anti-distracted driving campaigns;
• America’s Road Team Captain Wayne Crowder, a professional driver with FedEx Freight, for his work promoting the industry’s image;
• And John Walsh, vice president of marketing at Mack Trucks, for his role in helping ATA advance the cause of safety through its show trucks, including the Share the Road and Workforce Heroes trucks.

“Great West is proud to sponsor this award and we are pleased to recognize these champions of trucking’s image” said Steve Ponder, executive vice president of Great West.

“Elevating our industry and enhancing our image is something that we all benefit from. Sharing our stories of success and highlighting the hard work and dedication that is core to our profession provides an opportunity to engage the public and underscore the essentiality and innovation and true heart of trucking,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA executive vice president of industry affairs. “ATA is in the trenches next to you all working daily to continue to raise the public’s perception of trucking – and as you will see – the Mike Russell Image Award recipients are the pinnacle of this work in action.”