As we all know, trucking can get a bad rap. Truck drivers and trucking companies are always doing work to improve public opinion of the industry, as well as set the bar for our standards next year.

Some people and organizations go above and beyond to prove that truckers are hard-working, honest workers. For those individuals, the American Trucking association gives them awards of recognition.

The ATA presents four awards, (motor carrier, state trucking association, fleet executive, and professional truck driver.)

The Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards

The public honors, dubbed the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards, are named after the former ATA Vice President of Public Affairs. These awards are only given to those who upheld the ideal trucking image.

So what does it mean to uphold the ideal trucking image? This refers to people who are professional, safety-oriented,and have put forward notable effort to improve public opinion of the trucking industry.

According to Elisabeth Barna, ATA Senior Adviser and Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs, “The image of trucking improves each year due to the efforts of these champions”.

Barna went on to say, “[H]onorees have made a substantial impact on our industry’s public perception through their words and deeds. As an industry, we appreciate their efforts and encourage others to use their work as a model for improving our industry’s image going forward.”

The 2019 Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards

Covenant Transport earned this year’s motor carrier award.

Thanks to the success of Tomorrow’s Truckers,the program Covenant Transport established in 2015, awareness of the truck driving occupation has increased substantially. As a result, more young Americans are entering the field.

Best Trucking Association

This year’s award for best trucking association goes to Minnesota Trucking Association, or MTA.

MTA created a public relations campaign dedicated to developing and sharing reliable information. And they didn’t stop there.

MTA also worked with safety partners to improve best practices and legislation. Noteworthy achievements of the campaign include the establishment of the Hands-Free Cell Phone and Truck Platooning Laws.

Fleet Executive Award Winner

Kevin Burch, member of the Jet Express Inc., is this year’s fleet executive winner.

Burch developed the trailer wraps for Trucking Moves American Forward, whose mission is to raise the image of truckers and the trucking industry.

Burch also created the movement’s mascot, Safety Sammy.

Winner of the Professional Truck Driver Award

Now, without further ado, this year’s truck driver award goes to Steve Fields.

According to the ATA, Fields represents American truck drivers in action, word, and overall professionalism.

He is the captain of America’s Road Team,mentor to numerous drivers, and a motoring public ambassador. In addition to fulfilling these roles, Fields still finds time to work for YRC Freight.

Read our article from last week for more from awards season and to see who was awarded the Most Influential Woman in Trucking from the Women in Trucking organization.