The announcement came during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The event highlights women who continue raising the bar across trucking through consistency, professionalism, and long-term impact.

A Career Built Over Decades

Brown’s career spans 46 years, covering everything from running as an independent owner-operator to managing operations for a specialized refrigerated fleet. She currently serves as operations manager at Blackjack Express LLC while still spending time behind the wheel hauling heavy, oversize, and refrigerated freight.

Her background includes launching Rollin’ B LLC and steadily building a reputation rooted in safety, reliability, and leadership. Over time, that consistency has turned into a legacy recognized across the industry.

She has also earned multiple honors throughout her career, including the National Association of Small Trucking Companies Woman Driver of the Year Award, the TA Petro Citizen Driver Award, and recognition as an inaugural inductee at the Mid-America Trucking Show Wall of Fame.

Leadership Beyond the Driver’s Seat

Brown has been involved with the Women In Trucking Association since 2007 as a charter member. She is now serving her second term on the board of directors and works as a liaison to the Women In Trucking Foundation board.

Her influence goes beyond titles. She has contributed as a safety collaborator with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has spent years mentoring other drivers while staying active in her community.

Her story also includes personal resilience, having survived melanoma cancer three times while continuing to stay engaged in the industry.

Recognition From Industry Leaders

Her selection for Driver of the Year reflects how peers and leadership view her impact.

“We are proud to recognize Ingrid, whose tireless commitment to excellence, safety, and empowering women in this industry sets a standard that inspires us all,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO.

That same respect is echoed by others who have worked alongside her.

“Ingrid consistently operates with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and integrity, understanding that her actions reflect not only on her company, but on the trucking industry as a whole,” said Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics. “Through her actions, attitude, and dedication, she elevates the profession and inspires those around her.”

What the Award Represents

The Driver of the Year Award, presented with support from Walmart, focuses on individuals who consistently prioritize safety while helping shape how the public views trucking.

“Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it reflects our commitment to safety, excellence, and a culture of belonging across transportation,” said Ryan McDaniel, Walmart senior vice president, transportation. “Ingrid Brown embodies what this recognition stands for: a seasoned professional whose leadership, safety advocacy, and dedication to the industry have made a meaningful impact. Congrats to Ingrid for being named Driver of the Year.”

Finalists Recognized Alongside Brown

Brown was selected from a strong group of finalists, each bringing their own contributions to the profession:

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, professional driver and driver development instructor, FedEx Freight
Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
KellyLynn McLaughlin, national transportation driver, dump and roll off, Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Why This Recognition Matters

Awards like this highlight what many already know. Long careers built on safety, consistency, and mentorship don’t just move freight. They shape the future of trucking.

Brown’s story reflects what’s possible when experience meets leadership and when drivers stay committed to doing the job right year after year.

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At its 2026 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), part of the American Trucking Associations, presented its prestigious Silver Spark Plug award to four individuals whose work continues to influence fleet performance across the country.

Recognizing Excellence Behind the Scenes

The Silver Spark Plug is considered TMC’s highest individual honor, awarded to professionals who have made lasting contributions to commercial vehicle maintenance and technology.

“The Silver Spark Plug is given to individuals who demonstrate professional excellence in commercial vehicle maintenance as our industry’s highest honor,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Our winners this year represent the highest level of expertise and ability in our industry. We are pleased to recognize them with this award.”

2026 Silver Spark Plug Recipients

This year’s award winners represent a cross-section of the industry, from fleet management to diagnostics and association leadership:

• Scott Bartlein, Truck Fleet Management
• Taki Darakos, PITT OHIO
• Mark Zachos, DG Technologies
• Jack Legler, TMC/ATA

For drivers and fleet operators, these are the kinds of professionals working behind the curtain to keep equipment reliable, compliant, and moving efficiently.

Why This Matters to Drivers and Fleets

While drivers are the face of the industry, maintenance teams, engineers, and technical leaders are what keep trucks on the road. The work recognized by TMC directly impacts uptime, safety, and operating costs across fleets of all sizes.

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear highlighted how critical these roles are to the broader supply chain:

“TMC’s members keep our industry moving, and these four individuals represent the highest level of professional excellence the council strives for,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.

“More than half of the 8.4 million people employed by the trucking industry do something other than drive a truck, and without them, our nation’s goods would not be delivered to our stores, hospitals, and factories,” Spear continued. “These individuals are examples to all of us in this industry, and we are proud to honor them with this award.”

A Standard for the Industry

Leadership within TMC also emphasized that the award reflects more than just technical skill. It represents a long-term commitment to improving how the industry operates.

Radu Mihai, TMC’s 2025–26 general chairman, praised the recipients for their continued impact:

“The Silver Spark Plug honors TMC members who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to improving our industry,” Mihai said. “I congratulate all these winners for their achievement and commitment to the ideals of TMC.”

Looking Ahead

As trucking continues to evolve with new technology, tighter regulations, and increased demand for efficiency, the role of maintenance and technical expertise is only becoming more important.

Awards like the Silver Spark Plug highlight the individuals pushing those standards forward—ensuring fleets stay safe, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next on the road.

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The award celebrates individuals whose driving careers stand out for consistent safety performance, strong compliance practices, and a long record of responsible operation behind the wheel.

Recognizing Exceptional Safety Records

Candidates considered for the International Driver Excellence Award must represent the highest standards of the profession. The recognition focuses on individuals who have consistently gone beyond the basic responsibilities of operating a commercial vehicle.

According to the award guidelines, nominees should have demonstrated outstanding performance over many years while maintaining a reputation for safety, professionalism, and reliability.

Eligibility Requirements

Those nominated for the honor must meet several strict qualifications designed to highlight a long-term commitment to safe driving practices. Requirements include:

• At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free commercial motor vehicle driving
• A clean driving record for the previous three years
• No felony convictions
• No safety-related driving suspensions within the last three years
• No driver violations during the previous three years, excluding form and manner violations

The program is open to the entire commercial motor vehicle industry, and nominees do not need to belong to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in order to be considered.

Recognition at the Annual CVSA Conference

The individual selected for the 2026 International Driver Excellence Award will be recognized later this year during the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

As part of the recognition, the recipient and one guest will receive a complimentary economy flight to Orlando International Airport along with a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The award presentation will take place during the conference awards luncheon on Sept. 23.

The winner will also receive a $5,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy commemorating the achievement.

How Nominations Are Reviewed

Submissions for the award are completed through the alliance’s online nomination form, which allows applicants to upload supporting documentation that verifies a candidate’s driving record and professional accomplishments.

Once submitted, the nominations are reviewed by the IDEA Program judges, who authenticate the information and recommend a final selection to the CVSA Executive Committee.

The recipient will be announced publicly through a news release, the organization’s website, and social media channels. A feature profile highlighting the winning driver will also appear in the quarterly magazine Guardian.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations for the 2026 International Driver Excellence Award must be submitted by Friday, May 8.

Source: Truckers News

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Richardson serves as a lead driver for Averitt’s On Tour Logistics (OTL) unit, which supports production and event transportation. The Pinnacle Awards recognized his contributions during the Live Production Summit, a three-day professional conference that gathers experts from global live events, touring, and entertainment production.

Toby Eaton, another Averitt OTL driver, was also nominated, reflecting the team’s strong presence in the live production sector.

“Travis’ recognition by his peers at the Live Production Summit reflects the level of service and reliability he brings to every tour,” said Danny Crooks, Averitt’s vice president of corporate transportation. “We’re proud of Travis and Toby for representing Averitt and OTL so well within the live production community.”

The Driver USA award, part of the Pinnacle Awards, is peer-selected. Nominees are submitted by attendees of the Live Production Summit, and winners are chosen through attendee voting. This makes the honor especially meaningful, as it reflects recognition from industry colleagues.

Richardson’s award celebrates his professionalism and dedication to national touring operations. Averitt emphasized that the recognition underscores the value of reliable drivers in complex logistics, particularly in supporting high-profile live events where timing, coordination, and care are critical.

Source: The Trucker

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For drivers and fleet managers, awards like this matter because dealership performance directly impacts uptime, parts availability, warranty support, financing access, and long-term equipment value. Dealers recognized at this level are measured across multiple operational categories that influence day-to-day trucking operations.

What the Dealer of the Year Award Measures

Mack presents this annual recognition to the dealership that demonstrates strong results in:

• New and used truck sales
• Parts performance
• Leasing
• Financing through Mack Financial Services
• Service growth
• Customer satisfaction

Performance across all of these areas determines overall standing within the Mack dealer network.

“Bergey’s Truck Centers continues to set the bar for excellence across our dealer network,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Bergey’s was among the top performers in every category that we measure. Their outstanding sales metrics, dedication to customer satisfaction, and to the Mack brand truly distinguish them as a leader in our industry.”

For owner operators and fleet buyers, those categories directly translate to shorter repair turnaround times, stronger parts inventory, competitive finance programs, and consistent dealership support.

Why Dealer Performance Matters to Drivers

When a dealership performs well across service and parts, it typically means:

• Faster diagnostics and repairs
• Better stocked parts departments
• More consistent warranty handling
• Access to financing programs when expanding fleets
• Stronger resale support

Downtime is expensive. A dealership’s ability to support equipment over its lifecycle can significantly impact total operating costs.

Regional Division Winners for 2025

In addition to naming the overall North American Dealer of the Year, Mack Trucks also recognized top performers by region:

• Northeast Region: Bergey’s Truck Centers, Souderton, Pennsylvania
• Southeast Region: Tri-State Truck Center, Memphis, Tennessee
• Central Region: Nextran Truck Centers, Decatur, Illinois
• Southwest Region: Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment, Fort Worth, Texas
• West Region: Mountain West Truck Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Canada Region: Redhead Equipment, Regina, Saskatoon

Regional recognition highlights dealers that demonstrate strong results within their specific territories.

What This Means for the Industry

Dealer network strength plays a major role in brand performance across North America. Sales growth, service expansion, leasing programs, and financing availability all influence how fleets and independent drivers choose equipment partners.

Awards based on measurable performance categories provide insight into which dealer groups are consistently delivering results across multiple business areas.

For drivers and stakeholders evaluating equipment decisions in 2026 and beyond, dealership capability remains just as important as the truck spec itself.

Source: Work Truck Online

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The Truckload Carriers Association has named Christopher Bishop, a professional driver for Hi Pro Inc., as a recipient of the TCA Highway Angel Award for his actions following a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcyclist in Wichita, Kansas.

Early Morning Emergency in Wichita

The incident happened in the early morning hours of Dec. 13 at approximately 2:15 a.m. CST. Bishop had just left his terminal and was heading to load at the Wichita USPS Processing and Distribution Center when he came upon a disturbing scene on a city roadway.

A motorcycle was lying in a ditch, and its rider was severely injured and positioned in the middle of the road.

“He was just lying in the middle of the road,” Bishop said. “I stopped, and the first thing that ran through my mind was that he was dead.”

Based on what Bishop observed and later camera footage, the motorcyclist appeared to have been struck by a sedan that fled the scene without stopping.

Protecting the Scene and the Victim

Without hesitation, Bishop activated his truck’s flashers and positioned his vehicle to block traffic, creating a barrier between the injured rider and oncoming vehicles. After checking the rider, Bishop realized the man was still alive.

Bishop immediately called 911 and stayed with the victim, keeping him conscious and monitoring his breathing while emergency responders were on the way.

“I kept him talking as much as I could,” Bishop said. “Not long after that, an ambulance and police showed up.”

Emergency crews arrived roughly seven minutes later.

Critical Actions in Dangerous Conditions

Bishop’s actions were especially important given the cold December temperatures and the risks associated with a dark roadway in the early morning hours. By blocking traffic and staying with the injured motorcyclist, Bishop helped prevent further injuries, exposure to the cold, or the possibility of another vehicle striking the victim.

“Sometimes you have to actively be the change you want to see in the world,” he said.

Bishop later expressed disbelief that the driver responsible for the crash failed to stop.

“They didn’t stop; I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone and not stopping to check on him — that’s crazy,” he said.

Recognition From the Truckload Carriers Association

The TCA Highway Angel Award recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate extraordinary kindness, courage, and professionalism while on the road. Since the program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for actions that go beyond the job description.

The Highway Angel program is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

More information about the TCA Highway Angel program and nomination details is available at the TCA Highway Angel website.

Source: Truckers News

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The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

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The announcement was made in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate drivers who represent the highest standards of the profession. Klingson was selected from a pool of monthly honorees who stood out throughout the year for their driving records, industry involvement, and commitment to safety.

A career built on safety and reliability

Klingson’s selection reflects more than longevity. Over 40 years behind the wheel, he has accumulated more than 6 million safe driving miles, a milestone few drivers ever reach. Minnesota Trucking Association leaders said that level of performance is especially notable given the daily challenges drivers face, including congestion, distracted motorists, and harsh winter driving conditions.

“This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry,” said John Hausladen, MTA president. “Driving safely is no easy task—especially with daily challenges like congestion, driver distractions, and Minnesota winters. Gary’s achievement of more than 6 million safe driving miles over 40 years is truly outstanding, and we’re proud to recognize him for this accomplishment.”

How the Driver of the Year is selected

The Minnesota Driver of the Year honor follows a yearlong process. Throughout 2025, trucking companies across the state nominated exceptional drivers to be considered for Driver of the Month. Those drivers were evaluated based on strict criteria, including driving and work history, contributions to highway safety, industry involvement, and community engagement.

From the twelve monthly honorees, one driver was selected as Driver of the Year by a judging panel that included representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Recognition from Koch Trucking leadership

Koch Trucking leaders said Klingson’s recognition reflects the standards the company expects from its professional drivers.

“For four decades, Gary has shown up to work, day after day, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing things right,” said Rick Lueck, senior director of flatbed and oversized, Koch. “Gary truly represents the best of the best, recently accomplishing 6 million safe driving miles, a remarkable milestone that reflects his unwavering dedication to safety throughout his career.”

Why the recognition matters

Industry stakeholders say awards like Minnesota Driver of the Year highlight the role experienced drivers play in keeping freight moving safely. As fleets face ongoing challenges related to safety, retention, and public perception, honoring drivers who consistently perform at a high level reinforces the importance of professionalism behind the wheel.

For fellow drivers, Klingson’s recognition serves as a reminder that steady performance, attention to safety, and long-term commitment are still valued and celebrated within the industry.

Source: The Trucker

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A total of 18 carriers were named division winners based on having the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles within their respective mileage categories. The awards focus on measurable safety outcomes rather than fleet size alone, emphasizing consistent, low-incident operations.

What Happens Next for the Winners

Each of the 18 division winners will now advance to compete for one of two overall grand prizes. One grand prize will be awarded to a carrier with less than 25 million miles annually, and the other to a carrier with more than 25 million miles annually.

The grand prize winners will be announced during Truckload 2026, TCA’s annual convention scheduled for February 28 through March 3 in Orlando.

All division winners and the two grand prize recipients will also be formally recognized at TCA’s 2026 Safety and Security Meeting, taking place June 7 through June 9 in Oklahoma City.

How the Fleet Safety Awards Are Determined

The Fleet Safety Awards evaluate truckload carriers using accident frequency ratios calculated per million miles. Carriers are grouped into six divisions based on annual mileage to allow fair comparison between fleets of similar operating scale.

The program has become one of the industry’s longest-running benchmarks for safety performance, marking its 50th year in 2025.

2025 Fleet Safety Award Division Winners

Division I less than 5 million miles

• First place CJ Logistics Transportation, Des Plaines, Illinois
• Second place Spur Freight Services, an AIT Worldwide Logistics company, Austin, Texas
• Third place Specialty Transport, Knoxville, Tennessee

Division II 5 to 14.99 million miles

• First place B.R. Williams Trucking, Eastaboga, Alabama
• Second place Clopay Transportation Company, Troy, Ohio
• Third place Transportes Olympic, Nuevo León, Mexico

Division III 15 to 24.99 million miles

• First place Christenson Transportation, Strafford, Missouri
• Second place Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas
• Third place Mill Creek Motor Freight, Ayr, Ontario, Canada

Division IV 25 to 49.99 million miles

• First place Triple Eight Transport, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
• Second place 4Tracks, CentrePort, Manitoba, Canada
• Third place Johnson Feed, Canton, South Dakota

Division V 50 to 99.99 million miles

• First place May Trucking Company, Salem, Oregon
• Second place Carter Express, Anderson, Indiana
• Third place PGT Trucking, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Division VI: 100 million miles or more

• First place NFI Industries, Camden, New Jersey
• Second place Bison Transport, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Third place Marten Transport, Mondovi, Wisconsin

Looking Back at Last Year’s Grand Prize Winners

In the previous awards cycle, Liberty Linehaul West of Montebello, California, earned the small carrier grand prize, while Nussbaum of Hudson, Illinois, received the large carrier grand prize.

Why These Awards Matter to Drivers and Fleets

Accident frequency metrics reflect more than policies on paper. They indicate how consistently safety practices are applied across miles, drivers, equipment, and operating environments. Recognition through the Fleet Safety Awards highlights carriers that have demonstrated long-term discipline in managing risk on the road.

For drivers, these results offer a data-based look at fleets that prioritize safety outcomes as part of daily operations.

Source: Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association has honored Daniel Garcia, a driver for Warren Transport, with a TCA Highway Angel Award after his actions helped prevent a dangerous car fire in Dallas.

What Garcia noticed on the road

Early in the morning on Aug. 10, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Garcia was driving through Dallas when something ahead of him did not look right. Flames were visible underneath a passenger vehicle traveling in front of his truck.

When the motorist pulled over, Garcia did not hesitate. He stopped his truck in front of the vehicle and moved quickly to alert the driver to the danger.

“She was not aware that there was fire on the chassis,” he said. “I told her ‘Do you know your car is on fire?’ and she said ‘No …oh my god!’.”

Using training and equipment to stop the fire

Garcia retrieved a fire extinguisher from his truck and went straight to work. Flames were coming from the engine compartment, and the situation could have escalated rapidly.

His fast response stopped the fire before it reached the oil pan, which could have led to serious damage or injury.

“I told her that she had an oil leak and she was lucky the fire didn’t catch up to the oil,” he said. “We caught it on time — we were just lucky.”

Why the response mattered

Vehicle fires can spread in seconds, especially when oil or fuel is involved. By pulling over, warning the motorist, and using his fire extinguisher immediately, Garcia prevented a situation that could have turned catastrophic.

His actions reflect the kind of awareness and preparedness that many professional drivers carry with them every day, often without recognition.

Part of a long-standing Highway Angel tradition

Since the Highway Angel program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism on the road.

With support from the program’s presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA continues to spotlight drivers who go beyond their job description to help others.

For truck drivers, stories like Garcia’s are a reminder that the skills and equipment carried in the cab are not just about compliance. At the right moment, they can save lives.

Source: Truckers News

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