The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) honored Tyler as its newest Highway Angel for stepping in during a dangerous vehicle fire along Interstate 670 near the Kansas–Missouri state line.

A Split-Second Decision at 4:28 A.M.

In the early morning hours of August 17, Tyler was on his way back from Denver when he noticed flames erupting from the engine area of a disabled car. Without hesitation, he pulled over, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and rushed toward the scene.

“The two occupants were still in the vehicle,” Tyler said. “Without opening the hood, because I could feel the heat off the hood already, I was trying to use the fire extinguisher inside the grill; anything to try to get the fire out.”

Thanks to his quick action, the occupants were able to escape unharmed. But as the fire spread, they attempted to return to the vehicle for personal belongings. Tyler immediately called 911—realizing no one else had done so—and urged them to move a safe distance away. After his extinguisher was emptied, he directed traffic around the burning car until first responders arrived.

A Soldier’s Instinct to Protect

For Tyler, who served 22 years in the U.S. Army before becoming a truck driver six years ago, stepping in came naturally.

“If you see people in trouble, you try to help them out,” he said.

His company, ABF Freight, praised his selflessness.

“Joshua exemplifies the very best of our industry — courage, integrity, and a commitment to protecting others,” said Jordan Gosvener of ABF Freight. “We are proud to see him recognized as a TCA Highway Angel. His actions demonstrate the professionalism and compassion that define America’s truck drivers.”

The Highway Angel Legacy

Launched in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers who go above and beyond to help others, both on and off the highway. With this recognition, Tyler joins an esteemed group of professional truckers nationwide whose acts of courage and compassion reflect the true spirit of the industry.

Image Source: Joshua Tyler, Truckers News
Source: Truckers News

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Akins, who lives in Asheboro, North Carolina, drives for ABF Freight, headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

A Sudden Crash on a North Carolina Highway

On May 22, Akins was driving along Old 421 Road in Greensboro, North Carolina, when he witnessed a pickup truck towing a trailer begin to fishtail dangerously in front of him.

“His trailer started fishtailing back and forth,” Akins recalled. “It was so abrupt; jerking him everywhere.”

Moments later, the trailer partially detached from the Dodge pickup, causing the vehicle to jackknife and flip off the road. The truck landed on its side, trapping the two passengers inside.

Swift Action and a Calm Response

Without hesitation, Akins brought his rig to a stop and rushed to the overturned vehicle. He saw the passengers were alert but unable to exit the cab.

“I was able to bang on the windshield,” he said. “The driver said, ‘We’re okay, we just can’t get out.’”

Climbing onto the side of the wreck, Akins pulled out his pocket knife, cut through the deflated airbags, and maneuvered himself into the cab. Hanging upside down inside the truck, he carefully freed one of the passengers from a jammed seatbelt. With both men now able to move, he helped them climb out to safety.

Thanks to Akins’ quick thinking and calm under pressure, both individuals escaped the crash with only minor injuries.

“It’s just human instinct,” Akins said. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m gonna do it.”

Honoring Everyday Heroes on the Road

TCA’s Highway Angel program honors drivers who go beyond the call of duty to help others while out on the road. In recognizing Akins, TCA highlights not just his bravery, but the spirit of community and compassion that defines the best in trucking.

Source: The Trucker

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A Remarkable Victory for Old Dominion Freight Lines

Mike Markham, from Belpre, Ohio, and representing Old Dominion Freight Lines, emerged as the Grand Champion of this year’s competition. His outstanding performance also earned him a first-place victory in the Tank Truck category, cementing his reputation as one of the best in the field. Notably, this is not Markham’s first time in the spotlight; he previously won the Grand Champion title in 2023, showcasing consistent excellence.

Honoring the Best in the Industry

This year’s event also paid tribute to other remarkable individuals whose commitment to safety and professionalism continues to elevate the trucking industry.

• Nick Backes, a resident of Hurricane, West Virginia, and a driver for Pitt Ohio, was honored with the prestigious title of West Virginia Professional Driver of the Year.

• Jeremy Gray, another Old Dominion Freight Lines driver based in Williamstown, West Virginia, received the West Virginia Public Service Commission Driver of the Year Award.

• Mike Roberts, from Eleanor, West Virginia, and a dedicated XPO driver, claimed the Pre-Trip Inspection Award, showcasing his attention to detail.

• The Rookie of the Year title was awarded to David Roberts, representing Walmart Transportation and hailing from St. Albans, West Virginia.

Team Effort Shines

Beyond individual accolades, teamwork was celebrated as Pitt Ohio earned the Team Champion Award for their collective efforts and standout performance during the competition.

Highlights of Category Wins

Here’s a closer look at all the category champions who stood out with their extraordinary abilities in their respective fields:

• Straight Truck – Alexander Atkins, St. Albans, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 3-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Mike Roberts, Eleanor, West Virginia, XPO

• 4-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Cole Miltenberger, Ridgeley, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 5-Axle Van – Steve Looney, St. Albans, West Virginia, ABF Freight

• Tank Truck – Mike Markham, Belpre, Ohio, Old Dominion Freight Lines

• Flatbed – Justin Moody, Beckley, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Twin Trailers – Vince May, Sitka, Kentucky, FedEx Freight

• Sleeper Berth – David Roberts, St. Albans, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van – Brandon Wuletich, Caldwell, Ohio, FedEx Freight

Eyes on the National Stage

Each first-place champion from the event will go on to represent West Virginia at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. Scheduled for August 20–23, the national competition provides an even larger platform for these skilled drivers to showcase their expertise and bring pride to their teams and communities.

Image Source: WVT
Source: Truckers News

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Jeff Cochran, representing FedEx Freight, delivered another outstanding performance, making headlines as he earned his second Grand Championship trophy. On top of securing the overall win, Cochran also came out on top in the competitive three-axle division, solidifying his reputation as one of the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship’s most remarkable competitors.

Celebrating Standout Drivers

The list of winners this year tells the story of resilience, mastery, and teamwork in the Arkansas trucking community. Chaunce Umfleet, also from FedEx, earned the runner-up spot overall and was recognized for his outstanding attitude and professionalism with the event’s Sportsmanship Award.

FedEx Freight’s Ronnie Mahan nabbed the top pre-trip inspection score, earning respect for his attention to detail: a vital trait for safety on the road. Dave Hall from ABF Freight proved his expertise on paper as well, taking the top spot in the written portion of the competition.

For newcomers, the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship was an opportunity to shine. Chandler Compton, another FedEx driver, received accolades as this year’s Rookie of the Year, an honor that points to a promising future in the industry.

Team Achievements and Category Champions

In addition to outstanding individuals, team efforts were honored as well. ABF Freight took home the Small Team Award, while FedEx Freight’s group stood out among large teams, reflecting both determination and collective skill.

Drivers also competed across a range of vehicle classes. Those earning top positions not only brought pride to their employers but have also qualified to represent Arkansas at the national competition in Minneapolis this August. Here are this year’s category winners:

• 3 Axle: Jeff Cochran, FedEx Freight

• 4 Axle: Chaunce Umfleet, FedEx Corp.

• 5 Axle: Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods

• Flatbed: Phillip Thurner, Tyson Foods

• Sleeper: Gary Mars, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van: Eric Brockette, FedEx Freight

• Straight Truck: Jessie King, FedEx Freight

• Tanker: Marcus Rush, Walmart Transportation

• Twins: Dave Hall, ABF Freight

Looking Ahead: National Competition Bound

Each winner from the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship has now earned the privilege to advance to the highly anticipated national competition, scheduled for August 21-23 in Minneapolis. This next event puts state champions on the national stage, where they’ll compete with the best and further elevate the profile of Arkansas’s trucking professionals.

Image Source: Arkansas Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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This prestigious recognition celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond in acts of kindness, courage, and courtesy while out on the road. For Combs, his commitment to helping others was clear when he intervened to protect a fellow motorist in distress.

A Heroic Display of Awareness on I-81

It was the early hours of April 23 when Combs, who has been a truck driver with ABF Freight based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, found himself traveling northbound along Interstate 81 in Virginia. The stretch between Roanoke and Harrisonburg is often bustling with vehicles, yet Combs’ attentiveness allowed him to notice something unusual.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs recalled after observing sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck just ahead of him. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

His persistence paid off. The driver of the pickup noticed the signals and began pulling over, just in time for a situation that could have turned disastrous.

Preventing a Catastrophe

Combs’ instincts were spot-on. Moments after the pickup truck began to pull off to the side, it lost its right front wheel.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said, describing the chaotic scene. “Sparks went everywhere. It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

The situation could have escalated further, but fortune favored preparation that day. Combs, a seasoned driver with 16 years of experience, stopped immediately to ensure everyone was safe. Inside the pickup truck were the driver and two passengers—thankfully, none of them were injured.

Realizing the potential fire risk from the sparks, Combs checked the vehicle to confirm it hadn’t ignited. For him, taking action in emergencies is second nature. “I’m always gonna stop,” he emphasized.

Celebrating Heroes of the Highway

Stan Combs’ story is just one example of the incredible acts of service recognized by the TCA’s Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, the program has honored nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for their extraordinary efforts on the road.

Each honoree exemplifies the values of kindness, responsibility, and vigilance—qualities that are vital in the trucking profession. TCA’s ability to showcase these drivers is made possible thanks to program sponsors like presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

The Legacy of Being a Highway Angel

For truck drivers like Combs, recognition as a Highway Angel isn’t just about the award—it’s about reflecting the values that define the industry. Stories like his serve as inspiration, reminding us of the humanity behind the wheel of these massive vehicles.

Image Source: ABF Freight
Source: Truckers News

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Additional award recipients

Several other drivers were also recognized for their exceptional skills and contributions during the event.

• Rookie of the Year: Daniel Skidmore, Prime Inc.
• Professional Excellence Award: Robert Hussey, Walmart Transportation
• Written Exam Award: Jamie Ingram, FedEx Express
• Pre-Trip Inspection Award: Audrey Lewis, DHL
• Team Champion: FedEx Freight

Class winners

The winners across various competition classes were as follows:

• Sleeper Berth: Bob Bramwell, ABF Freight Inc.
• Twin Trailers: Robert Leach, Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Tank Truck: Eric Carpenter, Walmart Transportation
• 3-Axle: Robbie Roth, FedEx Express
• 4-Axle: Joshua Price, Old Dominion Freight Line
• 5-Axle: Jamie Raines, Walmart Transportation
• Flatbed: Ron Hoover, Prime Inc.
• Straight Truck: Mark Carver, FedEx Freight
• Step Van: Courtney Husser, Walmart Transportation

Image Source: Missouri Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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Poff claimed the top honor and also finished first in the Straight Truck category, showcasing his expertise behind the wheel.

Special Awards and Team Champions

Other notable recognitions from the competition include:

• Pre-trip Inspection Award: John Garza from XPO
• Rookie of the Year: William Schultz from Walmart
• Small Team Champions: ABF Freight
• Large Team Champions: Walmart

Class Winners

Winners from each competition class earned the chance to compete in the National Truck Driving Championship, scheduled for August 20-23 in Minneapolis. Here’s the full list of champions by category:

• 3-Axle: Vadim Iusin (Walmart)
• 4-Axle: Jami Draft (ABF Freight)
• 5-Axle: James Clark (Penske)
• Flatbed: Dave Evans (Walmart)
• Sleeper Berth: William Schultz (Walmart)
• Straight Truck: David Poff (Old Dominion Freight Line)
• Tanker: Travis Clark (Walmart)
• Twins: Shane Hearn (FedEx)
• Step Van: Phillip Lawrence (Sheldon Holdings, FedEx)

Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance and good luck to those moving forward to the national competition in Minneapolis!

Image Source: Michigan Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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A Morning on Interstate 81

On the morning of April 23, while traveling northbound on Interstate 81 between Roanoke and Harrisonburg, Va., Combs noticed sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck in front of him.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs said. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

Combs’ persistence paid off, as the driver of the pickup truck began to pull over.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said.

Just as the truck started to stop, its right front wheel detached completely. Fortunately, the driver managed to bring the truck to the side of the road safely.

“Sparks went everywhere,” Combs said. “It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

A Commitment to Safety

Combs, a seasoned professional with 16 years of driving experience, immediately pulled over to check on the driver and two passengers. He ensured they were unharmed and verified that the vehicle had not caught fire.

“I’m always gonna stop,” Combs said, emphasizing his dedication to safety and helping others whenever needed.

Recognizing Exceptional Drivers

The TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers like Stan Combs, who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others on the road. His alertness and willingness to act demonstrate the best qualities of professional truck drivers.

For more incredible stories of TCA Highway Angels, click here.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: TCA

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Driving for ABF Freight, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Campbell’s selflessness during a critical moment has not gone unnoticed.

The Incident

On March 26, Campbell was traveling along Highway 31 in West Point, Kentucky, when he encountered the aftermath of a serious collision between a pickup truck and a dump truck. The impact caused the dump truck to roll onto its passenger side. Upon seeing the crash, Campbell stopped immediately to offer assistance.

According to Campbell, the situation was dire. He discovered the dump truck driver trapped inside the vehicle’s cab.

“He was too big to go through the windshield,” Campbell explained. “The guy was hurt; he was lying on the passenger door area there.”

Amid alarming signs of danger, including oil and coolant leaking from the truck and smoke rising from the engine, Campbell sprang into action. Concerned about the possibility of a fire, he quickly began planning the driver’s rescue.

The Rescue Effort

Campbell utilized an ABF strap to facilitate the rescue. He described how two other motorists who also stopped to assist coordinated their efforts to safely free the injured driver.

“We pulled him up on the side of the dump truck,” Campbell said, recounting the moments they worked together to save the man.

Fortunately, emergency services arrived shortly after and took control of the scene. The fire department addressed the safety hazards while ensuring the driver received the necessary care.

A Marine’s Sense of Duty

Campbell, a former Marine with 20 years of truck driving experience, demonstrated the courage and commitment to helping others that have defined his career. Reflecting on the experience, he humbly shared his motivation for stopping to help.

“If I can help people, I’ll jump out and try to help them,” he said. “I would hope if I was in that situation, they would stop to help me.”

Celebrating Everyday Heroes

The TCA’s Highway Angel program honors truck drivers like Mark Campbell, who go above and beyond to make a difference on the road. His actions are a powerful reminder of the compassion and bravery that many professional drivers bring to their critical role in society.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: ABF

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