NASTC President David Owen kicked off the Thursday, October 23, program by recognizing the 2025 “America’s Best Drivers” team, which consists of twenty outstanding professional truck drivers nominated by NASTC member companies. Together, these drivers represent an incredible 585 years of combined over-the-road experience and an astonishing 51,442,500 accident-free miles.

Owen also presented this year’s Best Broker award to S-2 (Solutions Source), a long-standing member of NASTC’s Best Brokers group. “No NASTC member has ever lost a dime working with one of our Best Brokers,” Owen said, reflecting on the program’s strong reputation since its creation in 1991.

Honoring the New NASTC Transportation Ambassadors

In a new initiative for 2025, NASTC introduced three Transportation Ambassadors, individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to represent trucking in a positive light. The inaugural honorees included Tony Justice, Ingrid Brown, and Lindsay Lawler, all known for using their platforms to champion professional drivers and tell the real story of life behind the wheel.

“We have a real problem in trucking. We’re politically incorrect,” Owen said during the ceremony. “The only people who appreciate us are the people inside this industry, and one of the challenges we have is trying to create a realistic view of big trucks. The people we’re recognizing tonight are people who’ve really helped do that, giving of themselves 100 different ways to help us show what you guys are all about.”

While longtime advocate and driver Ingrid Brown was unable to attend due to health reasons, Owen paid tribute to her years of leadership and public advocacy for truckers. “I’ve known her for probably 25 years,” he said. “She’s been a voice for truck drivers and a bridge to the public, showing what trucking really means.”

Music, Radio, and Trucking Come Together

Both Lindsay Lawler and Tony Justice attended the Nashville event in person. “This award brings together my professional lives, which are music, radio, and trucking,” Lawler said. “I agree wholeheartedly with you, Dave, that I think we do a really great job telling each other how great trucking is, but we need to get the outside world to see it, too.”

Justice, who spent years on the road before turning to music, echoed that sentiment. “My heroes have always been truck drivers,” he said. “My dad was one. I don’t remember a time in my life when both [music and trucking] weren’t a part of my life.” He thanked the small fleet owners and pro drivers in attendance, adding, “You guys are the ones that don’t wait around for people to pat you on the back. This country can’t survive without you.”

America’s Best Drivers: The 2025 Honorees

Each of the 20 drivers honored this year represents the very best in safety, professionalism, and long-term commitment to trucking. Their accident-free mileage numbers speak volumes about their dedication:

• Travis Lauer, Alpha Drivers Transportation – 16 years, 1.4M miles
• Aaron Hayes, Black Diamond Transport – 24 years, 3.08M miles
• Brian Pregler, Capela Transport – 16 years, 1.7M miles
• Jack Rensing, Circle R Xpress – 49 years, 4M miles
• Roger Zima, Foltz Trucking – 42 years, 5M miles
• Baldo Reyes, Four Star Greenhouse Sales & Trans – 25 years, 2.21M miles
• Richard Johnson, Gold Standard Transportation – 54 years, 1.6M miles
• Mike Adcock, Hahn & Phillips Grease Company – 47 years, 4.8M miles
• Violet Holmes, Kisatchie Midnight Express – 38 years, 400K miles
• Jerry Ballo, Long Haul Trucking – 18 years, 2.2M miles
• William Edgin, Millwood Trucking – 25 years, 3M miles
• Christopher Lanning, Naeve Inc. – 20 years, 2M miles
• Charles Yahnke, Ohio Eastern Express – 25 years, 3.5M miles
• Justin Baldwin, Pleasant Valley Transport – 17 years, 1.5M miles
• Ken Schulz, QLF Transportation – 30 years, 3.2M miles
• Billy Ross, Southern Illinois Motor Xpress – 22 years, 2M miles
• Doug Hartman, Spoerl Trucking – 41 years, 2M miles
• Calvin Dean, TAC Transport – 25 years, 3.75M miles
• Jonathan Rejman, Venice Enterprise – 26 years, 1M miles
• Dan Stilp, Waletich Transportation – 29 years, 3.1M miles

Each of these drivers represents what’s best about small trucking — independence, resilience, and a shared commitment to keeping America’s freight moving safely and efficiently.

NASTC also confirmed that its 2026 Annual Conference will return to Nashville next year, running October 29–31.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Overdrive

The post America’s Best Drivers and New NASTC Ambassadors: Celebrating the Heart of Small Trucking in 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A New Chapter for RadioNemo

On May 21, RadioNemo announced its next destination. Embodying its “Next-Gen Nemo” vision, the show is moving to a fully digital format, supported by Fastport, and will broadcast from a brand-new studio situated in the historic Degas House in New Orleans.

Beginning June 2, RadioNemo will stream live 24/7 at RadioNemo.com. Shortly after, on June 9, flagship shows “Nemo Nation” and “Road Gang Radio” will relaunch in expanded formats. Later this summer, Lindsay Lawler’s highly anticipated show, “We Should Write,” will also debut.

“Innovation is in our DNA,” said Dave Nemo in the announcement. “Partnering with Fastport allows us to bring everything our listeners love into one seamless digital home. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on your phone, you can tune in anytime and stay connected to the trucking world and beyond.”

What’s Coming to RadioNemo

The new digital schedule promises to keep listeners informed, entertained, and connected with a robust lineup of shows:

• Nemo Nation

This rapid-fire Monday morning show dives deep into the past week’s news highlights and previews must-know events for the week ahead. Expect a blend of rocking music, quirky trivia, and insightful interviews.

• Road Gang Radio

Airing Tuesday through Friday mornings, co-hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler bring you the latest in technology, travel, entertainment, and culture. Designed for life on the go, this fast-paced show packs real-time news and stories for anyone on the move.

• We Should Write (coming later this summer)

This unique program, hosted by Lindsay Lawler, explores the art of writing in everyday life. “Whether you’re a songwriter, traveler, or someone who jots down thoughts on your phone, writing is powerful,” Lawler explained. “This show is about feeling seen, telling stories, and having fun with it all.”

Building a Stronger Community

RadioNemo’s transition to a digital platform is much more than a technological step; it’s a commitment to fostering a connected and engaged audience.

“As we turn this page, our commitment to our community remains stronger than ever,” said Jimmy Mac, co-host of “Road Gang Radio.” “You’ve been with us on our current home for years, and now we’re creating a space where every story, tip, and track can be heard anytime you choose.”

Nicholas DiMeo, RadioNemo’s general manager, added, “This move to an always-on platform for our content is focused on how we connect, grow, and partner. We’re building something that invites deeper audience engagement and opens new doors for sponsors and strategic partners who believe in the power of storytelling on the move.”

Stay Tuned

RadioNemo expresses immense gratitude to its loyal audience and longstanding partners for their ongoing support during this exciting transformation. Starting June 2, listeners can catch the live stream at RadioNemo.com or access content on their preferred platforms.

Get ready to join the next generation of RadioNemo. Your trucking companion is now just a click away!

Source: Land Line Media

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