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

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“It’s a charity that’s real close to mine and Misty’s heart after what she went through,” Justice shares. “and learning how that disease impacts the entire family, not just the person with the cancer, but everyone around them. And it’s a big deal to go through, so we definitely support that.”

Additionally, the event will raise money for the Bristol Children’s Charity, helping young ones across Tennessee and Virginia.

Bigger Venue, Bigger Dreams

Last year, Large Cars & Guitars showcased nearly 200 trucks at Smokies Stadium and raised nearly $56,000 for charity. With the move to Bristol Motor Speedway, Justice is hopeful for an even larger turnout.

“We actually have unlimited space for bobtails and combos,” Justice said. “That’d be cool to see that place filled up, all that parking lot around there. But that would take probably about 10,000 trucks.” He quipped that he’s not sure if he wants to “tackle that kind of goal or not, but you never know what something might turn into. We’re happy with where it is.”

Rather than being a competitive truck show, Justice calls the gathering more of a “trucker reunion.” The goal is connection and camaraderie, with an emphasis on enjoying the trucks without the pressure of perfection.

”The truckers who bring their rigs clean their trucks up, but they’re not stressed out about them being just dialed in perfectly,” he added.

The only judging involved? That’s up to the kids attending, who vote for their favorite trucks.

Musical Lineup to Rock the Speedway

On top of the incredible truck displays, music takes center stage during the two-day event. Fans can look forward to performances by Tony Justice himself and country music powerhouse Montgomery Gentry ft. Eddie Montgomery on the evening of May 24.

Other acts joining the lineup include:

• Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, an Overdrive contributor

• Past Trucker Talent Search winner Taylor Barker

• Rising star Elvie Shane

• Breakout artist EmiSunshine

And that’s just the start! With more artists to be announced, attendees are in for two days of unforgettable live country music.

Registration and Event Details

Truckers interested in bringing their rigs to Bristol can register online. The fees include:

• Bobtails: $100
• Dump Trucks: $100
• Combos: $150

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Bristol Motor Speedway, Overdrive, Bennett

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Starting Saturday and continuing through March 7, registration will cost $10. After that, and for on-site registration, the cost increases to $20.

This year’s event will be held from March 27-29 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, offering truck enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders a chance to connect and explore the latest advancements in trucking.

Show Schedule:

• Thursday, March 27

• • 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the exciting Opening Reception

• Friday, March 28

• • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., concluding with a free concert featuring Tony Justice and Colt Ford

• Saturday, March 29

• • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this event. Register online here and secure your spot before the deadline!

Source: Truckers News

Image: Mid-America Trucking Show

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Opening for Ford is none other than trucker and singer-songwriter Tony Justice, who’s known for captivating audiences at MATS and other trucking events across the nation.

How to Get Tickets

The concert is free for MATS attendees, with tickets available for pickup on Thursday and Friday during the show’s run from March 27–29.

About Colt Ford

Colt Ford first burst onto the music scene with his debut album, Ride Through the Country, in 2008. Since then, he’s made a significant impact in the industry, releasing a total of eight albums, with his latest, Must Be The Country, coming out in 2023. His breakthrough fourth album, Declaration of Independence, reached the number one spot on the Top Country Albums charts.

While Ford has carved out a successful career in music, it hasn’t been without challenges. After suffering a heart attack following a concert in Arizona in April 2024, Ford is now back on the road doing what he loves most. This follows another health scare in 2021 when he underwent surgery for eye cancer.

Before becoming a celebrated musician, Ford excelled in the world of golf. He played for the University of Georgia during college and later competed professionally on the Nationwide Tour.

About Tony Justice

A fan-favorite at MATS, Tony Justice brings his authentic, trucker-inspired music to the stage once again. Justice’s latest album, Greatest Shifts, features an impressive collection of 21 tracks, including six brand-new songs.

Don’t miss this iconic night of country and trucking culture. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Colt Ford and Tony Justice or discovering their music for the first time, this concert promises to deliver unforgettable memories.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Colt Ford

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Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, initiated by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,600 cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to Sponsor a Wreath for 2024, please visit Wreaths Across America.

Hosted by the Bennett Family of Companies in collaboration with Tony Justice, this event aims to be the largest patriotic show in the trucking, showcasing a profound love for America while supporting a noble cause.

Activities throughout the event, including the Wreaths Across America Golf Ball Drop and the Proud Owners of Patriotic BIG Rig Trucks showcase, aim to honor and celebrate our heroes. Patriotic truck owners from across the nation will display their vehicles, showcasing their journeys and contributions to transporting wreaths from Columbia Falls, ME to National Cemeteries across the country. These trucks will share their trips, locations, and the number of wreaths they’ve hauled over the years, adding a unique and meaningful element to the event.

All proceeds from this event will contribute to covering the 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with wreaths during the Christmas season, alongside supporting military cemeteries across Georgia.

Don’t miss the special moments planned for this year’s event, including an electrifying performance by recording artist Tony Justice. On Saturday evening, Tony will take the stage for a live concert, featuring his signature song, “Stars, Stripes and White Lines”. Additionally, Saturday afternoon will feature a special presentation of the American Flag alongside a flyover of Vietnam Era Huey and Cobra Helicopters, symbolizing unity and honor.

Join the mission to make a difference and celebrate freedom at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 1-2, 2024. Let’s come together to honor our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Click here for more information or to register for the event.

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The funds were raised through the successful “Large Cars & Guitars” truck show and given to representative, April Douglas of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Justice and his team are proud to support such an important cause and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

“This is only possible because of a lot of big-hearted truckers out there who opened their hearts and their wallets,” Justice said.

In only its second year, the Large Cars show in Kodak, Tennessee has nearly doubled in size, featuring an impressive lineup of 175 trucks and attracting thousands of attendees over two action-packed days.

“We were able to raise $45,191 in about an hour and fifteen minutes during the auction,” said Justice. During this time, spots at the lead of an associated Convoy for a Cure were offered up.

“The lead spot,” Justice noted, “went for $10,000,” and it “didn’t take long for the money to start adding up.”

Douglas acknowledged that achieving the group’s mission would have been impossible without valuable contributions from individuals like Justice, his wife, Misty, and all the generous truckers.

“We really can’t do it without people like you,” she said.

The battle hits home for Misty, who fought the battle with breast cancer herself some years back and came out on the other side victorious.

“It’s the people who’ve experienced it and gone through it and understand and want to help others who are going through it,” Douglas said — they really help “with our advocacy and research, and really caring for the breast-cancer community.”

“It’s hard to put into words what it means,” Tony Justice said on having gone through his wife’s experience as a family and coming out the other side with the ability to give back.

‘Greatest Shifts’ Album Now Available

Justice, at this week’s NASCAR races in Nashville, had some exciting news to share along with representatives from the Bennett Family of Companies fleet. Bennett CEO, David Lowry, highlighted the company’s support for Justice’s latest album, “Greatest Shifts,” as well as their sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing’s Xfinity Series No. 21 car, driven by Austin Hill from Georgia. This partnership is a cause for celebration for fans of both NASCAR and Justice’s music.

The album is officially available for purchase HERE for anyone who wants to have a listen and support the artist.

Justice spent the weekend with the band starting Saturday playing the Fan Zone at the racetrack, followed by a series of acoustic shows as part of the F150 Racing and Rhythm Trout at various campground sites, moving onto another acoustic set Sunday at Bennett’s booth in the Fan Zone.

Bennett, a fleet headquartered in Georgia, had a surprise for Justice on their #21 car. The back now features the new album’s name and artwork.

Source: Overdrive

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