The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has officially recognized Smith as its newest Highway Angel, an honor reserved for drivers who go above and beyond to help others during emergencies.

A Dangerous Night on I-44

It was just after 2 a.m. on June 18 when Smith was hauling westbound on Interstate 44 through heavy rain. As any truck driver knows, wet pavement on Oklahoma highways can turn slick fast, and that night, it did.

Smith said a car passed him and another semi ahead of him, then suddenly lost control.

“I realized the guy was doing flips — he was doing them right in front of the other semi,” Smith recalled. “All the airbags were deployed. Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought there’s no way this guy is alive.”

The car hydroplaned, spun several times, and came to rest on the shoulder. The truck in front of Smith kept going, but Smith immediately slowed down, pulled safely to the side, and ran toward the wreck.

A Quick Response That Made All the Difference

When he reached the vehicle, Smith found the driver conscious but dazed, with visible cuts and scrapes.

“The guy was just sitting there looking at me,” Smith said. “Obviously, he was in shock, but the first thing he said to me was, ‘Can you help me find my phone?’”

Smith helped the young man out of the car, moved him to a safe distance from the highway, and called 911. While they waited for first responders, Smith made sure the injured driver stayed calm and alert.

The victim had only minor injuries, a remarkable outcome considering the severity of the crash.

“I stopped because I was there,” Smith said. “Who else was gonna do it? I believe that you’re put in places for a reason.”

A Highway Hero in the Making

Smith’s story is a reminder of how often truck drivers become first responders simply because they’re there when accidents happen. Every day, drivers like Smith see situations unfold that few others would ever witness, and many, like him, don’t hesitate to help.

Through its Highway Angel program, the TCA honors truckers who show courage and compassion on the road. Since the program began, more than 1,300 drivers have received the recognition.

For Smith, though, it wasn’t about the spotlight, just doing what he knew was right.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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Francine, the resident calico cat at a Lowe’s in Richmond, vanished for a few weeks before being discovered safe and sound hundreds of miles away. Her adventure began when she accidentally hitched a ride on a semi truck headed to the company’s distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina, about an hour and a half south.

Two of her coworkers, Lowe’s employees from the Richmond store, made the early morning drive on Monday to bring her home. By Tuesday, Francine was back on duty, greeting customers, lounging around the seasonal section, and soaking up all the attention she’d missed.

“Francine is one of us,” said store supervisor Wayne Schneider. “She’s just amazing. What she means here to the store and the employees, you really can’t imagine the outpouring that the employees and also the customers give her daily.”

How the Great Cat Caper Happened

Francine’s detour started as the store was unpacking Christmas merchandise last month. The commotion may have startled her, and before anyone realized it, she’d slipped into the receiving area and right into a waiting truck.

After a few days with no sign of her, managers checked store cameras and caught footage of Francine darting between the appliance aisles before climbing aboard a trailer. The overnight manager shut the door, and just like that, she was off to North Carolina.

Store general manager Mike Sida recalled, “And then, of course, when she got down to the distribution center, she shot off the truck. That’s when we found out where she was, and she was missing.”

A Full Scale Search

The Lowe’s team wasn’t about to give up on their furry coworker. The Garysburg distribution center set humane traps, posted flyers, and even used thermal drones to help locate her. An Instagram page dedicated to finding Francine quickly gained more than 34,000 followers, showing just how many people were rooting for her safe return.

After several days of searching, cameras caught a glimpse of Francine near the facility. Volunteers checked traps throughout the night until one finally triggered, and the sound of her meows confirmed she’d been found.

“That ride going down, knowing that we were going to get her, was just heartwarming. Knowing she’s safe and that she’s coming back to the store to get off her two-week vacation,” Schneider said.

The Cat Who Came to Stay

Francine’s story with Lowe’s began eight years ago, when she simply wandered into the store. Like many truck stops and feed stores across the country, cats often hang around to help keep the mice population in check.

“She just showed up,” Sida said. “We had a bit of a mice problem. So, of course, I’m like, wow. I like this cat a lot because it’s helping me.”

Over time, Francine became part of the team, a kind of unofficial mascot for both employees and shoppers.

“Francine picked us. We didn’t pick her,” Sida said. “Later, we would embrace her being our store cat. But at the end of the day, she came to us. Where she’s at is where she wants to be. She does whatever she wants.”

Unlike the store crew, Francine doesn’t wear a uniform, and she’s managed to escape every collar she’s ever been given. Now, the team plans to fit her with a new harness and ID tag, just in case she decides to go exploring again.

To celebrate her safe return, a local brewery is hosting a Francine Fest this week, and the store is planning its own employee party. For now, Francine’s back at her post, curled up near customer service, keeping watch, and proving once again that some of the best coworkers come with whiskers.

Image Source: AP Photo

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Ross, who drives for MCK Trucking Inc. based in Madison, Alabama, was recognized for contacting authorities and helping law enforcement rescue a young woman from an abductor earlier this year.

The incident happened on February 25 around 4 p.m. while Ross was parked at a rest area off I-40 in rural West Tennessee near Jackson. From inside his truck, he noticed a girl running barefoot with her shoes in hand.

“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross recalled. “I thought in my head, ‘something’s not right about that’.”

Ross watched as she sprinted about a quarter mile before disappearing into the woods. Moments later, a man followed, running directly after her.

“It scared me,” Ross said. “I went and called 911.”

A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper arrived within minutes and was able to intervene, rescuing the young woman who, according to law enforcement, had been abducted in California. Ross also handed over video footage from his Samsara windshield camera, which authorities say will serve as critical evidence in the prosecution of the abductor.

Still shaken, Ross later asked another truck driver at the scene:

“Did I just save that girl’s life? I hope I did.”

David Wheeler, Safety Director at MCK Transportation, praised Ross for taking action and highlighted the importance of professional drivers speaking up when something seems wrong.

“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” Wheeler said.

Ross’s recognition as a TCA Highway Angel is part of the program’s ongoing effort to spotlight truck drivers who go above and beyond to keep others safe on America’s highways.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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Liz Leon, boasting over 19 years of professional driving experience, plays a crucial role at 4Gen Logistics by transporting containers to and from Southern California’s bustling ports. Her career began with Toys R Us, where her love for the open road was ignited. Averaging 100,000 miles annually without any accidents, Liz has also been acknowledged by the California Trucking Association for her exemplary driving skills.

The Pilot team orchestrated a surprise visit to Rialto, California, on October 22 to celebrate Leon’s achievement before her shift at 4Gen Logistics. Joining this heartwarming event were her colleagues and family members, including her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Jordan Spradling, Vice President of Transportation and Logistics at Pilot, expressed his admiration by stating, “Congratulations to this year’s Road Warrior, Liz Leon, who stood out among the many deserving drivers we read about during the contest,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We appreciate all the nominations and stories of drivers like Liz, Herschel, Joe, and Roy, who show up day in and day out, put in countless hours and miles and embody everything we value at Pilot. “This year, the Road Warrior contest introduced a new format, selecting four weekly winners who each received $1,000 and a chance at the grand prize. Alongside Liz, other weekly champions included:

• Herschel Evans from Bremen, Georgia, boasts over 38 years of driving experience and 3.5 million safe miles. His dedication to helping families is evident through his involvement in initiatives like Atlanta Ride for Kids, Convoy of Care, and Safety Drive for a Cure.

• Joe Mondor from Grand Forks, North Dakota, has amassed 4.5 million safe miles during his 33 years in trucking. Renowned as a safety leader and mentor, Joe is respected for his professionalism.

• Roy Prentice from Reno, Nevada, has surpassed 3 million safe miles in more than 30 years of driving. He is celebrated for his commitment to assisting others both in the community and on the road.

These outstanding drivers exemplify the spirit of dedication and service that Pilot values and are a testament to the professionals who keep our roads safe and our supply chains running smoothly.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Pilot

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The tour theme, “Where Nature, People, and Tradition Come Together,” is highlighted by the special design on the T680, featuring Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests. This year, thanks to Kenworth’s TruckTech+ technology, the real-time GPS location of the tree can be tracked via an interactive map.

Lynden, an Alaskan company, has been chosen as the official carrier for this year’s tour. Veteran drivers Fred Austin and John Schank, both of whom joined Lynden in 1975, have been selected to transport the tree. With over 10 million accident-free miles driven collectively, they bring extensive expertise to the task. This marks Schank’s second time transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, having previously done so in 2015.

The Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper, boasts the PACCAR Powertrain, including a PACCAR MX-13 engine with 455 horsepower, a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. Inside, the truck features a Diamond VIT interior with slate gray and madrona accents, offering amenities like GT703 leather seats that are heated and cooled.

The sleeper area includes conveniences such as a microwave, TV, factory-installed fridge, and rotating work table, along with advanced driver assistance systems like Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors and Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control.

“Kenworth is proud to again provide the truck that will transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the 11th consecutive year,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “Our continuing participation in this celebration that spreads holiday cheer in local communities from coast-to-coast is a program we look forward to every year.”

In early December, the tree will be lit in a ceremony hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House. For further details, visit the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Kenworth

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Here’s the sequence of events reported by the TCA:

On July 9, while traveling on a Missouri highway, Patterson observed a vehicle that had flipped and was emitting smoke.

“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure they were okay,” Patterson recounted.

Demonstrating quick thinking, Patterson halted his truck, disembarked, and shattered the car’s windshield to access those trapped inside. He discovered four young adults and assisted each of them to safety. Emergency personnel arrived swiftly after, allowing Patterson to continue his journey to prevent traffic obstruction. Reflecting on the incident, he credited his military background for his swift actions.

“I’m prior military,” remarked the Navy veteran. “It’s just kinda in me.”

Since its establishment in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has celebrated nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their remarkable acts of heroism, kindness, and goodwill on the road. This recognition is supported by sponsors like EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, underscoring the inspiring deeds of truck drivers like Patterson.

Source: Truckers News

Image: TCA

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Join Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport for a meal and learn about the opportunities available for CDL-A holders.

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• Optimized Routes in the 5F App to earn 40% above market
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Roderick Pryor said, “it didn’t seem real,” but when he grabbed his glasses to double-check, it was clear as day – Pryor won the $100,000 jackpot on his $25 ticket.

“I said that I wasn’t going to believe it until I actually put the check in my hand,” Pryor told the N.C. Education Lottery.

Pryor reportedly stopped at a Grab N Go in Battleboro, around 65 miles northeast of Raleigh, and picked up a $25 Spectacular Riches ticket. Now, he said he plans to pay off his home and his wife’s car.

“Those are two extra bills I won’t have to worry about,” he told lottery officials.

The N.C. Education Lottery said he collected the game’s first $100,000 prize. Pryor reportedly kept $70,757 after taxes.

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Sgt. Michael Mangina told WBRC 6 that police were called to the Grants Mill Road exit on I-459 around 3:27 p.m. When they arrived, they reportedly found the driver of an 18-wheeler suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

The driver, a California man in his 30s, was taken to an area hospital for treatment, WBRC reported. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, police said.

They have not released any details about the incident or the shooter. But IPD has said the shooting was potentially a road rage incident.

Officials are now asking for information about what happened — if you were driving down I-459N at that time and have any more information, call the Irondale Police at 205-956-5990 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

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