McLean not only secured the grand champion crown but also emerged victorious in the highly competitive three-axle class.

Special Award Winners Recognized

Several participants were honored for their exceptional performance in specific categories:

• Team Trophy: XPO
• Pre-trip Inspection Flatbed: Daren Hackney, Walmart Supply Chain
• Pre-trip Inspection Straight Truck: Davin Strong, FedEx Express
• Rookie of the Year: Graham Roger, Martin Brower Company
• Ray Dagostino Award: Jeffrey Nesci

Class Winners

The competition featured a wide range of vehicle categories, highlighting the drivers’ skills across different classes:

• Step Van: Robin Newton, FedEx
• Straight Truck: David May, XPO
• 3-Axle: Mark McLean, FedEx Freight
• 4-Axle: Randy Merle, FedEx Freight
• 5-Axle: Oliver Estevez, Martin Brower Company
• Flatbed: Raymond Waage, FedEx Freight
• Tank Truck: Zack Bourque, Wegmans Food Markets
• Twin Trailers: Francisco Caravajal, FedEx
• Sleeper Berth: James Kohr, FedEx

The event celebrated the dedication and expertise of New York’s trucking professionals while fostering a sense of camaraderie among industry participants. Mark McLean’s remarkable achievement underscores the skill and precision required to excel in the trucking industry.

Image Source: (Trucking Association of New York) Mark Mclean
Source: Truckers News

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A Career Built on Dedication and Meticulous Maintenance

Kitzhaber’s connection to his Kenworth T600 began when he drove it as a company driver for Millis Transfer before purchasing it himself several years later. His commitment to meticulously maintaining the truck has been unwavering, often partnering with JR Truck Repair and Fabrication in Wisconsin to ensure it remains roadworthy.

According to Adam Pratt, owner of the Chippewa Falls truck shop that serviced Kitzhaber’s vehicle for years, Kitzhaber’s approach is rooted in a proactive mentality. “His philosophy is it’s cheaper to do it now rather than call in a tow truck and deal with repairs on the road,” Pratt shared. “That can cost double.”

Pratt also noted the sheer thoroughness of Kitzhaber’s maintenance process, with checklists that can take up to six hours to complete. This attention to detail is undoubtedly one of the many reasons Kitzhaber’s T600 has stood the test of time and labor.

A Close-Up Look at a Well-Maintained Legend

If you’re curious about Kitzhaber’s methods and modifications for his T600, stay tuned. Overdrive Video Editor Lawson Rudisill recently toured the truck with Kitzhaber at MATS for a closer look at the efficiency-driven upgrades that have made this vintage aerodynamic rig a standout.

A Reflective Farewell to the Industry

Kitzhaber’s trucking career began in the 1980s when he transitioned from managing a Radio Shack to pursuing life on the open road. “I got into trucking thinking I would just do it for a couple of years to see the country,” Kitzhaber recalled. “Then I would get a real job.”

Decades later, not only did Kitzhaber establish himself as a seasoned professional, but he has also earned top honors in the trucking industry. His final delivery will close this successful chapter with a load for longtime client Menard’s, headquartered in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Source: (Overdrive) Bostrom Seating and Commercial Vehicle Group’s Jason Gray (left) and Kitzhaber pose with the award check and Kitzhaber’s T600 on an extra windy Friday afternoon at the Louisville Convention Center.

The Legacy of a True Professional

Kitzhaber’s achievements go far beyond his miles driven. His exemplary financial management as an owner-operator played a significant role in his recognition as Trucker of the Year. Speaking with Overdrive Radio host Steve Sommers, Kitzhaber shared some wisdom on the owner-operator vs. company driver debate.

“There is some truth that if you’re working as a company driver, you can probably make about the same as an owner-operator without the responsibility,” Kitzhaber explained. “But if you’re a businessman as an owner-operator, you can make more money. It’s more challenging, there’s more risk, but also a lot more reward.”

For Kitzhaber, the secret to success lies in treating trucking like a business. “It was just being a businessman and treating it like a business. Not everyone has that mentality,” he said.

His professionalism, strategic thinking, and attention to detail have left an indelible mark on the industry.

A Legacy of Insights and Expertise

While Kitzhaber is officially retiring from trucking, his wealth of knowledge remains available to benefit others. His insights have been shared in a two-part feature on the Overdrive Extra blog.

Source: Overdrive
Image: Source: (Overdrive) Built by Pennsylvania-based Eston Hoffman, this scale-model replica of Overdrive Trucker of the Year Alan Kitzhaber’s long-running 1995 Kenworth T600 seals the deal for Kitzhaber’s well-deserved win in the TOTY program.

The post Trucker of the Year Honored with T600 Replica and Bostrom Seat at MATS: Alan Kitzhaber Receives Well-Deserved Recognition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In a remarkable display of bravery, George Maxwell, a truck driver from Tampa, Florida, has been recognized with the TCA Highway Angel award for his courageous actions during Hurricane Milton. Working for TransAm Trucking, Inc. based in Olathe, Kansas, Maxwell risked his own safety to rescue a couple stranded during the devastating storm.

According to the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), on October 10 at approximately 3 a.m. in Plant City, Florida, Maxwell faced extreme weather conditions. As the hurricane approached, he headed to the truck parking lot where his semi-truck was parked. Braving the worsening weather, he drove his personal pickup truck to relocate his semi-truck to a safer, elevated location. However, his plan took an unforeseen turn.

“I’m in the truck,” Maxwell recounted. “I’m watching the water come up higher and it’s getting bad.”

With floodwaters rising swiftly, Maxwell abandoned his efforts to save his pickup truck and concentrated on securing his semi-truck. At that moment, he noticed a dire situation—the owners of the truck parking lot were trapped in their house, which was encircled by chest-deep floodwaters.

“They said they thought they were safe there but it’s not safe,” Maxwell noted, as relentless rain poured and winds gusted at nearly 100 miles per hour.

Navigating the perilous waters, Maxwell reached the couple’s home and guided them to his semi-truck. He offered them shelter and drove them to higher ground, ultimately saving them from life-threatening danger. Unfortunately, Maxwell’s personal vehicle was lost to the flood.

“It’s totally gone,” Maxwell reflected about his ruined pickup truck. Despite the loss, he affirmed his decision, stating, “I would do it again. I just did what I’d hope anyone would do for me.”

Since its inception in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for their exceptional kindness, courtesy, and courage while on duty. The program is supported by sponsors such as EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, allowing TCA to honor extraordinary drivers like Maxwell.

Source: Truckers News

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