The recognition highlights drivers who consistently combine safe operation with mentorship, industry involvement, and long-term performance.

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?

The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition program created by TravelCenters of America to honor professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

The award focuses on more than miles driven. It highlights drivers who influence others through mentorship, safety advocacy, and participation in industry programs.

This program is designed to recognize both performance behind the wheel and contribution to the broader trucking community.

Who were the 2026 TA Citizen Driver award winners?

The 2026 recipients are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones. Both drivers were recognized for long-term safety records, leadership roles, and contributions to driver development and industry programs.

Their selection was announced during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Both honorees represent a combination of consistent safety performance and strong industry engagement.

Steven Brand: long-term safety and mentorship in trucking

Steven Brand has 36 years of experience and nearly 5 million crash-free miles. He has spent close to 30 years with FedEx Freight, where he is known as a mentor and resource for other drivers.

Beyond his driving career, Brand has coached participants in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships and supported youth and safety-focused programs across the industry.

His recognition reflects both sustained safe driving and a strong commitment to mentoring other drivers.

Bruce Jones: military background, safety record, and leadership role

Bruce Jones has accumulated more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles over 28 years of driving. He is a third-generation driver and Marine Corps veteran with more than 1 million safe miles in tanker operations.

He currently drives for Hoffman Transportation and has received multiple industry recognitions, including Illinois Driver of the Year in 2024 and a Grand Champion Elite Eight Finalist placement the same year.

Jones also serves on his company’s driver advisory board, contributing directly to safety initiatives and operational improvements.

His career reflects a blend of high-level safety performance and active involvement in improving driver programs.

How are Citizen Driver winners recognized?

TA will hold dedication ceremonies later in the year to honor the 2026 winners. Steven Brand will be recognized in London, while Bruce Jones will be recognized in Wilmington.

In addition to public recognition, TA is donating $5,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking on behalf of the award recipients.

Recognition for winners includes both ceremonial events and charitable contributions tied to industry causes.

What is the purpose of the Citizen Driver program?

The Citizen Driver program launched in 2013 to recognize professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

Since its launch, the program has honored 40 drivers. Candidates are evaluated by an independent panel that considers both career achievements and contributions outside the cab.

The program exists to highlight drivers whose influence extends beyond mileage and daily routes.

Why does driver recognition matter in trucking?

Driver recognition programs like Citizen Driver reinforce the importance of safety, mentorship, and leadership across the industry.

They emphasize that success is measured not only in miles driven but also in the impact drivers have on peers, training, and safety culture.

Programs like this help highlight the human side of trucking and the leadership role experienced drivers play.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?
The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition from TravelCenters of America honoring drivers for safety, leadership, and community involvement. It highlights both professional performance and contributions beyond driving.

Who won the 2026 Citizen Driver awards?
The 2026 winners are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, recognized during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

How many miles have the winners driven?
Steven Brand has nearly 5 million crash-free miles, while Bruce Jones has more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles.

What makes a driver eligible for Citizen Driver recognition?
Drivers are selected based on safety records, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the trucking community.

What does TravelCenters of America do for the winners?
TA holds recognition ceremonies and also donates to Truckers Against Trafficking in honor of the winners.

How long has the Citizen Driver program existed?
The program began in 2013 and has recognized 40 drivers to date.

The TA Citizen Driver award highlights professional drivers who combine strong safety records with leadership and mentorship across the trucking industry. The 2026 winners, Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, reflect the program’s focus on long-term performance and meaningful contribution beyond the road, reinforcing that success in trucking extends far beyond miles driven.

Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content on CDL requirements, safety regulations, pay trends, and daily operations. Each piece is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use on the road and in their careers.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

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From January 12 through January 16, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division partnered with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance as part of the annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. The initiative is taking place across North America during the same timeframe.

During the effort, Indiana State Police are engaging with commercial motor vehicle drivers during roadside inspections and other enforcement activities. Officers are distributing educational materials provided by TAT, formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking, to increase awareness and help identify potential signs of trafficking.

Why Transportation Corridors Matter

Human trafficking, as defined by the United Nations, involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or deception for profit. Transportation corridors often intersect with locations where trafficking activity can occur, including truck stops, rest areas, and other high-traffic facilities.

Commercial drivers are frequently present in these environments, placing them in a unique position to notice situations that may otherwise go unseen. More than 40 percent of cases reported by truck drivers involve minors, underscoring the importance of awareness within the industry.

Part of a Broader Prevention Program

The Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is one component of CVSA’s larger Human Trafficking Prevention Program. The program combines enforcement activity with education and outreach, aiming to reduce trafficking through consistent engagement across the commercial vehicle industry.

Training efforts tied to TAT continue to expand nationwide. Nearly 2.5 million trucking professionals have completed training through the organization, reflecting broad participation across carriers, drivers, and industry partners.

Awareness Beyond a Single Week

While the initiative is tied to a specific calendar window, participating agencies emphasize that awareness and reporting do not end when the week concludes. Materials distributed during inspections are intended to reinforce long-term recognition and encourage continued vigilance throughout the year.

The Indiana effort reflects how education, enforcement, and industry participation intersect in addressing human trafficking within the transportation network.

Source: WFFT

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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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Across five days, participants from both the enforcement and the motor carrier sector worked together to raise awareness about human trafficking—how to recognize it and what steps to take if someone may be a victim.

The CVSA teamed up with Truckers Against Trafficking (now known simply as TAT) to provide training sessions and reference materials for both industry and law enforcement staff.

During the initiative:

• 41,102 wallet cards, 17,033 window decals, and 2,468 posters were distributed.
• 87 outreach events and 267 presentations took place.
• CVSA secured 670 media contacts and achieved 161 social media posts to amplify the message.

Starting from November 2024, when the 2025 HTAI dates were first publicized, CVSA’s estimated media reach approached 140 million, peaking in January with a daily average audience of nearly 627,000. Its Traffic Prevention Program webpage received 9,830 visits during that span.

In addition to live events, CVSA launched human trafficking PSAs from December 16, 2024, through February 29, 2025. These aired during commercial breaks on platforms including Pluto TV, Paramount+, EYEQ Local, and Spanish-language Paramount/CBS channels. Combined impressions for the campaign exceeded 16 million.

CVSA’s mission through this program is clear: to combat human trafficking through proactive coordination, investigations, and broad-based education.

Source: Trucknews.com

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Ross, who drives for MCK Trucking, Inc. of Madison, Alabama, had stopped at a rest area off I-40 in rural west Tennessee near Jackson on the afternoon of February 25. Around 4 p.m., a disturbing scene unfolded in front of his truck.

“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’.”

He watched as she sprinted roughly a quarter of a mile and disappeared into the nearby woods. Moments later, a man ran after her, following the same path.

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

His quick call made all the difference. A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper, already nearby, arrived within five minutes. Thanks to Ross’s tip, law enforcement was able to locate the woman and safely remove her from the dangerous situation. According to authorities, she had been abducted in California and brought across state lines. Ross also handed over dashcam footage to assist with the investigation.

Still processing the gravity of what happened, Ross turned to a fellow driver and asked, “Did I just save that girl’s life? I hope I did.”

David Wheeler, Safety Director for MCK Transportation and a longtime advocate for Truckers Against Trafficking, wasn’t surprised by Ross’s quick thinking.

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

Ross joins a growing list of professional drivers who have been celebrated for stepping up in moments that matter most. Since its launch in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has honored nearly 1,500 truckers for their courage, compassion, and everyday heroism. The initiative is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Sometimes the road brings more than just a job—it brings the chance to change a life. And thanks to one truck driver’s gut instinct and fast action, one young woman is now safe.

Image & Source: Truckers News

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The Role of Transportation in Trafficking

“Human trafficking depends on transportation systems to operate,” says Kris Strickler, Director of ODOT. “Our agency works closely with other transportation agencies to end human trafficking by raising public awareness, sharing data and educating people to recognize the signs. The more we know about how to spot human trafficking, the more our industry can work together to bring it down.”

ODOT is committed to exposing human trafficking—forcibly involving individuals in labor or commercial sex work through coercion or fraud. It’s a grim reality affecting a staggering 27 million people globally each year. Within Oregon alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 132 cases involving 248 victims in 2023, revealing the urgency of tackling these crimes on every front.

Awareness Efforts Across the State

During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, ODOT, in partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, will undertake their Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative from January 13-17. A coordinated effort by motor carrier enforcement officers and safety inspectors will see human trafficking informational handouts distributed to truckers and commercial carriers across weigh stations statewide. These resources, available in both English and Spanish, are designed to educate industry players on recognizing and reporting trafficking activities.

Awareness campaigns also extend to various platforms, including the state’s TripCheck system, highway message boards, radio announcements, billboards, and targeted social media posts throughout January. A powerful visual gesture includes illuminating the Woodburn Bridge in blue, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against trafficking.

Key Partnerships Amplify the Mission

ODOT is strengthening its outreach by collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security, the Oregon Trucking Association, TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking), Bowman Trucking, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and local law enforcement. Together, these organizations aim to amplify awareness and provide the knowledge and tools necessary to combat this criminal activity.

What to Do if You Suspect Human Trafficking

If you suspect human trafficking, be cautious. It’s recommended not to approach a potential trafficker or victim. Protect your safety and help from a distance. For emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1.

For non-emergencies and reporting, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Operated 24/7 by a reputable nongovernmental organization, this hotline also accepts text messages. You can send “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BEFREE).

Source: The Trucker

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This iconic truck sold for $1.5 million to Rush Truck Centers, with proceeds going to charity. A significant $500,000 raised from sweepstakes entries benefited the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans.

Jennifer Best of Pryor, Oklahoma, was the lucky winner of the sweepstakes and now proudly owns the rare 389X. She and her husband Shane co-own Shane Best Trucking, which primarily serves the construction and roadwork industries. “We do construction, road work,” Shane Best explained. “My family’s done it. My dad was in trucking, her dad was in trucking.”

Initially, Jennifer found it hard to believe. “I couldn’t believe it. We thought they were kidding with us,” she said. Rather than putting the truck to work, the Bests plan to collaborate with Tulsa’s Rush Truck Center to turn the 389X into a custom showpiece. “Oh no. We really want to keep it around” for posterity, Shane added.

The truck was presented at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference at Nashville’s Music City Center. Jessie Carzoli of the Wounded Warrior Project expressed gratitude for the support. “We will put it directly into programs and services that matter so much to our veterans,” she said.

In addition to supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, proceeds from the truck’s sale also went to Truckers Against Trafficking and Wreaths Across America, both causes closely connected to the trucking community.

Reflecting on the event, Rusty Rush said, “It’s been a great day and an exciting day. It’s been very special … a great past 6-8 months putting this together — trailering the truck around the country.”

As for the future of the truck, Shane hinted that it might make its debut as a showpiece at next year’s Guilty by Association Truck Show in Joplin, Missouri.

Source: Overdrive / Todd Dillis

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Engaging Law Enforcement Efforts

Throughout the initiative, law enforcement actively engaged in numerous strategies to combat human trafficking:

• Provided educational materials to drivers during roadside inspections

• Observed passenger interactions in commercial trucks for signs of trafficking

• Distributed flyers and informational cards at major travel hubs, including truck stops, bus terminals, and ports of entry

• Utilized digital billboards to promote the human trafficking hotline

• Shared educational content and infographics across various social media platforms

• Incorporated human trafficking awareness messages in compliance communications

• Conducted targeted training sessions for motor carriers on identification and prevention

• Issued press releases and coordinated media interviews for wider outreach

• Completed online modules to enhance understanding of human trafficking

• Engaged in Wear Blue Day on January 11 to show solidarity

In collaboration with (TAT), formerly Truckers Against Trafficking, CVSA developed specialized training and resources aimed at empowering both law enforcement and the trucking industry to address human trafficking effectively.

Outcomes of the Initiative

This year’s efforts resulted in the distribution of a staggering 38,158 wallet cards, 13,510 window decals, and 1,603 posters across various jurisdictions. The initiative also encompassed 334 outreach events, 204 presentations, and 692 media interactions, alongside 107 engaging social media posts. Crucial partnerships, such as one with Paramount/CBS, yielded impactful public service announcements (PSAs) featuring a survivor of human trafficking, a truck driver, and a commercial vehicle enforcement officer. These PSAs reached an impressive audience, garnering 15,652,611 impressions across platforms like Pluto TV, Paramount+, and EYEQ Local. The specialized Human Trafficking Prevention Program webpages saw a notable influx of 20,552 views from the launch of HTAI on November 15, 2023, to the conclusion of Mexico’s initiative at the end of March.

Source: FleetOwner.com

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“The horrors of human trafficking are far reaching, but together, we have the power to detect and prevent them,” Buttigieg said. This spotlight coincided with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January.

“We’re empowering America’s transportation workforce and the traveling public — hundreds of millions strong — to be the eyes and ears of a collective effort to combat trafficking,” Buttigieg said.

As part of the initiative, the Department of Transportation outlined mode-specific indicators related to human trafficking. For the trucking industry, these indicators encompass sites with unusually high security measures, out-of-place vans near truck areas, vehicles dropping off and picking up individuals by trucks, and unsupervised travel by minors.

Stakeholders like Truckers Against Trafficking and the American Trucking Associations actively contribute resources to combat human trafficking. The ATA is part of the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking initiative, engaging in training, education, policy development, public campaigns, and networking forums.

“Members of the trucking, bus and energy industries are invaluable in the fight against this heinous crime. As the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways, you are in a unique position to make a difference and close loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain,” said Truckers Against Trafficking.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers, such as Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Bill Keating (D-Mass.), are continually working on legislation to address this societal issue. The recently introduced End Banking for Human Traffickers Act aims to enhance collaboration between the private sector and law enforcement to combat financial crimes associated with trafficking. The bill also seeks to improve training and examination procedures for detecting transactions linked to human trafficking by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

“Traffickers utilize the services of banks, credit card companies and money transfer businesses around the world to launder illegal funds. Our bipartisan End Banking for Human Traffickers Act would strengthen collaborative efforts to keep these criminals from being able to use the global financial apparatus for their heinous activities,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am grateful for Rep. Keating’s partnership in this critical effort to both halt traffickers’ access to financial institutions and the ability to exploit their victims. … The End Banking for Human Traffickers Act is vital legislation which will close loopholes and direct regulators to work with law enforcement to combat the use of the financial system by human traffickers.”

Highlighting the severity of the issue, the International Labour Organization reported that in 2021, nearly 50 million people were living in modern forms of slavery.

Source: Transport Topics

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“Truckstop proudly supports Truckers Against Trafficking, an organization we’ve supported for numerous years, both as a corporate entity and through contributions from individual employees,” said Kendra Tucker, CEO of Truckstop. “The fight against human trafficking is an ongoing battle that demands continued support, and there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved.”

In addition to providing a financial donation, Truckstop is actively engaged in raising awareness about TAT and promoting how the transportation industry can play a vital role in combating trafficking.

A recent episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast featured a discussion on human trafficking, with the show’s host and Brent Hutto, Truckstop’s chief relationship officer, engaging in a conversation with TAT’s Laura Cyrus, senior director of industry training and outreach. Cyrus shared her passion and commitment, shedding light on her mission to empower truckers and build a movement to end human trafficking.

“Truckers Against Trafficking is immensely grateful for the support received from Truckstop,” Cyrus said. “Truckstop is utilizing its influential platform to further our message and promote engagement within its extensive network. … Although significant strides have been made in educating individuals to identify and report human trafficking, the crucial need to disseminate this life-saving information throughout the industry cannot be emphasized enough. Putting an end to human trafficking requires the commitment and vigilance of everyone.”

For those seeking more information on human trafficking and ways the trucking industry can contribute to the cause, Truckers Against Trafficking’s website is a valuable resource. Together, through awareness, education, and collective efforts, the transportation industry can actively participate in the fight against human trafficking.

Source: The Trucker

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