“Each year, the Mike Russell Award highlights the creativity and dedication of those who work tirelessly to share our industry’s story,” said Nikki Thomas, vice president of industry affairs at ATA. “This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond in showcasing the essential role trucking plays in our daily lives and the pride that drives our workforce.”

What the Award Means

Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award recognizes motor carriers, individuals, and trucking organizations that demonstrate professionalism, dedication to safety, and leadership in promoting a positive image of the industry.

“Great West Casualty Company is proud to sponsor the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, which celebrates those who promote a deeper understanding of the trucking industry,” said Steve Ponder, senior vice president at Great West. “Thanks to the ongoing efforts of past and future recipients, the public’s perception of trucking continues to grow more positive each year.”

Meet the 2025 Honorees

This year’s winners highlight how everyday actions and community involvement can make a real difference.

Trucking Association of New York (TANY)

Through TANY’s Community Supervision initiative, more than 55 individuals have earned their Commercial Driver’s Licenses since 2023. “This isn’t just workforce development – it’s life-changing,” ATA noted. Beyond licensing support, TANY funds and supports the Transportation Club at the Charter School for Applied Technologies High School in Buffalo. What started small has grown into a hub where students explore transportation careers, gain hands-on experience, and connect with mentors in the trucking industry.

Antoine Sadler, Professional Truck Driver, Walmart Transportation

A second-generation driver, Sadler has logged over 2.7 million safe driving miles across a 29-year career. He serves on North Carolina’s Road Team, Walmart’s Road Team, and America’s Road Team, and has competed in multiple truck driving championships. Since 2021, Sadler has served on the TAT board, helped launch the TAT Man to Man campaign, and contributed to the TAT Freedom Drivers Project trailer. He also volunteers with organizations like the Special Olympics, National Night Out, and Samaritan’s Feet, showing that dedication to trucking goes hand in hand with giving back to the community.

“These individuals have seamlessly woven positivity into their everyday lives, creating a ripple effect that touches countless others,” said Dan Horvath, COO of ATA. “Today, we’re proud to expand that list to 66, with two new recipients. These recipients embody ATA’s commitment to promoting a positive image of trucking. Their applications stood out as powerful examples of how storytelling, leadership, and innovation can shape public perception and inspire meaningful change.”

Image Source: ATA

Other Source: The Trucker

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The award, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, highlights individuals, companies, and organizations that elevate the trucking industry’s image through safety, professionalism, and community involvement.

Antoine Sadler: A Career of Commitment and Miles

Antoine Sadler is a second-generation truck driver with a career spanning 29 years and more than 2.7 million safe driving miles. His dedication goes beyond the cab: Sadler participates in North Carolina’s Road Team, Walmart’s Road Team, and America’s Road Team.

He has competed in numerous truck driving championships, demonstrating both skill and pride in his craft. Outside of driving, Sadler has been active in the Trucking Association of Tennessee, serving on the board since 2021, helping launch the Man to Man campaign, and maintaining the TAT Freedom Drivers Project trailer. His volunteer work includes supporting Special Olympics, National Night Out, and Samaritan’s Feet.

Trucking Association of New York: Building the Next Generation of Drivers

The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) has been making a real difference through its Community Supervision initiative, helping more than 55 people earn their commercial driver’s licenses since 2023. By connecting individuals with stable, well-paying careers, TANY strengthens both the lives of participants and the trucking workforce with trained, motivated drivers.

Since 2018, TANY has also supported the Transportation Club at the Charter School for Applied Technologies High School in Buffalo. What started as a small program has grown into a thriving hub where students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to transportation careers.

“Each year, the Mike Russell Award highlights the creativity and dedication of those who work tirelessly to share our industry’s story,” said Nikki Thomas, VP of Industry Affairs for ATA. “This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond in showcasing the essential role trucking plays in our daily lives and the pride that drives our workforce.”

Why This Matters for Drivers

For truckers on the road, awards like this reinforce the value of professionalism, safe driving, and community engagement. From mentoring the next generation to volunteering locally, both Sadler and TANY exemplify how truck drivers can make a lasting impact beyond the cab.

Image Source: ATA

Source: Truckers News

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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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