Here are the drivers whose actions earned them the Highway Angel title, along with the stories behind those moments.

John Patterson

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

While heading to pick up a load in Tulsa on June 9, 2025, John Patterson watched two cars collide right in front of him. One vehicle ended up in a ditch and was filled with smoke. The door was stuck, and the driver was unconscious and bleeding. Patterson forced the door open, got the driver out, and moved him to safety.

“They were trapped; there was a little bit of blood, and there was smoke everywhere,” he said. “That’s why I got them out because there was smoke everywhere.”

The second vehicle had crashed into another ditch with two passengers who only spoke French. Patterson broke the window, pulled them out, and used his medical kit to treat their injuries.

“Somebody was in danger, somebody was hurt and stuck,” Patterson said. “If it were you, you’d want somebody to come help you.”

Dee Leatherwood

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

On July 10, 2025, near Atlanta, Dee Leatherwood spotted smoke and sparks under a pickup. When the driver stopped on the shoulder, Leatherwood noticed a child’s car seat and reacted instantly. He parked, grabbed his extinguisher, and knocked down the flames before they spread.

“I looked at that car seat and luckily there wasn’t a baby in it,” he said. “I kept the fire as low as I could until the fire department arrived.”

His quick response kept the situation from turning catastrophic.

“I wasn’t worried about anything other than if there was a little one inside that pickup truck,” he said. “I would hope that anyone would do that in that situation, whether they had a fire extinguisher or not.”

Kevin Wojtasiak

Bay and Bay Transportation, Eagan, Minnesota

Just before dawn on June 29, 2025, Kevin Wojtasiak witnessed a vehicle completely engulfed in flames on Interstate 35 in Minnesota. He stopped immediately and helped the driver and three passengers get to safety, offering water and reassurance while waiting for emergency crews.

“They hit a deer. I saw a dead deer in the road, and all of a sudden I saw a flaming vehicle,” he said. “A fire extinguisher wouldn’t have done any good. The vehicle was totally engulfed in flames.”

With more than two million safe miles, Wojtasiak’s reaction was no surprise to those who know him.

“We are incredibly proud of Kevin for his heroic actions,” said Savannah Snelgrove, marketing manager at Bay and Bay Transportation. “He represents the highest standards of our company and the trucking industry as a whole. Being named a TCA Highway Angel is a well-deserved honor.”

Amy Cataldo

Boyle Transportation, Billerica, Massachusetts

Early in the morning near Amarillo on September 24, 2025, Amy Cataldo watched a truck overturn in front of her during wet road conditions. She slowed, hit her flashers, called 911, and ran to help the injured driver.

“His tires went off the road. It was in a construction zone, it had been raining, and there was mud from the construction on the road. I feel so bad for this driver,” she said.

The driver was disoriented and bleeding. Cataldo stayed with him and kept him calm until help arrived.

“The poor kid was really cut up. He was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles,” she said.
“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do.”

Alexander Smith

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

At about 2 a.m. on June 18, 2025, during heavy rain on Interstate 44, Alexander Smith watched a car hydroplane after passing him and another truck. The vehicle flipped multiple times before landing upright in the ditch. The other truck kept going, but Smith stopped and ran to the wreck.

“Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought, There’s no way this guy is alive,” Smith said.

The driver survived with cuts and scrapes and asked Smith to help find his phone. Smith got him out of the car, called 911, and stayed with him until responders arrived.

“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.”

Kevin Olsen

Truline Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada

On June 4, 2025, Kevin Olsen saw a motorcyclist lose control and crash on U.S. 89 North in Garden City, Utah. With no cell service in the area, Olsen checked on the rider, who was having trouble breathing.

“I came to a stop and went to assess the situation,” he said. “He was having trouble breathing. I think it was as a result of the impact with the road.”

He provided ibuprofen and water and remained on scene for more than ninety minutes until help could be reached through another motorist’s satellite phone. He also slowed traffic to prevent additional crashes.

“I didn’t want to leave him hanging,” Olsen said. “I ride a motorcycle myself, and this easily could have been me. I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure he was taken care of.”

Jeanine Reinhard

Halvor Lines Inc., Superior, Wisconsin

At a weigh station in Kuttawa, Kentucky, on June 17, 2025, Jeanine Reinhard noticed another truck blocking the exit. When she walked up to the cab, she saw the driver was unresponsive and using an oxygen tank.

“I said, Are you okay? ‘” she said. “He couldn’t talk, so I said, Do you need medical attention”

She tried calling 911 and could not get an answer, but managed to reach the Kentucky State Police through another county. She stayed with the driver until first responders removed him from the truck and cleared the path.

“He was an older gentleman; hopefully, he was okay,” Reinhard said.

Terry Walde

Searcy Trucking Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

On May 27, 2025, around midday on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan, Terry Walde slowed for debris and quickly realized a cyclist had been struck in a hit-and-run by a semi. The injuries were severe, and another driver called 911 while Walde tended to the victim.

“I saw the bicycle and I also saw the guy lying there beside the bicycle,” Walde said.

The cyclist suffered fractures and had trouble breathing. Tire tracks showed the truck had run over the victim before leaving the scene.

“You could see the right tire tracks of the tractor-trailer went right over him on the grass,” Walde said.

Walde stayed for hours directing traffic until emergency crews arrived. Dash cam footage from his company later helped identify the hit-and-run driver.

“I’m old school, it’s the way I was taught,” Walde said. “We help each other.”

Recognizing Drivers Who Go Above and Beyond

Recipients receive a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their companies are also recognized for their drivers’ actions. Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly fourteen hundred drivers have been honored.

Want to nominate a fellow driver or learn more about TCA Highway Angels? Visit highwayangel.org to read stories, submit nominations, and celebrate the heroes of the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post Honoring Highway Angels Who Stepped Up When It Mattered Most appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Telling the Industry’s Story

“We believe trucking has storytelling potential that few other industries can match,” said Jeremy Kirkpatrick, ATA’s vice president of public affairs and strategic communications. “This industry touches lives in every community and corner of our country — from the North Slope of Alaska, to the rolling hills of New England, to the streets of South Dallas. These stories need to be told – not only to celebrate the skill, resilience, and humanity of these incredible pros who run the nation’s supply chains, but also to ensure trucking always has a seat at the table when government officials are making decisions that affect our industry and the broader economy.”

DRIVEN is part of ATA’s “Nothing Without Trucking” (NWT) campaign, which seeks to educate policymakers and the public on trucking’s indispensable role in daily American life. The series begins with professional drivers but will later spotlight the interconnected network of roles that power the sector.

A Glimpse Into Unique Trucking Lives

From precision driving champions to individuals building success in underserved communities, DRIVEN delivers deeply human stories. The pilot episodes follow three remarkable individuals whose lives epitomize dedication and resilience in our nation’s trucking industry.

Meet the cast of the pilot episodes:

• Roland Bolduc – A FedEx driver who has twice earned the title of National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion. Roland’s success is a testament to his focus on precision driving and commitment to safety.
• Tiffany Hargraves – A single mother who braves the Dalton Highway, one of America’s most treacherous routes stretching across Alaska’s North Slope. Her independence and determination mirror the spirit of the trucking profession.
• Germany Williams – After earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Germany transformed his fortune and founded the South Dallas Driving Academy, a program dedicated to breaking systemic barriers to licensing and creating equal opportunities in underserved communities.

“DRIVEN offers a rare and powerful look at our industry—and our nation—through the eyes of the professionals who keep it moving,” said Nikki Thomas, ATA’s vice president of industry affairs. “ATA is proud to bring their journeys to the screen, celebrating their unwavering commitment to excellence and the transformational impact of trucking. Perhaps most exciting of all is that we’re just getting started, with so many more stories still to tell.”

Join the Journey

Audiences are invited to watch DRIVEN’s trailer and subscribe to the DRIVEN YouTube channel to catch every new episode. The series aims to inspire and educate, giving viewers an intimate look into a vital industry that connects every corner of the country.

For more updates and information, visit DrivenDoc.org.

Image Source: ATA
Source: The Trucker

The post DRIVEN: A Documentary Highlighting the Backbone of America’s Economy appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“If there were a reality show about your life on the road, what would the title be?”

Hundreds of truckers responded, and their answers were everything from hilarious to heartfelt. These titles reflect the real highs and lows of life on the highway—straight from the people who live it every day.

Real Titles from Real Drivers

Here’s what truck drivers told us when we asked them to name their imaginary life-on-the-road reality show:

• Michael Littleweasel: Going to hell in a handbasket
• John Taylor: Groundhog Day of a Truck Driver
• Crystal Dahlman: The Dumpster Fire
• Alan Myers: Retired Life of a Trucker, Now a School Bus Driver
• Bradley Moscou: Zero to Ten in Traffic
• Andy Kmet: No Good Truckin’ Man, by Slim Dusty (Aussie)
• Ian Wilson: Highway to Hell
• Elvis Johnson: If You’re Going to Be Dumb, You Better Be Tough
• Foster Christensen: Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’, Keep Them Trailers Rollin’
• Cody Thurston-Yates: After You Pass, Don’t Slow Down!
• Chris Jensen: HOT MESS EXPRESS (as seen on his dash)
• James Owens Jr: The Real Story of Living in a Tiny Home
• Will Tanner: What Not to Do: What to Expect in Your First 5 Years
• Derrick Klug: Pac-Man Rollin’ a Tank of Flat Dry Reefer
• Clayton Willard: Ooooh, Shouldn’t Have Turned There
• Donald Pearrell: Keeping the Goods Moving
• Jonathan Hobbs: Highway to Heaven
• Bubba Henry: Dazed and Confused – Alright Alright Alright
• Nicole Hellstrom:
  • Oh, That’s What We’re Doing Today?
  • Which Way Am I Going This Time?
  • I’m Lost Again
• Jeanette Trotter: The Trip Didn’t Go as Planned
• Lynn Williams: Believe It or Not
• Mike Brock: Warning: Loose Nuts Behind Wheels of 4-Wheelers
• Theodore Morgan: Ups and Downs of Life on the Road
• Gene Conn: Chasing the Unreachable Dream!
• Alan Schuck: Sacrificed Everything for Other People
• Ben Deere: That Didn’t Work the Way I Thought It Would
• Francine Strickland: Still Waiting to See Alaska & Bears…
• Jaime Saravia: On the Road Again
• Harry Young: Here I Go Again
• Jim Bouland: Driving My Life Away!
• Bill Malaney: Something for Nothing!!
• Victoria Derhak: The Ride of Your Life!
• Timothy Grzanich: Regulation Nation
• Joshua Gianchetta: What’s It Gonna Be Today?
• Class A Cowboy: Class A Cowboy: Highways & Dirt Roads!
• Cory Bennett: Sad Dad
• Rosemarie Gaffney: Is This for Real?
• Eldon Robinson: King of the Road
• Norm Clements: Grabbing Gears
• John Migneault: I Did It My Way…
• Nancy Laughlin: It’s a Lifestyle, Not Just a Job. The Hum of the Engine, the Freedom.
• Joe Trioli: The Rookie
• Harry Strong: Big Wheels Rolling…
• Rose Bates: Fake It ’Til You Make It
• James Horn: One Day at a Time
• Tommy Osman: Safety Violation #3
• Jeff Koberna: Traveling Mam
• Betty Martin: On the Road Again
• Andrew Clements: Rip It Up and Start Again
• Shelly Sparrow: Good Looking Out Parking Lot
• Shawn Brockel: Long Haul, Short Fuse
• Wayne Rogerson: Whacky Races
• Faye Turner: Not Again
• Jay Johnson: The Dark Side
• Robert Myles: Torn, Tired & Twisted
• Timothy Grzanich: Mission Impossible!
• Edo Bellfond: The Complete Show
• Elisa Renaud: Wild and Free.
• Tom J Murphy: Waitin’ on Dispatch.

What This Says About Life on the Road

This wasn’t just a fun question—these responses tell a story. Trucking is more than a job. It’s a lifestyle with unique challenges, unpredictable moments, and stories you just can’t make up. Whether you’re navigating regulations, tight turns, or chasing that perfect parking spot, there’s always something new around the next bend.

Every title here is a reflection of real experiences from the cab. And if you ask us? These truckers deserve a whole network, not just a reality show.

Got a Title of Your Own?

If your trucking journey had a theme song or title, what would it be? Head to our Facebook page and drop yours in the comments.

The post If Your Life on the Road Was a Reality Show, What Would It Be Called? Truckers Weigh In appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Connor Hudziak didn’t grow up around big rigs. There were no truckers in the family, and his first exposure to the lifestyle came through a screen, not a highway. But while others were battling dragons or playing first-person shooters, Connor was clocking hours in American Truck Simulator—a game designed to mirror real trucking down to the finest detail. From handling deliveries and navigating logistics to managing a digital fleet, it gave him a taste of the industry without ever leaving home.

And Connor didn’t just play casually. He recreated the truck driving experience with a custom setup that included a steering wheel, shifter, control box, and pedals—choosing to haul loads in a candy-apple red Western Star 57X.

At the time, he couldn’t have imagined how closely that virtual truck would mirror his future.

A Sim Turns Into Something Real

Western Star Trucks, in partnership with SCS Software—the creators of American Truck Simulator—recognized the simulator’s impact. With the game’s popularity among both enthusiasts and aspiring drivers, Western Star saw an opportunity to connect with the next generation of truckers in a fresh, meaningful way.

They launched the “Star Nation Customer Experience” at their Madras, Oregon test center and invited two lucky sweepstakes winners from the simulator community. One of them was Connor.

The event brought Connor face-to-face with professionals in the field and digital influencers like trucking YouTuber Casey LaDelle. Though new to the real-life trucking scene, Connor quickly found common ground—and even stole the spotlight during a backing challenge on the test track, beating seasoned drivers despite never having driven a real semi before.

A CDL Gift That Changed Everything

Impressed by his talent and passion, the Western Star team, along with LaDelle, took things a step further. At the closing dinner, they surprised Connor with news that would change his life: they had come together to fund his Commercial Driver’s License training.

The moment was emotional and unforgettable.

“It’s honestly been life-changing,” he said. “This was more than just a trip—it was a doorway into a future I’ve always dreamed about.”

Steering Toward a New Career

Today, Connor is actively working on obtaining his CDL and has plans to start driving part-time for his current employer, with hopes of going full-time in the near future.

His story highlights what’s possible when a digital passion is met with real-world support. More importantly, it shows how companies like Western Star are thinking outside the box—using gaming, mentorship, and opportunity to help passionate individuals like Connor turn a virtual dream into a tangible career.

From simulator pedals to real truck brakes, Connor’s journey is proof that the road to trucking doesn’t always start at a truck stop—sometimes, it begins with a keyboard.

Source: Trucking Info
Image Source: Western Star

The post From Simulator to Semi Truck: How a Virtual Drive Changed Connor Hudziak’s Life appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

From Art to the Open Road

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s career path was anything but conventional. Starting out in art and accounting, Kelley decided to take a leap into the trucking world to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for travel. Her ultimate goal? To spread kindness and joy wherever she goes. Reflecting on her spiritual outlook, Kelley shares, “I absolutely loved driving that big rig all over the United States. Throughout the miles, trials, and tribulations since entering this industry, my spirituality has deepened to a complete and unwavering reliance upon God and all His promises in the Bible. With God, all things are possible.”

400,000 Miles and Counting

Now in her sixth year as a professional driver, Kelley has logged over 400,000 safe miles—a milestone she attributes to her faith and dedication. “I may drive an 18-wheeler, but in my cab, God is truly in charge of that 19th wheel,” she expresses.

Finding Her Path in Trucking

Kelley kickstarted her trucking career with Schneider National, driving long-haul routes that spanned 47 states in the U.S. Her decision to join Schneider was based on the company’s federal safety rating, diverse freight options, and acceptance of new drivers fresh out of trucking school. Over time, she mastered skills in dry van hauling, tanker transport, flatbed operations, and even teaming.

Transforming Challenges Into Compassion

The early days of Kelley’s career weren’t without their difficulties. At one point, she felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. Yet, through prayer and reflection, she realized the power of stepping outside her own struggles to help others. Kelley began creating wallet-sized cards with uplifting messages, leaving them at truck stops and rest areas for anyone who might need a reminder of their worth. This act of kindness sparked a larger initiative, complete with $5 coffee gift cards and trivia games that encouraged recipients to “pay it forward.” Her employer was so impressed that they supported her efforts by contributing more gift cards to expand the campaign.

Blending Art and Trucking

With a knack for creativity that she honed during her artistic career, Kelley penned two interactive trucking books, Trucking with JJ: Volume 1 and Volume 2. These photo-based books include short stories and QR codes linking to video content, offering readers an inspiring glimpse into life on the road. Both volumes are available to download for free.

A New Chapter with Walmart

After years of long-haul driving, Kelley transitioned to Walmart’s private fleet, drawn to their emphasis on safety and work-life balance. Now a regional driver, she appreciates the home time and the supportive community of experienced professionals. “The walls in all of our distribution centers are packed with plaques of 500,000-mile, 1 million-mile, 3 million-mile, and higher driver careers,” Kelley noted. “I feel humbled and honored to be among such a stable and safety-driven family of truckers.”

Through her role at Walmart, Kelley also became an integral part of WIT’s outreach efforts. She drives the WITney Educational Trailer to various events, operating the truck-driving simulator inside and inspiring visitors to explore opportunities in the industry.

Championing Diversity in Trucking

Kelley is passionate about spreading the word on how trucking can offer a rewarding career path for people from all walks of life. The hiring age is simply 18+, and there are no gender, racial, educational, or spiritual boundaries. “Virtually every tangible item has been on a truck at one point in time, so the world will always need safe professional drivers.”

Faith as a Driving Force

Reflecting on her journey, Kelley acknowledges the challenges she’s faced but credits her faith for grounding her. “My trucking career path has seen me in tears, anger, doubts, and confusion,” she explained. “God always restores me to a peaceful inner joy with new insights on navigating a life of abundance that I never dreamed—or perhaps, never allowed myself to dream of.”

Life Beyond the Road

When she’s not behind the wheel, Kelley resides on an award-winning equestrian horse farm nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Though retired from her artistic endeavors—including painting, photography, and blogging—she continues to seek out new hobbies, experiences, and friendships. With a life brimming with adventure and gratitude, Kelley remains an extraordinary example of the warmth and resilience that Women in Trucking celebrates.

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Through her efforts on and off the road, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

The post Jo Lynn ‘JJ’ Kelley: Women in Trucking’s February Member of the Month appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

That sentiment, shared during the latest She Drives episode on Radio Nemo, perfectly captures the inspiring conversation with Ashley R. and Megan Z. of NFI. These two incredible women shared their unique perspectives on life on and off the road, highlighting the balance, challenges, and triumphs that come with their roles in the transportation industry.

Balancing Life on the Road

For Megan, a regional driver and mother of two boys, ages 13 and 11, work-life balance is a daily dance. Megan candidly shared how technology has become her lifeline, enabling her to parent from afar while fulfilling her responsibilities on the road.

With tools like video calls and security camera apps, Megan stays connected to her boys, reminding them to take their medicine or get on the school bus. While the guilt of being away is ever-present, she emphasized the importance of creating a system that works for her family, blending independence for her kids with her availability for important moments.

A Passion for Growth

Ashley R., a regional manager at NFI, shared her own journey within the company. Her story reflects the value of perseverance and the opportunities that come from taking risks. After stepping away from NFI for a promotion at another company, Ashley found herself drawn back to the supportive and family-like culture she initially loved.

“NFI made me feel like I was part of the family,” Ashley said. Now, as a regional manager, she splits her time between traveling for work and being remote, a setup that allows her to balance career growth with parenting her three children.

The Power of Technology

Both Ashley and Megan touched on the profound changes technology has brought to the trucking world. For Megan, tools like video calls bridge the gap between the cab of her truck and her family at home. Ashley reflected on how technology not only supports work-life balance but also plays a crucial role in recruiting and empowering a more diverse workforce in the industry.

An Honest Look at Challenges

Neither Ashley nor Megan sugarcoated the realities of their roles. From navigating the teenage years as a parent to finding fulfillment in a demanding career, they openly discussed the hurdles they’ve faced. But through it all, their passion for what they do and their commitment to their families shine through.

Their stories are a reminder that every mile driven and every decision made is part of a larger journey—one filled with growth, connection, and the pursuit of balance.

Hear Their Full Story

Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper into this heartfelt and insightful conversation. Tune in to this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo to hear Ashley and Megan share their experiences in their own words.

Listen now and get inspired by their incredible journeys.

The post Megan Z. and Ashley R. Discuss Challenges and Triumphs in Trucking on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Family Tradition That Runs Deep

For countless drivers, trucking isn’t simply a job— it’s a calling embedded in their family history. It’s a career that thrives on the values of perseverance, determination, and grit passed from one generation to the next.

Take Gene Conn, for instance. Trucking has been in his blood since 1965, when his father began driving. Today, Gene continues the family legacy with pride, ensuring the next generation understands the importance of the profession.

Similarly, Tosha Wiley reflects on her husband’s career as a driver, noting how his dedication fuels their household. For Tosha and her family, trucking is more than a livelihood—it’s a lifestyle that defines their values and unites their household.

The Skill and Precision of the Profession

Driving a truck isn’t for the faint-hearted— it’s a craft that requires unmatched skill, unwavering focus, and relentless dedication. It’s a role where expertise meets responsibility, as drivers manage the daily challenge of transporting goods safely and efficiently.

For example, Daniele Hennager’s husband represents the professionalism that defines so many in this field. His meticulous approach to safety and commitment to the job personify the excellence that truckers bring to their work.

Then, there’s the remarkable story shared by Craig Yoder about a Lebanese driver transporting valuable artwork across the nation. With every mile on the clock, this driver demonstrated precision and focus under pressure—a true testament to the caliber of individuals in the trucking industry.

The Pillars of Support Behind the Wheels

Behind every trucker is a network of loved ones—families who provide unwavering support while their loved ones are off navigating America’s highways and byways.

Lisa Haley-Schlenker knows what it means to be the backbone of stability when her husband is away on the road. She keeps their family grounded, finding ways to maintain connection despite the distance.

Janet Newman also offered a poignant reminder of a trucker’s impact on a family. Her husband worked for 47 years as a trucker before cancer took his life, and his resilience and dedication left a mark on every member of their household. Even during personal challenges, his relentless devotion created a legacy of strength and perseverance.

Honoring the Contribution of Truck Drivers

Truckers are not just transporting goods—they’re upholding the foundations for families, businesses, and communities. From fresh produce in supermarkets to critical supplies in hospitals, their commitment ensures everyday life runs smoothly for millions. However, their efforts often go unnoticed despite the profound difference they make.

These heartfelt stories show us that truck drivers are more than workers—they are role models, providers, and custodians of extraordinary legacies.

Be Part of a Community Built for Truckers

There’s a story behind every mile driven, and we want to hear yours. Join our TDUSA Facebook community, where truck drivers gather to share experiences, advice, and encouragement. Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned veteran, this space was made for you.

The post Who Truck Drivers Look Up to and Why They Inspire Respect in the Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.