During its recent Management Conference and Exhibition in Nashville, the American Trucking Association honored a number of industry members and elected a new leader for its board of directors.
Here are the details:
3 win Mike Russell Image Awards
The ATA honored three organizations for their commitment to improving the image of the trucking industry with the 2024 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award.
Each year, the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award is given to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization and industry supplier who each demonstrate excellence in illustrating the industry's essentiality, professionalism and commitment to safety on and off the highways. The award is sponsored by Great West Casualty Company. This year’s winners are:
- Ohio Trucking Association
- Meijer Logistics LLC
- DDC Freight Process Outsourcing LLC
“Since it was first handed out in 2007, 61 individuals and companies have been honored with the Mike Russell Award,” said ATA Vice President of Industry Affairs Nikki Thomas. “We are excited to add this year's winners to our list of those who are as passionate about promoting the industry's image as we are at ATA. The applications this year were true testaments to the power of storytelling and innovation.”
ATA board elects new chairman
The American Trucking Associations’ Board of Directors elected Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters based in Hickory, North Carolina, as the federation’s 80th chairman.
“I am deeply honored and extraordinarily humbled to have been selected to serve our association and industry,” Dellinger said. “ATA represents every facet of trucking, and our voice is one. I look forward to working with all of you to represent the millions of hardworking men and women who make this essential industry thrive.”
Dellinger succeeds Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation, as ATA chairman.
“I congratulate Dennis as he embarks on what is sure to be a rewarding journey as ATA chairman,” Boyle said. “This position presents a unique opportunity to serve an industry that gives so much to so many across America, and Dennis’ wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for trucking will be of tremendous service to our members throughout the ATA Federation.”
The Board also elected Greg Hodgen, president and CEO of Groendyke Transport Inc. in Enid, Oklahoma, as first vice chairman and Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska as second vice chair.
In addition, Randy Clifford, chairman and CEO of Ventura Transfer Company in Long Beach, California, was elected as vice chairmen at large.
The board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC, as secretary and John A. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Ground, as treasurer.
State trucking organization leaders honored
During its recent gathering in Nashville, the ATA's Trucking Association Executives Council honored eight state trucking executives for their service to the industry and to the ATA Federation.
The eight executives recognized by ATA and TAEC this year have a combined 95 years of experience.
- Alabama Trucking Association President and CEO Mark Colson, Idaho Trucking Association President and CEO Allen Hodges, Trucking Association of Massachusetts Executive Director Kevin Weeks were each honored for five years of service.
- Arkansas Trucking Association President and CEO Shannon Newton, Mississippi Trucking Association President and CEO Hal Miller, Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association President and CEO Neal Kedzie were all recognized for 10 years of service.
- Maryland Motor Trucking Association President and CEO Louis Campion received an award for 15 years of service.
- Dale Bennett, president and CEO of the Virginia Trucking Association, was recognized for 35 years of service.
“These awards honor a handful of distinguished state trucking association executives for every five years of leadership at their organizations. These executives, along with so many of our colleagues here today, work daily in their respective state capitals to promote, protect and serve the interests of our great industry,” said TAEC National Chairman John Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association.
