Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024:
Finalists named for military veteran trucker award
The Transition Trucking Award finalists, from left: Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy, Roehl Transport; Cory Troxell, U.S. Army, Stevens Transport; Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard, Werner Enterprises; Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard, Melton Truck Lines; and Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps, Veriha Trucking.
Finalists for the 9th annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award were recently announced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport.
The award honors military veterans who have transitioned into the trucking industry. Through a comprehensive nomination process, careful review by a selection committee, and a final public vote, the program will recognize and reward America’s top rookie military veteran drivers. The winner will receive a brand-new Kenworth T680, the runner-up will receive $10,000, and the remaining finalists will receive $5,000.
Public voting for the award will be held from Nov. 1 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The final winner will be revealed on Dec. 13 during a special event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
The five finalists, their trucking company, and where they trained are:
Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc., Roehl Transport Training: Couch served in the Navy from 2012-2016, onboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68. He worked as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class. In this role, he oversaw 50 sailors, feeding more than 5,000 sailors and Marines while being forward deployed. Since transitioning into the trucking industry, he has driven more than 150,000 miles and has shown a true and relentless dedication to safety.
Brian Ferguson, U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard (E-7), Melton Truck Lines, Troops Into Transportation: After serving in the Army for three years, Ferguson joined the Texas National Guard and served more than 10 years. He reenlisted in the Army and served 17 years until he retired with a combined 31 years of service. He deployed seven times overseas and domestically. Of those deployments, three were combat deployments. Ferguson pursued a truck driving career because he enjoys traveling and the hard work of flatbed driving.
Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC, Truck Driving Institute: Haley served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. During this time, he served as security for President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, and First Lady Barbara Bush. He became an entrepreneur who ran a successful business for 20 years. After that time, he pursued a new challenge, becoming a regional truck driver at Veriha where he enjoys seeing our great country.
Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises, Roadmaster Drivers School: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taylor lived in many locations across the U.S. during his parents' Navy careers. He joined the Coast Guard in 2000 and served in various assignments including Port Security and Harbor Defense, Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Cutter deployments for drug interdiction/maritime defense, and served as a recruiter. He retired with 20 years of service in 2020 as a Chief Petty Officer, Machinery Technician. He now drives for Werner Enterprises on the Anheuser-Busch account in Columbus, Ohio.
Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute: Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, father, and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service, and patriotism following the events of 9/11, he enlisted into the Army in 2004. In 2009, he was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he followed a trucking driving career path already cut by his family.
Mack awarded new Sourcewell government contract
Mack Trucks has been awarded a new contract with Sourcewell, a government service cooperative offering competitive pricing and volume discounts on Mack trucks to its more than 50,000 members.
Government, education and nonprofit agencies partnering with Sourcewell can purchase Mack’s Class 6Â-8 vehicles -- the Mack Anthem, Mack Granite, Mack LR, Mack LR Electric, Mack MD Series, Mack MD Electric, Mack Pinnacle and Mack TerraPro models.
“During the last four years, Mack Trucks and our dealers have performed very well under our contract, and we are happy with the acceptance from customers,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Evident by the steady sales growth throughout our first contract, Sourcewell has become a key part of our municipal business, and we’re honored to have been selected for a new contract.”
Sourcewell is a government agency that saves its member agencies time and money through the efficient cooperative purchasing process. By combining the buying power of its member agencies, Sourcewell offers cooperative purchasing contracts that leverages volumized pricing and reduces the costs of the individual bid development process.
“Sourcewell strives to provide high-quality products and services through our cooperative purchasing contracts,” said Nick Trout, Sourcewell Senior Supplier Development Executive. “In their previous contract with us, Mack proved to be a valuable supplier partner for our participating agencies all across the United States.”
[Related: Nikola secures Sourcewell government contract]
New TA Express opens in Oklahoma
TravelCenters of America this week opened a new TA Express in Savanna, Oklahoma, off U.S. Highway 69.
The location is the 11th TA franchise location to open this year. It offers Sbarro (opening in October) and Dunkin’ (opening in March) restaurants, 80 truck parking spaces, 10 Reserve-It parking spaces coming soon, four diesel lanes with DEF, three private showers and more.
Pilot offering BOGO deals this month
Throughout October, Pilot is bringing more value to in-store visits by offering daily Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals on a variety of drinks and snacks, available through the myRewards Plus app.
The BOGO drink offers include brand favorites like Monster, Pepsi, Gatorade, Smartwater, Celsius, Liquid Death, and more. And to sweeten the deals, there will also be weekly discounts on candy like Milky Way and Twix, as well as savory snacks from Quest Bars, Chex Mix, and more.
