Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025:
- “This truck will greatly improve my ability to run my business.” -- Landstar owner-operator Christian Sanchez Cantù on winning a new rig
- Truckers Paradise truck stop in Texas, hit with investor issues, struggled to meet payroll in recent time: Reports.
- A new Kenworth T680 is up for grabs to one of these four military veteran rookie truckers.
- Trucker Joshua Tyler jumped into action to help motorists out of a burning vehicle, emptying his extinguisher.
Landstar owner-op drives away in new Cascadia
Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro, left, awards truck winner and Landstar owner-operator Christian Sanchez CantĂą with the keys to his new rig.Landstar
Landstar System recently gave away its 52nd truck to a deserving independent Landstar business capacity owner (BCO), the company’s term for independent owner-operators who lease to Landstar.
BCO Christian Sanchez CantĂą won a blue 2026 Freightliner Cascadia last week during Landstar BCO Appreciation Days, held this year in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Sanchez Cantù, from Laredo, Texas, was one of five finalists randomly selected from the contest’s pool of approximately 8,000 eligible BCOs. The truck giveaway is traditionally the highlight of Landstar’s BCO Appreciation Days, a two-day event held annually to thank leased owner-operators for their commitment to safety, security and customer service excellence.
“It’s always an honor to be part of this incredible tradition. Each truck giveaway is more than just a celebration. The giveaway is a moment to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our independent business capacity owners,” said Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro. “We’re proud to celebrate Christian’s commitment to safety, security and service with this new truck. We look forward to seeing how this opportunity helps Christian continue along the road to success.”
Following the announcement, Sanchez CantĂą stood in front of his new truck, sharing how the win marked a turning point in his journey as an independent owner-operator.
“This truck will greatly improve my ability to run my business,” he said. “I prayed I was going to win and that this event would be a positive day for me, and it was. I am very grateful and overwhelmed!”
[Related: Big week for Overdrive's Trucker of the Year Jay Hosty, now officially a 'Roadstar']
Eligible Landstar owner-operators automatically earned entries to this truck giveaway throughout the year by safely delivering loads during the giveaway period. They were eligible to earn more entries for the giveaway by attending safety meetings and participating in Landstar’s nationwide Safety Thursday Conference Call held each month throughout the year. After the entry period closed, all entries were pooled, and a computerized random number generator selected the finalists. Finalists are required to be present at the giveaway.
Landstar purchases and gives away a brand-new truck twice a year to eligible BCOs. The first truck giveaway was in 1994. This marks the 52nd truck giveaway in the company’s history and is the second giveaway this year. Landstar Two Million Mile Safe Driver George Eason won the Landstar BCO All-Star Truck Giveaway in July. In both giveaways, Landstar pays for the truck’s tag, tax and title.
Four military vets named finalists for rookie trucker award
Four military veteran rookie truck drivers have been named finalists for the 10th annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award, recognizing veterans who have successfully transitioned into professional truck driving careers.
In Ohio last week, 12 semi-finalists were distinguished guests at a reception held at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus. The following day, the Kenworth truck manufacturing plant in Chillicothe hosted the event where finalists were announced.
Finalists for 2025 are summarized below in alphabetical order by last name:
- Nicholas Baughan, U.S. Army (E-5) and Army Reserve, Werner Enterprises: Baughan, from Nunica, Michigan, is a decorated U.S. Army veteran who has served since 2004. Beginning his career as a military police officer, he later transitioned to Infantry and deployed multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, earning numerous awards, including the Purple Heart. With more than two decades of service, Baughan held roles from team leader to senior intelligence sergeant, with assignments across Europe and South Korea. He is currently preparing to retire from the U.S. Army Reserve in January 2026.
- Charles Jones Jr., U.S. Army (E-7), Roehl Transport: Jones graduated from high school in Indian Trail, North Carolina, in 2004 and committed to the Army through the Delayed Entry Program. With more than 20 years of service, he served as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor operator, standards operator, and platoon sergeant, completing three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea. A devoted husband to Katrina and father to Alvin and Monica, Jones graduated from Georgia Driving Academy in December 2024 and began his professional driving career with Roehl Transport in early 2025.
- Macy Mattice, U.S. Army (E-4), Melton Truck Lines: Mattice is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served from 2010-2018 as an 88M motor transport operator, specializing in heavy equipment transportation. Today, she is a flatbed driver for Melton Truck Lines, where she applies the discipline and determination gained from military service. Originally from Winter Springs, Florida, Mattice lives near Jacksonville with her son, Rusty. She loves adventure, animals, and embracing new challenges -- continuing to write her next chapter, one road at a time.
- Mark Scriven, U.S. Army (E-6), Stevens Transport: Scriven, a U.S. Army veteran and former staff sergeant, served nine years as a patriot missile operator/maintainer, earning multiple Army achievement medals and recognition as a combat lifesaver. Today, he brings the same dedication, discipline, and leadership he obtained in the military to his career as a truck driver and trainer with Stevens Transport. Scriven, a father of three, recently welcomed a daughter in August.
[Related: Mission Complete: Veteran small fleet owner's legion of local support]
Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, Kenworth will provide the grand prize for the 10th consecutive year. This year’s award is a T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The program also ensures every finalist is recognized. The runner-up will receive a $10,000 award and remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 prize, underscoring the program’s commitment to the success of all honorees who served and are excelling in commercial trucking.
Public voting for the award will be held from Nov. 1 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The final winner will be revealed on Dec. 12 during a special event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
Quick work to respond to roadside fire earns trucker recognition
Joshua Tyler, a truck driver for ABF Freight, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for his quick thinking and selfless actions during a roadside emergency in Kansas City.
Joshua Tyler
“The two occupants were still in the vehicle,” Tyler said. “Without opening the hood, because I could feel the heat off the hood already, I was trying to use the fire extinguisher inside the grill; anything to try to get the fire out.”
The vehicle’s occupants safely exited but were attempting to retrieve personal items as the fire spread. Tyler called 911 when he realized emergency responders had not yet been contacted and urged the motorists to move a safe distance away. After emptying his extinguisher, Tyler began directing traffic around the burning vehicle until fire crews arrived and took over.
“If you see people in trouble, you try to help them out,” said Tyler, who served for 22 years in the U.S. Army before starting his six-year truck driving career.
Tyler’s company, ABF Freight, is proud of his heroic actions.
“Joshua exemplifies the very best of our industry -- courage, integrity, and a commitment to protecting others,” said ABF Freight’s Jordan Gosvener. “We are proud to see him recognized as a TCA Highway Angel. His actions demonstrate the professionalism and compassion that define America’s truck drivers.”
