Alabama Trucking’s Top 10 Good News stories of 2020
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
-Dr. Seuss
One day soon we’ll all look back and realize what this difficult year really meant to us, our families, the industry, and to Alabama Trucking. For now, let’s just agree that 2020 was a year like no other — at least for those of us of a certain age — and we’re all more than ready to move on to better times.
For so many, the pandemic presented unimaginable sadness and difficulty with the loss of loved ones, jobs or opportunities that can never be replaced. We are certainly entitled to grieve for that which we lost — and it will take time to fully recover.
But even with such terrible suffering, this year brought opportunities for each of us to grow and serve with a more focused vision and purpose. And to their credit, Alabama truckers certainly rose to the occasion and delivered. With great pride and purpose, your Alabama Trucking Association worked hard to ensure your business and your employees were safe and well-represented in Montgomery and beyond when the situation called for it.
We lobbied the governor and legislature to ensure protections from frivolous lawsuits related to the pandemic. We secured personal protection equipment for industry workers and worked to keep state rest areas open for truck drivers who were busy delivering the essential items that kept our family safe and secure during mandatory quarantines. When most sectors of the economy shut down truckers kept rolling. Meanwhile, state trucking leaders led with conviction and purpose to ensure the nearly 120,000 hard-working Alabamians who work in this industry remained fully employed and able to feed and clothe their own families.
And now, truckers are delivering the COVID-19 vaccine that will very soon lead the nation back to a sense of normalcy. The industry’s valuable contributions to society have never been more on display.
The industry throughout the pandemic certainly showcased to the public why trucking is such a vital part of the nation’s economic system. And it is encouraging to see that shift in public opinion. But will it last? Who knows. Either way, truckers will be there, as they always have, delivering the world to our doors. Going forward, we expect great things for trucking in 2021, and Alabama Trucking will continue work to make sure they can happen for you without red tape.
As we close this most unusual year, we can look back at the top stories in 2020 that made Alabama Trucking so great. Stories that demonstrate leadership, gratitude, or a sense of purpose for our mission to serve as the wheels of America’s economy. Of course, ATA can only do so much — the hardest work is done by the incredible men and women of this industry. As long as ATA is tasked to represent trucking’s needs, we will be here to tell your amazing stories to anyone who will listen.
So without further ado, here are Alabama Trucking’s Top Stories of 2020.
- Alabama trucking companies deliver more than 300,000 donated eggs to area food banks
The eggs were donated to the Feeding America Food Banks across the state and other organizations. They were produced in Alabama with the goal of helping families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and several ATA members made sure they arrived on time and safely. Read more - Ivey honors ATA Truck Driver of the Year at State Capitol
As a part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Alabama’s Truck Driver of the Year Rosko Craig was honored in a special event at the State Capitol Monday. Mr. Craig of Montgomery Transport was honored by Gov. Kay Ivey with an official commendation recognizing him as Alabama’s Truck Driver of the Year. Read more - ATA celebrates safest fleets and individuals with ‘virtual’ awards program
Faced with ongoing social distancing orders from the state with further restrictions on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Alabama Trucking Association took to the Internet to host its 2019 “Virtual” Fleet Safety Awards live on Facebook Thursday, April 30. Hosted by ATA Vice President of Safety and Compliance Tim Frazier, dozens of Alabama’s top fleets, managers and employees were tapped for awards and recognition celebrating the industry’s dedication to highway and workplace safety and best practices. Read more - Trucker father and trooper son travel same highway
It’s every father’s dream that his son follows in their footsteps. Well, my son, Paul, didn’t exactly follow mine, but we still managed to end up on the same highway. For those of you who don’t know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Daniel Thompson, I am a current Road Team Captain for the Alabama Trucking Association and a line haul driver for FedEx Freight. Read more - ATA Safety & Maintenance Council recognized nationally for excellence
The American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council has recognized the Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council (SMMC) for outstanding leadership in fleet safety development and promotion. National ATA’s Safety Management Council’s Summa Cum Laude Safety Award, sponsored by Great West Casualty Co., recognizes state trucking associations for effective implementation and execution of programs to promote and foster industry safety standards and best practices throughout the state’s trucking sector. It’s the 20th straight year SMMC has received the distinction. Read more - ATA host industry roundtable discussion for jobs creation
ATA President Mark Colson and leaders from the Dothan Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a round table discussion with several industry members at the Chamber’s headquarters Monday, June 15. The event was impactful with significant topics brought up for discussion, including hours of service, high insurance rates, CDL training, and much more. Colson said, “The event brought our allied members, dealers, carriers, public education system, chambers of commerce, and more together. It signified the importance of a cross-section of the industry. We realize there is a problem, and we want to continue to work and solve them cohesively.” Read more - ATA joins national initiative to address inequality of opportunity
The Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity. ATA joined the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event in June where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and private sectors to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner for this important initiative, ATA will also actively create local and industry dialogues to further the discussion. Read more - Trucking groups provide hand sanitizer refills for truckers at rest areas
As professional truck drivers continue serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, the American Trucking Associations has partnered with Protective Insurance Co. to expand the availability and supply of hand sanitizer to truckers along major U.S. freight corridors. Read more - Alabama truck driver among finalist for national award
The National Tank Truck Carriers recently announced that J & M Tank Lines’ Professional Driver Darrien Henderson of Mobile, Ala. is among eight finalists for its 2020 Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year award. NTTC created the award to recognize, pay tribute and promote professional tank truck drivers who provide reliable and safe transportation of all dry-bulk and liquid commodities. Read more - Alabama teen serves up lunch for truckers in need
Seventeen-year-old Alana Jordan of Auburn, Ala. made good use of her spare time this afternoon brightening the day of dozens of truckers passing through her town. “The shortage of necessities right now opened my eyes to how important truck drivers are to my daily life,” she said. “I thought this project might show my appreciation for all the long hours they are putting in. I called it ‘Project Feed a Trucker.’” Read more
