Meijer, Ohio Trucking, DDC Win Awards for Industry Advocacy
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations honored three organizations for their commitment to improving the trucking industry’s image with an award presentation Oct. 14.
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Award is given annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate the industry’s essential nature, professionalism and commitment to safety. This year’s awards went to the Ohio Trucking Association, Meijer Logistics and DDC Freight Process Outsourcing.
“Since 2007, the award has been given to 61 leaders in the industry, and we’re excited today to expand the list to 64,” ATA Vice President of Industry Affairs Nikki Thomas said. “The winners this year are as passionate about promoting the industry’s image as we are at ATA, and their applications were a testament to the power of storytelling and innovation.”
The Ohio Trucking Association earned recognition for working to educate the public, potential employees and policymakers. It executed an extensive billboard campaign across its state and developed a shipper fact sheet aimed at helping its members bolster their negotiating position and commitment to safety.
Meijer was recognized for its commitment to introducing people to trucking industry careers. The company has invested time and resources in supporting Boy Scouts Transportation Merit Badge training, donated tractors to technology schools, promoted skilled trades and established a driver safety class with the Michigan Trucking Association.
DDC Freight Process Outsourcing earned the award by developing an intelligent data synchronization app specifically tailored for the transportation and logistics sector. The app is designed to help trucking companies stay competitive by potentially providing a pathway to efficient and profitable routing decisions. It ensures critical shipment statuses, inventory levels and delivery schedules stay updated and accessible in real time.
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ATA presented the awards at its 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition in Nashville. This year’s conference theme, “Nothing Without Trucking,” amplified the awards’ core message of the industry’s importance to daily life in the U.S. Great West Casualty Co. returned as program sponsor.
“We, along with all of you in this room, understand the importance that our industry plays in our everyday lives,” Great West Casualty Co. Senior Vice President Steve Ponder said. “The trucking industry is the backbone of our economy. It plays a critical role in not only maintaining but supporting the overall economic growth and the demands that come with it.”
Ponder highlighted food, building supplies, electronics and fuel as examples of important cargo trucking hauls. He noted that many people take for granted the importance of trucking and the dedicated drivers who tirelessly provide these essential items.
“Our country’s progress and the world’s are truly ‘Nothing Without Trucking,’ ” Ponder said. “We are having a positive impact on the image of the industry, and we are making a difference by telling our story. Each one of you in this room make a difference, and we encourage you to continue to do so. That’s why Great West is extremely proud to sponsor the Mike Russell Trucking Image Awards. And we’re proud to recognize the recipients.”
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