Each year, TCA highlights professional drivers whose quick thinking, courage, and compassion make a real difference on the road. After reviewing dozens of nominations from across the country, TCA has selected its Top Five finalists. Now it’s your turn to help choose the Top Three drivers to be honored at TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention, February 28 through March 3 in Orlando, Florida.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this program is hearing directly from our members about the incredible things their drivers do when no one is watching,” said Zander Gambill, vice president of membership outreach at TCA. “These finalists embody the courage and compassion that define our industry, and we’re excited to invite the public to help us celebrate them.”

Meet the Top Five Finalists

These drivers’ stories show what it means to step up when it counts:

• Kevin Olsen
• Terry Walde
• Amity Cataldo
• Deshown Moye
• Heather Barkey

TCA encourages drivers, industry colleagues, friends, and family to read these stories, share them, and cast votes for the drivers who best represent the spirit of the Highway Angel program.

Click here to cast your vote and support the drivers making a difference every day.

Source: The Trucker

The post Vote Now for the TCA Highway Angel of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Morning on Interstate 81

On the morning of April 23, while traveling northbound on Interstate 81 between Roanoke and Harrisonburg, Va., Combs noticed sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck in front of him.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs said. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

Combs’ persistence paid off, as the driver of the pickup truck began to pull over.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said.

Just as the truck started to stop, its right front wheel detached completely. Fortunately, the driver managed to bring the truck to the side of the road safely.

“Sparks went everywhere,” Combs said. “It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

A Commitment to Safety

Combs, a seasoned professional with 16 years of driving experience, immediately pulled over to check on the driver and two passengers. He ensured they were unharmed and verified that the vehicle had not caught fire.

“I’m always gonna stop,” Combs said, emphasizing his dedication to safety and helping others whenever needed.

Recognizing Exceptional Drivers

The TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers like Stan Combs, who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others on the road. His alertness and willingness to act demonstrate the best qualities of professional truck drivers.

For more incredible stories of TCA Highway Angels, click here.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: TCA

The post Trucker Receives TCA Highway Angel Recognition for Alerting Driver to Danger appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Liz Leon, boasting over 19 years of professional driving experience, plays a crucial role at 4Gen Logistics by transporting containers to and from Southern California’s bustling ports. Her career began with Toys R Us, where her love for the open road was ignited. Averaging 100,000 miles annually without any accidents, Liz has also been acknowledged by the California Trucking Association for her exemplary driving skills.

The Pilot team orchestrated a surprise visit to Rialto, California, on October 22 to celebrate Leon’s achievement before her shift at 4Gen Logistics. Joining this heartwarming event were her colleagues and family members, including her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Jordan Spradling, Vice President of Transportation and Logistics at Pilot, expressed his admiration by stating, “Congratulations to this year’s Road Warrior, Liz Leon, who stood out among the many deserving drivers we read about during the contest,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We appreciate all the nominations and stories of drivers like Liz, Herschel, Joe, and Roy, who show up day in and day out, put in countless hours and miles and embody everything we value at Pilot. “This year, the Road Warrior contest introduced a new format, selecting four weekly winners who each received $1,000 and a chance at the grand prize. Alongside Liz, other weekly champions included:

• Herschel Evans from Bremen, Georgia, boasts over 38 years of driving experience and 3.5 million safe miles. His dedication to helping families is evident through his involvement in initiatives like Atlanta Ride for Kids, Convoy of Care, and Safety Drive for a Cure.

• Joe Mondor from Grand Forks, North Dakota, has amassed 4.5 million safe miles during his 33 years in trucking. Renowned as a safety leader and mentor, Joe is respected for his professionalism.

• Roy Prentice from Reno, Nevada, has surpassed 3 million safe miles in more than 30 years of driving. He is celebrated for his commitment to assisting others both in the community and on the road.

These outstanding drivers exemplify the spirit of dedication and service that Pilot values and are a testament to the professionals who keep our roads safe and our supply chains running smoothly.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Pilot

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