Ross, who drives for MCK Trucking, Inc. of Madison, Alabama, had stopped at a rest area off I-40 in rural west Tennessee near Jackson on the afternoon of February 25. Around 4 p.m., a disturbing scene unfolded in front of his truck.

“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross recalled. “I thought in my head, ‘Something’s not right about that’.”

He watched as she sprinted roughly a quarter of a mile and disappeared into the nearby woods. Moments later, a man ran after her, following the same path.

“It scared me,” Ross said. “I went and called 911.”

His quick call made all the difference. A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper, already nearby, arrived within five minutes. Thanks to Ross’s tip, law enforcement was able to locate the woman and safely remove her from the dangerous situation. According to authorities, she had been abducted in California and brought across state lines. Ross also handed over dashcam footage to assist with the investigation.

Still processing the gravity of what happened, Ross turned to a fellow driver and asked, “Did I just save that girl’s life? I hope I did.”

David Wheeler, Safety Director for MCK Transportation and a longtime advocate for Truckers Against Trafficking, wasn’t surprised by Ross’s quick thinking.

“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” said Wheeler.

Ross joins a growing list of professional drivers who have been celebrated for stepping up in moments that matter most. Since its launch in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has honored nearly 1,500 truckers for their courage, compassion, and everyday heroism. The initiative is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Sometimes the road brings more than just a job—it brings the chance to change a life. And thanks to one truck driver’s gut instinct and fast action, one young woman is now safe.

Image & Source: Truckers News

The post Tennessee Trucker Honored for Alert Action That Helped Rescue Abducted Woman appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In a remarkable display of bravery, George Maxwell, a truck driver from Tampa, Florida, has been recognized with the TCA Highway Angel award for his courageous actions during Hurricane Milton. Working for TransAm Trucking, Inc. based in Olathe, Kansas, Maxwell risked his own safety to rescue a couple stranded during the devastating storm.

According to the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), on October 10 at approximately 3 a.m. in Plant City, Florida, Maxwell faced extreme weather conditions. As the hurricane approached, he headed to the truck parking lot where his semi-truck was parked. Braving the worsening weather, he drove his personal pickup truck to relocate his semi-truck to a safer, elevated location. However, his plan took an unforeseen turn.

“I’m in the truck,” Maxwell recounted. “I’m watching the water come up higher and it’s getting bad.”

With floodwaters rising swiftly, Maxwell abandoned his efforts to save his pickup truck and concentrated on securing his semi-truck. At that moment, he noticed a dire situation—the owners of the truck parking lot were trapped in their house, which was encircled by chest-deep floodwaters.

“They said they thought they were safe there but it’s not safe,” Maxwell noted, as relentless rain poured and winds gusted at nearly 100 miles per hour.

Navigating the perilous waters, Maxwell reached the couple’s home and guided them to his semi-truck. He offered them shelter and drove them to higher ground, ultimately saving them from life-threatening danger. Unfortunately, Maxwell’s personal vehicle was lost to the flood.

“It’s totally gone,” Maxwell reflected about his ruined pickup truck. Despite the loss, he affirmed his decision, stating, “I would do it again. I just did what I’d hope anyone would do for me.”

Since its inception in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for their exceptional kindness, courtesy, and courage while on duty. The program is supported by sponsors such as EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, allowing TCA to honor extraordinary drivers like Maxwell.

Source: Truckers News

The post Brave Truck Driver Rescues Florida Couple During Hurricane Milton appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Photo: Goodyear

VanNostrand, an OOIDA member from Northville, N.Y., was presented with the award for his brave actions in aiding the police in apprehending a suspect involved in a shootout during a traffic stop by a state trooper. In June 2023, this owner-operator strategically used his logging truck to block the shooter’s car, compelling the assailant to flee on foot.

“I could see the bullets flying out of the back window of the car that the trooper pulled over. I stopped as fast as I could and got slowed down enough to kind of turn into the car and put it against the guardrails, stopping it so the trooper could take control of the situation,” VanNostrand said. “It all happened so fast; it was a split-second decision.”

Ramos, a driver for Ryder System Inc., earned the accolade for his compassionate response to a motorist who had crashed her SUV in a remote desert area.

Observing the driver losing control, crossing multiple lanes, and crashing into a field, Ramos promptly called for help. He remained with the injured driver until emergency crews arrived.

“Since it was such a remote area, it could have been a long time until help arrived,” Ramos said. “I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly.”

In celebration of the award’s 40th year and Goodyear’s 125th anniversary, two truckers were chosen to receive the honor from a broader pool of commercial drivers than ever before. Rich Cottrell, Goodyear’s senior director of commercial marketing, highlighted the nominees’ collective demonstration of the pivotal role truckers play in ensuring safety.

“The stories submitted this year reinforced the important job that commercial drivers play in our everyday lives and illustrate in heroic ways the powerful impact professional drivers can have on the roads, individual lives, and communities when they help others,” Cottrell said.

VanNostrand and Ramos now join the ranks of 42 other recipients of the esteemed Highway Hero Award. Additionally, two other drivers, Joshua Day and Russel Peasley, were acknowledged as runners-up for this year’s award, receiving recognition and prizes from Goodyear.

Established to honor truck drivers who selflessly contribute to the well-being of others on North American highways, the Highway Hero Award nomination period for the 2024 award will open in the fall, ensuring a continued celebration of acts of valor in the trucking community.

Source: Land Line

The post Aided Police Traffic Stop, Saved Desert Crash Victim – Two Professional Drivers Awarded Goodyear’s 2023 Highway Hero appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.