Al-Kadhim, who lives in Macomb, Michigan, was selected in recognition of his military service, work in trucking and continued involvement with organizations supporting veterans and military families.

From Military Service to Trucking

Before immigrating to the United States, Al-Kadhim worked as an interpreter and translator alongside U.S. Marine Corps and Army units during combat operations.

After becoming a U.S. citizen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and trained as a truck driver. He later built a career as a commercial driver and trainer, with a focus on preparing professional drivers for work on the road.

His experience behind the wheel eventually led to plans for a trucking business of his own, and the Cascadia will provide the equipment needed to begin taking that next step.

“What started as a passion for giving back to my community from behind the wheel can now be turned into providing me with the tools to build my own business,” Al-Kadhim said.

Keys to Progress Provides the Truck

Progressive awarded the Freightliner through Keys to Progress, a vehicle donation program that supports veterans and veteran-focused organizations.

Karen Bailo, president of Progressive Commercial Lines, said Al-Kadhim’s military service and work since leaving active service contributed to his selection for the program.

Several organizations also participated in the donation process. Velocity assisted through its commercial vehicle network, while 1-800-Charity Cars provided support with the vehicle donation, title, and registration process. Insurance Auto Auctions and veteran-owned Veracity Research Co. Investigations also contributed to the program, including assistance with recipient selection.

For Al-Kadhim, the truck provides a way to move from working as an experienced commercial driver and trainer toward operating a business of his own.

“I am deeply grateful to Progressive for believing in me and allowing me to pursue my dream of owning my own trucking business,” he said.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Progressive, Truckers News

The post Michigan Truck Driver Receives Freightliner to Help Launch His Own Business appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Matyka, a skilled flatbed driver, began his career with Roehl Transport in March 1984. He joined the company after hearing great things from a friend who had recently signed on. Roehl was a much smaller operation at that time, employing around 140 drivers. Early in his career, Matyka remembers connecting with another Roehl driver over the CB radio during a Michigan route. That driver was none other than Rick Roehl, who has since risen to become the company’s CEO, leading a workforce that now exceeds 3,000 team members.

“Alan demonstrates our cornerstone value of safety with every mile he drives. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism and dedication,” said CEO Rick Roehl, praising Matyka’s remarkable accomplishment.

A Lifelong Passion for Driving

Growing up on a farm in Wisconsin, Matyka discovered his passion for driving at a young age. Whether it was navigating a tractor, maneuvering a lawn mower, or hitting the road in a truck, driving came naturally to him. “Being a truck driver just fit,” Matyka explained. “I’ve got to have a steering wheel in my hands. You can always look back and see what you’ve done.”

Throughout his career, Matyka remained committed to constant improvement. He kept a close eye on other drivers, learning from their actions and finding smarter ways to approach challenges. This growth mindset helped him achieve the incredible feat of 5 million accident-free miles, making him only the second driver in Roehl’s history to accomplish this.

Reflecting on his decades behind the wheel, Matyka shared, “Everything you’ve got in life is attributed to having a good, steady job.”

What’s Next for Matyka?

With an illustrious career now behind him, Matyka looks forward to spending more time at home, focusing on projects around his property. That love for driving hasn’t disappeared, though. Whether on the highway or in his backyard, Matyka will always enjoy being behind the wheel.

“I’m going to go home and mow the grass and watch it grow for once,” he joked.

Source:  Truckers News
Source: Roehl Transport

The post Roehl Transport Driver Celebrates 5 Million Safe Miles and 40 Years on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.