Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025:
ATA recognizes biggest trucking advocates with image award
The American Trucking Associations on Monday, Oct. 27, honored outstanding efforts to enhance the image of the trucking industry with the presentation of the 2025 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award.
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, recognizes individuals, motor carriers, and trucking organizations that exemplify the industry’s essential role, professionalism, and dedication to safety both on and off the road.
“Each year, the Mike Russell Award highlights the creativity and dedication of those who work tirelessly to share our industry’s story,” said Nikki Thomas, VP, Industry Affairs, ATA. “This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond in showcasing the essential role trucking plays in our daily lives and the pride that drives our workforce.”
This year’s honorees are:
- Trucking Association of New York (TANY)
- Antoine Sadler, Professional Truck Driver, Walmart Transportation
From left: American Trucking Associations COO Dan Horvath, Walmart truck driver Antoine Sadler, TANY President Kendra Hems, and Great West Casualty Senior VP Steve Ponder.ATA
“These individuals have seamlessly woven positivity into their everyday lives, creating a ripple effect that touches countless others,” said Dan Horvath, COO, ATA. “Today, we're proud to expand that list to 66, with two new recipients. These recipients embody ATA's commitment to promoting a positive image of trucking. Their applications stood out as powerful examples of how storytelling, leadership, and innovation can shape public perception and inspire meaningful change.”
TANY, though its Community Supervision initiative, has helped more than 55 individuals obtain their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) since 2023. Additionally, since 2018, TANY has provided funding and support for the Transportation Club at the Charter School for Applied Technologies High School in Buffalo. What began as a small initiative has grown exponentially, becoming a vibrant hub for students to explore transportation careers, gain hands-on experience, and connect with industry mentors.
Sadler is a second-generation driver with an impressive 29-year career and more than 2.7 million safe driving miles who serves on North Carolina’s Road Team, Walmart’s Road Team, and America’s Road Team. He has also competed in numerous truck driving championships, showcasing his skill and dedication to the craft. Sadler has served as a TAT board member since 2021, was part of the launch of TAT’s Man to Man campaign, and has taken an active role in helping to maintain the TAT Freedom Drivers Project trailer. He also volunteers with the Special Olympics, National Night Out, and Samaritan’s Feet.
FleetPride, TruckPro merging under FleetPride brand
Two of North America’s leading heavy-duty parts distributors and service providers announced Tuesday the closing of a merger that will combine FleetPride Inc. and TruckPro LLC.
The combined company will operate under the FleetPride name and will deliver enhanced value to its customers through greater parts availability, deeper technical expertise, best-in-class service and an enhanced ecommerce experience, the companies said. The newly combined company will be headquartered in Irving, Texas, with a satellite office in Memphis, Tennessee.
Operating under the combined ownership of American Securities and Platinum Equity, the new FleetPride will be led by Tom Greco, who joined the company as chief executive officer in July. Chuck Broadus, TruckPro's president and CEO, will continue to lead the TruckPro business, reporting to Greco. Broadus will work closely with Greco and support the integration efforts over the coming months.
With more than 450 locations, more than 110 service centers and six distribution centers, FleetPride's expanded footprint positions the company to serve customers nationwide across the U.S. and Canada with the industry's most comprehensive assortment of parts. Through its enhanced ecommerce platform and logistics network, FleetPride can provide faster access to critical parts, deeper inventory visibility and tailored solutions designed to keep trucks on the road and fleets operating efficiently.
"Today's announcement marks an exciting new chapter for our team members, customers and valued supplier partners," said FleetPride CEO Tom Greco. "This strategic merger is about more than combining two businesses, it's about building a culture that values people, brings best practices from both organizations and drives innovation. Together, we are creating a stronger, faster-growing company that will deliver greater value for customers and growth opportunities for our team members and suppliers."
TruckPro’s Broadus said the merger “marks a tremendous step forward for our business and customers. We are bringing together the strengths of both organizations as we align our knowledgeable team members, extensive networks and resources to deliver best-in-class service to the heavy-duty aftermarket. We are eager to embrace the many growth opportunities this combination offers and we are excited about our future together."
ATA’s Women in Motion names new Board chair
The American Trucking Associations' Women In Motion (WIM) Council this week announced the election of Emily Williams, Head of Transportation, Business Development at Geotab, as Chair of the Women In Motion Board of Directors.
Williams will serve a two-year term, leading WIM’s ongoing mission to highlight and connect women across the trucking industry.
As a founding member of Women In Motion and Board Secretary, Williams has been an active advocate for women in transportation since the council’s inception, ATA said. She has represented WIM at numerous industry events, including the annual WIM Calls on Washington, where she has championed the stories and contributions of women in the industry. With more than 12 years of experience in the transportation sector, Williams brings deep industry insight and proven leadership to her new role.
Williams began her career in technology sales before entering the trucking industry in 2014. Her expertise in leveraging data-driven insights to improve fleet operations and her strong customer relationships have earned her multiple accolades and leadership positions.
“I’m delighted to announce Emily Williams as the 2025-2027 WIM Board Chair,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “Her energy, positivity, and unwavering advocacy for women in transportation make her the perfect leader to guide WIM’s continued growth and impact.”
ATA’s Women In Motion Council provides a supportive network for women across all stages of their careers in trucking. Through advocacy, mentorship, and networking, WIM is committed to fostering a powerful future for women leaders.
“There isn’t a better person to step into this role than Emily,” said Brenda Neville, WIM Chair and president and CEO of Iowa Motor Truck Association. “Over the past two years, Emily has served as our Board Secretary with exceptional dedication. She has attended every WIM event, including both Calls on Washington, our Symposiums, Board meetings, and receptions, demonstrating her consistent commitment to our mission and the work we do. Emily is a leader who leads by doing and encourages others to step forward and contribute, which reflects the very essence of WIM.”
