In times of crisis, true heroes often emerge from unexpected places.

This year, our nation has faced numerous disasters, from widespread wildfires to catastrophic bridge collapses. These events have upended communities and left many families in distress.

These unsung heroes may not wear capes, but you’ll find them supporting disadvantaged communities, purchasing food and essentials for affected families, donating their time and money to aid organizations, or driving commercial trucks to deliver vital supplies.

Truck drivers and transportation workers have always been essential, but this year, many have gone the extra mile to ensure that critical supplies are delivered on time and that those in need receive the necessary assistance.

Transport Topics is celebrating those who have skillfully navigated these challenges to assist communities impacted by disasters, both near and far.

Nominations are now open and will close on August 9, 2024.

To make sure your nominee’s story is thoroughly reviewed by the judges, include detailed accounts of their contributions this year, mention specific disasters or community relief efforts, and provide photos or references if possible. Don’t forget to include contact information so we can follow up for further details.

Nominate your hero here and help us honor those who’ve made a difference!

Source: Transport Topics

Roy Chandler of Rockport, Texas, has been awarded the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) prestigious Highway Angel award. Chandler, a driver for Diamond Transportation System, Inc., based in Racine, Wisconsin,

Source: Truckload Carriers Association

earned this recognition for his courageous act in helping a woman who had rear-ended a semi-truck.

Chandler, a seasoned truck driver with 37 years of experience and a second-generation trucker, demonstrated exceptional bravery on April 20, 2024. The incident took place in the late afternoon amidst heavy rain on Interstate 30 in Morris County, Texas. Despite the poor visibility caused by the downpour, Chandler noticed a young woman speeding past him in the left lane. Shortly after, she attempted to merge back into the right lane, but the rain-splattered windshields obstructed her view, leading her to crash into the back of a semi-truck and flip multiple times into the median.

“She hit the back tire, and the momentum of her tire going forward, and his tire just launched her into midair,” Chandler recounted. “She went up about 20 feet into mid-air.”

Without hesitation, Chandler pulled over and rushed to assist. He found the woman, though responsive and only slightly injured, trapped in her vehicle. He also checked on the semi-truck driver, who was experiencing dizziness. Chandler called 911 to report the accident and stayed with both individuals until emergency services arrived. He provided crucial support at the scene, including handing over his dashcam footage of the accident to a state trooper.

Reflecting on his actions, Chandler said, “It’s always what we’re supposed to do. As a Christian and as a truck driver, I’m supposed to help wherever I can. To me, it was just another day at work.”

Since the inception of the Highway Angel program in 1997, supported by generous sponsors, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been honored for their outstanding acts of kindness, courtesy, and courage.

For more information about the TCA Highway Angels, visit Highway Angel Program.

Source: The Trucker

Melissa Eauclaire loves being a team driver with her husband, relishing the opportunity to travel across the country together. Employed by Boyle Transportation, a subsidiary of Andlauer Healthcare Group, Melissa drives for a company that serves the biotech, pharmaceutical, and government/defense sectors.

Melissa’s journey began in 2003 as a school bus driver. Over 14 years, she worked as a driver, dispatcher, and safety officer. During this period, she met and married her husband in 2008. After moving to Tennessee, she spent three years as a motorcoach operator, touring the United States and Canada. Although she enjoyed her job, the pandemic led to a layoff, prompting her to pursue her dream of earning a CDL-A.

Jokingly, Melissa and her husband had discussed her obtaining a CDL-A, but the pandemic made it a reality. Tennessee offered grants for unemployed workers, which she utilized for truck driver training. Excelling in her studies, she graduated and started job hunting. Her husband, concerned about her safety on the road alone, became her trainer at Boyle Transportation. They are both extremely pleased with the company. “They are a fantastic company to drive for,” Melissa says. “They treat us well, pay well, and we enjoy what they do.”

The couple has traveled to all 48 contiguous states and several Canadian provinces. Melissa is now planning future vacation spots. In their leisure time, they enjoy riding their Harleys, camping, hiking, attending races, antiquing, and, of course, traveling.

Melissa encourages women to consider trucking: “go for it!” She advises those seeking change or more fulfillment to “follow your heart. If you love to travel, stare out the window, and get paid for it, then do it! Women, especially as they become empty nesters, sometimes need a change. We do not all want to be homebodies anymore. If you get to a stage in your life when it is possible to make a change, take the bull by the horns and do it! Being out there on the road is so satisfying and fulfilling.”

Passionate about mentoring, Melissa and her husband mentor new teams at Boyle, finding it both fulfilling and rewarding. She enjoys the blend of learning and teaching that mentoring offers.

Melissa believes the transportation industry is an excellent career choice for women, with increasing leadership roles. The WIT Index shows that 34.5% of leadership positions are now held by women. She emphasizes that the industry offers various careers beyond driving. Visible female representation in roles such as recruiters, operations, safety, and leadership can inspire more women to join the industry.

As a new WIT Image Team member, Melissa is eager to promote trucking. “All women can be truck drivers if they want it,” she asserts. “Nothing should keep you from it if you want to drive and be a part of the trucking industry.”

In their driving partnership, Melissa drives during the day while her husband takes the night shift. She proudly responds to surprised shippers with, “Yes, I drive this truck!” Melissa plans to stay with Boyle Transportation until retirement. “I do not see myself anywhere else. Boyle is a great company and traveling with my husband is very entertaining.”

Source: Women in Trucking

Image: Women in Trucking