Joann McNabb named TCA Highway Angel for helping truck driver during stroke

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Frito-Lay Transportation driver Joann McNabb a TCA Highway Angel for helping a fellow truck driver after recognizing that the driver was experiencing a medical emergency.

On August 11, McNabb was traveling on Interstate 94 in Harper Woods, Michigan, when she noticed a semi-truck traveling erratically in heavy traffic.

The truck slowed in the middle lane. When McNabb moved into the left lane to pass, the truck began drifting toward her lane. She sounded her horn, causing the truck to move back, but the driver began drifting again. McNabb and another motorist sounded their horns, but the driver did not appear to respond. That’s when McNabb realized something more serious could be happening.

“I thought maybe this was a medical emergency because I wasn’t getting his attention, and neither were other cars that were honking,” McNabb said.

McNabb turned on her four-way flashers and maintained a safe distance behind the truck while another motorist did the same. The two vehicles helped block lanes behind the semi as they followed, creating a buffer for other motorists. The truck eventually struck the concrete wall, sending debris across the roadway, but continued moving along the shoulder for another mile. McNabb was already on the phone with state police.

“I told them, ‘He’s already hit the wall,’” she said. “But he’s continuing to drive. I think something is seriously wrong.”

When the truck stopped, McNabb and the other motorist stopped their vehicles and ran to help. She found the driver slumped over behind the wheel. Because the driver’s side door was locked and the opposite side was against the wall, she pounded on the window and called to him. Eventually, the driver regained enough awareness to open the window.

McNabb opened the door, climbed into the cab, pulled the truck’s air brakes, and shut off the engine. The driver appeared confused and disoriented. McNabb noticed that his mouth was drooping and that he was drooling.

“I’m like, this guy had a stroke, or is having a stroke,” McNabb said.

She alerted arriving police officers and firefighters to her concerns. Firefighters determined that he was experiencing an active stroke. An ambulance arrived and transported the driver to a hospital for emergency treatment. McNabb remained with the driver as emergency personnel prepared him for transport.

“I told him everything was going to be OK,” McNabb said. “At this point, he’s in good hands.”

Pilot celebrates driver appreciation with $50,000 Road Warrior contest and free drinks in the Pilot app

Pilot is celebrating Driver Appreciation Month this September with special offers and the return of its annual Road Warrior contest. Nominations for this year’s Road Warrior contest are now open, and one professional driver will be recognized with a Kenworth W990 truck customized by the Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize. Throughout September, Pilot will also offer in-app deals and host events at select travel centers to recognize those who keep North America moving.

"Professional drivers are the backbone of our economy and keep our communities supplied, often with little recognition for the important work they do," said Kari Irons, chief experience officer at Pilot. "Driver Appreciation Month is our opportunity to celebrate their dedication, thank them for the miles they travel, and honor the millions of drivers who deliver the products and essentials people rely on every day."

Drivers can be nominated through the Road Warrior entry form from September 1 through September 18. The winner will be revealed in October. The Kenworth W990 truck embodies everything expected from "the driver's truck," with a 52-in. flat top sleeper equipped with a Diamond VIT interior, powered by a Paccar MX-13 engine that delivers 510 hpand 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque via a Paccar TX-18 transmission.

"Professional drivers do much more than deliver freight. They connect communities, support businesses, and help power everyday life," said Rusty Kirby, VP of transportation and logistics at Pilot. "We're honored to recognize one exceptional driver and celebrate the hardworking people who make this industry possible."

Beginning August 31, professional drivers can enjoy three free drinks and a snack each week throughout September for Driver Appreciation Month. The weekly offers feature top-selling brands and can be redeemed through the Pilot app at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers.

Next Top Talent Award Returns for 2026 to Celebrate Trucking’s Rising Stars Under 30

The Next Generation in Trucking Association’s Next Top Talent Award is returning. This national recognition program celebrates professional drivers and diesel technicians under the age of 30.

Following an inaugural year in 2025, nominations for the 2026 Next Top Talent Award open September 1 and close October 9. Selected nominees will be recognized as 2026 Next Top Talent Finalists. From those finalists, one driver and one diesel technician will be selected as the 2026 Next Top Talent Grand Champions, revealed October 27.

“We spend so much time talking about how we attract young people into trucking, but we also need to celebrate the ones who have already chosen our industry and are doing incredible things,” said Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. “When we recognize their accomplishments, we’re not only showing them that their work matters—we’re showing other young people what is possible in this industry.”

You can nominate a young driver or diesel technician using the online submission form via the Next Generation in Trucking Association.

Southern Indiana Truck Convoy donates $30K to Make-A-Wish

The Southern Indiana Truck Convoy recently made a big donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

The annual semi convoy was held in August in Ripley County, Indiana, and featured more than 100 trucks. Walmart driver Alfred Sellers created it to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

Sellers and his wife went to the Make-A-Wish headquarters and personally presented them with a $30,000 check.

“All this could not have happened without the fabulous support we receive from the trucking and business community,” Sellers said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support.”

The Southern Indiana Truck Convoy has donated $150,000 to the foundation over the past five years.

Transfix supports St. Christopher's Truckers Relief Fund with second annual Freight Fantasy Football League

Transfix is bringing the freight community back to the gridiron with the return of its Freight Fantasy Football League. As of September 2, contributions from 10 corporate sponsors, matched by Transfix, have brought the total to $26,200 for the St. Christopher's Truckers Relief Fund.

This year, registration is open to the whole industry: brokers, 3PLs, carriers, shippers, technology providers, and anyone else who moves freight for a living. Rather than pitting one segment against another, the league is structured as a collaborative effort, with corporate sponsors, players, and individual donors all feeding one pool that goes to the fund. Donations remain open through Super Bowl Sunday, and 100% of proceeds benefit St. Christopher's.

"Truck Driver Appreciation Week is my favorite week of the year, and this league is what I look forward to most," said Jenni Ruiz, head of marketing and public relations at Transfix. "All year, people kept coming up to me at conferences asking when the next one was. That told us the ceiling wasn't the interest; it was the invite. So this year we're not gatekeeping it: if you work in freight, you're invited. The more people who join, the bigger the check St. Christopher's gets."