ATA opens Trucking Image award nominations
American Trucking Associations is accepting nominations to recognize the most passionate representatives of the trucking industry’s image with the 2026 Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image Award.
The award celebrates companies, organizations, and individuals who creatively generate awareness of the trucking industry. This award is presented to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization, and industry supplier who demonstrate excellence in creating a positive image for the trucking industry. This is illustrated by a safety-first approach to conducting business and professionalism.
“The trucking industry touches every part of our lives—moving the goods our communities rely on and creating millions of good-paying jobs across the country,” Nikki Thomas, ATA vice president of industry affairs, said in a news release. “The Mike Russell Award honors the people and organizations who truly represent the heart of trucking and proudly elevate our industry’s story. These honorees are setting a higher standard, changing perceptions, and inspiring others to share in the pride of what trucking delivers every day. Each year, our judges are excited to review an outstanding slate of nominations and to celebrate these impactful contributions at ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition in October.”
Great West Casualty Company is continuing its sponsorship of the Mike Russell Trucking Image Award this year, ATA added.
“The Mike Russell Trucking Industry Image Award celebrates leaders who shine a light on the real impact trucking has on our daily lives,” ATA COO Dan Horvath said. “These luminaries motivate us to keep educating the public about the dedication, innovation, and leadership that move our nation forward. We also thank Great West Casualty Company for sponsoring this award for the 19th year. This recognition reminds us of the tremendous progress we’ve made in telling trucking’s story, while also underscoring how much more there is to do.”
Last year, ATA recognized the Trucking Association of New York and Antoine Sadler, a professional truck driver for Walmart Transportation.
The award was created in 2007 and is named in honor of Mike Russell, a trucking industry supporter and former ATA vice president of public affairs. Submissions for the Mike Russell Trucking award are assessed by an expert, impartial panel of judges based on creativity, frequency, reach, impact, and execution.
Completed nominations must be submitted to the ATA Industry Affairs Department no later than Friday, July 31. The winners of the 2026 Mike Russell award will be announced during ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition scheduled for Oct. 17-20 in Charlotte, North Carolina.