A FedEx Freight driver has added another accolade to his already long list of honors.
Steve Brand is one of three winners of the American Trucking Association’s Mike Russell Trucking Image Award. The other two are the Trucking Association Executives Council Task Force, and the Conversion Interactive Agency.
They were honored Monday at the ATA’s annual Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte.
The Mike Russell Trucking Image Award, sponsored by Great West, an Old Republic 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.
ATA said Brand, has dedicated 37 years to the trucking industry, including 30 years with FedEx Freight and seven years over the road. He has built his career on safety, service, and leadership, according to the association.
With 4.9 million safe driving miles to his vcredit, Brand is a current America’s Road Team Captain and a member of the FedEx Freight Road Team. A two-time National Truck Driving Championships participant, 2024 Ohio Driver of the Year, and 2026 TA Petro Citizen Driver Honoree, Brand is a tireless ambassador for trucking., according to ATA.
Through events such as Dayton Touch a Truck, Share the Road, Safety Drive for a Cure, and Make-A-Wish fundraisers, as well as his work as host of the Truckers’ Voice podcast and a Truckers Against Trafficking Ambassador, ATA said Brand “continues to elevate the image of trucking and inspire others through his commitment to the industry.”
The Trucking Association Executives Council Task Force was honored for transforming concern into action and telling trucking’s story with courage and heart, according to the ATA. In crafting the “Trucking Resurgence: The Fight for Fairness and Safety,” report, these leaders elevated thoughtful and deliberate grassroots-initiated solutions intended to stamp out fraud at home, as well as overseas, strengthen safety enforcement, and challenge bad actors — including carriers, brokers, and ELD providers — that were exploiting loopholes at the expense of public safety and businesses, ATA said.
ATA also honored the Conversion Interactive Agency, which has spent more than three decades strengthening the trucking industry through workforce development, education, innovation, and community engagement. Their efforts have helped generate nearly five million driver leads, facilitate more than 56,000 hires, and connect the next generation of trucking professionals with meaningful career opportunities.
“The Mike Russell Award recognizes the individuals and organizations who take ownership of trucking’s story and share it with authenticity, passion, and purpose,” said Nikki Thomas, VP, Industry Affairs, ATA. “From solving problems to serving as trucking ambassadors to creating career opportunities, this year’s honorees have found powerful ways to elevate our industry. Their efforts remind us that every positive story told about this industry helps strengthen public understanding of the essential role trucking plays in America.”
