Oregon Trucking Associations Presents Annual Awards for Trucking Image, Safety Grand Champion & Carrier & Allied Members of the Year at Annual Convention in Bend
Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) Annual Convention had a different feel this year with masks and social distancing guidelines, virtual presentations and a cap at 90 attendees, but, in the same way that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped the trucking industry from consistently delivering the supplies people depend on, these challenges didn’t stop OTA from celebrating the efforts of Oregon’s trucking companies, industry suppliers and others. During the convention, four companies were recognized for upholding their commitment to promote the industry, being involved in the community, operating safely and contributing to the association’s goal of making Oregon a place for trucking to thrive. OTA held its annual gathering November 9-10 in Bend, inviting experts to present a series of training and industry update sessions over the two-day period that was interspersed with other activities, including an awards banquet and vendor exhibition.
Image Award – Highway Heavy Hauling (Portland, Oregon)
Congratulations to Highway Heavy Hauling, a woman-owned business located in Portland, that OTA’s Image Committee selected as the 2020 Image Award recipient. This company, led by CEO Kristine Kennedy, was recognized for a variety of efforts: assisting with local fundraisers and sponsorship programs, supporting OTA events and other services, their legislative participation on behalf of the industry, replacing equipment with lower-emission options, promoting safety, recognizing truck drivers and offering a professional and collaborative company culture.
“There are so many worthy trucking companies that have done amazing things during the pandemic and fires,” said Michael S. Card, Image Committee chairman and president of Combined Transport. “It was hard selecting just one. Highway Heavy Hauling rose above the others this year because of [Kristine’s] unflagging support of the Oregon Trucking Association and the industry in general. It’s a great example of how you can be a vibrant company while still participating in making the rest of the world understand how essential our industry really is.”
The Committee selects a winner based on any combination of criteria, including service to OTA and to trucking industry members, community involvement, green efforts, legislative messaging that ensures the industry’s success, positive corporate culture, safety efforts and anything that promotes trucking in a positive light to the general public and policy-makers. The award is now in its third year, and OTA anticipates even more participation due to the extraordinary efforts of members during all the 2020 crises.
Safety Grand Champion – TP Trucking (Central Point, Oregon)
Safety is a priority in the trucking industry, but TP Trucking LLC out of Central Point, Oregon really stood out in the past year for their commitment on the roads and within their workplace. That’s why OTA selected TP as the overall Grand Champion. The company performed well in their division, Truckload with 3-4 Million Miles, and they had the most miles traveled with zero accidents in 2019! TP Trucking is an active OTA member, and George Wood, Driver & Safety manager, helps with educational programs like Train the Trainer.
The Association announced other 2020 safety awards at the Annual Safety Conference in Eugene, Oregon in October. View the full list here.
Carrier Member of the Year Award – Omega Morgan (Hillsboro, Oregon)
When it comes to taking initiative, OTA has relied on Omega Morgan, the winner of this year’s Carrier Member of the Year. Company representative, Erik Zander is the chair of the Highway Policy Committee and is currently an OTA board member. The company generously supports our TruckPAC, volunteers on behalf of the Association with several Oregon Department of Transportation committees, and even helps OTA with recruiting efforts. Read more about the organization in OTA’s 2019 Issue 1 Dispatch Magazine.
Allied Member of the Year Award – EROAD (Tualatin, Oregon)
EROAD has been a long-time supporter of OTA and with their main product — an electronic logging device, they directly impact the trucking industry. OTA during their pilot project and as they grew their national presence, they stepped in to assist with OTA training classes, have hosted committee meetings at their main North American headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon (prior to the pandemic), helped organize the Meals for Drivers events to pass out lunch to truck drivers during the pandemic, and have invited the association to present on their organized events. Their expertise and professionalism prove they are a strong resource for other members.
“While the trucking industry faced all of the same COVID-driven challenges as other industries, in addition to those unique to trucking, our members and all those involved in Oregon’s trucking industry continued to deliver essential goods and supplies,” commented OTA president and CEO Jana Jarvis. “As always, they also went above and beyond, never forgetting their commitment to the customers they serve and the communities they live in.”
This year, more than ever, Oregon communities have relied on trucks to deliver essentials – from food to clothing, medicine, household goods, entertainment and more. Thank you, truck drivers, and everyone involved in the supply chain for your service as essential workers.
Find more trucking facts on the OTA website or contact Vilija Jozaitis at 503-513-0005 or vilija@ortrucking.org for more information about the trucking industry.
