For Immediate Release: 9/15/20
Michigan Trucking Association Awards Alan Maike,
Davis Cartage Company, 2020 Driver of the Year
WC Tank Lines Named Excellence in Fleet Safety Grand Champion
(L-R) Davis Cartage Company Vice President-Director of Trucking Operations Gregg Janicek, 2020 Driver of the Year Alan Maike and President Glen Merkel
(L-R) WC Tank Lines Transportation Manager Joe Thompson and Vice President-Supply & Sales Jason Smith
Lansing, MI- Michigan Trucking Association (MTA) awards its 2020 Driver of the Year honor to Alan Maike of Davis Cartage Company, Corunna, Michigan and names WC Tank Lines, Clare, Michigan, as its Excellence in Fleet Safety Grand Champion.

Maike has driven more than 4 million miles in his 35-year driving career with Davis Cartage. The third time is a charm for Maike, who has been nominated twice previously. He was chosen from among ten other nominated drivers based on his accident-free driving record, over-the-road mileage, customer service and professionalism.
Since 1948, MTA has honored Michigan’s “knights of the highway” by selecting a Driver of the Year.

Maike and the 11 other finalist drivers were honored earlier as part of MTA’s Safety on the Road Program, a personalized Facebook Live event. Each driver was recognized as a 2020 Driver of the Year finalist at his home terminal in front of company owners, management, peers and family.
MTA also proudly honors WC Tank Lines as its Excellence in Fleet Safety Grand Champion. The 30-year-old bulk liquid motor carrier transports petroleum products throughout the Great Lakes Region. The award, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, recognizes those carriers that create and foster a culture of safety. WC was chosen from among eight other Fleet Safety Award winners based on miles driven, number of accident-free miles and specific best practice safety protocols undertaken by the company.

MTA’s Driver of the Year and Excellence in Fleet Safety Grand Champion honors coincide with 2020 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 13-19. This year, the awards take on even greater meaning as drivers risk their health and safety as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is the perfect time to recognize MTA’s Driver of the Year,” says MTA President Mickey Blashfield. “The pandemic has placed the trucking industry in the spotlight. These everyday heroes are responsible for keeping America’s essential workplaces stocked. Recognizing a driver’s dedication not only celebrates their individual achievements but also shines a light on all truck drivers who earn and deserve praise.

"Trucking is also at its best when companies embody safety from the top down, establishing a safety-first mindset. The Fleet Safety Grand Champion Award is special recognition of what trucking companies do every day — raise the bar on truck safety excellence."
About Michigan Trucking Association
Michigan Trucking Association is a statewide trade association that has represented Michigan for-hire trucking companies and private company fleets since 1934. Headquartered in Lansing, MI, the association offers federal and state transportation regulations assistance, legislative representation and other trucking-related guidance.
Media Contact:

Karen McCumber
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517-321-1951