Hero of the Highway Award

The TIDA's “Hero of the Highway” award is bestowed annually upon a commercial driver who deserves recognition for heroic behavior and/or extraordinary public service demonstrated in the past 12 months.

Nominations are accepted from members annually. The TIDA Board of Directors selects the recipient of the Hero of the Highway Award from those nominated. The recipient is invited to attend the awards ceremony at the TIDA Annual Seminar and is presented a $2,500 check.

submit a nomination

TIDA accepts nominations for Hero of the Highway year-round, however, the annual Hero of the Highway recipient is typically voted by the board of directors in May. Should your nominee be selected, the committee will contact you by early summer.

Regardless of acceptance for the hero award, TIDA also promotes a positive trucking industry by highlighting exceptional drivers and raising awareness of the critical role they play every day in the TIDA Behind the Wheel and Beyond series. These driver spotlights are posted on TIDA's social media and shared in our newsletters. If you submit a hero nomination, you can opt to also have it included in this series.

Congratulations to 2025 Award Recipient, Andrew Inlow, Maverick Transportation, LLC!

"Along with my band of drivers, we were stranded at the TA center for almost five days in the wake of Hurricane Helene. But for four+ days we were able to prepare hot meals and provide much needed fresh water for anyone needing help. All in, I think we served over 200+ people some with children and infants. I am still not sure how I didn’t panic and able to help people in a time of crisis.

I am very proud of my profession and colleagues from other companies. What happened just about a year ago was tragic and devastating for many. Western North Carolina is still recovering. I would do this all over again for sure. I am happy to accept the Hero of the Highway honor but it must also be shared with many others." - Andrew

Watch his full story below: