MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As a part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Alabama’s Truck Driver of the Year was honored in a special event at the State Capitol Monday.
Rosko Craig of Montgomery Transport was honored by Gov. Kay Ivey with an official commendation recognizing him as Alabama’s Truck Driver of the Year. Craig pulled his rig up to the steps of the state Capitol and even offered onlookers the unmistakable “honk” of his truck’s big horn.
Ivey noted how the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted for the general public just how critical the job of truck drivers really is.
“Rosko certainly has a positive attitude and a proven track record over his 20+ year trucking career,” Ivey said. “Our hats go off to Rosko & all our truckers who keep AL moving!”
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Craig, 50, is from Silas in West Alabama’s Choctaw County. According to the Alabama Trucking Association, he has logged more than 3 million miles of accident free driving for Montgomery Transport.
“For me, the keys to success in the trucking industry are safety, number one, hard work and determination,” Craig said. “I love trucking because it was a childhood dream of mine. I support my family, my wife, my son, my daughter, my grandson – they are my rock and my backbone. I couldn’t do this without them.”
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Mark Colson, President of the Alabama Trucking Association, thanked Ivey for recognizing the importance of the trucking industry.
“Sometimes America’s 3.5 million truck drivers are taken for granted But visit any grocery store, business, or medical facility in Alabama, and it becomes obvious that truckers move America,” Colson said. “Most importantly, America’s professional truck drivers are committed to doing their jobs safely, because they too are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and friends and neighbors.
“The next time you speak with a professional truck driver, ask them how many safe miles he or she has, but don’t be surprised if the answer is in the millions.”