On January 9th, we gathered for a special evening hosted by the MMTA, to celebrate the trucking industry—not just as a profession, but as a way of life. Joined by over 450 members at our annual banquet, we came together to recognize the dedication, hard work, and excellence of every individual who keeps our industry moving forward and ensures its success.
We honor not only the incredible achievements of Maine’s commercial drivers but also the countless contributions of dispatchers, technicians, safety professionals, and all those behind the scenes who make Maine roads safer and our industry great. Their unwavering commitment to safety, exceeding compliance standards, and teamwork is the reason for our success.
The evening began with a hospitality reception, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, where members had the opportunity to forge meaningful connections. The trucking community, known for its dedication and support, continues to unite around the shared goal of making Maine trucking the best in the nation.
Following our reception, MMTA Chairwoman Chelsea Demmons of Bison USA officially opened the banquet, recognizing past MMTA chairs and sharing an exciting glimpse into the future of our workforce development efforts in MMTA’s Go. Your Way. campaign. Originally launched in 2020, this initiative is evolving with the introduction of a new Career Exploration Trailer. Designed to showcase the trucking industry in a fun and interactive way, the Go. Your Way. movement aims to inspire the next generation to see the many benefits of a career in trucking—and the opportunity to live life on their terms.
The awards ceremony highlights the incredible achievements of our industry’s finest. We began by giving applause to our 2024 MMTA Drivers of the Month, and with the crowning of our 2024 MMTA Driver of the Year Roger Harmon Jr. (Savage Services) presented by Maine State Police Colonel William Ross. Please join us in congratulating these exceptional individuals for their accomplishments.
The Fleet Safety Awards, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, are awarded to member trucking companies for their overall fleet safety records, categorized by miles driven collectively as a company over the past year. Winners in each category were as follows:
The companies in each of these categories are also selected to compete for the two coveted Grand Champion Awards – one for the Intermediate Carrier Group and one for the Large Carrier Group – and reflect the two carriers who have been independently judged to have the most outstanding safety record and safety program.
The 2024 Grand Champion for the Intermediate Carrier Group was presented to Brown Dog Carriers of Biddeford, Maine. The 2024 Grand Champion for the Large Carrier Group was presented to R.F. Chamberland, Inc. of St. Agatha, Maine. Congratulations, Champions.
All of the award winners represent the best of the trucking industry here in Maine and we congratulate them for their service, professionalism and commitment to highway safety.
To conclude the evening, members were inspired by keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author, former Navy Captain Michael Abrashoff. His speech, based on his book It’s Your Ship, emphasized the power of leadership by example and the importance of empowering subordinates to make decisions. His message highlighted how this approach can drive positive cultural change, improve retention, and lead to lasting success. Thank you, Maine Commercial Tire, for sponsoring our keynote speech.
MMTA extends heartfelt thanks to all our members for making this event unforgettable and for setting the standard of excellence in Maine. We are truly nothing without trucking.
We hope you will join us next year on January 8, 2026!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 ANNUAL BANQUET SPONSORS
