On January 8, 2026, the Maine Motor Transport Association (MMTA) hosted its Annual Banquet at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, bringing together over 400 members from across the state for an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition. This gathering honored the professionals who power Maine’s economy and keep America moving—the dedicated drivers, dispatchers, technicians, safety teams, and support staff whose grit, commitment to safety, and teamwork define the excellence of our industry’s “trucking family.”
The evening began with a hospitality reception sponsored by Volvo Trucks, providing valuable opportunities for members to connect and share experiences. MMTA Chairwoman Chelsea Demmons of Bison USA opened the program by welcoming attendees, recognizing past chairs, and announcing the exciting release of the John Austin Trucking Foundation (JAFT)—a significant new grant dedicated to workforce development, aimed at attracting, training, and supporting the next generation of trucking professionals in Maine. The JAFT awards up to 8 grants of up to $2,000 every month!
One of the evening highlights was the awards ceremony, which shined a well-deserved spotlight on outstanding achievements in safety and professionalism within Maine’s trucking industry. The ceremony recognized the 2025 MMTA Drivers of the Month with enthusiastic applause for their exceptional service throughout the year. The 2026 MMTA Driver of the Year award was presented to William Sloan of Bison USA by Major Aaron Turcotte of the Maine State Police for exceptional service to the industry, his impressive driving record, and his continued commitment to service within his community.
The Fleet Safety Awards, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, recognize member trucking companies for their exceptional overall fleet safety records, based on total miles driven over the past year. Companies in each mileage category are selected to advance and compete for the two most prestigious honors: the Grand Champion Awards—one for the Intermediate Carrier Group and one for the Large Carrier Group. These top awards go to the carriers independently judged to have the most outstanding safety record and the most comprehensive safety program. The winners in each category are as follows:
The Intermediate Carrier Group Grand Champion was awarded to FirstFleet, Inc., and the Large Carrier Group Grand Champion was presented to Dead River Transport, LLC. Congratulations to these champions for setting the highest standard of safety in Maine’s trucking industry!
The evening culminated with an inspiring keynote address by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, sponsored by Maine Commercial Tire. A decorated F-16 fighter pilot with three combat tours in Iraq, PGA professional, and founder/CEO of Folds of Honor, Rooney shared powerful insights on leadership, resilience, patriotism, and giving back. Through Folds of Honor, his nonprofit has provided educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders, impacting tens of thousands of lives.
MMTA was proud to be able to make a $5,000 additional contribution to the Folds of Honor Foundation on behalf of its 1,900+ membership. Lt. Col. Rooney was moved by the gesture and told the crowd that the donation would be used to fund a scholarship for a Maine recipient.
MMTA extends sincere thanks to all attendees, honorees, and sponsors for making this event a resounding success. The professionalism and dedication celebrated this year embody the very best of Maine’s trucking industry.
We congratulate all of the award winners for their outstanding service, professionalism, and commitment to highway safety. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
