Atlanta, Georgia — Relay Payments has officially named Deb LaBree and Roger Mackbach as the 2024 recipients of the Haul of Fame award, a program dedicated to recognizing individuals who have elevated the standard of professional truck driving. The announcement highlights two very different paths to excellence, one defined by community leadership and the other by personal resilience in the face of physical adversity.

The Haul of Fame initiative serves as a critical platform for visibility in an industry that often operates in the background of the supply chain. By spotlighting specific drivers rather than just large fleets, the program underscores the human element behind every mile of freight moved across the United States. This year's selection process was particularly fierce, with more than 160 individuals nominated and thousands of public votes cast to narrow the field down to five finalists. The final decision rested with a panel that included figures from motorsports, media, and the trucking sector itself, ensuring a diverse perspective on what constitutes outstanding contribution to the field.

Deb LaBree brings nearly two decades of experience to the table, having built her reputation not only behind the wheel but also through active service with the Women in Trucking organization. She currently serves on the board and contributes to the group's image team, working to reshape public perception of the profession. Her consistent focus on safety protocols and operational excellence has earned her a reputation as a peer leader among fellow drivers. Roger Mackbach’s story involves overcoming a severe accident in 2008 that resulted in the loss of his right arm. He returned to the profession using a custom prosthetic and became one of the first drivers in Maine to qualify for interstate travel after amputation. Mackbach has since dedicated significant time to helping other amputees obtain their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and adjust to the physical demands of the job.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A drivers and owner-operators, this recognition validates the importance of advocacy and safety culture within the daily operations of the trucking industry. It signals to carriers and trucking companies hiring new talent that soft skills and community engagement are valued alongside route efficiency and load management. The award also highlights the evolving landscape of workforce accommodations, showing that modern equipment and regulatory flexibility allow drivers with diverse physical abilities to maintain professional careers. These examples serve as practical benchmarks for how individual drivers can contribute to the broader professional image of the trade.

Industry Reaction

The judging panel included prominent figures such as Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, and Timothy Dooner, the host of the FreightWaves podcast \"WHAT THE TRUCK?!?\" The involvement of these personalities indicates a growing cross-pollination between motorsports entertainment and commercial transportation. Clarissa Rankin, a driver and TikTok influencer with 1.8 million followers, also served as a judge, emphasizing the shift toward digital advocacy and the importance of online presence for modern drivers. Ryan Droege, CEO and co-founder of Relay Payments, rounded out the panel, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting the driver community through financial technology and recognition programs.

Key Points

• Deb LaBree and Roger Mackbach were selected from a pool of over 160 nominees for the 2024 Haul of Fame award.
• The winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlanta for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race from September 6-8.
• Relay Payments sponsors NASCAR driver William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team, linking the award to major motorsports events.
• The selection panel included industry leaders like Jeff Gordon, Timothy Dooner, and Clarissa Rankin, reflecting a broad definition of industry excellence.

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