Roadway

We're used to seeing professional athletes, actors and musicians accepting trophies at the podium or on the playing field. Accustomed to such accolades, these people seem to work hard to appear genuine as they make acceptance speeches thanking their managers, agents and others.

How refreshing, then, to be at the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships on August 25 and watch Alphonso Lewis accept the trucking industry's highest honor of Grand Champion with sincere humbleness, modesty and grace.

After a week of intense competition, Alphonso had already been named National Champion in the 4-axle class. Then, at the event's award ceremony, Alphonso was chosen from among the eight National Champions as the driver with the highest skills and professionalism.

The title of Grand Champion is a once-in-a-lifetime award--a worthy tribute to a driver who has lived his life dedicated to safety and professionalism.

When the Grand Champion was announced, the cheering from Team Roadway was deafening. No matter that the other 37 members of the team had their own dreams of winning a National Champion or Grand Champion title in their career--they were ecstatic that Alphonso had won.

Team Roadway was celebrating the first Grand Champion in company history.

When Alphonso reached the podium, he had his priorities in order for his speech. He thanked God then his wife, Regina, for being "everything to me." He acknowledged the ATA and the Alabama Trucking Association, and ended his speech with a literal shoutout to his Roadway family.

Saying, "There's only one way to thank this group, my Roadway family," he led the crowd in the familiar cheer, "Give me an R, give me an O, give me an A, give me a D, give me an W, give me an A, give me a Y. What does that spell? Roadway!"

When asked what winning Grand Champion meant to him, he admitted it was difficult to describe. "I just keep trying to do my best. And to be rewarded for trying to do my best? It's overwhelming but it feels great. I thought I was already at the top when I won first place in 4-axle. Now I'm on top of the world!"

Read more about Alphonso's safety achievements.