MILEAGE MATTERS
STRAIT AHEAD MAGAZINE
- 2026 Michigan Truck Driving Championship
- Build America 250 Act
- Wreaths Across America
Advertising
Advertise in Strait Ahead, MTA's quarterly magazine and Michigan's only publication dedicated to trucking executives.
Delivered to more than 9,000 transportation executives plus total social media saturation which exponentially expands your reach , Strait Ahead is an outstanding advertising opportunity. Whether your ad is large or small, your company will gain valuable exposure.
Contact Matthews Publishing at jennifer@matthewspublisihing or 501-690-9393.
Q4 2026 deadline October 16
MTA NEWS
Stoops Freightliner-Western Star Opens Grayling Location
Stoops Freightliner-Western Star held its successful ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration of its Grayling, Michigan location August 20.
Located at 4844 Industrial Drive, the facility offers:
- Advanced Service Capacity: Features 20 purpose-built service bays designed for both on-highway and vocational trucks.
- Specialized Infrastructure: Equipped with extra-deep bays specifically built to accommodate Michigan's gravel trains and extended equipment configurations.
- Full-Scale Support: Offers an extensive parts inventory alongside access to the Midwest's premier selection of new and used trucks.
The location operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Granger Waste Services Celebrates 60 Years in Business
Granger Waste Services, located in Lansing, Michigan, celebrates its 60th anniversary. According to WILX News, the company began in 1966 after the Granger family, while working on a Michigan State University dorm project, bought a used truck and containers to haul away construction debris.
Since then, Granger has expanded into landfill operations, commercial hauling and recycling. They were also one of the first in Lansing to offer a rolling trash cart.
MTA Elects 2026-2027 Officers and Board of Governors
At its September 11, 2026 annual meeting, MTA elected its 2026-2027 officers and Board of Governors:
- Cheryl Lathwell, Hyway Transportation: Chairperson
- Brian Brink, Brink Farms, Inc.: Vice President
- Joe Oldenbroek, Oldenbroek Trucking: Secretary/Treasurer
- Evan Stouten, Modular Transportation: ATA State Vice President
Board of Governors:
- Edward Eberle, Magra, Inc.
- Justin Heckel, UPS
- Carol Heinowski, Meijer Logistics, LLC
- M. Brian Hitchcock, MBH Trucking, LLC
- William Hunter, Blackberry Radar
- Larry Larson, Great West, An Old Republic Company
- Chad Leuneberg, Grand Trunk Western Railroad-CNTL
- David Menke, Safety Strategies
- William McLaury, Kerry Brothers Truck Repair
- Glen Merkel, Davis Cartage Company
- Paul Millenbach, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC
- Andrew Perdock, Cummins, Inc.
- Donald Quarles, Padnos
- Robert Yeager, FedEx Corporation
- Greg Zink, MRPR Group
MTA's Detroit E&M Raises record Amount for Charity
MTA's Detroit Chapter of Equipment & Maintenance extends its heartfelt thanks to all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors who made its annual golf outing on June 5 an outstanding success.
Thanks to your generosity, this year’s event raised a record-breaking donation of $19,898 for The Rainbow Connection charity.
MTA Kicks Off Wreaths Across America Sponsorship with Giving in July Campaign
In honor of our nation's 250th birthday, MTA is starting its 2026 sponsorship of Wreaths Across America (WAA) with WAA's annual Giving in July campaign.
WAA is an annual, nationwide memorial to the fallen men and women of the U.S. military. Sponsored wreaths are placed on millions of graves in remembrance of their sacrifice.
The Giving in July campaign kicks off this year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2026.
During the Giving in July campaign, for every $17 sponsorship, $5 will automatically be applied to the sponsorship of an additional veteran's wreath.
To learn more and become an MTA wreath sponsor, click here.
As a thank you, sponsors of 30 or more wreaths ordered through MTA’s sponsorship page will receive a limited-edition Michigan Trucking Association 1:64 scale die cast metal truck.* All sponsors will be recognized on MTA’s website, Mileage Matters e-newsletter, and Strait Ahead magazine.
*Limit one per company
MBH Trucking Receives 2025 NTTC Safety Award
The National Tank Truck Carriers is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Personnel Safety Contest.
MBH Trucking, Webberville, Michigan, received an Honor Award as a for-hire carrier. The contest highlights a strong safety culture, protecting employees in shop, terminal, maintenance and office environments.This contest honors carriers achieving outstanding personnel safety performance based on fewer lost time injuries per hour worked within each mileage classification.
NTTC will honor the 2025 Personnel Safety Contest winners during Tank Truck Week 2026 in Oklahoma City on September 30.
Strait Ahead Launches
MTA's inaugural issue of Strait Ahead magazine launched in late March. The quarterly publication will deliver original editorial content tailored specially for members. Advertising and advertorial opportunities are available through Matthews Publishing at 501-907-6776 or jennifer@matthewspublsihing.com.
MTA President & CEO Jill Sokacz, along with MTA Board Member Ashley Kordish of Ralph Moyle, Inc., testified in support of House Bills 5125-5126. These bills would amend the Michigan Penal Code to authorize prosecutors to seek an enhanced sentence of an additional term of imprisonment of up to 10 years for larceny involving stolen cargo.
In this episode of Insight, host Ariel Backus speaks with Jill Sokacz, CAE, president and CEO of the Michigan Trucking Association, about MTA’s role in supporting the trucking industry. Jill highlights the association’s history, member services, and the wide range of professionals who keep trucking moving. She shares her career path into association leadership and underscores the importance of adaptability. The conversation also addresses key industry challenges, including driver shortages, regulatory pressures, safety, and the need for better facilities—especially for female drivers—while emphasizing advocacy, public relations, and continuous learning in effective association
Ralph Moyle, Inc. Selected as a 2026 TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is proud to announce that MTA member Ralph Moyle, Inc is included in its 2026 class of TCA Elite Fleet certified carriers, marking the second year of the program recognizing the best places to drive in the truckload industry.
MTA Delegation Meets with Legislators During Call on Washington
An MTA delegation traveled to Washington D.C. December 2-3, 2025 to meet with legislators -- including Congressman John James -- to discuss issues that are vital to Michigan's trucking industry.
This annual event gives MTA members face-to-face access to Michigan senators and state representatives, key congressional staff, federal regulators and fellow industry leaders. 2026's Call on Washington is March 24-25. Contact MTA President Jill Sokacz for more information.
Maner Costerisan Merges with Baker Holtz
Maner Costerisan announced the merger of Baker Holtz, a respected Grand Rapids-based accounting and advisory firm, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The agreement, officially signed in late October, marks a major milestone in Maner Costerisan’s five-year growth vision to expand its service capabilities and deepen its presence across West Michigan.
MTA Sets New Wreaths Across American Record
This year's Wreaths Across America campaign set a new MTA record -- 118!
On December 13, these sponsored wreaths will be placed on veterans' graves in Arlington National Cemetery as well as local Michigan gravesites.
On behalf of WAA, MTA thanks our supporters for remembering and honoring our fallen heroes.
MTA Endorses TAEC's Plan to Eliminate Bad Acrors and Restore Fair Competition
In a move endorsed by MTA, the Trucking Association Executive Council (TAEC), a broad group of state and national trucking associations, has released a comprehensive policy blueprint -- The Fight for Fairness and Safety: Paving the Way for a Trucking Resurgence -- to eliminate bad actors who exploit regulatory gaps, undermine safety, and create unfair competitive advantages in the commercial trucking industry.
MTA Relaunches Magazine with New Publisher
The Michigan Trucking Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with Matthews Publishing Group (MPG) to relaunch MTA’s statewide magazine: Strait Ahead, the new official magazine of the Michigan Trucking Association.
Launching March 2026, we will create a timely, informative magazine that helps MTA members set the pace in Michigan's trucking industry. With MPG’s expertise, Strait Ahead will deliver original editorial content tailored specifically for members, paired with professional graphic design, photography and first-class production.
This year, we will publish four issues: March, June, September and November. Beginning Q1 2027, MTA will publish a hardcopy membership directory/buyer's guide along with three issues of Strait Ahead. All magazines and the directory will provide advertising and advertorial content opportunities.
We are confident Strait Ahead will become an essential "must read" as MTA continues to renew and rebuild to meet your needs. Stay tuned!
MBH Trucking's Sanderson Wins Two NTTC Safety Awards
During the National Tank Truck Carriers' Annual Tank Truck Week Conference in Kansas City, MO, its Safety & Security Council hosted an awards banquet October 8 in recognition of 2024 safety managers' outstanding performance. MBH Trucking, LLC's HR and Safety Manager Susan Sanderson (center) received two safety awards: Competitive Safety Contest, Grand Award and the Sutherland Division Safety Professional of the Year.
Congratulations Susan and MBH Trucking for your dedication to trucking safety!
MTA Has Your Back -- No New Truck-Specific Road Taxes!
It does make a difference when constituents reach out to their legislators.
As we've reported, Michigan's legislature had been actively threatening more truck-specific road taxes that unfairly target our industry. MTA asked for your help in contacting your state representatives and senators to tell them they can't disproportionately fix the damn roads on the backs of its trucking companies.
We sounded the alarm -- and you acted.
As a result of your outreach, and MTA's intense lobbying efforts, Michigan's legislature backed off truck-specific road taxes! MTA expects the state budget to be passed next week (9/30/25) to avoid a shutdown.
MTA is still actively engaging legislative decision makers to find equitable solutions to the complex issue of road funding.
Lasting Legacy: MBH Secures Spot Among Safest Bulk Fleets
The Michigan-based carrier’s growing reputation for operational excellence now includes a Heil trophy—an honor its owner hopes will help secure the company’s future. Brian Hitchcock (left) has served as the Michigan Trucking Association President and presently sits on MTA's Board of Governors.
MTA Elects 2025-2026 Officers and Board of Governors
At its September 12 annual meeting, MTA elected its 2025-2026 officers and Board of Governors. Serving another term are:
- Glen Merkel, Davis Cartage Company: Chairperson
- Cheryl Lathwell, Koleaseco, Inc.: Vice President
- Brian Brink, Brink Farms, Inc.: Secretary/Treasurer
- Evan Stouten, Modular Transportation: ATA State Vice President
Board of Governors:
- Edward Eberle, Magra, Inc.
- Carol Heinowski, Meijer Logistics, LLC
- M. Brian Hitchcock, MBH Trucking, LLC
- Ashley Kordish, Ralph Moyle, Inc.
- Larry Larson, Great West Casualty Company
- Jim McKinley, HNI Acrisure Partners
- David Menke, America's Transportation Resources
- Paul Millenbach, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC
- Joe Oldenbroek, Oldenbroek Trucking
- Andrew Perdock, Cummins, Inc.
- Donald Quarles, Padnos
- Eric Rivard, Revenova
- Robert Yeager, FedEx Corporation
- Greg Zink, MRPR Group
MTA Testifies Before Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee
On September 10, 2025, MTA President & CEO Jill Sokacz and MTA Chairman Glen Merkel of Davis Cartage Company testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Local Transportation on truck weights and the importance of trucking to Michigan and our economy.
MTA Sponsors Annual Wreaths Across America Campaign December 13, 2025
Once again, Michigan Trucking Association will be helping Wreaths Across America to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying veterans' wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.
Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring a wreath(s).
Governor Whitmer Declares September 14-20 Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Michigan
At Michigan Trucking Association's request, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared September 14-20, 2025 Truck Driver Appreciation Week in Michigan.
This coincides with American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Did you know:
- Trucking provides 260,060 jobs in Michigan?
- There are 69,990 primarily small, locally-owned trucking companies?
- Trucking provides 1 in 15 jobs in the state?
- 71.5% of Michigan's manufactured tonnage is transported by truck?
MTA celebrates the men and women of the industry who deliver life's essentials every day. Thank you and safe travels!
ATA's Trucking Assocation Executives Council Announces New Leadership
On July 18, 2025, the American Trucking Associations announced new members of the Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC). TAEC is comprised of staff executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with ATA. The purpose of TAEC is to:
- Promote the trucking industry.
- Contribute to the improvement of the associations and organizations established to serve the trucking industry.
- Advance the professional stature and capabilities of the managers and executives of such associations.
Jill Sokacz, president and CEO, Michigan Trucking Association, has been named Chair of Region III.
Governor Whitmer Reappoints Two MTA Members to the Michigan Truck Safety Commission
On July 10, 2025 Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two MTA member reappointments to the Michigan Truck Safety Commission:
- M. Brian Hitchcock, of Webberville, is the owner and chief executive officer of MBH Trucking, LLC and owner and president of Chloride Solutions, LLC. Hitchcock is a board member and former president of the Michigan Trucking Association. Hitchcock will be reappointed to represent the Michigan Trucking Association for a term commencing August 5, 2025, and expiring August 4, 2027.
- Carol Heinowski, of Grand Ledge, is the logistics, safety, and compliance manager at Meijer. Carol Heinowski will be reappointed to represent private motor carriers for a term commencing August 5, 2025, and expiring August 4, 2027.
The Michigan Truck Safety Commission is the only organization in the nation dedicated to commercial truck driver education and training supported solely by the industry it serves. The Commission is committed to enhancing truck and truck driver safety by providing truck driver education and training, heightening all drivers' awareness of the operational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initiating data collection and research, and supporting enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.
Kordish Leads Ralph Moyle, Inc. into New Era
Ashley Kordish, the first female leader in longtime MTA member Ralph Moyle, Inc.'s history—and a future TCA Refrigerated Division chair—is navigating industry challenges while raising the bar for her family-owned company. Ashley also serves on MTA's Board of Governors.
U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett Co-Sponsors 2025 Trucking Bills as Result of Davis Cartage Visit
As a direct result of discussions during U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett's April 23, 2025 visit with MTA member Davis Cartage Company, Congressman Barrett is co-sponsoring two bills that directly affect trucking:
- The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (H.B. 1659) directs the Department of Transportation to provide competitive grants for projects that provide public parking for commercial motor vehicles and improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle drivers.
- The Veteran's Transition to Trucking Act of 2025 (H.B. 2954) authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve multi-State apprenticeship programs for purposes of veterans educational assistance, and for other purposes.
Congressman Barrett is a member of the House Committee on Transportation.
MTA member visits with legislators do make an impact. Consider participating in MTA's Call on Washington, December 2-3, 2025.
Marathon Petroleum Awarded FleetOwner 2025 Private Fleet of the Year Honors
Congratulations to MTA member Marathon Petroleum for winning FleetOwner's Private Fleet of the Year at the National Private Truck Council's annual conference in Orlando, FL.
MBH Trucking Wins Division in 2025 National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Contest
Congratulations to MTA member MBH Trucking LLC for winning their division at the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) 2025 North American Safety Contest. MBH won the Sutherland Division, which are carriers with under 15 million miles.
The North American Safety Contest is NTTC’s premier annual competition recognizing tank truck carriers with exceptional safety records and operational practices. Winners are selected based on a comprehensive review of their safety performance in the prior year, including accident frequency rates, safety program implementation, and driver training efforts.
MBH Trucking President Brian Hitchcock says it best: "I'm proud of our team!"
Rep. Tom Barrett Visits Davis Cartage Company
On April 23, 2025 MTA member Davis Cartage Company welcomed United States Representative Tom Barrett and his staff. A tour of the facility preceded engaging discussions on key trucking industry concerns with Michigan Trucking Association President/CEO Jill Sokacz and Davis Cartage President/CEO Glen Merkel.
The Michigan Trucking Association sincerely appreciates Rep. Barrett’s leadership and has full confidence in his continued advocacy as a new member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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