Terrence Goodau, graduate of MTI’s Professional Truck Driving Program, has been chosen as a finalist for this year’s Mike O’Connell Trucking’s Top Rookie Award presented by Truckers News. Terrence is now a driver with Tri-State Motor Transit. You can read a full profile on Terrence from Truckers News here.
MTI CDL Training Course/Professional Truck Driving Program Instructor Bobby Merckling had this to say of Terrence:
“TJ came to MTI with a strong military background and a work ethic that benefited himself as well as his classmates. He came to us with a goal of becoming a truck driver for an elite company. MTI is proud to have been a part of helping TJ achieve his goal and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than him to be a finalist for Top Rookie Driver of the Year.”
“For myself, my company, and the school I went to, it’s a great accolade. I spent 17 years in the military. I’m not all about the accolades,” Goodau said. “A pat on the back is great and being recognized for this is remarkable, but I’m just here to do my job and get things from Point A to Point B as safely as I can and take care of my family with what I get.”
The contest honors rookie drivers who have shown professionalism working in the industry for less than a year. It also aims to help show appreciation to new drivers, and promote truck driving as a career path at a time where there is a shortage of drivers.
The nine finalists were selected by a panel of judges from the trucking industry and truck driver training organizations; including Commercial Vehicle Training Association, National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, and the Professional Truck Driver Institute.
The winner will be announced during a ceremony on Friday, August 24 at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas and will receive $10,000 and numerous prizes. The other finalists receive $1,000 each and a package of prizes.
Congratulations to Terrence for this honor! We will update the post with any additional information as it becomes available. In the meantime, you can learn more about MTI’s CDL Training Course and Professional Truck Driving Program.