Long-Haul Trucker Named ‘American Trucker of the Year’ by WIX® Filters, American Trucker Magazine

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

New Jersey Native Cited for Lifelong Career for Hauling Freight on Open Road



Rusty Allen, a for-hire, highway-tractor operator whose career in trucking has spanned 35 years and more than a million miles, has been named “American Trucker of the Year” by WIX® Filters and American Trucker magazine. The award recognizes independent operators who are committed to safety, innovation and a willingness to travel new and different roads in search of efficient ways to deliver goods.

Allen, based in Monroe Township, N.J., was selected for the award, in part, for adopting a rigorous set of rules designed to extend the life of his 2000 Freightliner Classic highway tractor, which is outfitted with a white base coat and blue trim and piping.

“My focus is to run as efficiently and safely as I can,” Allen said while waiting for his haul to be unloaded in Dayton, N.J. “I plan all my runs as to take advantage of time so I won’t have to run hard and fast. I also try to drive only in the right lane while maintaining a steady speed of 58 mph.

“Service and maintenance makes a difference as well,” he added. “I service my 2000 Classic every 1,200 miles, check my tire pressure twice a week and keep my exterior as clean as possible – which helps with fuel efficiency and demonstrates my pride in the American trucker image.”

WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, and American Trucker magazine, a Penton Media publication for owner/operators, drivers and for-hire fleets, presented Allen with his award.

“Rusty Allen is proof that independent operators can balance safety, innovation and concern for the environment on the open road,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. “Spend any amount of time with Rusty and it is clear that his passion for the trucking industry is part of his DNA, making him the perfect choice as our American Trucker of the Year.”

As part of the award, WIX will provide Allen with four 2014 NASCAR tickets, up to $2,500 in heavy duty filters designed for over-the-road applications, a $500 gift card and WIX merchandise.

The award’s second-place winner is Bill Brady, a for-hire operator in New York Mills, Minn. He will receive four 2014 NASCAR tickets, a $250 gift card and WIX merchandise. The third-place winner is Joe Ferguson, a for-hire operator in Springdale, Ark. He will receive a $100 gift card and WIX merchandise.

“It takes a lot of commitment, time and all-too-precious dollars to be successful as an independent operator or small trucking business today,” said Sean Kilcarr, editor of American Trucker. “That’s why we teamed up with WIX Filters to create a new award for the often-overlooked, yet hard-working-as-ever small operators in the trucking industry – and Rusty Allen fits the bill as the very best of independent truckers in the business today.”

About WIX Filters

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wixfilters, follow us on Twitter@WIXFilters and visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/TheWIXFilters

About Affinia Group Inc.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit, www.affiniagroup.com

Wray Ward