Briefly: Maverick announces Trainer of the Year

Maverick Transportation recently named Kurt Shunkey its 2025 Trainer of the Year.

Shunkey has over four years as a road trainer and seven years as a driver. He was named Maverick’s Driver of the Month in 2022, earned a five-year safe driving ring, and achieved ACE status three times since 2022.

When asked about winning the awars, Shunkey said he was surprised.

“It makes me feel very honored that Maverick thinks I am worthy enough to be named Trainer of the Year,” he said. “I know there was student input and that means so much to me. I have trained approximately 24 students.”

Vice President of Operations John Coppens said, “Kurt has excelled as both a road trainer and driver. Drivers trained by Kurt consistently praise his commitment and professionalism.”

Since 2019, Maverick’s Trainer of the Year program has showcased some of our most elite Mavericks; those drivers who choose to go above and beyond and train the next generation of professional drivers each and every day.

Our Trainer of the Year program is an extension of Maverick’s desire to recognize excellence. Trainer finalists embody qualities that make a Maverick driver top-tier. These include an excellent performance history, a safety-first mindset, strong mentoring and teaching abilities, and a desire to have a positive influence on our students.

In addition to the honor of being named a Trainer of the Year Finalist, these drivers are also challenged to improve our training standards by meeting and providing insights on our program.

Mack offers app for new Pioneer model

Mack Trucks has announced the launch of MyMack, a driver application that enhances the connected vehicle experience for its all-new Mack Pioneer highway model.

The app, available for download from the Apple Store and Google Play, gives drivers remote access to their vehicles, allowing them to monitor critical information and control select functions directly from their smartphones.

The Mack Pioneer, unveiled April 8, represents the future of Mack’s highway offerings with its bold, aerodynamic design and industry-first features.The Pioneer features an aggressive windshield angle, streamlined chassis design, and an optional innovative digital mirror system that replaces traditional mirrors with cameras.

Through MyMack, drivers can remotely monitor their truck’s fuel level, Diesel Exhaust Fluid level, oil level and check the status of vehicle lights. When equipped with the new Mack Integrated Parking Cooler, the app also enables remote climate control activation, allowing drivers to pre-condition their cab environment before starting their workday, adding driver comfort to its benefits.

“The Pioneer was designed with the driver experience as a top priority, offering features like our exclusive premium seating system with armrests on both sides, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a customizable switch layout,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “The MyMack app extends this driver-centric philosophy beyond the cab, giving drivers unprecedented control and information access even when they’re away from their truck.”

Nebraska officer wins Inspector Championship again

Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Sergeant Matt Ramsey won first place honors for the second year in a row at the Nebraska Inspector Championships. NSP Investigator Kris Hunzeker took second place in the competition that was held in conjunction with the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in Grand Island recently.

Sgt. Ramsey is a 24-year veteran of NSP, stationed in the Omaha Metro. Investigator Hunzeker is a 22-year NSP veteran, stationed in Lincoln. Both serve in the Carrier Enforcement Division of the Nebraska State Patrol. Hunzeker has previously won the competition three times.

During the competition, each participant goes through a table-top exercise, various hands-on inspections, and a personal interview. Carrier Enforcement commanders also assist with the truck driving competition.

Sgt. Ramsey will now represent Nebraska at the North American Inspector Championships in Minneapolis in August. During the NAIC, inspectors from across North America are tested in a series of timed events, in which they demonstrate their knowledge of the North American Standard Inspection Program.