Life On The Road

‘Trick My Trucker’ debuts on CMT

The same folks who brought you the television show “Trick My Truck” are back with a new show, only this time they’re turning the tables on the trucking industry. “Trick My Trucker,” which premiered in November on CMT (Saturdays at 9 p.m.), shifts the focus from the trucks to the truckers themselves, giving their lives a physical and emotional overhaul for cash, prizes and a roadmap to healthy living.
          Hosted by “The Bachelor’s” Bob Guiney and featuring the help of celebrity stylist, Harmonie Krieger, and trainer, Aaron Aguilera, each 30-minute episode of “Trick My Trucker” challenges two out-of-shape drivers to change not only their image but also their lifestyle for a reward of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
     In each episode, the truckers are confronted about their unhealthy habits on the road and encouraged to change their routines by learning nutritional eating habits—even when greasy diners are their only option—as well as exercise routines perfect for truck stops and rest areas.
     Armed with a confessional camera to track their progress over several weeks, the truckers return at the end of each episode for a physical transformation and a catwalk finale, revealing their new and improved selves in front of family and friends. Guiney and his team serve as judges, determining who has committed the most to their life-style makeover and rewarding the winning trucker with fuel money for their big rig as well as a new lease on life on the road.
     William G. Gray Jr., a Cumberland, MD-based driver for UPS Freight, received another type of star treatment when he was named the American Trucking Associations’ 2007 National Truck Driver of the Year. The announcement was made at the ATA Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council’s Fall Conference in Pittsburgh.
     Gray has driven more than 2.7 million accident-free miles in his 28 years on the road. He competed for the national title, considered the highest honor a commercial truck driver can receive, against professionals nominated from state trucking associations.
     “The trucking industry is proud to recognize Bill Gray as a professional who works hard every day to deliver what America needs— safely, efficiently and on time,” says ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “His dedication to teaching the public safe driving practices and helping his community, as well as his stellar driving record, make Bill a very worthy Driver of the Year.”
     Some of the activities that helped Gray earn the National Driver of the Year title include teaching safe driving techniques to teens and senior citizens, working to improve highway safety as a member of the Allegany County of Maryland Safety Coalition, competing at both state and national truck driving championships, and participating in multiple charitable events. In addition to his numerous industry activities, Gray has served as a youth league sports coach, commissioner and volunteer for both softball and basketball.