Crawford Trucking Driver Mike Nelson Recognized as TCA Highway Angel for Assisting Stranded Motorists
June 11th, 2026
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Crawford Trucking driver Mike Nelson a Highway Angel for his kindness and assistance to stranded motorists in California.
On the evening of May 21, 2026, Nelson was traveling through California after making a delivery when he stopped at a rest area along Interstate 40. There, he noticed a family whose daughter’s vehicle had broken down after overheating in the desert heat while traveling from Los Angeles to New York.
Nelson initially stopped to see if he could help diagnose the problem. After returning to his truck, however, he found himself thinking about the stranded travelers.
“Afterwards I went back to my truck and was starting to eat supper, and it was weighing real heavy on me,” Nelson recalled. “The Lord was speaking to me and told me to go back and check on them, see if they needed any food or water or anything.”
When he returned, Nelson learned the family had been waiting for a tow truck and had run out of food and water.
“So I went back to my truck and got some snacks and some water,” he said. “They had called the tow truck, but it hadn’t come yet, and they were out of food and water. They didn’t have anything.”
Nelson shared his supplies and stayed with the family until help arrived.
“I just couldn’t feel right about not at least offering to share with them what I had,” he said.
His actions left a lasting impression on motorist Scott Morrison, who later submitted a nomination to TCA praising Nelson’s compassion.
“Thank you,” Morrison wrote. “I’m not sure if Mike works for you, but if he does, he was very kind to us when our car broke down in California. He made sure we had water and any other necessities while we waited for AAA. His kindness was very appreciated.”
Nelson, who has been driving professionally since the mid-1990s, was humbled by the recognition.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I was just thankful that, you know, you show a little kindness when somebody’s having some trouble.”
Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to spotlight outstanding drivers like Nelson.
To learn more about the TCA Highway Angel program, visit: