The editorial staff at Heavy Duty Trucking received several awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors, including two national awards and two regional awards.


The Azbees, as they're known, are one of the top competitions for business-to-business, trade, association, and professional publications, and recognize outstanding work by magazines, newsletters and digital media. The winners are chosen by experienced judges with background in business publications.

Equipment Editor Jim Park brought home a national gold award in the How-To Article category for "Driving to Survive," about how to drive for fuel economy, in the June 2008 issue. Part of a special issue devoted to dealing with high fuel prices, Park's article looked at throttle management, progressive shifting, understanding torque and horsepower, idle time and more.

The late Bette Garber, who was senior editor at the time of her death last fall, was recognized with a national bronze in the Feature Article category for her "Health on the Highway" in the July 2008 issue. This cover story on driver health covered the factors that put truck drivers at risk, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and sleep apnea.

Washington Editor Oliver B. Patton won a gold award for the western region in the News Analysis/Investigative category for "Roadway Reform" in the March 2008 issue, covering the long-awaited report of a congressionally appointed panel on how to fix the nation's infrastructure problems.

Doug Condra, who retired as president this year after 38 years with Newport, was honored with a western region gold for Staff Written Regular Column for two pieces relating to highway funding. His February 2008 column, "THUD: Still Pretty Porky," looked at earmarks in an omnibus spending bill. His April 2008 column, "Funding: Let the Games Begin," said elected representatives "better get it right this time, or take responsibility for running our transportation system into the ground - no matter how they decide to fund it."