ATA chair-elect killed in plane crash

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Clarence James “Mac” McCormick III, chairman-elect of the American Trucking Associations and president and CEO of Bestway Express, was killed late last week night when his plane crashed en route to Mid-American Air Center in Lawrenceville, Ill.

Airport officials said McCormick was at the controls of the white, single-engine plane when it crashed several miles north of the airport.

McCormick was scheduled to assume duties as chairman of ATA at the organization’s Management Conference and Exhibition this past weekend in Dallas, Texas.

McCormick started Bestway Express in Vincennes, Ind., in 1981 with four trucks. The company, which offers warehousing and logistical services, since has grown into a regional and dedicated fleet of more than 400 trucks.

“I am both stunned and saddened by the news of Mac McCormick’s death,” said ATA President Bill Graves. “Mac was a tireless ambassador for the trucking industry. This is truly an enormous loss. Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.”

McCormick is the second ATA official to have died in an accident this year. Mike Russell, vice-president for public affairs at the ATA, died in June in a whitewater rafting incident in Colorado.