Incoming trucking association chair McCormick killed in plane crash

Incoming trucking association chair McCormick killed in plane crash    Mac McCormick, founder and chairman of Bestway Express and chairman-elect of the American Trucking Associations, died Thursday evening when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed near Lawrenceville, Ind.
   The accident occurred on the eve of the ATA’s annual conference in Dallas this weekend where McCormick was to be formally inaugurated to lead the trade association. McCormick was ATA’s first vice chairman.
   McCormick, 55, was heading home to Vincennes, Ind., from Indianapolis when his plane went down about four miles short of the Mid-American Air Center airport, according to the ATA.
   The craft apparently clipped the top of some trees, caught fire and crashed about 10:30 p.m. as it began a second approach to the airport, the Associated press reported.
   “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,” ATA President Bill Graves said in a statement.
   “Mac McCormick’s death is a devastating loss. He was more than a rising star in the industry; he was also a great friend,” said Pat Quinn, chairman of ATA and co-chairman of U.S. Xpress Enterprises.
   Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said, “I’m simply heartsick. Mac was one of Indiana’s most important citizens and we’ve become close friends.” Daniels appointed McCormick to serve on the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
   Bestway is a medium-haul truckload carrier, whose customers include Johnson Controls, Essex, AP Tentech, Lear Seating, and Woodbridge Corp.