ATA Chair-Elect Mac McCormick Dies in Plane Crash

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Mac McCormick, 1951-2006Clarence James “Mac” McCormick III, chairman and chief executive officer of Bestway Express and chairman-elect of American Trucking Associations, died Oct. 26 in a crash of a small plane near Lawrenceville, Ill.

McCormick, 55, was piloting his own airplane from Indianapolis to Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport when the plane went down approximately four miles from the airport, officials told Transport Topics.

Industry and government leaders expressed sadness and shock at the news.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, with whom McCormick had worked on economic development projects, said, “I’m simply heartsick. Mac was one of Indiana’s most important citizens and we’ve become close friends. He was one of very few people I’ve asked to serve the state in two critical capacities — as a Vincennes University trustee and on the IEDC [Indiana Economic Development Corp.] board. Mac was a shaper and strong supporter of our pro-growth agenda for Indiana. He simply can’t be replaced.”

“It’s certainly a tragedy, especially with Mac and his family’s legacy in trucking,” Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Oct. 27. “It’s just very, very tragic.”

“My prayers are with Mac’s family during their time of grief,” said John Hill, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “As a fellow pilot, Mac and I shared a love for flying. In Indiana, we worked on commercial vehicle safety issues for more than 15 years. Mac was a forward thinker; someone who was always looking to make things better.”

McCormick, who founded truckload carrier Bestway Express in 1981, was to have been the 13th individual to head both ATA and the Truckload Carriers Association, which he chaired in 1998-99.

He also would have been the second son of a former chairman to head ATA. McCormick’s father, C. James McCormick II, chaired ATA in 1970-71.

“I am both stunned and saddened by the news of Mac McCormick’s death in a private plane crash near Lawrenceville, Ill., last night,” ATA President Bill Graves said in a statement Oct. 27. “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.”

“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 Patrick Quinn, chairman of ATA and co-chairman of U.S. Xpress Enterprises. “I considered it an honor to work with him as chairman this past year. He will truly be missed.”

McCormick was an instrument-rated pilot who often flew himself on business trips.

A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board told TT that McCormick’s plane was on approach to the Lawrenceville airport in “instrument conditions” consisting of light rain and a 400-foot cloud ceiling.

NTSB spokesman Ted Lopatkiewicz said only one person was aboard the plane at the time it crashed and that the occupant had been killed.

Lopatkiewicz said McCormick’s plane was a Beech B-55, which is a fixed-wing, two-engine aircraft. FAA registration data said the plane was built in 1981.

McCormick recently told TT he thought his interest in trucks was related to his interest in engines in general.

“Everything I do has to have an engine,” McCormick said, counting among his hobbies motorcycles and powerboats, as well as airplanes.

Based in Vincennes, Ind., Bestway is a dedicated contract truckload carrier that specializes in hauling automotive components, especially seating, and operates related businesses active in delivery and distribution; third-party logistics, warehousing and freight brokerage; and truck leasing and maintenance.

All told, the companies generated roughly $65 million in revenue last year and employ 500.

The carrier portion of the business operates 425 tractors with 1,100 trailers in eight facilities it shares with various shippers.

Two of McCormick’s three sons work for Bestway. His oldest son, Will, has worked for the company’s equipment-leasing section for about a year and his youngest son, Eli, recently began working full time in the company’s logistics division.

Middle son Ry is a pastry chef at a resort in French Lick, Ind.

Two of McCormick’s three siblings also work for Bestway. His brother, Patrick, runs the maintenance operation and sister Jane is a secretary.

McCormick’s older brother, Mike, is a retired attorney who had a substantial transportation practice.

McCormick also is survived by his father and his stepmother, Marilyn McCormick.

Editor's Note — Sympathy cards may be sent to:

C. James McCormick II

/o Bestway Express