WAUPUN — For nearly 50 years, Ron VandeZande has earned a living behind the wheel of a truck.

Most truckers are content to draw a paycheck at the end of the month, but VandeZande's dedication to the industry is more personal.

Over the years, the Waupun man's passion for those who drive the big rigs has led him to help establish a nationally renowned trucking show in his hometown, organize a convoy to benefit Special Olympics, and support changes in legislation to return trucking to a profitable industry.

Last week, VandeZande, 65, was recognized by the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association as the 2009 recipient of the Frank W. Babbitt Award, the organization's most prestigious honor.

"This award is presented to a person who has shown outstanding service to the Motor Carriers Association, to the trucking industry and their community," said WMCA President Tom Howells. "Ron has a heart of gold and has worked tirelessly to organize a number of fundraising events for those in the industry who need a hand."

White line fever

VandeZande got his first taste of the trucking business when he was offered a job hauling peas and sweet corn during his 18th summer.

"That was pretty good money back then. I was able to save up enough money to buy my first truck," VandeZande said.

From there, he moved off the rural byways and onto four-lane highways, hauling consumer goods as an independent trucker. Before the government moved to deregulate the industry, it was common for truckers to earn $1,500 to $2,000 a week from their hauls.

"It was good money, but you had to run hard to make that," VandeZande said. "After deregulation, your take-home pay dropped to $400 to $500 a week."

Hard-pressed to make a living on the road, VandeZande stepped away from over-the-road trucking and started his own business, VZ's Trucking, hauling sand and gravel. While VandeZande was looking forward to retirement, a slump in the construction industry hit his business hard.

"We've had to turn 19 accounts over to collections this year. In the 17 years that I have been running my own business, I've never seen it this bad," he said. "I might have to go back out on the road just to stay afloat."

But he knows it isn't any easier out there on the highway. As a member of the WMCA, VandeZande has traveled around the state and has heard the plight of fellow truckers.

"It's hard for a lot of them to stay in business because so many companies have been undercutting them," VandeZande said. "But the next three to six months will tell the story when a lot of these trucking companies fold up because they can't make a go of it."

More than a job

VandeZande and fellow trucking enthusiast Steve Wendt were among a group of five Waupun men who helped launch the nationally recognized Waupun Truck-N-Show 20 years ago. For years, the group tossed around the idea of putting together a show, and then one day VandeZande encouraged them to put the idea into motion.

"When Ron believes in an idea, he pours his heart into it," said Wendt.

Not only is the Truck-N-Show the signature event in Waupun, it has helped generate nearly a quarter of a million dollars for charity — for the MAC Fund, Special Olympics of Wisconsin and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. After serving 18 years as president of the show, VandeZande stepped down from the position two years ago.

"(VandeZande) is also one of the founding members that helped organize the Wisconsin Truckers Convoy for the Special Olympics, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary next year," Howells said.

The 6-foot 5-inch VandeZande said he can't help but wipe the tears away from his eyes as he pulls into the grounds of the EAA in Oshkosh and sees the Special Olympics athletes lined up along the driveway hoisting signs high in the air.

"I have a special spot in my heart for these kids … it's hard not to break down," VandeZande said.

VandeZande also was at a loss for words when his name was announced as the recipient of the Frank W. Babbitt Award.

"Ron told me that he didn't feel he deserved the award," Howells said. "I told him that there were a lot of great people in the trucking industry, but that he didn't have to take a back seat to anyone."