Efigenio “Nick” Barboza, a professional driver with Covenant Logistics, has been named the 2026 DMC Insurance Driver of the Year, recognizing nearly three decades of safe driving, leadership, and service to both the trucking industry and his community.
DMC Insurance announced the award on July 1, saying Barboza was selected by a panel of judges with experience in transportation, safety, and related fields. The company plans to present the award and prize package during a driver appreciation event at Barboza’s home terminal later this summer.
Barboza earned the recognition after compiling an exceptional career that includes more than 3.5 million miles behind the wheel and 28 years with Covenant Logistics. Throughout that time, he has received numerous safety and training honors, including Covenant’s 120 Club recognition for reaching 3 million consecutive accident-free miles, a milestone the company says is equivalent to driving around the Earth 120 times.
His accomplishments also include being named Covenant’s 2025 Professional Trainer of the Year, earning multiple Professional Trainer of the Month honors, receiving the 2025 TCA Professional Driver of the Year award, and competing in several professional truck driving championships.
DMC said Barboza distinguished himself not only through his driving record but also through his commitment to mentoring new drivers. During his career, he has trained more than 650 students, helping prepare the next generation of professional drivers entering the industry.
According to DMC, Barboza began pursuing a trucking career in 1998 to provide a better future for his family. He has remained with Covenant Logistics ever since, crediting the company’s investment in driver development and its family-oriented culture as reasons for building a long-term career there.
Away from work, Barboza and his wife, Nancy, have devoted much of their lives to serving others. The couple has provided foster care for more than 30 children and later became permanent guardians to four of them. DMC also highlighted Barboza’s volunteer efforts, noting that he enjoys fishing and preparing food for families in need when he is home.
“Nick reflects the very best of the transportation industry: hard work, loyalty, faith, generosity and a genuine desire to lift others,” said Lathen Whited, vice president of enterprise retention at Covenant. “His story is not only remarkable, but also an example for all to follow.”
The DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award recognizes professional drivers employed by DMC Insurance customers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community service. Participating companies may nominate up to three drivers each year, with one recipient selected following an independent review process.
Drivers interested in learning more about the DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award, including the nomination process and past recipients, can find additional information on the company’s official website.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: July 8, 2026
Source: The Trucker
Image Source: DMC
