In Oklahoma City, the American Trucking Associations brought attention to the people and companies putting safety first across daily operations. The recognition came through its Safety Management Council during the 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition.
The recognition took place during ATA’s 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition. The winners were recognized at ATA’s 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition Awards Banquet sponsored by Tenstreet.
The focus wasn’t just on policies or paperwork. The spotlight was on real-world performance, fleets logging millions of miles, drivers maintaining strong safety records, and organizations building habits that reduce risk on the road and in the yard.
Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said, “Safety and security in trucking are at the core of everything we do. They are what keep operations running smoothly and, even more important, protect every driver on the road. The professionals in this space play a critical role in the industry’s success. For many, it becomes a long-term commitment to continuously improve standards and prevent risk. At the end of the day, their work goes beyond compliance. They are actively helping to save lives every time a truck travels our roadways.”
Fleets Recognized for Mileage-Based Safety
Awards were handed out based on miles traveled, highlighting carriers that maintained strong safety performance at different operating scales:
- Over 100 million miles: A. Duie Pyle Inc.
- Between 25 and 100 million miles: Red Classic
- Under 25 million miles: Alaska West Express
These categories reflect how safety performance is measured across fleets of different sizes, not just the largest operations.
Individual and Association Honors
The event also recognized standout performance beyond fleet operations.
- 2025 National Driver of the Year: Don Carpenter of Old Dominion Freight Lines
- 2025 Excellence in Safety: Tennessee Trucking Association
Jacob Pierce, executive director of the council, said, “We’re thrilled to honor this year’s recipients. Each plays a key role in building a safer, more resilient culture throughout our industry. From motor carriers to state association leaders and drivers on the road, their commitment is vital to promoting safety, and we deeply appreciate their hard work.”
Why It Matters on the Road
Awards like these point to something bigger than a single event. They reflect how safety shows up day to day, in maintenance checks, decision-making behind the wheel, and how companies handle risk before it turns into a problem.
Recognition programs also set a benchmark. Fleets and drivers can see what strong performance looks like and where the bar is being set across the industry.
