When Peter L. and Mike N. embarked on their professional journeys at NFI, neither could have foreseen that their diligence, resilience, and commitment would one day be immortalized through induction into the prestigious NFI Haul of Fame. Their inclusion in this elite group marks not only their achievements but also their embodiment of what it means to sacrifice, persevere, and uphold safety as a lifestyle.
This year, NFI inducted 14 hardworking drivers into the Haul of Fame—recognizing professionals with over 2 million miles or 20 years of driving without avoidable accidents. Both Peter and Mike were honored to join this select circle of highly accomplished and safety-oriented team members.
“It’s an honor,” shared Peter, reflecting on how much the trucking industry has changed since he started. “You retired and you left, and nobody knew you were gone… At NFI, they know I’ve been here this long, and they recognize what I’ve done. They’re watching, and they understand the sacrifices—this isn’t just a job. This is a lifestyle.”
Peter emphasized how much the recognition meant to him and his family.
“They’ve seen the sacrifice. They’ve lived the sacrifice,” he added. “But I really feel it. I really feel like I’m a part of this family.”
Mike echoed similar sentiments, describing the award as a career highlight.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “When I first saw the Haul of Fame a few years ago, I knew right then I was going to do everything I could to one day see my name up there.”
Mike went on to illustrate the magnitude of the achievement.
“To put things into perspective, it’s 477,710 miles to the moon and back. I’ve done that trip over four times safely,” he said. “Ask your friends how many accidents they’ve been in just driving a car. To hit this milestone safely is nearly inconceivable.”
For both drivers, the Haul of Fame recognition isn’t just a plaque on a wall; it’s a testament to extraordinary dedication and unrelenting focus on safety.
More Than Just a Job—A Workplace That Cares
For Peter and Mike, NFI has always been more than just a job. The atmosphere cultivated at NFI stands out in the trucking industry.
“I wanted to work for a company that cared about their drivers,” Mike shared. “I saw so many NFI trucks on the road and started asking their drivers at truck stops how they liked working for NFI. Every one of them told me how great the company was and how well they treated their drivers.”
His experience after joining only reinforced that reputation.
“NFI treats their drivers with respect, something that many trucking companies fail at,” Mike said. “They’re always investing in new tractors and doing a great job with scheduling so I can maximize time with my family.”
Peter added his thoughts about the uniquely open culture created by the Brown family and management.
“The open-door policy here at NFI means everyone can talk to anybody,” Peter said. “Nobody is above walking up and shaking someone’s hand at two o’clock in the morning.”
Employees feel genuinely supported, he noted, whether it’s through collaborative problem-solving or leadership asking simple but meaningful questions like, “How can I help?”
Celebration of Safe and Dedicated Driving
Since its inception in 2019, the NFI Haul of Fame has celebrated exceptional achievements in safety and reliability. To date, 61 drivers have earned a spot in this distinguished group. This year alone, NFI honored 15 additional drivers who achieved 1 million miles of accident-free driving, collectively contributing more than 14 million safe miles.
These celebrations were held in Chicago, Mauston, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—serving as joyous milestones not only for the drivers but for the entire NFI community.
NFI President of Transportation, Bob Knowles, highlighted the importance of these accomplishments.
“Many of these drivers have driven for the same account throughout their careers, playing a key role in the success of our long-standing customer relationships,” he said.
Source: The Trucker
Image: (NFI) Peter L. (left) and Mike N. (right)
