The award celebrates individuals whose driving careers stand out for consistent safety performance, strong compliance practices, and a long record of responsible operation behind the wheel.

Recognizing Exceptional Safety Records

Candidates considered for the International Driver Excellence Award must represent the highest standards of the profession. The recognition focuses on individuals who have consistently gone beyond the basic responsibilities of operating a commercial vehicle.

According to the award guidelines, nominees should have demonstrated outstanding performance over many years while maintaining a reputation for safety, professionalism, and reliability.

Eligibility Requirements

Those nominated for the honor must meet several strict qualifications designed to highlight a long-term commitment to safe driving practices. Requirements include:

• At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free commercial motor vehicle driving
• A clean driving record for the previous three years
• No felony convictions
• No safety-related driving suspensions within the last three years
• No driver violations during the previous three years, excluding form and manner violations

The program is open to the entire commercial motor vehicle industry, and nominees do not need to belong to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in order to be considered.

Recognition at the Annual CVSA Conference

The individual selected for the 2026 International Driver Excellence Award will be recognized later this year during the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

As part of the recognition, the recipient and one guest will receive a complimentary economy flight to Orlando International Airport along with a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The award presentation will take place during the conference awards luncheon on Sept. 23.

The winner will also receive a $5,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy commemorating the achievement.

How Nominations Are Reviewed

Submissions for the award are completed through the alliance’s online nomination form, which allows applicants to upload supporting documentation that verifies a candidate’s driving record and professional accomplishments.

Once submitted, the nominations are reviewed by the IDEA Program judges, who authenticate the information and recommend a final selection to the CVSA Executive Committee.

The recipient will be announced publicly through a news release, the organization’s website, and social media channels. A feature profile highlighting the winning driver will also appear in the quarterly magazine Guardian.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations for the 2026 International Driver Excellence Award must be submitted by Friday, May 8.

Source: Truckers News

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Walmart sponsors the award and is open to recognizing women whose work reflects a commitment not only to moving freight safely, but also to supporting the people and communities connected to trucking.

“Women are shaping the future of trucking,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president, CEO. “This award celebrates the drivers who go above and beyond in their profession and who uplift others in the industry.”

Why the award matters to the industry

Women make up about 9.5 percent of all professional truck drivers, according to the most recent WIT Index, which tracks the presence of women across trucking roles. While that number has grown over time, WIT says visibility and recognition remain critical to long-term progress.

By spotlighting experienced and dedicated drivers, the association aims to reinforce that professionalism, safety, and leadership are not limited by gender and that the industry benefits when those qualities are recognized publicly.

“Women in trucking aren’t just moving freight, they’re moving the industry forward,” said Ryan McDaniel, senior vice president, Walmart Transportation. “Walmart is honored to continue sponsoring Women In Trucking’s Driver of the Year award and recognize the extraordinary female drivers who lead with professionalism and excellence.”

What the award recognizes

The Driver of the Year honor focuses on more than safe miles alone. Nominees are evaluated based on safety performance, leadership, community involvement, and their overall contribution to improving the image of trucking. WIT emphasizes drivers who act as role models both inside and outside the cab.

Finalists and the winner will be recognized during the 2026 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for March 27. The winner will also receive a commemorative award package that includes a plaque, a custom ring, and additional recognition.

Hearing from the most recent winner

Last year’s honoree, Kathy Blaies, said the recognition carried meaning beyond the stage.

“Every day I get behind the wheel of my car hauler, rain or shine, and do what I love,” Blaies said. “Standing on that stage to receive this award was validation — not just for me, but for every woman who has ever been told ‘this is a man’s world.’ Progress has sometimes felt slow, but seeing more women in this profession proves that change is happening.”

Her comments reflect why the award resonates with many drivers across the industry, especially those who have built long careers through consistency and dedication.

How to submit a nomination

WIT is accepting nominations through January 29, 2026. Drivers can be nominated by employers, coworkers, industry peers, or members of the public who want to recognize a professional driver making a positive impact.

To nominate a driver, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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National Carriers, Inc. named Randy and Darci Wickman as Drivers of the Month for July 2023. They reside in Blackwell, Oklahoma on the I-35 interstate corridor. The Wickman team received a one- thousand- dollar bonus and are now eligible to be named 2023 Driver of the Year. The NCI Driver of the Year will receive an additional $10,000 bonus during a banquet held next year.

“Being together allows us to see the best and the worst of each other. There is no getting away so we must talk through whatever is bothering us. Our family, back home, does not understand life on the road, only those on the road do. We are not sightseeing. When we are driving, we are working” Darci observed.

Having driven for six years, Randy applied at National Carriers when Darci joined the company through the paid training program. After her training was complete, they began their teaming career. Darci has found the lifestyle is exactly what she had hoped for, waking up to a different “porch view” every morning.

Operations Manager, Teresa Henshaw shared her view of the Wickman’s, “Darci and Randy are a go to team. They are always willing to go the extra mile to try to ensure on-time delivery. They are willing to switch loads last minute, relay a load running behind, or move trailers around to ensure our customers have trailers to load. They are an asset to National Carriers and are truly appreciated for all they do.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Carriers, Inc.
3925 Carbon Rd, Irving, TX 75038
Director of Media
Contact: Edward Kentner
Phone: (800) 835-2097 Ext. 6628
Email: e.kentner@nationalcarriers.com
Website: www.nationalcarriers.com

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