The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has officially revealed the five exceptional finalists for the 2024 National Driver of the Year Award. Sponsored by DMC Insurance, this prestigious award celebrates a professional truck driver who exhibits exemplary safety practices and a remarkable career filled with achievements.
The highly-anticipated winner will be announced at the ATA’s Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, happening April 23–25 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Continental Express driver David Wolford, ATA’s 2023 National Driver of the Year. (Source: American Trucking Associations)
Recognizing Excellence on the Road
The ATA National Driver of the Year Award honors an individual for their lifelong dedication to safety and professionalism in the trucking industry. Every year, state trucking associations nominate their top drivers, and the ATA selects finalists through a rigorous evaluation process spearheaded by industry safety professionals.
This year, the following five drivers have risen above the rest, showcasing extraordinary accomplishments:
- Jay Williams (TCW, Inc.)
- Accident-Free Miles: Over 3 million
- Years in the Industry: 20 with TCW, Inc.
- Awards: TCW 20 Year Safe Driving Award (2023); Tennessee Driver of the Year (2024)
Jay Williams has dedicated two decades of his career to TCW, Inc., driving with unparalleled precision and safety. His track record includes achieving over 3 million accident-free miles, a milestone recognized with several accolades, including the Tennessee Driver of the Year award for 2024.
- Rollie Fugate (WalMart)
- Accident-Free Miles: 6 million
- Years in the Industry: 47.5 total, 24.5 with Wal-Mart
- Awards: Nevada Driver of the Year (2023)
With nearly five decades behind the wheel and a staggering 6 million accident-free miles, Rollie Fugate represents the gold standard of trucking safety. Now in his 24th year with WalMart, Fugate’s achievements include the Nevada Driver of the Year title.
- Michael Bortz (Sorensen Transport)
- Accident-Free Miles: 4.85 million
- Years in the Industry: 43 total, 21 with Sorensen Transport
- Awards: Montana Driver of the Year (2024)
Michael Bortz has mastered the art of safe driving over his 43-year career, amassing nearly 5 million accident-free miles. Recognized as Montana’s Driver of the Year for 2024, Bortz has set an impressive industry benchmark.
- Danny Tankersly (WEL Companies)
- Accident-Free Miles: 4.6 million
- Years in the Industry: 36 total, 14 with WEL Companies
- Awards: WEL Companies Driver of the Year (11-time recipient); WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year
Danny Tankersly’s reputation for safety is legendary. He boasts decades of accident-free driving and multiple honors, including winning WEL Companies’ Driver of the Year Award an astounding 11 times. His contributions were recently acknowledged with the WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year title.
- Thomas Miller (Prime Inc.)
- Accident-Free Miles: 3.8 million
- Years in the Industry: 25 with Prime Inc.
- Awards: Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year (2016, 2023); MOTA Professional Excellence Award (2019); ATA America’s Road Team Captain
With a career defined by excellence, Thomas Miller has accumulated 3.8 million accident-free miles and numerous prestigious awards. From being named Missouri Driver of the Year twice to serving as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, Miller exemplifies professionalism on the road.
Judging and Selection Process
Each finalist for the National Driver of the Year Award first earns recognition as a state Driver of the Year, nominated by ATA-affiliated state trucking associations. These impressive contenders are evaluated by a panel of industry safety experts who assess qualifications, career milestones, and safety records.
The process also involves reviewing video submissions, allowing judges from the Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee to select the single standout driver worthy of the national spotlight.
