CHP Helps Mark the Milestone

CHP officers at the Cottonwood facility, located along Interstate 5 in Northern California, joined the celebration for Mitchell. Walmart employees, local first responders, and members of the chamber of commerce were also there to recognize the longtime driver.

The setting made the recognition especially fitting, with the celebration taking place at a facility dedicated to commercial vehicle enforcement and highway safety.

A Career Milestone on the Road

Four million accident-free miles is a career achievement few drivers reach. For Mitchell, the milestone marked years spent covering the road for Walmart Transportation without an accident.

The Cottonwood CHP shared the occasion as a chance to recognize Mitchell and his accomplishment, bringing together people from both the trucking community and the surrounding area to celebrate with him.

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: September 3, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: CHP

The post Walmart Driver Celebrates 4 Million Accident-Free Miles in California appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On Saturday, April 11, Pasco will host the Washington Truck Driving Championship at Gesa Stadium. The event brings together experienced drivers from across the state to compete in a series of challenges that focus on what matters most out on the road: safety, precision, and consistency.

Organized by the Washington Trucking Associations, the competition is designed to highlight drivers who have proven themselves behind the wheel and in the day-to-day demands of the job.

What drivers can expect at the competition?

This is not just a driving course. Competitors are tested across multiple areas that reflect real-world responsibilities.

Drivers will take part in:

• A written examination covering industry knowledge and safety
• A pre-trip inspection to demonstrate equipment awareness
• A skills course designed to test control, accuracy, and decision making

Each portion is built around the same standards drivers rely on every day, whether they are running local routes or long-haul miles.

A path to the national stage

Top performers in Pasco will move on to the national truck driving championship, often referred to as the Super Bowl of Safety within the industry.

“The Truck Driving Championship competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete,” said WTA President and CEO Sheri Call. “Safety is the paramount goal for our industry, both for drivers and the traveling public. These competitions are a testament to the thousands of truck drivers who operate safely on our roads every day and inspire their peers to operate accident-free.”

For many drivers, qualifying for nationals is not just about competition. It is recognition of years of safe driving and professional discipline.

Who can compete

To enter, drivers must meet strict requirements that reflect the standards behind the event.

• At least one year of continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet
• An accident-free record for that same period

Drivers will compete across nine different equipment classes, including Straight Truck and Sleeper Berth, allowing competitors from different types of operations to showcase their skills.

Why it matters across the industry

Events like this go beyond trophies. They reinforce the importance of safety and professionalism across trucking.

For drivers, it is a chance to measure their skills against some of the best in the state. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it highlights the value of training, consistency, and a strong safety culture.

At the end of the day, competitions like this reflect what the industry is built on. Drivers who take pride in doing the job right every mile.

The post Pasco to Host Washington’s Truck Driving Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the FTA, “More than 370 of the top professional commercial motor vehicle drivers in the state will compete, showcasing their safe driving skills and knowledge of the industry.” These skilled professionals collectively boast over 535 million miles of accident-free driving, underscoring their dedication to roadway safety.

The event is family-friendly, free, and open to the public, making it a must-see for anyone curious about the trucking industry or those simply looking for unique entertainment this weekend.

Featuring Florida’s Top Drivers

The annual Florida Truck Driving Championships (TDC) draws elite drivers selected from leading companies across the state, including UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Publix Super Markets, Walmart, Trans-Phos, Oakley, and Florida Rock & Tank Lines.

The FTA adds, “Qualified drivers have remained accident-free and represent the top drivers statewide for their companies. With a combined total of more than 535,000,000 miles of safe, accident-free driving, these dedicated professionals have a proven commitment to roadway safety. As a comparison, a driver would have to drive 65 mph non-stop for 940 years without any violations or accidents.”

Event Details

• Dates: June 13-14, 2025
• Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.
• Admission: Free and open to the public

For competition times and event activities, visit FTA’s website. To arrange interviews or on-site tours, contact Alix Miller, FTA President and CEO, at 850-868-1050 or alix@floridatrucking.org. Don’t miss this celebration of professionalism, skill, and safety in the trucking industry!

Image Source: FTA
Source: The Trucker

The post Florida Truck Driving Championships 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication and Excellence

Over his 25-year tenure with Missouri-based Prime Inc., Miller has exemplified what it means to be a professional driver. He has amassed an incredible 3.5 million accident-free miles while driving for Prime and 3.8 million accident-free miles throughout his career.

Miller’s commitment to safety and professionalism has earned him numerous accolades over the years. These include the MOTA Professional Excellence Award in 2019, selection as the Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year in both 2016 and 2023, and serving as a member of ATA America’s Road Team Captains.

Sharing their excitement on Facebook, Prime Inc. wrote, “Thomas, your commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence on the road inspires us all. Congratulations once again on this incredible honor!”

Other Driver of the Year Finalists

Thomas Miller wasn’t the only standout professional celebrated at this event. Other finalists recognized for their achievements in safety and service included:

• Jay Williams (TWCV Inc.)
• Rollie Fugate (Walmart)
• Michael Bortz (Sorenson Transport)
• Danny Tankersly (WEL Companies)

Recognizing Excellence Throughout the Industry

The conference also celebrated fleets and industry leaders significantly contributing to both roadway and workplace safety. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear underscored the importance of these efforts, remarking, “For trucking, safety isn’t just a box to check — it’s at the heart of what we do. These professionals lead by example, showing what real dedication and attention to detail look like day in and day out. Congratulations to the recipients of this award as well as to every nominee. They reflect the high standards and integrity that define our industry.”

Highlights of the Awards

President’s Trophy – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Over 100 Million Miles – Roehl Transport, Marshfield, Wisconsin
• Between 25–100 Million Miles – Bulkmatic, LLC, Griffith, Indiana
• Under 25 Million Miles – Talon Logistics, Harmony, Pennsylvania

2024 National Safety Director – Sponsored by DMC Insurance

• Ronnie Holland, TCW, Inc.

2024 Excellence in Safety – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Illinois Trucking Association

Jacob Pierce, Executive Director of the Safety Management Council, praised the honorees, saying, “We’re really proud to celebrate this year’s honorees – each one of them is helping shape a stronger, safer culture all across our industry. From motor carriers to state association leaders and the drivers on the road, their efforts are essential to advancing safety, and we’re grateful for their dedication.”

The Legacy of Leaders Like Miller

Thomas Miller’s recognition as the 2024 Driver of the Year is more than just a personal accomplishment; it’s a testament to the exceptional standards upheld by professionals across the trucking industry. Like every honoree and nominee celebrated at the event, his dedication and achievements continue to inspire others and reinforce a culture of safety, professionalism, and integrity.

Source: Truckers News

The post Prime Inc. Driver Honored as ATA’s 2024 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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)

The post Blue Bloods Recognized in NFI’s Haul of Fame for Legendary Achievements appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The company emphasized that its safety award program is designed to celebrate employees for their years or miles of accident-free driving and injury-free performance. Saia’s commitment to safety is unwavering, and the awards symbolize its core principles of “Safety,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Taking Care of Each Other.”

“We were honored to recognize over 4,800 drivers with a safety award. In addition, nearly 2,000 awards were presented to our tremendous dock personnel and mechanics,” remarked Vice President of Safety Steve Greenhill. “It goes without saying that working for an entire year without an accident or injury is an incredible achievement and it is evident that every employee at the company continues to be invested in our core values, most especially safety.”

In addition to receiving special pins and certificates, many employees were gifted custom jackets, rings, or watches. This year, 54 drivers who achieved 3 million miles or 24 years of accident-free driving received a custom gold watch. For every additional 500,000 miles—or four years—of accident-free driving, diamonds are added to the watch. Forty drivers received diamonds this year.

Five drivers celebrated the addition of a third diamond to their watches, recognizing their outstanding achievements:

• Knoxville, Tennessee City Driver David Davidson
• New Orleans, Louisiana City Driver Kevin Gilbert
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana Line Driver Evertt Kimble
• Houston, Texas Line Driver Stafford Moses
• Shreveport, Louisiana Line Driver James Green

Dallas, Texas Line Driver Jack Ikey celebrated an exceptional milestone by receiving his fourth diamond, marking 40 years of safe driving at Saia.

Drivers reaching 1 million miles, or eight years, of accident-free driving were awarded a custom, personalized gold ring. Additional diamonds are added to the ring for each further 500,000 miles or four years of safe driving. This year, 172 drivers earned their million-mile rings, while 40 others added a diamond.

For a second consecutive year, Saia extended its recognition to mechanics and dock teams, awarding custom backpacks to 110 personnel for five years of injury-free service. Additionally, 56 individuals received watches for maintaining a decade of injury-free work.

Among these achievements, 67 dockworkers and mechanics reached 25 or more years of safe service. Notably, Houma, Louisiana dockworker Harold Castell, Jr., and Phoenix, Arizona dockworker Kenneth Ball have safely served Saia for over 40 years.

The post Saia Celebrates Over 4,800 Drivers for Exceptional Safety Records and Long-Term Dedication appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.