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.

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A Proud Collaboration

“Our entire PodWheels Team is extremely honored to know that ATA has placed its trust in our company to have our Road to Minneapolis series serve as the official podcast of NTDC 2025,” said Greg Thompson, founder and executive producer of PodWheels. “We hold a great respect for everyone involved in the NTDC program across the country, and we value each opportunity that we have to share the stories of the nation’s top professionals behind the wheel.”

Comprehensive Coverage

The Road to Minneapolis podcast series will include up to 100 episodes in 2025, continuing to build on PodWheels’ long-standing relationship with the NTDC. Since its first coverage in 2019, PodWheels has produced over 150 episodes, expanding its reach and depth of storytelling around state championships and national events.

About NTDC

With nearly 90 years of history, the annual NTDC is the premier safety competition for the trucking industry. To qualify, professional drivers must win state-level championships in one of nine vehicle divisions and maintain a spotless safety record. ATA reports that around 4,000–5,000 drivers compete each year, with approximately 435 finalists vying for national recognition. Hosted by ATA’s Safety Management Council and state associations, the 2025 NTDC will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 20–23.

A Tradition of Excellence

“Our coverage of NTDC has become a tradition for PodWheels,” Thompson stated. “Each year we’ve worked to find ways to raise the bar in sharing what we believe are some of the most important stories that we can offer about the trucking industry, the stories of the nation’s safest professional drivers and the people supporting them.”

A Year-Round Spotlight on Safety

“Over the past several years, we have watched the commitment that Greg Thompson and his PodWheels team have made to highlighting the people involved with the various aspects of NTDC,” said Jacob Pierce, executive director of ATA’s Safety Management Council and Transportation Security Council. “Through its ongoing NTDC podcast series, PodWheels has taken ATA’s three-day national championship event and given the NTDC a year-round platform that celebrates safety. “We believe that the Road To Minneapolis series has become a must-listen podcast in the trucking industry, especially for anyone interested in the stories of the [people] who are the best of the best in their profession.”

Stay tuned to PodWheels for comprehensive NTDC 2025 coverage, and visit PodWheels.com for updates, results, and behind-the-scenes stories. PodWheels continues to champion the best in trucking safety, making the industry proud one podcast at a time.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ATA

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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

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Honoring Outstanding Drivers

According to an ATA press statement, the National Driver of the Year Award highlights individuals who embody the pinnacle of professionalism and a steadfast commitment to maintaining road safety.

Finalists are carefully chosen from state-level Drivers of the Year, nominated by ATA’s affiliated state trucking associations. A panel of safety experts meticulously reviews each candidate’s career achievements to identify the top contenders.

Here are the five extraordinary finalists for 2024:

Jay Williams – TCW Inc.

Jay Williams has been a professional truck driver for over two decades, logging more than three million miles without an accident while driving for TCW Inc. His impressive safety record earned him the TCW 20-Year Safe Driving Award in 2023, followed by the prestigious title of Tennessee Driver of the Year for 2024.

Rollie Fugate – Wal-Mart

With an incredible trucking career spanning 47.5 years and 24.5 of those with Wal-Mart, Rollie Fugate has achieved an astonishing six million accident-free miles. He was named Nevada Driver of the Year in 2023 in recognition of his remarkable devotion to the industry.

Michael Bortz – Sorensen Transport

Michael Bortz’s four-decade career includes 21 years with Sorensen Transport, where he has driven 4.85 million accident-free miles. He was recently honored as the Montana Driver of the Year for 2024, further solidifying his legacy of safety.

Danny Tankersly – WEL Companies

For 36 years, including 14 with WEL Companies, Danny Tankersly has driven an impressive 4.6 million miles without a single accident. His accolades include WEL Companies’ Driver of the Year title an incredible 11 times, a 13-Year Safe Driving Award, and being named the WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year.

Thomas Miller – Prime Inc.

Thomas Miller’s 25 years with Prime Inc. have been marked by 3.5 million accident-free miles at the company and 3.8 million over his entire career. Among his numerous honors, he has twice been recognized as Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year (2016 and 2023), received the MOTA Professional Excellence Award in 2019, and served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain.

Recognizing Excellence on the Road

The Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee will judge the video submissions and select a winner. The winner will be announced during the Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, taking place April 23-25 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source: The Trucker

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