Mentorship on the Road

Wallis has made a career out of training and guiding other drivers. “I’ve been training ever since I started with Freymiller,” he said. “I’m a mentor to probably about 10 different people who have moved from training into their own trucks.”

His dedication extends beyond teaching maneuvering and safety. Wallis brings his own experience from competitive driving to the table. Winning the 2024 Oklahoma Truck Driving Championship in the Sleeper Berth division qualified him for national competition, but accolades are not his main focus.

Bill Woolsey, Freymiller’s director of safety, praised Wallis’s commitment: “With over 15 years as a driver trainer, Toby has mentored countless trainees, guiding them to become successful, professional drivers. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and fostering safe driving habits has shaped the next generation of drivers, strengthening our fleet’s overall performance.”

Advocacy and Industry Engagement

Wallis’s recognition as TCA Professional Driver of the Year also gave him opportunities to engage with broader industry issues. He participated in TCA’s Call on Washington last September, meeting lawmakers to discuss challenges such as parking shortages, cargo theft, and highway conditions.

“It’s interesting to see some of the behind-the-scenes activities, and something of the way laws are created,” Wallis said. “I knew (TCA and the trucking industry) were lobbying for legislation, but to see how that process actually works and getting to talk to people — that’s always been interesting to me.”

A Career That Started Unexpectedly

Like many professional drivers, Wallis didn’t start his career planning to be on the road. “I was working at a sheetrock company, and their driver was quitting,” he said. “They told me that if I got my CDL, they’d pay me more.” He earned his Class B CDL, later completing Class A training at Schneider, and eventually joined Freymiller in 2005.

Balancing life on the road with family responsibilities has shaped his approach. “My wife passed away about 12 years ago, so it’s pretty much just me, my mom, and my grandmother,” he said. “As long as I can come in and check on them and talk to them regularly, I don’t see any reason to come off the road.”

Wallis also has three adult children, proudly noting that his youngest earned a master’s degree. “No grandkids yet, but they’ve got to hurry up before I’m too old,” he joked.

Supporting Veterans and Mental Health

A former medivac crew chief in the U.S. Army, Wallis earned a psychology degree using the GI Bill, helping him manage PTSD and informing his work supporting others. “It helped me a lot with my PTSD, and I try to use my brain as much as possible,” he said.

He volunteers on a mental health hotline, focusing on veterans but assisting anyone in need. “On Wednesdays and Sundays, and once in a while as a fill-in, I run a mental health hotline,” he said. “We lean more towards veterans, but we help everybody.”

Passion for the Profession

Wallis’s approach to driving blends professionalism with personal fulfillment. “I enjoy getting out here and meeting new people, doing new things, going new places. It’s always something different every day to me,” he said. “What I really love about my job is being out on the open road — but also the fact that I get to be a trainer. I get to help bring up the new group of drivers out here and teach them some of the old ways of doing things, along with some of the new technology.”

He offers practical advice for newer drivers: “Be a truck driver, not a steering wheel holder. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a smile on your face, and never take anything personally.”

Wallis emphasizes attitude and outlook as key factors in a long and fulfilling driving career. “If you enjoy it, it’s a career,” he said. “As soon as you start calling it a job, you’re going to start looking for something else.”

Woolsey summarized Wallis’s impact on the fleet and the industry: “Toby consistently sets a high standard, proudly representing our company on the road and with our customers. His professionalism, safety record, and positive attitude make him a role model for all our drivers, enhancing our company’s reputation in the industry.”

Wallis, however, keeps it simple: “I’m a firm believer that every day is a new gift from God.”

Source: The Trucker

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The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has partnered with the National Safety Council (NSC) to highlight these critical issues in the Safety Is Personal series. NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin and WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, discussed the importance of safety in the trucking industry and how it impacts drivers daily.

View the conversation between Hedrick and Martin.

Making Safety Personal

The Safety Is Personal series emphasizes real stories and lessons that shape how trucking leaders prioritize safety. For Hedrick, safety is not abstract. She focuses on ensuring that drivers, especially those in underserved segments, return home each day safely.

In her interview with Martin, Hedrick discussed major safety challenges that extend beyond vehicle operation. These include awareness of surroundings, the lack of safe and accessible truck parking, and how harassment and discrimination can influence safety outcomes for drivers.

Hands-On Training With a Purpose

As part of the collaboration, Hedrick coached Martin on driving a commercial truck using the WITney Educational Trailer simulator. The interactive experience demonstrates how training and awareness can prevent accidents and support drivers on the road.

Why These Discussions Matter

Truck driving is a demanding profession. Long hours, tight schedules, and extended time away from home create stress that affects both safety and performance. Research shows that female truck drivers experience harassment and discrimination more frequently than their male counterparts, which can directly impact safety and retention.

Hedrick and Martin stress situational awareness as a critical skill. Drivers must stay alert to hazards, vehicle behavior, and environmental conditions. Addressing challenges like commercial truck parking shortages ensures drivers make safer decisions while complying with hours-of-service rules.

Advancing Industry Safety

WIT and NSC’s collaboration promotes a culture of care that goes beyond compliance. Their combined efforts highlight respect, preparedness, and proactive risk management. The conversation encourages all stakeholders in the trucking industry to prioritize safety as a central value that protects drivers, supports their careers, and ensures the safe delivery of goods across the country.

Through initiatives like Safety Is Personal, WIT continues to advocate for inclusion, driver safety, and the professional advancement of women in trucking.

Source: Women In Trucking

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The findings come from a study by J & Y Law, which reviewed data from the Department of Transportation covering fatal winter crashes involving large trucks over the last decade. Researchers compared those crash numbers with each state’s population of large truck drivers, based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using that data, they calculated the number of deadly winter crashes per 100,000 drivers to determine where truckers face the greatest risk.

New Mexico Leads the List

New Mexico ranked as the most dangerous state for truckers on winter roads, with a fatal crash rate of 122.1 per 100,000 drivers. That’s more than twice the national average of 55.2. The state has a smaller trucking workforce — just 11,380 drivers — yet still recorded an average of 13.9 deadly winter crashes per year between 2013 and 2022.

Florida’s Surprising Placement

One unexpected state on the list is Florida, which came in sixth. Even with a warmer climate, the crash rate there reaches 78.2 per 100,000 drivers — about 42% higher than the national average. With nearly 102,000 large truck drivers, the state saw an average of 79.7 fatal winter crashes over the same timeframe.

States with the Highest Winter Risk for Truck Drivers

According to the study, these are the 10 most dangerous states for large truck drivers during the winter season:

1. New Mexico – 122.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
2. Oklahoma – 112.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
3. Montana – 99.4 crashes per 100,000 drivers
4. Wyoming – 88.0 crashes per 100,000 drivers
5. West Virginia – 82.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers
6. Florida – 78.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers
7. Kansas – 76.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers
8. Mississippi – 76.7 crashes per 100,000 drivers
9. Louisiana – 76.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
10. Kentucky – 75.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers

A spokesperson from J & Y Law emphasized the impact of winter hazards, stating, “The study shows where truck drivers face the most threat in winter. Icy roads and poor visibility not only put lives at risk but also disrupt critical supply chains during the festive season. Truck drivers must take road safety measures, like taking a break when visibility gets bad. They should check the weather just before setting off, to avoid any unforeseen dangers.”

Image / Source: Truckers News

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Plan for Peace of Mind

Securing a spot for overnight rest begins with planning. Use truck parking apps and online reservation services to locate and book available spaces before entering high-demand corridors. Popular truck stops and travel centers often allow reservations, increasing the likelihood of finding a spot upon arrival. Planning routes around areas known for frequent shortages can conserve time and reduce stress.

Prioritize Lighting and Security Features

When selecting overnight parking, target locations that offer strong lighting, visible surveillance, and a steady flow of other trucks. Well-lit spaces with cameras or security personnel act as deterrents to theft or vandalism. Truck stops, authorized rest areas, and some retail lots typically provide enhanced security, but drivers are advised to verify amenities in advance through websites or direct phone calls.

Maintain Awareness and Secure the Cab

Drivers should routinely check their surroundings, looking for emergency exits, security stations, and potential hazards upon arrival. Trusting instincts is important; if an area feels unsafe, moving to a busier or better-monitored location is recommended. Always secure the cab, lock all doors, close windows, and store valuables out of sight before settling in. Some professional drivers recommend additional security measures, such as dash cameras and cab padlocks, for added protection.

Benefit From Community Knowledge

Many truckers seek advice from forums and driver groups to find lesser-known safe parking options. Sharing experiences about which locations are reliable for overnight parking can help prevent common mistakes and assist others facing similar challenges. Asking at shipper or receiver facilities (when permitted), checking social platforms, and networking with other drivers can uncover spots not listed on public maps.

Park Strategically and Avoid Risky Locations

Parking alongside other trucks in designated areas decreases vulnerability. Spaces away from traffic entrances, exits, or isolated lots tend to be safer. Avoid parking on highway shoulders or unapproved commercial lots, unless in emergencies. Backing into spots aids in quick departure if issues arise and can obstruct unwanted access to the trailer.

Follow Regulations and Local Guidelines

Truck drivers must respect posted parking restrictions and facility rules, which vary with location. Some truck stops impose limits on overnight duration and violating these can result in fines or towing. Checking signage and asking staff for clarification supports compliance and uninterrupted rest periods.

Safe overnight parking in crowded areas demands planning, awareness, and community insight. Leverage technology for reservations, choose well-lit authorized spots, secure the cab, and seek knowledgeable recommendations to improve safety and comfort.

Image Source: Austin (Unsplash)

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Dedicated to Trucking Compliance

“The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division remains committed to ensuring commercial vehicles remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations,” emphasized Sgt. Dale Turner. “Focused efforts like this raise both awareness and voluntary compliance with those laws and regulations.”

Troopers stationed at the Lowell, Bremen, and Ft. Wayne posts supported this campaign. The CVED, which primarily monitors trucks exceeding 10,000 pounds, enforces both state and federal laws specific to large commercial vehicles. Notably, the Lowell post conducted a similar enforcement operation in 2024, continuing the division’s dedication to highway safety.

Operation Focus Areas

The enforcement initiative targeted 10 key crash causation factors often associated with commercial vehicles, including but not limited to:

• 392.2FC: Following too closely

• 392.2C: Disobeying traffic control devices

• 392.2LC: Unsafe lane changes

• 392.2S: Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

• 392.2Y: Failing to yield right of way

• 392.3: Operating while ill or fatigued

• 392.16: Not wearing a seatbelt

• 392-71A: Driving with a radar detector in a commercial vehicle

• 392.80: Texting while operating a commercial vehicle

• 392.82: Using a hand-held cell phone while driving

Noteworthy Results

Over the course of the enforcement effort, officials documented 126 truck violations. Specific figures include:

• 47 speeding violations, divided into 15 citations and 32 warnings.

• 7 seatbelt violations.

• 43 Other violations.

• 29 Level 3 truck inspections focusing on driver-specific compliance checks.

• 10 Level 2 inspections included checks on drivers and vehicle mechanical conditions.

• 3 Level 1 comprehensive inspections, involving thorough driver, documentation, and vehicle checks.
• 126 total truck violations were noted during those inspections.

Indiana State Police’s Ongoing Efforts

Through focused operations like this, Indiana’s law enforcement works to improve road safety by reducing crashes involving commercial vehicles. To stay informed or learn more about the mission of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, visit Indiana State Police CVED.

Source: The Trucker

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA). This annual honor celebrates exceptional commercial motor vehicle drivers who demonstrate an unwavering dedication to public safety.

Last year’s winner Daryl Tolle (Source: CVSA)

About the Award

The IDEA is designed to highlight professional drivers who exceed the expectations of their role, showcasing exemplary performance and commitment to safe vehicle operation. Eligible candidates must have consistently maintained high safety standards and demonstrated distinction in their careers. Candidates are also expected to exhibit impeccable personal character and meet outlined criteria to qualify for this recognition.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria to be considered for the award:

• Accumulated at least 25 years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle.

• Maintain a clean driving record for the past three years with no safety-related violations or suspensions.

• Have no felony convictions or disqualifying behavior.

• Exclude minor form and manner infractions from their record.

The IDEA is open to the entire commercial motor vehicle industry, and CVSA membership is not a requirement for nomination.

What the Winner Will Receive

The 2025 IDEA award recipient will receive:

• A $5,000 cash prize and a crystal trophy.

• A complimentary round-trip economy flight to Denver International Airport for them and a guest.

• Accommodations including a two-night stay at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.

• Recognition at the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition awards ceremony on September 24, 2025.

Submitting Nominations

Nominations are open until Friday, May 9. Candidates can be submitted through CVSA’s online application form where all supporting documentation must also be uploaded.

The IDEA Program Committee will oversee the evaluation of all nominations, confirm their validity, and present their recommendations to CVSA’s Executive Committee. The selected recipient will be announced via a news release and will also be featured on CVSA’s website, social media platforms, and in Guardian, CVSA’s quarterly publication.

Learn More

• Looking for additional details? Visit CVSA’s FAQs page for answers to common questions about the IDEA award.

• Take a moment to explore what previous winners have achieved by reviewing the past award recipients.

Sponsored By

This year’s award is proudly sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance, a nonprofit organization that unites state agencies and industry leaders to promote safety and efficiency across North America’s highways.

Source: Truckers News

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