Selected from a pool of elite candidates, Carter’s recognition underscores his lifelong commitment to safe driving, community service, and advocacy for his fellow veterans. The Driver of the Year award, accompanied by an exclusive prize package, will be officially presented at a special event this summer at Cargo Transporters’ terminal in Claremont, North Carolina.

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader and an industry ambassador,” stated Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”

Carter, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is celebrated for his remarkable leadership and selflessness. His efforts to support organizations aiding veterans stand as key pillars of his inspiring story. These organizations include Ride of Pride-DTNA Cleveland, American Legion Posts, Purple Heart Homes, and American Warriors of Liberty, NC.

Carter also drives Cargo Transporters’ Ride of Pride tractor, The Carolina, a military-themed Freightliner honoring veterans.

A Stellar Career Behind the Wheel

“Perry has also maintained a flawless safety record over nearly 3 million miles and 32 years, over two decades of which have been with Cargo Transporters,” said DMC. His long-standing dedication to safe and efficient driving played a major role in earning him this accolade.

Perry’s deep ties to the trucking industry go beyond the driver’s seat. His roles as a 2024 TCA Driver of the Year and a 2025 ATA Road Team Captain further highlight his influence and impact. On top of that, his participation in Truck Driving Championships and involvement in advocacy efforts for both community and industry causes showcase the qualities that set him apart from his peers.

The DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award

This award is presented annually by DMC Insurance to acknowledge outstanding drivers among its customers. Candidates are nominated by their respective organizations, with each company having the chance to submit up to three names.

For more information about the DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award, click here.

Image Source: DMC
Source: The Trucker

The post Perry Carter Named DMC Insurance’s 2025 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Source: Truckers News & American Trucking Associations 

The post Meet the Finalists for the 2024 ATA National Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.