A Split-Second Decision

It was July 28, 2024. Medley was driving along County Road A in Green Lake, a road he knew well and one that often had debris. But that day, something unusual appeared in his path. At first, it seemed like ordinary roadside clutter. Then he realized it wasn’t debris at all, it was a person lying in the road.

The traffic was coming. The seconds felt longer than they were. Medley didn’t hesitate. He pulled over safely, ran to help the individual, and called local authorities. Police arrived quickly, but it was Medley’s immediate action that made the difference.

Moments like this test a driver’s instincts, and Medley’s reaction was precise, professional, and compassionate.

Recognition From Leaders

Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer at J.B. Hunt, highlighted Medley’s heroism:

“In a moment where every second counted, Adam put the safety and well-being of others first. His actions exemplified integrity and selflessness, and we are excited that Goodyear has recognized him with this year’s Highway Hero Award.”

Joe Burke, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial, said:

“Adam’s story continues to remind us that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads. His quick and professional response to this unexpected situation demonstrates the integrity, dedication, and compassion that define what’s the best of our industry.”

These words reflect not just the courage of one driver but the professionalism and dedication that drivers like Medley bring to their work every day.

The Highway Hero Award

The Goodyear Highway Hero program has been celebrating extraordinary commercial drivers since 1983. It recognizes individuals in the U.S. and Canada who go beyond their normal duties to protect others. Each year, Goodyear invites the trucking community to nominate drivers who have performed acts of bravery, and an independent panel of industry judges chooses winners.

As part of this honor, Medley will receive a cash prize and an exclusive ride on the Goodyear blimp, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Image Source: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Source: Truckers News

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Organized by the Nebraska Trucking Association, the two-day event showcased the exceptional skills of professional truck drivers across multiple categories.

Milestones and Awards

Joe McDonnell from XPO Logistics and Garrett Campbell from FedEx earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year title, awarded to first-time participants achieving the highest overall scores across all competition segments.

The Professional Excellence Award, recognizing excellence in the written test, was awarded to Todd Gimpel of FedEx Freight.

Jacob Friederich, representing Lyman-Richey Corporation, stood out in multiple facets. He won the Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award for achieving the top score on the driving course. Additionally, Friederich triumphed in the mixer truck category, a competition held in collaboration with the Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association.

Clinton Rast of ABF Freight System, Inc. took home the Everett Vehicle Condition Award for his standout performance during the pre-trip inspection segment. Meanwhile, the Jerry Wessel Award, honoring professionalism and industry expertise, went to Thomas Canning of Old Dominion Freight Line.

Class Winners at the 2025 Championships

Nine drivers across various categories earned the opportunity to represent Nebraska at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis from August 20-23. The mixer truck winner will head to the National Mixer Driver Championship in Orlando, Florida, on October 11.

Here are the top finishers in each class:

• Straight Truck Class

1) Sam Wilson, XPO Logistics

2) Clinton Rast, ABF Freight System, Inc.

3) Michael Lemay, Greater Omaha Express

• Three-Axle Class

1) Mark Cole, Old Dominion Freight Line

2) Joseph Busch, ABF Freight System, Inc.

3) Tim Hallsted, Walmart Transportation, LLC

• Four-Axle Class

1) Paul Badgett, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) James Dotson, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3) Derek Ward, XPO Logistics

• Five-Axle Class

1) Carolina Gallegos, Hill Brothers Transportation

2) Joe McDonnell, XPO Logistics

3) Thomas Rott, Grand Island Express, Inc.

• Five-Axle Sleeper Class

1) Blair Smith, Walmart Transportation, LLC

2) John Putney, Greater Omaha Express

3) Robert Elder, Schulz Transportation

• Tank Truck Class

1) Pat Crumb, Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.

2) Cassandra Wright, Wynne Transportation Services

3) Craig Daniels, Crete Carrier Corporation

• Flatbed Class

1) George Chaney, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) Christopher Corbett, Old Dominion Freight Line

3) Scott Deering, Chief Carriers, Inc.

• Twin-Trailer Class

1) Todd Gimpel, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2) Richard Boyd, Crete Carrier Corporation

3) Paul Smith, ABF Freight System, Inc.

• Mixer Truck Class

1) Jacob Friederich, Lyman-Richey Corporation

2) Gregory Burroughs, Husker Ready Mixed Concrete

3) Randy Walters, Lyman-Richey Corporation

• Step Van Class

1) Garrett Campbell, FedEx

2) Korey Clifton, FedEx

3) Charles Tockey, Grand Island Express, Inc.

Special Recognitions and Insights

The Nebraska State Patrol Inspector Championships were held alongside the NTDC event. Sergeant Matt Ramsey from Omaha claimed first place, with Investigator Kris Hunzeker from Nebraska City taking runner-up honors. Ramsey will represent Nebraska at the North American Inspector Championships, hosted concurrently with the ATA’s National Truck Driving Championships.

Additionally, teams from XPO Logistics, FedEx Freight, and Walmart Transportation received accolades in group categories.

The Nebraska Truck Driving Championships continues to celebrate and spotlight the incredible professionalism, skill, and dedication of commercial drivers while fostering a sense of community across the transportation industry.

Image Source: Nebraska Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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A Longstanding Tradition to Celebrate Safety

This multi-day event has become a proud tradition at J.B. Hunt. For the 24th year, the company brought drivers and their families together for an experience designed to recognize not only their accomplishments but also their lasting impact on the company’s culture.

“When we talk about the best of the best, we’re talking about the people here this week,” said Nick Hobbs, J.B. Hunt’s chief operating officer, during the ceremony. “Last year, we surpassed our own company safety record set in 2023 for reducing DOT-preventable accidents. These drivers are essential for the progress of the example they set and the knowledge and training they share. This is their Million Mile moment, and I’m proud, humbled, and honored that they choose to drive with J.B. Hunt.”

A Red Carpet Tribute to Safe Drivers

One of the most unforgettable moments of the event is the red carpet walk. Families looked on as honorees made their way down a 300-foot path lined with enthusiastic applause, cheers, and even music from the Bentonville West High School marching band.

J.B. Hunt’s executive leadership team was waiting at the start of the walk, eager to offer personal congratulations to every driver in attendance. The celebration brought together thousands—from employees and customers to investors and special guests—all united in appreciation of these exceptional drivers.

Joining an Elite Group of Safe Professionals

Among those recognized were five drivers who hit an extraordinary milestone: five million safe miles. That’s a level of experience and focus few drivers in the nation ever reach. In total, J.B. Hunt has now honored over 5,000 drivers who have achieved at least one million accident-free miles—a journey that typically takes nearly a decade of dedicated, incident-free driving.

Their Names Carved in Stone

After the red carpet celebration, each driver’s name was added to the Million Mile Wall—a permanent monument at the company’s headquarters. The wall is more than a tribute; it’s a symbol of the discipline, commitment, and safety mindset these professionals bring to the job daily.

A Company Grounded in Safety Culture

The Walk of Fame is more than just a moment of recognition. It reflects a deeply rooted company culture that values safety, accountability, and excellence.

“Safety is at the core of delivering value and operational excellence for our customers,” the company shared in its statement.

J.B. Hunt backs up that commitment with action. Drivers undergo a comprehensive onboarding process, followed by continuous training. The company also equips its fleet with advanced safety tools, including inward-facing cameras and collision mitigation systems. These technologies help drivers stay alert and protected while on the road.

Driven by People, Powered by Values

Million Mile drivers are more than high achievers—they’re role models. Their dedication serves as the foundation for a company-wide approach to road safety. Everyone at J.B. Hunt, from dispatchers to executives, plays a role in creating an environment where safety drives success.

At J.B. Hunt, safety isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared responsibility and a daily commitment, one mile at a time.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: J.B. Hunt

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