Maverick Transportation has named its 2025 Drivers of the Year, highlighting two drivers who have built that kind of reputation through their work on the road and within their teams.

Charles Baber was selected as Over the Road Driver of the Year, while Ron Watson earned Dedicated Driver of the Year honors.

“This recognition is awarded annually to Maverick drivers who consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to safety,” Maverick said. “Honorees exemplify the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in every aspect of their role, setting a benchmark for excellence while proudly representing the Maverick fleet as ambassadors of the professional driving community.”

Charles Baber Sets the Tone on the OTR Side

Baber, who operates in Maverick’s flatbed division, was recognized not just for how he handles the job, but how he shows up for other drivers.

“Charles exemplifies what it means to be a Maverick,” said John Coppens, vice president of operations. “He’s confident, approachable, and never afraid to take on new challenges, whether that’s assisting others to lead change in the ROC division or stepping up to provide a voice for Maverick drivers. Charles believes deeply in mentorship, safety, and asking the right questions, and he’s honored to be a professional driver. He’s proud to wear the Black Hat, proud to work at Maverick, and just as proud to go home to his family after a job well done. Charles is truly a deserving recipient of Maverick’s 2025 Driver of the Year award.”

For Baber, the recognition is simple but meaningful.

“I am feeling wonderful about it,” Barber said. “It is an enormous honor, and it feels like a huge pat on the back. If I could tell other drivers to start doing everything the way you are taught, and you’ll be ok no matter what.”

Ron Watson Recognized for Consistency in Dedicated Operations

Watson, who runs in Maverick’s final mile division, was recognized for reliability and stepping in where needed across operations.

“It feels surreal, and I am taking it one day at a time,” Watson said. “It is rare that a company shows appreciation to its drivers, so things like this boost the morale of drivers.”

Leadership pointed to his willingness to support the team wherever needed.

“Mr. Watson lives the Maverick Way every day,” said Justin Brown, senior vice president of dedicated operations. He sets the standard by doing whatever is needed to help our growing Final Mile team, including traveling to fill in other markets, assisting other drivers, and doing it all while providing his customers with top-notch service. Congratulations, Ron, and thank you.”

That consistency has not gone unnoticed at the account level either.

“Ron is as steady as the day is long,” said Gordon Lee, dedicated onsite account manager. “He exhibits a great work ethic, attention to detail, commitment to his job, and is an absolute joy to work with. He is always available when we need him to help and has stepped up numerous times. Ron carries himself professionally and sets a great example for other drivers to follow. I can’t say enough good things about Ron. He does everything the right way…the Maverick way.”

What This Recognition Signals Across the Industry

Driver of the Year awards carry weight because they reflect what fleets are actually looking for in today’s environment.

Safety, consistency, and professionalism are still the foundation. But just as important is how drivers support each other, represent their company, and handle the job when things do not go as planned.

For drivers, it is a reminder that the details matter. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it reinforces the value of recognizing the people who keep operations running strong every day.

At the end of the day, awards like this come down to doing the job right and doing it consistently.

The post Charles Baber, Ron Watson Named Maverick’s Top Drivers for 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

The post Truckload Carriers Association Names 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Transportation Security Council of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently honored two standout fleets for their exceptional efforts in advancing security within the trucking industry.

“Trucking is an industry of frontline responders who make it a priority to keep the public and our customers safe,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “Having a strong commitment to security—whether it’s preventing theft, crime, or terrorism—is an important responsibility for our industry, and these carriers have shown tremendous dedication to it.”

The awards were presented during the ATA’s 2025 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky.

2025 Award Recipients

ATA Excellence in Security: ABF Freight

ATA Excellence in Claims & Loss Prevention: Old Dominion Freight Line

“Recognizing these fleets is about more than awards—it’s about highlighting a deep commitment to protecting people, freight, and the integrity of our operations,” said Jacob Pierce, TSC executive director. “Their leadership in security, claims, and loss prevention reflects the kind of forward-thinking, principled approach our industry needs more of.”

These recognitions highlight the vital role of security in the trucking sector and encourage adopting industry-leading best practices to protect goods and ensure public safety.

Source: The Trucker

The post Honoring Excellence in Trucking Security: ATA Celebrates Leading Fleets appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.