“Whether operating a company truck, a leased truck, or owning a truck, National Carriers appreciates these three outstanding delivery experts,” said Ed Kentner, director of media at NCI. Each has an exceptional safety record and puts the motoring public’s well-being at the forefront of all they do. Together, these men uphold the high standards of the ‘Elite’ fleet.”

The newly announced finalists are Rafael Murillo, Willie Grady III, and Bernard Talimeliyor. Each earned the title of Driver of the Month for May, June, and July, along with a $1,000 bonus. They now join the running for NCI’s Driver of the Year, which includes a $10,000 award to be presented in March 2026.

Rafael Murillo – May Driver of the Month

Based in Liberal, Kansas, owner-operator Rafael Murillo hauls freight in NCI’s national refrigerated fleet. Murillo first joined the company as a student driver and worked his way up, excelling behind the wheel while earning a reputation for exceptional customer service. After gaining experience as a company driver, he advanced to become an owner-operator, a role where he continues to thrive.

Willie Grady III – June Driver of the Month

Willie Grady III, of Keene, Texas, was recognized in June for his consistent performance as a lease operator. Since joining NCI in 2020, Grady has built a strong track record delivering across the Midwest and Southern states. With a reputation for reliability, strong safety standards, and a positive attitude, he is admired by colleagues and customers alike.

Bernard Talimeliyor – July Driver of the Month

Operating a company truck in the national refrigerated division, Bernard Talimeliyor has also secured a finalist spot. A retired U.S. Army veteran originally from the South Pacific island of Yap, Talimeliyor now lives in Irving, Texas. His cross-country hauls keep frozen goods moving safely and efficiently coast to coast, reflecting the professionalism that NCI celebrates.

These three drivers join a growing list of finalists announced earlier this year, with the ultimate Driver of the Year honor still to come. NCI’s recognition program highlights the company’s commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and the individuals who keep freight moving nationwide.

Image Source: NCI reveals the latest finalists for 2025 Driver of the Year. From left, Bernard Talimeliyor, Rafael Murillo, and Willie Grady III.
Source: The Trucker

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Recently, the FMCSA awarded a $2 million grant to New Jersey at a ceremony held at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Road Testing Location in Delanco. This funding aims to enhance accessibility to commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing across the state, particularly in rural areas.

Vinn White, FMCSA Deputy Administrator, emphasized the importance of the grant, stating, “We want CDL testing to be accessible to anyone who is willing to learn and earn that driver’s license. Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation grants can help break down barriers for people seeking to earn or renew their CDL. There’s no better example of that than the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s mobile testing unit.”

Statewide Impact of the Mobile CDL Testing Program

With this grant, New Jersey will roll out a mobile CDL testing initiative, purchase necessary vehicles, and upgrade existing CDL skills test sites. The goal is to expand testing capacity and accommodate larger commercial vehicles, offering greater accessibility for aspiring bus and truck drivers statewide.

This initiative places New Jersey among 30 states benefiting from the FMCSA’s $55.1 million allocation for the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant, which is designed to boost highway safety both locally and nationally.

Broader Implications and Additional Grants

Several other states also received substantial funding. For instance, the Arizona Department of Transportation was awarded $1.87 million to enhance CDL skills testing locations, improving safety conditions for both applicants and examiners.

Additionally, Kansas State University received $1.83 million to establish a CDL court docket, setting a precedent for handling traffic-related offenses involving CDL holders in Kansas and beyond.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the broader advantages of the funding, noting that it will facilitate better access to training and testing resources. “This investment reflects our commitment to building a stronger and safer driving community in New Jersey,” Murphy stated.

State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz added, “We create a lot of great programs in Trenton and in D.C., but getting them out to the people who need them and can utilize them is a challenge. These mobile testing units that are going to be dispatched all over the state are going to help ensure that our CMV drivers have the knowledge to drive safely on our roads and turnpikes, particularly in my district, which includes large rural areas.”

Mobile CDL Testing Program Implementation

The mobile testing units will facilitate CDL skills and knowledge assessments at remote locations, utilizing two specialized teams and trucks. Coordination with over 550 school districts and driving schools is planned to maximize the outreach and effectiveness of this initiative.

Jim Ferguson, Central Operations Director at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, expressed optimism about the program’s potential, saying, “This is going to be a game changer for our delivery of CDL testing across the state of New Jersey. While we currently offer bulk skills testing remotely outside of our road test facilities, this grant will enable us to also offer knowledge tests and to bring our testing capabilities to communities anywhere in the state on a regular basis.”

Source: Transport Topics

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