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.

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“At every turn, professional drivers bring their grit and dedication to deliver the goods that keep our economy moving,” said Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We owe professional drivers our gratitude for their hard work. Driver Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to say ‘thanks for the drive’ and show drivers how much they matter by recognizing and rewarding them for going the extra mile.”

Honoring Drivers with the Road Warrior Contest

Each year, Pilot’s Road Warrior program highlights the incredible commitment of professional drivers across the country, from exceptional safety records to meaningful service in their communities. In 2025, the spotlight is shining brighter than ever thanks to the partnership with the Diesel Brothers.

The reality TV and YouTube stars are building the ultimate custom Kenworth for this year’s Road Warrior champion. Fans can follow the transformation of the big rig on the Diesel Brothers’ channel, @SparksMotorsCo on YouTube, as the team overhauls it for the winner.

Drivers, families, and friends can submit nominations for deserving professional drivers from September 2 through September 19, 2025. The grand prize winner will officially be revealed in October.

Exclusive Perks for Professional Drivers

Beyond the contest, Pilot is also offering special deals throughout September to honor drivers nationwide at participating Pilot, Flying J, and One9 travel centers. These include:

• Three free drinks each week on select cooler brands
• Extra savings on popular snacks and Pilot’s signature food items
• 10% off food and beverages for military and veteran drivers verified through ID.me

These limited-time offers are available in the Pilot app and are designed to provide everyday rewards during Truck Driver Appreciation Month.

How to Get Involved

Professional drivers or their supporters can submit nominations and find contest details at pilotcompany.com/road-warrior. Additional information on Pilot’s Driver Appreciation Month celebrations is available at pilotcompany.com/driver-appreciation-month.

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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The Aliquippa, Pennsylvania-based company honored 48 Million Mile Drivers, 102 Safe Drivers, and 22 Premier Professional Drivers, applauding their dedication and commitment to excellence.

Top Award Winners

This year’s top accolades were awarded to notable individuals who have made a significant impact at PGT Trucking:

• Zachary Springer – Bill Wright Award for Team Player of the Year
• Ryan Drozynski – David Levin Award for Company Driver of the Year
• Sam Thompson-Graves – Safety Professional of the Year
• Terrence Fitzgerald – Harry “Buster” Barnes Award for Independent Contractor of the Year
• Clay Jones – Hobert Hill Award for Agent of the Year
• Jarrod Waugh – Certified PRO Trainer of the Year
• Cameron Foutch – Terminal Manager of the Year
• Christian McCon – Rookie Driver of the Year
• Doug Halulko – PGT MVP of the Year
• Michael Carreon – Terry “Kuz” Kusniar Award for Premier Professional Driver of the Year
• Laurence Cox – President’s Award

Additionally, PGT inducted five new Million Mile Drivers into their prestigious Hall of Fame, recognizing Timothy Austen, Donald Cunningham, Jr., Raul Delgado, Robert Tudor, and Andrew Utz for their exceptional dedication and safe driving records.

“When I started PGT 44 years ago, I knew that I needed a team of good people to help build my business, something that remains true to this day,” said Pat Gallagher, PGT Trucking founder and CEO. “PGT’s Million Mile and Safe Drivers are the very best at our company, and I am honored and blessed to have them on our side.”

A Digital Celebration for Driver Excellence

This year’s awards ceremony took a unique twist, with all celebrations held virtually across social media platforms. Individual award presentations were shared online, allowing the wider community to join in honoring these outstanding professionals.

To view a full recap of this year’s awards celebration and the exceptional achievements of PGT’s drivers, visit their official event page here.

PGT Trucking continues to prioritize driver recognition, showcasing the massive impact of its team in delivering excellence across every mile.

Source: Truckers News
(Image Source: PGT Trucking) Ryan Drozynski, recipient of the David Levin Award for Company Driver of the Year

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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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