The announcement came during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The event highlights women who continue raising the bar across trucking through consistency, professionalism, and long-term impact.

A Career Built Over Decades

Brown’s career spans 46 years, covering everything from running as an independent owner-operator to managing operations for a specialized refrigerated fleet. She currently serves as operations manager at Blackjack Express LLC while still spending time behind the wheel hauling heavy, oversize, and refrigerated freight.

Her background includes launching Rollin’ B LLC and steadily building a reputation rooted in safety, reliability, and leadership. Over time, that consistency has turned into a legacy recognized across the industry.

She has also earned multiple honors throughout her career, including the National Association of Small Trucking Companies Woman Driver of the Year Award, the TA Petro Citizen Driver Award, and recognition as an inaugural inductee at the Mid-America Trucking Show Wall of Fame.

Leadership Beyond the Driver’s Seat

Brown has been involved with the Women In Trucking Association since 2007 as a charter member. She is now serving her second term on the board of directors and works as a liaison to the Women In Trucking Foundation board.

Her influence goes beyond titles. She has contributed as a safety collaborator with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has spent years mentoring other drivers while staying active in her community.

Her story also includes personal resilience, having survived melanoma cancer three times while continuing to stay engaged in the industry.

Recognition From Industry Leaders

Her selection for Driver of the Year reflects how peers and leadership view her impact.

“We are proud to recognize Ingrid, whose tireless commitment to excellence, safety, and empowering women in this industry sets a standard that inspires us all,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO.

That same respect is echoed by others who have worked alongside her.

“Ingrid consistently operates with the highest standards of safety, reliability, and integrity, understanding that her actions reflect not only on her company, but on the trucking industry as a whole,” said Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics. “Through her actions, attitude, and dedication, she elevates the profession and inspires those around her.”

What the Award Represents

The Driver of the Year Award, presented with support from Walmart, focuses on individuals who consistently prioritize safety while helping shape how the public views trucking.

“Walmart is proud to sponsor the Driver of the Year award because it reflects our commitment to safety, excellence, and a culture of belonging across transportation,” said Ryan McDaniel, Walmart senior vice president, transportation. “Ingrid Brown embodies what this recognition stands for: a seasoned professional whose leadership, safety advocacy, and dedication to the industry have made a meaningful impact. Congrats to Ingrid for being named Driver of the Year.”

Finalists Recognized Alongside Brown

Brown was selected from a strong group of finalists, each bringing their own contributions to the profession:

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista, professional driver and driver development instructor, FedEx Freight
Gina Jones, company driver, Werner
KellyLynn McLaughlin, national transportation driver, dump and roll off, Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Why This Recognition Matters

Awards like this highlight what many already know. Long careers built on safety, consistency, and mentorship don’t just move freight. They shape the future of trucking.

Brown’s story reflects what’s possible when experience meets leadership and when drivers stay committed to doing the job right year after year.

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A Testament to Driver Excellence

Darrel Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Logistics, expressed his pride in achieving this honor, saying, “(I am) especially proud of this award because it recognizes positive results obtained by our drivers, supported by our non-driving staff, with the ultimate goal of safely picking up and delivering all freight on time and damage-free. It’s encouraging to see the TCA gaining credibility with new programs like the Elite Fleet that utilize actual data without subjectivity to certify carriers as being the best. Thank you to all of our drivers for all of your hard work and dedication.”

This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to safety and performance, reflecting the hard work of both its drivers and support teams.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Innovation

Wilson Logistics, a family-owned and operated business, began its journey in 1980 with a single truck. Since then, the company has expanded into a forward-thinking leader in the trucking industry, known for its unwavering focus on driver development and safety. Wilson Logistics fosters an environment where drivers choose career paths tailored to their individual preferences and needs.

Additionally, the company offers comprehensive resources, including a CDL training program, leasing options, and a broad range of carrier services, ensuring drivers are equipped for success.

About the TCA Elite Fleet Program

The TCA Elite Fleet Program identifies carriers based on measurable criteria, including safety, operational performance, driver compensation, benefits, technology, and quality of life. The certification is rooted in data and feedback, incorporating surveys from drivers and independent contractors for true validation.

“We are incredibly proud to announce this first class of TCA Elite Fleets,” said Jim Ward, president, TCA. “These carriers went through a comprehensive and detailed application process, had their drivers surveyed for validation, and received top scores for their combination of driver compensation, benefits, engagement, satisfaction, training, support, company equipment, safety and facilities. These forty-seven carriers are truly Elite Fleets, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them.”

Commitment to Drivers’ Success

Being named a TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier cements Wilson Logistics’ standing as a top-tier carrier for professional drivers. This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to providing drivers with the tools, support, and opportunities needed to thrive, all while maintaining a steadfast emphasis on safety and innovation.

For more on the TCA Elite Fleet Program or Wilson Logistics, visit their website or social media platforms.

Source: The Trucker

Source: Wilson Logistics

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Congratulations to the 2025 Winners:

• Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters

• Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines

• Toby Wallis, Freymiller

• Walter Jackson, Landstar

• Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport

These elite professionals stood out among a competitive pool of nominees. Their commitment to safety, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions both on and off the road earned them this prestigious accolade and a $20,000 prize each.

Curious to learn more about their inspiring stories? Visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com/Stories to explore their journeys.

Industry Sponsors Applaud the Winners

This award is made possible through the sponsorship of Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins, Inc. Representatives from both organizations expressed their admiration for the winners:

• Jon Archard, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops, stated, “Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and hard work these drivers show every day. These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”

• José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., shared, “We are honored to sponsor this recognition and highlight these exceptional drivers who are the backbone of our industry. Their commitment to excellence on the road and their impact on their local communities are truly lasting.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Do you know a deserving truck driver who goes above and beyond? Nominations for the 2026 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For nomination details and eligibility requirements, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

Source: Truckers News

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This year, NFI inducted 14 hardworking drivers into the Haul of Fame—recognizing professionals with over 2 million miles or 20 years of driving without avoidable accidents. Both Peter and Mike were honored to join this select circle of highly accomplished and safety-oriented team members.

“It’s an honor,” shared Peter, reflecting on how much the trucking industry has changed since he started. “You retired and you left, and nobody knew you were gone… At NFI, they know I’ve been here this long, and they recognize what I’ve done. They’re watching, and they understand the sacrifices—this isn’t just a job. This is a lifestyle.”

Peter emphasized how much the recognition meant to him and his family.

“They’ve seen the sacrifice. They’ve lived the sacrifice,” he added. “But I really feel it. I really feel like I’m a part of this family.”

Mike echoed similar sentiments, describing the award as a career highlight.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “When I first saw the Haul of Fame a few years ago, I knew right then I was going to do everything I could to one day see my name up there.”

Mike went on to illustrate the magnitude of the achievement.

“To put things into perspective, it’s 477,710 miles to the moon and back. I’ve done that trip over four times safely,” he said. “Ask your friends how many accidents they’ve been in just driving a car. To hit this milestone safely is nearly inconceivable.”

For both drivers, the Haul of Fame recognition isn’t just a plaque on a wall; it’s a testament to extraordinary dedication and unrelenting focus on safety.

More Than Just a Job—A Workplace That Cares

For Peter and Mike, NFI has always been more than just a job. The atmosphere cultivated at NFI stands out in the trucking industry.

“I wanted to work for a company that cared about their drivers,” Mike shared. “I saw so many NFI trucks on the road and started asking their drivers at truck stops how they liked working for NFI. Every one of them told me how great the company was and how well they treated their drivers.”

His experience after joining only reinforced that reputation.

“NFI treats their drivers with respect, something that many trucking companies fail at,” Mike said. “They’re always investing in new tractors and doing a great job with scheduling so I can maximize time with my family.”

Peter added his thoughts about the uniquely open culture created by the Brown family and management.

“The open-door policy here at NFI means everyone can talk to anybody,” Peter said. “Nobody is above walking up and shaking someone’s hand at two o’clock in the morning.”

Employees feel genuinely supported, he noted, whether it’s through collaborative problem-solving or leadership asking simple but meaningful questions like, “How can I help?”

Celebration of Safe and Dedicated Driving

Since its inception in 2019, the NFI Haul of Fame has celebrated exceptional achievements in safety and reliability. To date, 61 drivers have earned a spot in this distinguished group. This year alone, NFI honored 15 additional drivers who achieved 1 million miles of accident-free driving, collectively contributing more than 14 million safe miles.

These celebrations were held in Chicago, Mauston, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—serving as joyous milestones not only for the drivers but for the entire NFI community.

NFI President of Transportation, Bob Knowles, highlighted the importance of these accomplishments.

“Many of these drivers have driven for the same account throughout their careers, playing a key role in the success of our long-standing customer relationships,” he said.

Source: The Trucker

Image: (NFI) Peter L. (left) and Mike N. (right)

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Dana Tarver, a fuel hauler with Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), has been recognized by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) as their November 2024 Member of the Month. This acknowledgment comes in light of her remarkable career and her commitment to empowering women within the trucking industry.

A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence

Located in Arlington, VA, the Women In Trucking Association announced Tarver’s recognition, highlighting her impressive career trajectory. “In 1995, driven by tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on, Tarver began her career in the trucking industry at the age of 25,” WIT shared in a press release. Tarver’s career is marked by her meticulous adherence to company policies and her personal ethos of doing things right the first time. Her exemplary dedication serves as a testament to the impactful role a dedicated driver can play within the industry.

A Passion for Safety and Mentorship

Tarver’s unwavering commitment to safety is evident in the meticulous maintenance of her equipment and her proactive approach to risk management. She values sharing her knowledge with others and is proud to be a trusted resource for fellow drivers seeking advice and guidance on their journeys.

Encouragement and Empowerment for Women in Trucking

In her own words, Tarver inspires other women to pursue opportunities within the trucking sector, saying, “Never be intimidated to do this job. What’s for you will be for you if you always put safety first. When in doubt, stop and ask somebody.” Her message emphasizes the importance of safety and underscores the vast potential for growth and success, even in a male-dominated field.

Dana Tarver’s story is not just about her individual success but also about her role as a champion for women pursuing careers in trucking. Through her efforts, she has built a rewarding career that offers job security and work-life balance, all while encouraging others to take similar strides in an industry ripe with opportunity.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

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To nominate a deserving driver, visit www.tcaprofessionaldriversoftheyear.com. Sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Cummins, this program highlights drivers who exemplify safety, leadership, and impactful contributions to their companies and communities.

“This awards program plays a vital role in honoring the dedication and hard work of exceptional truck drivers. Recognizing their contributions not only boosts morale within the industry but also highlights the critical role they play in our economy and communities. Thanks to sponsors Love’s and Cummins for their support and ensuring that these important celebrations continue,” said TCA Vice President Zander Gambill.

Last year’s honorees included Tim Chelette of Big G Express, Rosalinda Tejada of Knight Transportation, Howard Robinson of NFI Industries, Clark Reed of Nussbaum Transportation, and James White of P&S Transportation.

“Every day, the Love’s Travel Stops’ team strives to make life on the road easier for professional truck drivers. These underappreciated heroes impact each and every one of us as they perform one of our country’s most demanding and important jobs. We are honored, once again, to recognize those drivers who set the highest standard for the industry mile after mile,” said Jon Archard, Love’s Travel Stops’ Vice President of Fleet Sales.

José Samperio of Cummins Inc. noted, “Many truckers are responsible for more than just safely transporting the goods we rely upon in our daily lives. When they aren’t logging miles, they are also responsible for community involvement, peer leadership, and improving their respective company cultures. Cummins is honored to continue to support the TCA Professional Driver of the Year program that rewards those drivers who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in the world around them.”

If you know a driver who embodies these qualities and works for a TCA member carrier, nominate them today and celebrate their remarkable impact.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Truckload Carriers Association 

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At this year’s Landstar BCO Appreciation Days in Durant, Okla., Simmons, from Myrtle Beach, S.C., was handed the keys to a sleek, blue 2025 Kenworth T-680 by Frank Lonegro, Landstar’s president and CEO. The event highlighted Landstar’s gratitude towards its community of BCOs. Lonegro expressed, “Landstar truck giveaways are an important way to illustrate our gratitude to all of the Landstar BCOs who support the Landstar network by operating safely and delivering for our customers every time they get behind the wheel. We are delighted to celebrate this life-changing event with Stacie and look forward to helping her achieve continued success as a Landstar BCO.”

Simmons was among five finalists chosen from nearly 9,000 eligible participants. The annual giveaway, a central feature of the two-day appreciation event, underscores Landstar’s dedication to rewarding excellence in safety and customer service.

Standing by her new truck, Simmons shared her excitement, noting the significance of the win for her and her husband, Markus, who is also her team driver. “We have a 2016 Volvo and she’s in the shop right now, so getting this is pretty spectacular,” Simmons said.

Landstar’s selection process rewards owner-operators who consistently deliver their loads safely. Additional entries into the giveaway were granted for attending safety meetings and joining the monthly Safety Thursday Conference Calls. Once the entry window closed, a computerized random draw determined the finalists, who were required to attend the giveaway event in person.

According to Landstar’s press release, the company has been gifting brand-new trucks since 1994, conducting two giveaways each year. This year’s earlier winner, John Fuller, a Two Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar honoree, received his truck during the BCO All-Star Truck Giveaway in July. In both cases, Landstar covers all costs related to the truck’s tag, tax, and title…

Source: The Trucker

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