Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication and Excellence

Over his 25-year tenure with Missouri-based Prime Inc., Miller has exemplified what it means to be a professional driver. He has amassed an incredible 3.5 million accident-free miles while driving for Prime and 3.8 million accident-free miles throughout his career.

Miller’s commitment to safety and professionalism has earned him numerous accolades over the years. These include the MOTA Professional Excellence Award in 2019, selection as the Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year in both 2016 and 2023, and serving as a member of ATA America’s Road Team Captains.

Sharing their excitement on Facebook, Prime Inc. wrote, “Thomas, your commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence on the road inspires us all. Congratulations once again on this incredible honor!”

Other Driver of the Year Finalists

Thomas Miller wasn’t the only standout professional celebrated at this event. Other finalists recognized for their achievements in safety and service included:

• Jay Williams (TWCV Inc.)
• Rollie Fugate (Walmart)
• Michael Bortz (Sorenson Transport)
• Danny Tankersly (WEL Companies)

Recognizing Excellence Throughout the Industry

The conference also celebrated fleets and industry leaders significantly contributing to both roadway and workplace safety. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear underscored the importance of these efforts, remarking, “For trucking, safety isn’t just a box to check — it’s at the heart of what we do. These professionals lead by example, showing what real dedication and attention to detail look like day in and day out. Congratulations to the recipients of this award as well as to every nominee. They reflect the high standards and integrity that define our industry.”

Highlights of the Awards

President’s Trophy – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Over 100 Million Miles – Roehl Transport, Marshfield, Wisconsin
• Between 25–100 Million Miles – Bulkmatic, LLC, Griffith, Indiana
• Under 25 Million Miles – Talon Logistics, Harmony, Pennsylvania

2024 National Safety Director – Sponsored by DMC Insurance

• Ronnie Holland, TCW, Inc.

2024 Excellence in Safety – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Illinois Trucking Association

Jacob Pierce, Executive Director of the Safety Management Council, praised the honorees, saying, “We’re really proud to celebrate this year’s honorees – each one of them is helping shape a stronger, safer culture all across our industry. From motor carriers to state association leaders and the drivers on the road, their efforts are essential to advancing safety, and we’re grateful for their dedication.”

The Legacy of Leaders Like Miller

Thomas Miller’s recognition as the 2024 Driver of the Year is more than just a personal accomplishment; it’s a testament to the exceptional standards upheld by professionals across the trucking industry. Like every honoree and nominee celebrated at the event, his dedication and achievements continue to inspire others and reinforce a culture of safety, professionalism, and integrity.

Source: Truckers News

The post Prime Inc. Driver Honored as ATA’s 2024 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The highly-anticipated winner will be announced at the ATA’s Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, happening April 23–25 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Continental Express driver David Wolford, ATA’s 2023 National Driver of the Year. (Source: American Trucking Associations)

Recognizing Excellence on the Road

The ATA National Driver of the Year Award honors an individual for their lifelong dedication to safety and professionalism in the trucking industry. Every year, state trucking associations nominate their top drivers, and the ATA selects finalists through a rigorous evaluation process spearheaded by industry safety professionals.

This year, the following five drivers have risen above the rest, showcasing extraordinary accomplishments:

1. Jay Williams (TCW, Inc.)

• Accident-Free Miles: Over 3 million

• Years in the Industry: 20 with TCW, Inc.

• Awards: TCW 20 Year Safe Driving Award (2023); Tennessee Driver of the Year (2024)

Jay Williams has dedicated two decades of his career to TCW, Inc., driving with unparalleled precision and safety. His track record includes achieving over 3 million accident-free miles, a milestone recognized with several accolades, including the Tennessee Driver of the Year award for 2024.

2. Rollie Fugate (WalMart)

• Accident-Free Miles: 6 million

• Years in the Industry: 47.5 total, 24.5 with Wal-Mart

• Awards: Nevada Driver of the Year (2023)

With nearly five decades behind the wheel and a staggering 6 million accident-free miles, Rollie Fugate represents the gold standard of trucking safety. Now in his 24th year with WalMart, Fugate’s achievements include the Nevada Driver of the Year title.

3. Michael Bortz (Sorensen Transport)

• Accident-Free Miles: 4.85 million

• Years in the Industry: 43 total, 21 with Sorensen Transport

• Awards: Montana Driver of the Year (2024)

Michael Bortz has mastered the art of safe driving over his 43-year career, amassing nearly 5 million accident-free miles. Recognized as Montana’s Driver of the Year for 2024, Bortz has set an impressive industry benchmark.

4. Danny Tankersly (WEL Companies)

• Accident-Free Miles: 4.6 million

• Years in the Industry: 36 total, 14 with WEL Companies

• Awards: WEL Companies Driver of the Year (11-time recipient); WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year

Danny Tankersly’s reputation for safety is legendary. He boasts decades of accident-free driving and multiple honors, including winning WEL Companies’ Driver of the Year Award an astounding 11 times. His contributions were recently acknowledged with the WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year title.

5. Thomas Miller (Prime Inc.)

• Accident-Free Miles: 3.8 million

• Years in the Industry: 25 with Prime Inc.

• Awards: Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year (2016, 2023); MOTA Professional Excellence Award (2019); ATA America’s Road Team Captain

With a career defined by excellence, Thomas Miller has accumulated 3.8 million accident-free miles and numerous prestigious awards. From being named Missouri Driver of the Year twice to serving as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, Miller exemplifies professionalism on the road.

Judging and Selection Process

Each finalist for the National Driver of the Year Award first earns recognition as a state Driver of the Year, nominated by ATA-affiliated state trucking associations. These impressive contenders are evaluated by a panel of industry safety experts who assess qualifications, career milestones, and safety records.

The process also involves reviewing video submissions, allowing judges from the Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee to select the single standout driver worthy of the national spotlight.

Source: Truckers News & American Trucking Associations 

The post Meet the Finalists for the 2024 ATA National Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.