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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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

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Source: Women In Trucking

The 2025 Driver of the Year Finalists

• Ericka Norfleet, Owner-Operator, R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.

• Gina Jones, Company Driver, Werner

• Kathy Blaies, Professional Carhauler, United Road

• Sandy Winters, Company Driver, Leonard’s Express

The winner of this prestigious honor will be announced during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” ceremony, which takes place on Friday, March 28, at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ericka Norfleet (R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.)

Source: WIT (Erica Norfleet)

Ericka Norfleet is a proud owner operator associated with R.E. Garrison Trucking, Inc., who has carved out an impressive career since earning her CDL in 2015. With more than one million safe miles logged on the road, she exemplifies professionalism, safety, and teamwork.

For Norfleet, trucking is more than just a job; it’s a family lifestyle. Together with her husband, she has spent nearly nine years as part of a driving team while raising their seven children. Her dedication to safety, coupled with her deep connection to the trucking community, makes her a standout in the industry.

Gina Jones (Werner)

Source: WIT (Gina Jones)

Gina Jones, a company driver for Werner, has seamlessly transitioned from a career in retail management to becoming a force in the trucking world. She earned her CDL at the age of 50 and has since accumulated an impressive 2.5 million accident-free miles.

Her accolades include the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award, the Werner Safe Driver Award, and the President’s Safe Driver Club Award presented by the Nebraska Trucking Association. Jones’ leadership shines through her advocacy work as a former ATA America’s Road Team Captain and Werner Road Team member. Driving a specialty-wrapped truck that honors military service members, Jones is a part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet. Off duty, she mentors aspiring drivers, supports charitable causes, and takes joy in riding her Harley Davidson or spending time with her grandchildren.

Kathy Blaies (United Road)

Source: WIT (Kathy Blaise)

With over two decades in the driver’s seat, Kathy Blaies has redefined the standards of car-hauling excellence. Blaies has maintained a damage-free career while driving more than one million miles, earning the Gold Elite Driver Award four times and the Damage Free Elite Award twice.

Known affectionately by her peers as “Carhaul Kathy,” she is admired for her meticulous attention to safety, professionalism, and mentorship within the industry. Her dedication to efficiency and quality not only leads by example but also inspires the next generation of professional car haulers.

Sandy Winters (Leonard’s Express)

Source: WIT (Sandy Winters)

Sandy Winters has dedicated over three decades to driving excellence as a company driver for Leonard’s Express. After serving four years in the U.S. Army, she entered the trucking industry in 1993 with the encouragement of a friend who noticed her innate skill with large vehicles.

Throughout her career, Winters has operated a variety of vehicles, from ink tankers to flatbeds, and navigated routes across the U.S. and Canada. Her work ethic, passion for mentoring the next generation, and commitment to the industry have earned her widespread respect. According to Winters, trucking isn’t just what she does; it’s what she loves, and she strives for excellence every single day.

Join the Celebration

Don’t miss the reveal of the 2025 Driver of the Year award winner during WIT’s “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” event at the Mid-America Trucking Show. This recognition marks yet another milestone for women paving the way in the transportation sector.

Congratulations to these remarkable women who continue to inspire and redefine excellence in trucking.

Source: Truckers News

The post Meet the Finalists for Women in Trucking’s 2025 Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“I want to congratulate our 246 drivers who reached one million or more consecutive accident-free miles last year,” said Mario Harik, CEO of XPO. “I am grateful for everything they do to serve our customers and keep our roads safe, and I look forward to recognizing many more drivers in the coming year.”

Accumulating Over 308 Million Miles of Safe Driving

Collectively, these safety leaders have driven over 308 million accident-free miles—a distance equivalent to about 12,379 trips around the globe. These numbers truly reflect their dedication and skill on the roads.

Breaking Down the Safety Records:

• 199 drivers earned recognition for reaching one million consecutive accident-free miles.

• 35 drivers surpassed two million miles of safe driving.

• Nine drivers achieved a remarkable milestone of three million accident-free miles, including the 100th XPO driver in company history to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

Driving Excellence to the Next Level

Three exceptional drivers reached an astounding four million accident-free miles last year:

• Dale Williams, Knoxville, Tennessee

• Doug Phelps, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

• Darrell Thompson, Indianapolis, Indiana

Driving four million miles without any accidents is comparable to traveling to the moon and back more than eight times. Together, Dale, Doug, and Darrell bring a combined 116 years of flawless, accident-free driving to XPO—a testament to their commitment to safety and professionalism.

Source: The Trucker

Image: XPO

The post Honoring XPO’s Safety Achievements in 2024: 246 Drivers Reach the Million-Mile Mark appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) recently recognized 20 exemplary drivers as “America’s Best Drivers,” boasting a staggering 52,509,908 accident-free miles with over 600 years of combined experience. The truckers, nominated by NASTC member fleets for their exceptional driving records, took center stage at the association’s highly anticipated annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving direct commendations on November 8.

David Owen, President of NASTC, underscored the essential role that small carriers play in the trucking industry. He highlighted their unique ability to attract and retain the best and safest drivers—those who have achieved million-mile milestones. “NASTC’s membership represents a group that is a force in the industry,” he stated during a breakout session. Owen also emphasized the importance of recognizing these drivers’ value through appropriate compensation, advocating a six-figure salary for “a good OTR driver with a million miles behind him.”

NASTC 2024 Driver of the Year Team

Below are the remarkable members of the NASTC 2024 Driver of the Year Team, known for their exemplary accident-free miles:

• Jesse Lehman (Barry Bashore, Inc.): 39 years’ experience, over 3 million miles in 35 years.

• Keith Stearns (Borchers Brothers Trucking, LLC): 35 years’ experience, 3 million miles covered in 6 years.

• David Weeks (Capital Transport): 38 years’ experience, an impressive 4.3 million miles in 6 years.

• Doyle Archer (Coomes, Inc.): With 60 years of expertise, he has driven 1.3 million miles over 20 years.

• Jeff Bischel (D&D Transport Solutions, LLC): 19 years’ experience with 1.8 million miles in 2 years.

• Mark Landon (Dick Lavy Trucking): 40 years’ experience and 5 million miles in 20 years.

• Randy Wheeler (Dudley Sparkman, Inc.): 21 years’ experience and 2.5 million miles over 12 years.

• Lori Zegelnieks (Edward Axline Trucking, Inc.): 24 years driving with 2.5 million miles in 7 years.

• Gary Craft (Gold Standard Transportation): 50 years’ experience, covering 3 million miles in 2.5 years.

• Ralph Clark (Groen Enterprises, Inc.): 16 years of experience and 1.2 million miles in 10 years.

• Ernie Plett (Hiway Express, LLC): 24 years under his belt and 2.2 million miles over 19 years.

• Corey Havel (International Express Trucking, Inc.): 25 years’ experience, with 3 million miles in 5 years.

• Jeremy Edgeworth (JT Motorsports, Inc.): 12 years’ experience achieving 1.3 million miles in 10 years.

• Alfonso Ruiz (KGT Transport, Inc.): 30 years on the road, covering 1.2 million miles in 8 years.

• Larry Bischoff (Larry Bischoff Trucking): 51 years’ experience as an owner-operator, with 3.3 million miles in 38 years.

• Leo Reynolds (Maple Lane Transport): 17 years in the industry, driving 1.1 million miles in 3 years.

• Tom Billups (Morris Trucking Corp.): 33 years with 3.5 million miles.

• LeRoy Boully (QLF Transportation, Inc.): 44 years’ experience with 3 million miles in 10 years.

• Ron Marcum (Red Baron Transportation): 35 years’ experience, achieving 3 million miles in 2 years.

• Dale Wiederholt (Strawboss Trucking, Inc.): 40 years of expertise and 3.2 million miles over 29 years.

Source: Overdrive

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