Highlighting Zima’s exceptional achievements, MTA President John Hausladen said, “This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry. Driving safely is no easy task, especially considering his daily driving conditions like congestion, driver distractions, and the added challenges of Minnesota winters. Having over 4 million safe driving miles is an outstanding accomplishment. We’re proud to award Roger for this achievement.”

Exemplifying Excellence

Ken Foltz, representing Foltz Trucking, further emphasized Zima’s commitment to excellence. “Roger is a prime example of an employee that lives and breathes the core values and principles of Foltz Trucking,” Foltz shared. “Roger does it right every trip, every day, every week, and every year.”

About Foltz Trucking

Founded in 1958 with just one truck, Foltz Trucking remains a family-owned and operated business, specializing in hopper freight. The company hauls a variety of bulk materials, including agricultural products and pet food ingredients—all while staying committed to safety and quality service.

The Road to Driver of the Year Recognition

Each year, the MTA celebrates exceptional drivers through its Driver of the Month program. Drivers who meet stringent requirements, such as an impeccable driving record, significant industry contributions, demonstrated commitment to highway safety, and community involvement, are nominated by their companies. One of these distinguished individuals is then selected as Driver of the Year by a panel of esteemed judges.

The 2024 judging panel included Charles St. Martin, Division Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Laura Roads from MnDOT; and Captain Robert Zak of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Congratulations to Roger Zima for his remarkable achievements and for setting the standard in trucking excellence!

Source: The Trucker

Image: MTA

The post Minnesota Trucking Association Honors 2024 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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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