Eligibility Criteria for Nominations

HDT invites nominations for professionals leading in safety, risk management, human resources, and similar capacities across the trucking industry. Whether you are nominating yourself or someone you admire for their contributions, we welcome submissions from colleagues, clients, vendors, and self-nominations alike.

The award recipient will be celebrated during the Fleet Safety Conference segment at the upcoming Fleet Forward Conference, taking place from November 6-8, 2024, at the Sheraton Marina in San Diego. Nominees should exemplify innovation in safety management and measurable progress in protecting drivers and other road users. The winner will gain significant visibility in the November/December issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, as well as on Truckinginfo.com and other reputable platforms.

Are you or someone you know a worthy candidate? Be sure to submit your nomination here by September 20.

Source: Trucking Info

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A Career Marked by Safe Driving Achievements

This prestigious accolade complements a career filled with safety recognitions. Vorst first achieved the Million Mile Safe Driver milestone in 1995, followed by the 2 Million Mile Safe Driver award in 2008, and was most recently inducted as a 3 Million Mile Safe Driver in 2022. According to a statement from Landstar, “Vorst continues to add to his impressive career as an operator for Landstar Inway, Inc. and, to date, has driven more than 3.23 million miles while leased on with a Landstar company without a preventable accident.” Additionally, Vorst has been honored with two Landstar Star of Quality awards and a National Safety Council Driver Honor.

Praise from Landstar Leadership

During the award ceremony, Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro lauded Vorst’s steadfast dedication to safety and excellence. “Thank you for four decades of dedication to Landstar and for exemplifying safety, excellence, and professionalism as you’ve navigated well over 3 million miles,” said Lonegro. “We look forward to many more years and many more miles.”

The Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award

Among the tens of thousands of owner-operators associated with Landstar, only 11 have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Launched during the 2012 BCO All-Star Celebration, this award honors active or retired Landstar BCOs who have maintained at least 20 consecutive years with the company.

Nomination Criteria

Nominees for this esteemed award must meet specific qualifications, including:

• Achieving the status of a 2 Million Mile Landstar Safe Driver or higher

• Demonstrating consistent professionalism and building a positive reputation with regulatory and enforcement personnel, customers, agents, and Landstar employees

• Being a recipient of the Landstar Roadstar designation, which highlights those who exhibit the highest standards of safety, productivity, and customer service excellence.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: Landstar

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Schneider’s annual recognition program is dedicated to honoring drivers who have reached remarkable safety-related career milestones. This includes the Million Mile Driver Awards, Consecutive Safe Driving Awards, and induction into the esteemed company’s Haul of Fame.

“These responsible professionals exemplify safety excellence, serving thousands of customers across millions of miles without a single preventable accident,” Schneider said.

The Million Mile Driver Award is given to Schneider drivers who have safely transported freight over 1 million miles without any accidents. These safe miles are accumulated annually, reflecting shipment miles driven without any preventable incidents. In the year 2023 alone, 92 drivers either attained this honor for the first time or reached new milestones, with five drivers achieving the feat of 4 million safe driving miles.

This year’s standout achievement features five drivers who have collectively traveled more than 800 times around the globe, solidifying their place in an exclusive group of only a dozen others in the company’s history who have reached this significant milestone.

Additionally, 82 drivers have been recognized with Schneider’s Consecutive Safe Driving Award for their commitment to accident-free driving over milestone years. This award acknowledges drivers who have achieved a minimum of 10 consecutive years without a preventable accident.

Furthermore, drivers who have amassed 3 million safe driving miles or maintained 20 consecutive years of accident-free driving are honored with the prestigious distinction of being added to Schneider’s Haul of Fame. The names of these drivers are engraved on plaques displayed on the Haul of Fame wall at Schneider’s corporate headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year, 32 drivers met the criteria for the first time or had their plaques updated to reflect elevated award levels.

“Whether they’re first-time award recipients or seasoned safe driving award winners, we appreciate each driver’s dedication to our values,” said Mark Rourke, president and CEO of Schneider. “In particular, we commend Jon Shackleford, Michael Barnette, Daniel Dailey, Curt Fields and Wayne Lovinella, who each achieved an astounding 4 million safe driving miles. Drivers serve as ambassadors of both Schneider and the customers we represent, and these superstars represent excellence in action.”

Source: The Trucker

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“Safety is at the heart of our industry, and these carriers and professionals embody this principle consistently,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “I want to congratulate these valued members of our industry for their commitment to safety and professionalism.”

These recognitions were given during ATA’s 2024 Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition held in Phoenix.

The recipients include:

• Steven Garrish, Vice President of Safety and Compliance at Old Dominion Freight Line was recognized as the 2023 ATA National Safety Director of the Year.
• Pitt Ohio of Pittsburgh was the recipient of the ATA President’s Trophy for traveling over 100 million miles.
• TCW Inc. of Nashville was awarded for mileage between 25 and 100 million miles.
• J.W. Didado Electric of Akron, Ohio, was honored in the category of fleets under 25 million miles.
• David Wolford of Continental Express was named the 2023 ATA National Driver of the Year.
• The Arkansas Trucking Association was recognized with the 2023 Excellence in Safety award.

“SMC is pleased to honor this year’s winners — all of whom play an important role in building our industry’s safety culture,” said SMC Executive Director Jacob Pierce. “Motor carriers, state association executives, and our drivers do critical work in promoting and improving safety across our industry, and we thank them all for their commitment.”

Source: The Trucker

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Her career is full of accomplishments, including multiple regional driver-of-the-year awards and safety recognitions. In January 2024, Edwards surpassed the remarkable milestone of 2 Million Safe Miles.

“I am greatly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Edwards said. “I want to thank my family for their support and patience, J.B. Hunt for providing me with the opportunity and leadership, and Women In Trucking for all they do to make driving a better career option for women. I do what I do because I love it, and I hope others will find as much joy and passion for being a driver as I have for decades.”

Edwards is the first-ever J.B. Hunt driver to receive this honor from WIT. Her exceptional contributions extend beyond the wheel, as she has served on WIT’s Image Team since 2016.

As an integral member of the Image Team, Edwards has played a pivotal role in mentoring aspiring professionals entering the trucking industry, while also championing the cause of promoting trucking as a rewarding career option for women. Her involvement includes hosting ride-alongs with government and organizational officials, participating in WIT events and panel discussions, and engaging in interviews with various media outlets, including WIT’s weekly radio show on SiriusXM.

“We are immensely proud of Jodi and the example she sets for our drivers and others in the industry,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “Throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to providing industry-leading service while enabling those around her with training and support. Her leadership speaks volumes to her integrity and professionalism, paving the way for her fellow drivers to follow.”

Furthermore, Edwards has dedicated over a decade to serving as a Smith System certified instructor and driver trainer, imparting invaluable knowledge and expertise to the next generation of safe driving professionals.

“Jodi’s fair and wise approach sets her apart, making her a great representative for all drivers in the industry,” said Mildred Hernandez, transportation manager at J.B. Hunt and Edwards’ manager for many years. “She consistently demonstrates her exceptional driving ability, reliability, and dedication to J.B. Hunt, surpassing all expectations over the 30-plus years I’ve spent in the industry.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edwards exemplifies a spirit of philanthropy and community service. She has generously volunteered her time to support J.B. Hunt’s participation in Wreaths Across America, an annual event honoring fallen veterans during the holiday season.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Edwards will join over 50 esteemed drivers at J.B. Hunt’s corporate headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas, in May for the company’s 23rd annual Million Mile Celebration. This event serves as a tribute to drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety records by achieving between 2 million and 5 million safe miles within the past year.

Since its inception in 1996, J.B. Hunt’s Million Mile Celebration has honored over 4,600 drivers, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and excellence among its workforce. Edwards and her fellow Million Mile drivers represent the proud legacy of this enduring safety culture, which remains ingrained in the fabric of J.B. Hunt’s operations.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: J.B. Hunt

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The fifth annual award recognized three outstanding drivers: Carmen Anderson of America’s Service Line, Deb LaBree of Castle Transport LLC (leased to Landstar), and Jodi Edwards of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

The announcement took place during Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, an event dedicated to celebrating female commercial drivers’ achievements in the industry.

“All of these deserving drivers are members of the WIT Image Team,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “They represent the WIT mission and participate in ride-along events for legislators, regulators, and industry leaders to provide a deeper understanding of the obstacles they face on the road. They also speak to the media and other industry professionals at public events and industry trade shows.”

Anderson, with 2.5 million safe-driving miles, is known for her championship wins and recognitions, including being the first woman awarded the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association Driver of the Year.

LaBree, a professional driver since 2006, stands out for her leadership, mentorship, and customer service. She earned prior recognition from Landstar with their Bronze and Silver Star of Quality awards.

Edwards, who has worked at J.B. Hunt for over 25 years and has driven 2 million collision-free miles, is celebrated for her commitment to safety and advocacy for all women in transportation. Throughout her long career, she has earned multiple awards for her safety record and overall professionalism.

Anderson, LaBree, and Edwards, through their unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and mentorship, have not only set a high standard for all drivers but have also inspired others and paved the way for women’s continued success in the transportation industry.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Photo: Women In Trucking

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The All-Star Truck Giveaway is an exclusive event for Landstar Million Mile Safe Drivers and Roadstar honorees. These individuals are considered the top performers in safety, productivity, and customer service excellence. Each of the owner-operators has an impressive record of driving at least one million consecutive miles with Landstar, all without a single preventable accident.

This year, Mixon was the lucky recipient of a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia truck, a well-deserved reward for his exceptional dedication and commitment to safe driving. The truck giveaway was the highlight of Landstar’s All-Star Celebration, a memorable event that continues to honor the best of the best in the industry.

Mixon is the lucky recipient of Landstar’s 47th truck giveaway, and it’s an incredible milestone. This award is the 10th truck specifically given to a Landstar Million Mile Safe Driver or Roadstar. Comdata has generously sponsored this year’s truck, and Landstar has gone above and beyond by covering all registration fees and taxes.

“We are pleased to continue the annual tradition of giving away a new truck to one of Landstar’s best and safest owner-operators,” said Landstar President and CEO Jim Gattoni. “The safety-first mindset of Landstar independent owner-operators who have reached the Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar milestones deserves to be celebrated. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to give away a new truck, and Mr. Mixon is a wonderful recipient.”

Mixon has been with Landstar for 19 years. Not only has he been recognized as a Landstar Million Mile Safe Driver and Roadstar honoree in 2014, but he also team drives with his equally enthusiastic wife, Jackie. Together, they are thrilled about their new truck.

During Landstar’s BCO All-Star Celebration, Mixon was selected as one of the four finalists, chosen randomly from a pool of eligible Landstar owner-operators. On stage, each finalist had the opportunity to choose one out of four boxes, with one box containing the key to a brand-new truck. Mixon emerged as the lucky winner and expressed gratitude towards God and the Landstar community.

The event also honored the latest group of Million Mile Safe Drivers and Roadstars. The new class consists of an impressive 98 One Million Mile Safe Drivers, 19 Two Million Mile Safe Drivers, and one Three Million Mile Safe Driver. Furthermore, 15 exceptional owner-operators were recognized as Roadstars, which brings the company’s total number of honorees to 174.

The 15 remarkable individuals who were honored with the Roadstar designation include: Doug Austin, Rob Badker, Greg Cornelius, Dan Crotsley, Michael Keinz Jr., Jim Kepner, Vicki Lively, David Long, Adrian Martin Sr., Regina Otto, Edin Sagastume, Randy Sasser, Frank Smith, Jackie Watson, and Tim White.

Source: Overdrive

Photo: Landstar

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Van Zeeland was chosen as the ultimate winner of a prestigious award after being shortlisted alongside two other prominent industry leaders. Katerina Jones, chief marketing officer for Fleet Advantage and Nanette Malebranche, managing director of the Tri-State District at FedEx Express who have impressive records as well. The announcement of the winner was made during this year’s TIA 2023 Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition.

“We’re pleased to recognize Erin with the honor of Distinguished Woman in Logistics,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT, in a statement. “Throughout her career at Schneider, as well as in her volunteer work, she has shown exceptional talent, leadership, and mentorship of others — three of the key characteristics of this award.”

In her role as Chief Commercial Officer, Van Zeeland leads the charge in growing Schneider’s fastest-growing division. She oversees a range of activities including marketing and sales strategies alongside product development and power-only services to ensure profitability across brokerage, supply chain management, distribution operations and more.

After an impressive 27 years with Schneider, Van Zeeland has risen steadily through the ranks and achieved a number of leadership roles. Along her journey she tackled multiple areas such as operations, tech transformation and human resources while making significant contributions to customer growth and global engagement strategies – and, of course, logistics.

Van Zeeland an MBA from Silver Lake College, as well as Corporate Governance certificate from Harvard Business School. Additionally, she was honored to be given Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s inaugural Women in Supply Chain Award. This driven professional also dedicates her time to board of directors’ roles for United Way — Green Bay and Transportation Intermediaries Association; plus, co-lead positions at Schneider Women’s Network amongst other influential programs involving women leading businesses across industries today.

Source: truckinginfo

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