The recognition took place during ATA’s 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition. The winners were recognized at ATA’s 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition Awards Banquet sponsored by Tenstreet.

The focus wasn’t just on policies or paperwork. The spotlight was on real-world performance, fleets logging millions of miles, drivers maintaining strong safety records, and organizations building habits that reduce risk on the road and in the yard.

Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, said, “Safety and security in trucking are at the core of everything we do. They are what keep operations running smoothly and, even more important, protect every driver on the road. The professionals in this space play a critical role in the industry’s success. For many, it becomes a long-term commitment to continuously improve standards and prevent risk. At the end of the day, their work goes beyond compliance. They are actively helping to save lives every time a truck travels our roadways.”

Fleets Recognized for Mileage-Based Safety

Awards were handed out based on miles traveled, highlighting carriers that maintained strong safety performance at different operating scales:

• Over 100 million miles: A. Duie Pyle Inc.
• Between 25 and 100 million miles: Red Classic
• Under 25 million miles: Alaska West Express

These categories reflect how safety performance is measured across fleets of different sizes, not just the largest operations.

Individual and Association Honors

The event also recognized standout performance beyond fleet operations.

• 2025 National Driver of the Year: Don Carpenter of Old Dominion Freight Lines
• 2025 Excellence in Safety: Tennessee Trucking Association

Jacob Pierce, executive director of the council, said, “We’re thrilled to honor this year’s recipients. Each plays a key role in building a safer, more resilient culture throughout our industry. From motor carriers to state association leaders and drivers on the road, their commitment is vital to promoting safety, and we deeply appreciate their hard work.”

Why It Matters on the Road

Awards like these point to something bigger than a single event. They reflect how safety shows up day to day, in maintenance checks, decision-making behind the wheel, and how companies handle risk before it turns into a problem.

Recognition programs also set a benchmark. Fleets and drivers can see what strong performance looks like and where the bar is being set across the industry.

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A Remarkable Victory for Old Dominion Freight Lines

Mike Markham, from Belpre, Ohio, and representing Old Dominion Freight Lines, emerged as the Grand Champion of this year’s competition. His outstanding performance also earned him a first-place victory in the Tank Truck category, cementing his reputation as one of the best in the field. Notably, this is not Markham’s first time in the spotlight; he previously won the Grand Champion title in 2023, showcasing consistent excellence.

Honoring the Best in the Industry

This year’s event also paid tribute to other remarkable individuals whose commitment to safety and professionalism continues to elevate the trucking industry.

• Nick Backes, a resident of Hurricane, West Virginia, and a driver for Pitt Ohio, was honored with the prestigious title of West Virginia Professional Driver of the Year.

• Jeremy Gray, another Old Dominion Freight Lines driver based in Williamstown, West Virginia, received the West Virginia Public Service Commission Driver of the Year Award.

• Mike Roberts, from Eleanor, West Virginia, and a dedicated XPO driver, claimed the Pre-Trip Inspection Award, showcasing his attention to detail.

• The Rookie of the Year title was awarded to David Roberts, representing Walmart Transportation and hailing from St. Albans, West Virginia.

Team Effort Shines

Beyond individual accolades, teamwork was celebrated as Pitt Ohio earned the Team Champion Award for their collective efforts and standout performance during the competition.

Highlights of Category Wins

Here’s a closer look at all the category champions who stood out with their extraordinary abilities in their respective fields:

• Straight Truck – Alexander Atkins, St. Albans, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 3-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Mike Roberts, Eleanor, West Virginia, XPO

• 4-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Cole Miltenberger, Ridgeley, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 5-Axle Van – Steve Looney, St. Albans, West Virginia, ABF Freight

• Tank Truck – Mike Markham, Belpre, Ohio, Old Dominion Freight Lines

• Flatbed – Justin Moody, Beckley, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Twin Trailers – Vince May, Sitka, Kentucky, FedEx Freight

• Sleeper Berth – David Roberts, St. Albans, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van – Brandon Wuletich, Caldwell, Ohio, FedEx Freight

Eyes on the National Stage

Each first-place champion from the event will go on to represent West Virginia at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. Scheduled for August 20–23, the national competition provides an even larger platform for these skilled drivers to showcase their expertise and bring pride to their teams and communities.

Image Source: WVT
Source: Truckers News

The post Celebrating Excellence at the West Virginia Trucking Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Celebrating New Talent

Michael Williams was awarded the Rookie of the Year accolade. With his impressive performance, Williams represented Walmart during the event.

Class-by-Class Highlights

Here are the other notable winners from this year’s championships, recognizing exceptional skills in different categories:

• M. Murray Knowledge of the Industry Award
  • Winner: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Vehicle Condition Award
  • Winner: Jimmy Islar, FedEx Express (achieving a flawless score)
• William C. Hallford Team Award (Best Team)
  • Winners: Old Dominion Freight Lines team
    • Team Members: Martin Pringle, Trent Curren, Kenneth Smith, Kevin Smith, Mark Putnam, Blake Taylor, JD Lynch

Individual Class Champions

• Dump Truck
  • Champion: Bradley Bates, Knight’s Trucking
  • Runner-up: Michael Nirella, NW White & Co.
• Step Van
  • Champion: Salena Ashbreck, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Jamie Cashatt, FedEx Express
• Straight Truck
  • Champion: Mark Putnam, Old Dominion Freight Lines
  • Runner-up: William Jones, FedEx Freight
• Three-Axle
  • Champion: Steve Ward, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: John Spanraft, FedEx Express
• Four-Axle
  • Champion: David Fountain, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Milom Williams, Walmart
• Five-Axle
  • Champion: Gene Summers, ADUSA
  • Runner-up: Casey Wyder, FedEx Express
• Tank Truck
  • Champion: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
  • Runner-up: Michael Williams, Walmart
• Flatbed
  • Champion: Jeffery Wyder, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Johnathan Cooper, New South Express
• Twins
  • Champion: JB Quarles, Walmart
  • Runner-up: Jason Owens, CVS Pharmacy
• Sleeper Berth
  • Champion: Richard McCoy, ADUSA
  • Runner-up: Timmy Allen, New South Express

State Transport Police Challenge Winners

The South Carolina State Transport Police also recognized exceptional talent during the event with these standout performances:

• Level 1 Challenge Champion – Chance Austin
• Motorcoach Champion – Mason Conley
• Hazardous Materials Champion – Chance Austin
• Grand Champion – Chance Austin

Looking Ahead to Nationals

Class champions from the SCTA event, including Steve Ward and other winners, now have the opportunity to showcase their driving prowess at the National Truck Driving Championships, which will be held from August 20 to August 23 in Minneapolis.

Congratulations to all the participants for their incredible achievements and skillful demonstrations of expertise in the trucking industry!

Source: Truckers News
Source: South Carolina Trucking Association

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