Nominations opened September 1 and will remain open through September 18. The contest is part of Pilot’s Driver Appreciation Month activities taking place throughout September.

Road Warrior Winner Will Receive a Custom Kenworth W990

This year’s winner will receive a Kenworth W990 customized by the Diesel Brothers. The truck features a 52-inch flat top sleeper with a Diamond VIT interior and is powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine producing 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque through a PACCAR TX-18 transmission.

The truck will be awarded along with a $50,000 cash prize. Pilot plans to announce the 2026 Road Warrior winner in October.

Nominations Focus on Safety and Service

Pilot is looking for professional drivers who demonstrate professionalism, safety, and service. The nomination form asks for information about the driver’s safe miles, awards or recognitions, military service, and contributions to their community or the trucking industry.

Both the person submitting the nomination and the nominated driver must be at least 18 years old and U.S. residents. Nominations can be submitted through Pilot’s Road Warrior contest page through September 18.

Last Year’s Winner Logged More Than 5 Million Safe Miles

The 2025 Road Warrior award went to Stacy Batiste of Lafayette, Louisiana. The Marine Corps veteran was selected from thousands of nominations after accumulating more than 5.1 million accident-free miles during a 33-year trucking career.

Batiste was nominated by longtime friend Kenneth Clay and received a customized Kenworth along with $50,000. Pilot said his record also included mentoring other professional drivers during his career.

Pilot Adds September Rewards for Professional Drivers

Pilot is also offering weekly Driver Appreciation Month rewards through its app. Professional drivers can receive three free drinks and one select snack each week during the promotion by saving the available offers to their professional driver myRewards account.

The offers are available at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J, and One9 locations. Pilot is also holding events at select travel centers with giveaways, samples, and other promotions throughout the month.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 8, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Pilot

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Cash will be honored during the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando in September, where he will receive a $5,000 award and a crystal trophy during the organization’s awards luncheon on Sept. 23.

The annual International Driver Excellence Award recognizes a professional commercial motor vehicle driver who demonstrates exceptional commitment to highway safety, professionalism and career achievement.

More Than Two Decades Transporting Radioactive Waste

Throughout his driving career, Cash has hauled a wide variety of freight, including fuel, milk, refrigerated freight, flatbed loads and bulk commodities. For the past 23 years, however, he has specialized in transporting legacy radioactive waste for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) program near Carlsbad, New Mexico.

The WIPP facility is the nation’s only permanent repository for transuranic radioactive waste generated through U.S. atomic energy defense activities. According to CVSA, Cash is one of just 36 professional drivers in the United States authorized to transport those shipments between Department of Energy facilities and the WIPP site.

Selection for the role requires an exceptional driving record and extensive background screening because of the highly regulated nature of the cargo.

More Than 1,000 Level VI Inspections

Transporting radioactive materials also subjects drivers to one of the trucking industry’s most rigorous inspection programs.

During the past three years alone, Cash has completed more than 195 CVSA Level VI inspections. Unlike standard roadside inspections, Level VI inspections are conducted before radioactive shipments begin their trip and include detailed examinations of the driver, vehicle, and cargo. Any defect must be corrected before the shipment is allowed to proceed.

Cash estimates he has completed well over 1,000 Level VI inspections during his 23 years transporting radioactive waste.

A Career Built on Mentorship

In addition to his driving responsibilities, Cash serves as a senior lead driver within the WIPP program, where he evaluates driver applicants, conducts road tests, trains newly hired drivers and mentors fellow professional drivers.

CVSA said his willingness to share knowledge and help develop future drivers was an important factor in this year’s selection.

“Mr. Cash represents the very best of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” CVSA President Maj. Erick McGuire of the Florida Highway Patrol said in announcing the award. “His extraordinary career reflects an unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism and mentorship. More than four decades of crash-free driving, millions of safe miles, and his willingness to share his knowledge with new and incoming professional drivers make him the perfect person to receive the International Driver Excellence Award.”

Mike Savage, director of safety for CAST Specialty Transportation, said Cash’s performance has helped shape the company’s hiring and training programs.

“In fact, Tommy has set the bar so high that we’ve had to adapt hiring and training standards further to keep up with his superior performance,” Savage said.

Advice for the Next Generation of Drivers

Cash credited much of his success to the people who trained him early in his career.

“I was taught by great teachers,” he said after learning he had been selected for the award.

When asked what advice he would give other professional drivers, Cash emphasized maintaining awareness beyond the immediate area around the truck.

“Be aware not just of what’s right in front of your truck, but what’s ahead of your truck — further down the road — and what’s going on behind your truck too,” he said.

Outside of trucking, Cash supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and participates in the Department of Energy’s WIPP community outreach program, helping educate communities and first responders about the transportation of radioactive waste.

His previous honors include being named CAST Specialty Transportation’s Driver of the Year and earning recognition as one of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year.

The 2026 International Driver Excellence Award is sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance. Nominations for the 2027 award are expected to open in spring 2027.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 24, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: CVSA

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The awards celebrate individuals and companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance in commercial vehicle safety, maintenance and professionalism while highlighting the role that drivers, technicians and fleet safety programs play in reducing crashes and improving highway safety.

“The individuals and organizations recognized at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon represent the very best of the trucking industry,” TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza said in a statement. “Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence helps strengthen our industry and protect everyone who shares the road. We are honored to recognize these outstanding leaders for the example they set every day.”

Driver of the Year Honors Professional Excellence

Kevin Mann Sr. of Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport was named the 2026 TXTA Driver of the Year, an award sponsored by Tenstreet.

The association selects its Driver of the Year from nominees submitted by member companies. Drivers are evaluated using several factors, including accident-free driving history, professionalism, consistency, and years of service. As the state recipient, Mann will represent Texas in the American Trucking Associations’ National Driver of the Year competition.

Safety Leadership Awards Recognize Industry Contributions

Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to safety management and the trucking industry.

Jay Ferguson of McRay Crane & Rigging received the Distinguished Safety Award, sponsored by Bair Hilty P.C. and Transafe Inc., recognizing leadership in promoting fleet safety and protecting lives and property.

The C.H. Cheshire Award, sponsored by Commercial Fleet Data Systems, was presented to Sgt. Tim Davis of the Texas Department of Public Safety for his support of the TXTA Safety Management Council and his efforts to promote safer highways throughout Texas.

Bethany Hobbs of Lee Trans received the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Service, honoring her dedication to the Safety Management Council, the trucking industry and the motoring public.

Robert Pontious of Pressure Systems International earned the Fleet Maintenance Council Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding service and leadership within the commercial vehicle maintenance profession.

Texas Crowns Its Top Truck Driving Champions

The association also announced winners of the 2026 Texas State Truck Driving Championships, where professional drivers compete in written examinations, pre-trip inspections and driving skills competitions.

Matthew “Logan” Montandon of FedEx earned the title of State Grand Champion after also winning the Straight Truck division.

Division champions included:

• Flatbed: Juan Martinez, H-E-B
• Step Van: Joshua Tamayo, FedEx
• Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart
• Tank Truck: Aryn Pittaway, FedEx
• Twin Trailers: Ronald “Ronnie” Ramon, H-E-B
• Five-Axle Van: Andres Garcia, FedEx Freight
• Four-Axle Van: Edward “Eddie” Camacho, H-E-B
• Three-Axle Van: David McNeeley, Old Dominion Freight Line

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers Recognized

The annual Texas Challenge competition also honored outstanding commercial vehicle enforcement personnel.

Corporal Kaleb Rains of the Texas Department of Public Safety was named DPS Grand Champion, while Justin Scott of the Houston Police Department earned MCSAP Grand Champion honors.

Technician Competition Highlights Maintenance Excellence

TXTA also recognized the state’s top heavy-duty commercial vehicle technicians through its Technician of the Year Contest, which has showcased maintenance professionals since 1982.

Competitors complete hands-on testing and technical evaluations designed to measure diagnostic ability, repair knowledge and problem-solving skills.

The 2026 top finishers were:

1. Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight
2. Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
3. Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
4. Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Line
5. Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment

Truck Safety Contest Recognizes Fleet Performance

Chalk Mountain Services of Texas earned Grand Champion honors in the 2026 TXTA Truck Safety Contest, sponsored by Great West.

The annual competition recognizes member carriers with the lowest overall accident frequency rates while promoting strong safety cultures and proactive fleet safety programs.

Category winners included:

• Intercity Under 2.5 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
• Intercity 5-10 Million Miles: ABF Freight
• Intercity Over 20 Million Miles: Old Dominion Freight Line
• Local Under 1 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
• Local 1-5 Million Miles: SWTO LLC (7-Eleven)
• Local 5-10 Million Miles: Gulfmark Energy Inc.
• Local Over 10 Million Miles: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas LLC

The Texas Trucking Association said the contest recognizes fleets that achieve the lowest accident frequency rates while demonstrating a long-term commitment to safe operations through training, maintenance, and professional driving practices.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 21, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Tyler Schmitt

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The event celebrated outstanding achievements across Louisiana’s trucking industry while recognizing drivers and safety professionals whose work continues to improve highway safety throughout the state.

Casey Driggers of Custom Transport received the 2026 Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year award for his leadership in developing and maintaining a strong safety culture within his organization. According to the LMTA Foundation, Driggers oversees safety efforts covering more than 20 million annual miles and nearly 300 employees. His work includes implementing driver training programs, strengthening accountability, and introducing safety technologies that have produced measurable results.

The LMTA names Casey Driggers (left) as Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year and Charles James (right) as Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year. Both are pictured with LMTA SMC vice chair Richard Elliott.  (Source: LMTA)

The association recognized his contributions, stating:

“His commitment to driver development, open communication and collaboration with industry and enforcement partners has strengthened both company and public safety. His leadership and dedication make him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

Charles James of New South Express was named the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year after building an exceptional record behind the wheel. Over the past seven years, James has logged approximately 700,000 accident-free miles while maintaining a clean driving record with no preventable crashes, moving violations, or DOT recordable incidents.

The LMTA Foundation described his accomplishments by saying:

“James was selected as the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year for his exceptional safety record and professionalism. Over the past seven years, he has logged approximately 700,000 accident-free miles while maintaining a spotless driving record, including no preventable crashes, moving violations, or DOT-recordable incidents. Known for his reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to safety, James consistently demonstrates excellence behind the wheel while serving as a strong representative of the trucking industry. His dedication and professionalism make him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

Recognizing Safety Across the Industry

While the individual awards highlighted two transportation professionals, the ceremony also recognized the broader role safety plays throughout Louisiana’s trucking industry.

“Safety professionals and professional drivers are the backbone of our industry,” said Renee Amar, executive director of the LMTA Foundation. “Casey and Charles represent the very best of Louisiana trucking through their commitment to safety, leadership, and service. Their dedication helps make our roads safer and strengthens the reputation of our industry every day.”

The LMTA Foundation also honored two law enforcement officers for their commitment to highway safety and their partnership with the trucking industry.

Additional information about the 2026 Officers of the Year from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Police and the Louisiana State Police is available on the LMTA website.

The LMTA Foundation has also published the complete list of winners from the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships. Drivers interested in learning more about this year’s competition and award recipients can find additional information on the LMTA website.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

(Image Source: LMTA)

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Those achievements helped four professional drivers earn a place in the National Private Truck Council’s Driver Hall of Fame during the organization’s Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition held May 9-11 in Orlando, Florida.

The Hall of Fame, sponsored by International Motors and Centerline Drivers, recognizes private fleet drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety and professionalism throughout their careers. To qualify, drivers must meet demanding standards that include at least 20 years of driving experience along with either 3 million miles or 50,000 hours of safe driving without a preventable accident.

Since the program began in 1987, only 160 drivers have earned induction into the Hall of Fame. This year’s class adds four more names to that list.

Four Careers Built on Safety

The 2026 inductees represent different companies, freight types, and career paths, but they share one thing in common: decades of safe driving performance.

Robert Baity of Unifi Manufacturing began driving on his family’s North Carolina farm in 1976, hauling crops such as corn, soybeans, and hay. Over a career spanning more than 48 years, he accumulated 3.6 million miles without a chargeable accident, injury, or moving violation. Today, he continues hauling general freight in and out of Unifi’s Yadkinville, North Carolina terminal.

Matthew Dosland, assigned to John Deere through CPC Logistics, built his career moving equipment parts throughout the Midwest. His 30 years behind the wheel include operating through snow, ice, severe storms, and other challenging conditions while maintaining more than 3.25 million safe miles. During his time with CPC Logistics, he earned multiple safe-driving awards and was named an NPTC National All-Star Driver in 2018.

Eddie McAllister of Shaw Industries Group began his transportation career as a yard spotter before earning his CDL and moving into a driving position. Over 39 years, he accumulated 4.2 million miles without an accident, injury, or moving violation while hauling everything from tankers to flooring products. His work regularly involves physically demanding deliveries that require unloading freight with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment.

Paul Ramirez of Circle K/Fuel South Express started his professional driving career while serving in the U.S. Army. Over the next 35 years, he built a record of 3.5 million safe miles while hauling fuel products across Midwest routes. His work transporting gasoline, diesel, and ethanol blends requires operating in all types of weather while handling freight that demands strict attention to safety procedures.

Recognition That Goes Beyond Mileage

Million-mile achievements often grab attention, but Hall of Fame recognition requires more than simply spending time on the road.

The program recognizes drivers who have maintained an exceptional level of safety and professionalism over decades of service. In an industry where road conditions, traffic, weather, and schedules create daily challenges, maintaining a spotless record over millions of miles represents a level of consistency few drivers achieve.

This year’s inductees hauled different types of freight, worked for different companies, and followed different career paths. What connects them is a commitment to safe driving that lasted throughout their careers.

Their induction into the NPTC Driver Hall of Fame serves as recognition not only of the miles they accumulated, but of how they accumulated them.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: NPTC

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Sowder also finished first in the flatbed division during the two-day competition held May 1 and 2 at the FedEx Freight facility in Tennessee.

Hosted by the Tennessee Trucking Association, the annual championships test drivers on written exams, pre-trip inspections, and driving skills designed around precision, safety, and vehicle control.

Several additional honors were handed out during the event, recognizing both competitors and volunteers involved with the championships.

Donnie Shelby of XPO Logistics received the rookie award, while The Martin-Brower Company earned the team trophy award.

The Inspector Challenge award went to Dallas Lange. Ed Hauhn of Martin-Brower received Driver of the Year honors, while Jack Hawkins of Thompson Machinery was recognized for volunteer contributions during the event.

Division winners included drivers representing multiple carriers and equipment classes across the competition field.

Division Winners from the 2026 Tennessee Championships

“We are proud of all of this year’s professional drivers who showcased their skills this past weekend,” the association said in a social media post. “Thank you, participants, volunteers, and sponsors, for another great event!”

Drivers advancing from state competitions will continue to the National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships scheduled for Aug. 11 through 14 in Pittsburgh.

State truck driving championships remain one of the industry’s longest-running ways to recognize professional drivers for safety knowledge, vehicle handling skills, and consistency behind the wheel.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Tennessee Trucking Association

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Specialty Award Winners

• Rookie of the Year: Thomas Brownlow, XPO
• Written Test Champion: Steve Elliston, Walmart
• Pre-Trip Champion: Brent Darnell, Southeastern Freight Lines
• Small Team Trophy: Old Dominion Freight Line
• Large Team Trophy: Walmart Transportation

Individual Class Winners

• Three-Axle: Chuck Pearson, ABF Freight System
• Four-Axle: Joe Norris, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Five-Axle: Tony Johnson, Frito-Lay
• Flatbed: David Price, Publix
• Sleeper: Mark Cofer, FedEx Freight
• Step Van: Matthew Futral, FedEx Express
• Straight Truck: Daniel Arnold, FedEx Freight
• Tanker: Steve Elliston, Walmart
• Twins: Darren Isreal, XPO

The National Truck Driving and Step Van Driving Competition is scheduled for August 11 through 14 in Pittsburgh.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 2, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Georgia Trucking Association

The post Frito-Lay Driver Wins Georgia Trucking Association Driving Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The recognition highlights drivers who consistently combine safe operation with mentorship, industry involvement, and long-term performance.

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?

The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition program created by TravelCenters of America to honor professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

The award focuses on more than miles driven. It highlights drivers who influence others through mentorship, safety advocacy, and participation in industry programs.

This program is designed to recognize both performance behind the wheel and contribution to the broader trucking community.

Who were the 2026 TA Citizen Driver award winners?

The 2026 recipients are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones. Both drivers were recognized for long-term safety records, leadership roles, and contributions to driver development and industry programs.

Their selection was announced during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Both honorees represent a combination of consistent safety performance and strong industry engagement.

Steven Brand: long-term safety and mentorship in trucking

Steven Brand has 36 years of experience and nearly 5 million crash-free miles. He has spent close to 30 years with FedEx Freight, where he is known as a mentor and resource for other drivers.

Beyond his driving career, Brand has coached participants in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships and supported youth and safety-focused programs across the industry.

His recognition reflects both sustained safe driving and a strong commitment to mentoring other drivers.

Bruce Jones: military background, safety record, and leadership role

Bruce Jones has accumulated more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles over 28 years of driving. He is a third-generation driver and Marine Corps veteran with more than 1 million safe miles in tanker operations.

He currently drives for Hoffman Transportation and has received multiple industry recognitions, including Illinois Driver of the Year in 2024 and a Grand Champion Elite Eight Finalist placement the same year.

Jones also serves on his company’s driver advisory board, contributing directly to safety initiatives and operational improvements.

His career reflects a blend of high-level safety performance and active involvement in improving driver programs.

How are Citizen Driver winners recognized?

TA will hold dedication ceremonies later in the year to honor the 2026 winners. Steven Brand will be recognized in London, while Bruce Jones will be recognized in Wilmington.

In addition to public recognition, TA is donating $5,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking on behalf of the award recipients.

Recognition for winners includes both ceremonial events and charitable contributions tied to industry causes.

What is the purpose of the Citizen Driver program?

The Citizen Driver program launched in 2013 to recognize professional drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, leadership, and community involvement.

Since its launch, the program has honored 40 drivers. Candidates are evaluated by an independent panel that considers both career achievements and contributions outside the cab.

The program exists to highlight drivers whose influence extends beyond mileage and daily routes.

Why does driver recognition matter in trucking?

Driver recognition programs like Citizen Driver reinforce the importance of safety, mentorship, and leadership across the industry.

They emphasize that success is measured not only in miles driven but also in the impact drivers have on peers, training, and safety culture.

Programs like this help highlight the human side of trucking and the leadership role experienced drivers play.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TA Citizen Driver award?
The TA Citizen Driver award is an annual recognition from TravelCenters of America honoring drivers for safety, leadership, and community involvement. It highlights both professional performance and contributions beyond driving.

Who won the 2026 Citizen Driver awards?
The 2026 winners are Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, recognized during the Mid-America Trucking Show.

How many miles have the winners driven?
Steven Brand has nearly 5 million crash-free miles, while Bruce Jones has more than 4 million crash- and ticket-free miles.

What makes a driver eligible for Citizen Driver recognition?
Drivers are selected based on safety records, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the trucking community.

What does TravelCenters of America do for the winners?
TA holds recognition ceremonies and also donates to Truckers Against Trafficking in honor of the winners.

How long has the Citizen Driver program existed?
The program began in 2013 and has recognized 40 drivers to date.

The TA Citizen Driver award highlights professional drivers who combine strong safety records with leadership and mentorship across the trucking industry. The 2026 winners, Steven Brand and Bruce Jones, reflect the program’s focus on long-term performance and meaningful contribution beyond the road, reinforcing that success in trucking extends far beyond miles driven.

Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content on CDL requirements, safety regulations, pay trends, and daily operations. Each piece is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use on the road and in their careers.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

The post TA Honors Two Drivers for Safety, Mentorship, and Long Haul Leadership appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

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The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

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