This year’s honorees, James “Jim” Jones, Roland Esquibel, and Mark Jones, have been inducted into Ryder’s prestigious “Driver Hall of Fame.” Together, these highly-skilled professionals share a staggering 105 years of combined experience and have collectively driven close to 6 million miles with an impeccable safety record.

“Our drivers move more than freight. They move our company and our customers’ businesses forward,” says Ryder Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez. “Jim, Roland, and Mark represent the very best of Ryder and our customers, from their skill behind the wheel to their character and commitment to their communities. They are true ambassadors of our values and our brand.”

Meet the 2025 Driver of the Year Honorees

James ‘Jim’ Jones | Supply Chain Solutions

Based in Mason, Michigan, Jim Jones is a standout driver in Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions division. With 38 years of professional driving experience, including the past eight with Ryder, Jim has safely logged over 2 million miles. Beyond his stellar driving record, Jim is a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Mason Fire Department. Known for his calm demeanor and team-first attitude, he exemplifies the values of responsibility and reliability that define Ryder.

(Source: Ryder) Jim Jones

Roland Esquibel | Dedicated Transportation Solutions

Hailing from Devine, Texas, Roland Esquibel is a driving force in Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions segment. Over a 35-year career, including the last four with Ryder, Roland has covered more than 2.3 million miles. A U.S. military veteran and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roland channels his leadership skills into every delivery. Outside of work, he contributes to his community through his local church, carrying forward his lifetime mission of service and mentorship.

(Source: Ryder) Roland Esquibel

Mark Jones | Fleet Management Solutions

Operating out of Sacramento, California, Mark Jones is the deserving winner of Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions “Customer Driver of the Year” award. Over a 32-year career, with more than 1.5 million logged miles, Mark has displayed an unwavering commitment to safety and reliability. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, earning three Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Mark also mentors new drivers, ensuring future generations of professionals continue to excel.

(Source: Ryder) Mark Jones

Ryder’s Driver of the Year Program

Ryder’s Driver of the Year program is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence on the road. Highlighting unparalleled performance, the program celebrates top-tier drivers from Ryder’s workforce of 13,400 professionals, as well as drivers from their Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) customer base. Each honoree undergoes a rigorous selection process led by Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran drivers. For over half a century, this award has been one of Ryder’s most prestigious acknowledgments of driver excellence.

Through this annual recognition, Ryder not only honors its exceptional drivers but also highlights their critical role in driving the company, its customers, and the broader community forward.

Image Source: Ryder
Source: Truckers News

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These heroes were officially recognized at a special awards luncheon on March 17 at TCA’s annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The awards are made possible through sponsorship from EpicVue and Northland Insurance.

Meet the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year:

Jason Corino

On November 29, 2023, while driving on US 491 in Cortez, Colorado, Jason Corino found himself in the middle of a horrifying road rage incident that escalated into an attack on a police officer. Corino saw a suspect get out of their vehicle and open fire on the officer during a traffic stop. Acting without hesitation, Corino slammed on his brakes to halt traffic behind him, potentially saving numerous lives. His truck’s camera captured the shocking incident and became key evidence in the investigation. Tragically, the officer did not survive, and the suspect was later fatally shot by law enforcement. Corino’s quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental in protecting others on the road and assisting the investigation.

Michael Dorsey

September 26, 2024, was a day of disaster in Erwin, Tennessee, as Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters rose rapidly and overwhelmed the area. Loading his flatbed truck at the time, Michael Dorsey quickly realized the danger. He allowed 10 people seeking safety to find refuge on his truck trailer. The floodwaters soon swept the group away, forcing everyone to cling to the trailer for survival. Knocked unconscious at one point, Dorsey did not give up. His bravery and determination ultimately saved six lives in a chaotic and life-threatening situation. Dorsey is a shining example of resilience and selflessness in the face of disaster.

Daljit Sohi

On November 29, 2024, while driving from Banff to Salmon Arm, Canada, Daljit Sohi witnessed a woman accidentally drop her purse at a rest stop. The purse contained $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, and essential personal belongings. Sohi selflessly retrieved the purse and pursued the woman and her family for three hours to return it. When he finally caught up and gave the purse back intact, the woman offered him a reward, which he declined. Sohi’s act of kindness and integrity underscores his immense generosity, earning him a well-deserved spot as a Highway Angel.

Celebrating Their Heroism

These extraordinary individuals were each honored with a complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package. The package includes a 24-inch flatscreen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to DIRECTV, which features over 100 channels, including HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and NFL Sunday Ticket.

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

Since 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized professional truck drivers who go above and beyond to assist or protect others. Each year, a select group of these drivers is celebrated for embodying the program’s values of kindness, bravery, and selflessness, and one is chosen as Highway Angel of the Year.

To learn more about the TCA Highway Angel program or to nominate a deserving driver, visit www.highwayangel.org.

The TCA Highway Angel program is made possible through sponsorship from EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Source: Truckers News
Image Sources: Truckers News

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