Washington, D.C. — The American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council announced the five finalists for the 2023 ATA National Driver of the Year Award, spotlighting a group of drivers whose combined mileage exceeds 14 million accident‑free miles.

The award, backed by EROAD, celebrates drivers who exemplify safety, professionalism, and long‑term dedication to the industry. Candidates are drawn from state‑level Drivers of the Year selected by ATA’s state trucking associations, then vetted by a panel of safety experts. Recognition can boost a driver’s reputation, improve negotiating power with carriers, and highlight best practices for the broader fleet community.

North Carolina’s nominee, Robert Crater, brings 41 years behind the wheel and more than 2.6 million accident‑free miles. Missouri’s Henry Grider, a 43‑year veteran with 15 years at Transland and a decorated Army background, logged 1.4 million clean miles. Ohio’s David Wolford, a two‑decade veteran primarily with Continental Express Inc., posted nearly 2.5 million safe miles. New York’s Timothy Burnett, with 35 years of experience—30 of them at Walmart Transportation—racked up 3.9 million accident‑free miles. Kansas’ Jerry Joyner, the longest‑serving finalist, boasts half a century of driving and an extraordinary 6 million miles without incident, the last 33 years spent for Walmart Transportation.

What This Means for Drivers

Owner‑operators and CDL‑A drivers can look to the finalists as benchmarks for safe operating practices, especially as FMCSA regulations tighten around hours of service and electronic logging. Fleet managers may leverage the finalists’ records when designing incentive programs that reward long‑term safety performance. The upcoming award ceremony in Phoenix offers networking opportunities for drivers seeking contracts with trucking companies hiring OTR truck driver talent.

Industry Reaction

Carrier groups praised the selection, noting that highlighting such seasoned professionals reinforces the industry’s commitment to safety amid driver shortages. The Kansas Motor Carriers Association highlighted Joyner’s 6 million accident‑free miles as a testament to disciplined maintenance and route planning. State associations echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the finalists’ achievements set a standard for new entrants and veteran drivers alike.

Key Points

• Five finalists represent 41 to 50 years of driving experience each.
• Combined accident‑free mileage tops 14 million miles.
• Nominees were vetted by a Safety Management Council panel of industry experts.
• The winner will be announced at ATA’s Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference in Phoenix, April 2024.

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