Nashville, Tennessee — On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) formally recognized the 2025 “America’s Best Drivers” team during its annual conference. The group consists of twenty professional truck drivers nominated by NASTC member companies, representing a collective 585 years of over-the-road experience and 51,442,500 accident-free miles. NASTC President David Owen led the ceremony, emphasizing the critical role these individuals play in maintaining safety and professionalism across the small trucking sector.

The event highlighted the enduring commitment of independent carriers and owner-operators to excellence in a fragmented market. By showcasing the grit and dedication of American drivers, the association aimed to counter negative public perceptions and highlight the tangible value provided by small fleets. The recognition serves as a benchmark for operational integrity, demonstrating that small trucking companies maintain rigorous standards for safety and service comparable to larger national carriers.

In addition to the driver honors, Owen presented the Best Broker award to S-2 (Solutions Source), a long-standing member of NASTC’s Best Brokers group. The award underscores the reliability of vetted intermediaries in the freight market. Owen noted that no NASTC member has lost funds working with a Best Broker since the program’s inception in 1991. This track record offers a significant layer of financial security for carriers navigating complex brokerage relationships.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A drivers and owner-operators, these awards signal that safety records and professional conduct are actively monitored and valued by industry leadership. The 51 million accident-free miles statistic provides a concrete metric for evaluating carrier safety cultures, which can be a decisive factor for drivers seeking stable, long-term positions. Trucking companies hiring from the NASTC network often prioritize candidates with similar dedication to compliance and professionalism, creating a tiered market where safety-conscious drivers command stronger employment terms.

Industry Reaction

NASTC also introduced three new Transportation Ambassadors in 2025: Tony Justice, Ingrid Brown, and Lindsay Lawler. These individuals are recognized for using their platforms to champion professional drivers and present an accurate narrative of life behind the wheel. Owen acknowledged a persistent challenge in the industry, stating that trucking is often viewed as “politically incorrect” and lacks public appreciation. He credited the ambassadors with helping to bridge the gap between the industry and the general public. Ingrid Brown, a longtime advocate, was honored in absentia due to health reasons, with Owen citing her 25-year history as a voice for truck drivers.

Key Points

• The 2025 “America’s Best Drivers” team includes twenty drivers with 585 combined years of OTR experience.
• The group has logged 51,442,500 accident-free miles, a key indicator of operational safety.
• S-2 (Solutions Source) received the Best Broker award, maintaining a zero-loss record since 1991.
• Tony Justice, Ingrid Brown, and Lindsay Lawler were named the inaugural NASTC Transportation Ambassadors.

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