Arlington, Texas — Darci and Randy Wickham earned the Drivers of the Year title from National Carriers, Inc. during an awards banquet held in Texas, walking away with a $10,000 cash prize and recognition from company leadership. National Carriers, an Irving-based carrier with operations in Liberal, Kansas, runs refrigerated freight across the contiguous United States alongside specialized cattle hauling in the Southwest. The husband-and-wife team topped a field of 12 finalists who were evaluated for their performance throughout the previous year.
For the Wickhams, the honor validates a career built on reliability and a permanent commitment to the carrier's elite fleet standard. Company operations manager Tessa Henshaw noted that while Darci entered the industry as an inexperienced driver trained by her father Dennis—himself a past finalist—the couple now operates at a level that consistently exceeds expectations. Fleet managers point out that the pair has never turned down a dispatched load when asked to assist with freight movement.
National Carriers President Steve Gleisner presented the award during the ceremony, highlighting the dedication required to maintain high standards in OTR refrigerated and livestock transport. Driver manager Aaron Donbar added that the team regularly assists struggling colleagues on the road, combining a strong work ethic with a positive attitude that management hopes will influence newer hires across the fleet. Vice President of Operations Mark Phillips commended the duo for setting a benchmark for professional driving, dependability, and customer service.
What This Means for Drivers
Team driving operations require a high degree of coordination, trust, and mechanical uptime to keep freight moving profitably across long distances. Recognition programs like the one at National Carriers highlight how consistent dispatch availability and safety records elevate drivers within major refrigerated fleets. For solo drivers and owner-operators looking at career progression, transitioning to team runs or committing to long-term carrier relationships often opens doors to premium freight assignments and corporate incentives. Trucking companies hiring quality talent consistently reward operators who eliminate service failures and maintain spotless safety compliance under tight delivery schedules.
Industry Reaction
Major refrigerated carriers continually search for dependable OTR truck driver teams capable of handling long-haul temperature-controlled freight without delivery delays. Fleets that invest in driver recognition programs tend to retain high-performing talent longer, reducing the turnover rates that traditionally plague the transportation sector. Acknowledging operational excellence at annual banquets reinforces the professional standard expected of CDL-A driver personnel operating across state lines.
Key Points
- Darci and Randy Wickham received the 2023 Driver of the Year award from National Carriers, Inc. at a banquet in Arlington, Texas.
- The winning couple was awarded a $10,000 check and selected from a pool of 12 finalists.
- National Carriers operates refrigerated and livestock divisions across the contiguous United States from headquarters in Irving, Texas.
- Management cited the team's perfect record of accepting dispatched loads and their willingness to assist fellow drivers on the road.
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