ATLANTA, Georgia — Relay Payments has officially revealed the 15 professional truck drivers selected as finalists for its second annual Haul of Fame contest, an event designed to spotlight outstanding safety records, peer mentorship, and superior customer service across the freight sector. Over 160 commercial drivers were nominated for the award this year, doubling the total number of submissions received during the inaugural contest. These fifteen finalists collectively represent 394 years of heavy-duty driving experience, having safely hauled millions of miles of freight across the American highway system.
Trucking companies rely daily on veteran haulers to keep the supply chain moving, a reality underscored by the fact that roughly 80 percent of all United States freight is delivered exclusively by commercial trucks. Relay Payments established the Haul of Fame initiative to honor the demanding nature of the profession, which requires OTR truck drivers and regional operators to spend long stretches away from home while battling severe weather, heavy congestion, and tightening federal delivery schedules. The public can review the bios of all 15 finalists and cast ballots online at the official Relay Payments portal through July 31, 2024.
Following the public voting phase, the top five contenders will undergo evaluation by an elite celebrity judging panel featuring four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, FreightWaves podcast host Timothy Dooner, CDL school owner and social media influencer Clarissa Rankin, and Relay Payments CEO Ryan Droege. The two ultimate winners will secure an all-expenses-paid VIP trip for themselves and a guest to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This grand prize package includes a meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver William Byron, whose No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports car is sponsored by Relay Payments, alongside a guest appearance on the WHAT THE TRUCK?!? podcast and a $250 fuel voucher.
What This Means for Drivers
For independent owner-operators and company drivers alike, recognition programs like the Haul of Fame help elevate the public profile of an essential trade that often faces heavy public scrutiny. CDL-A holders who log thousands of weekly miles rarely receive mainstream praise for maintaining pristine safety records or training the next generation of logistics professionals. Events backed by major industry stakeholders provide much-needed visibility to the daily sacrifices made by professional drivers who keep store shelves stocked and manufacturing lines supplied.
Industry Reaction
Industry leaders continue to emphasize the vital economic footprint left by commercial drivers who navigate challenging road conditions day in and day out. Relay Payments leadership noted that the caliber of this year's nominees demonstrates the high standard of professionalism present across the nation's highways. As fleets compete heavily to attract and retain skilled talent amid ongoing labor demands, celebrating veteran drivers remains a cornerstone for boosting morale throughout the freight transportation sector.
Key Points
- Fifteen finalists were chosen from more than 160 professional driver nominations submitted for the 2024 Haul of Fame contest.
- The selected group accounts for a combined 394 years of commercial driving experience nationwide.
- Public voting runs through July 31, 2024, at relaypayments.com/hauloffame, with votes accepted once per day.
- Two ultimate winners will receive a VIP NASCAR Race Weekend trip in Atlanta, a podcast feature, and a fuel card.
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