Glendale, Kentucky — Travel Centers of America announced that Werner Enterprises driver Dan “Dusty” Porter and Carter Express driver Don Talley have been named Citizen Drivers, a recognition that comes with a $2,500 donation to the charities of their choice and the honor of having a TA location named after each of them.
The award, presented by TA President Barry Richards, highlights the professionalism and community service shown by drivers during a period when the trucking industry proved its indispensable role. In 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic forced fleets to adapt rapidly, and the public’s appreciation for those who kept goods moving grew sharply. Richards said, “Last year, Americans were reminded of the essential role professional drivers play in their everyday lives, as the industry quickly rose to meet unprecedented challenges during the COVID‑19 pandemic.” The award ceremony aimed to keep that recognition alive throughout the year.
From 85 nominations, Porter and Talley were chosen for their exemplary record of safe miles and civic engagement. Porter, a long‑time driver for Werner Enterprises, will donate half of his $2,500 to the St. Christopher Fund and the other half to Truckers United for Charities. Talley, who works for Carter Express, will give the full amount to the St. Christopher Fund. Each driver will also see a TA location named in their honor: Porter’s name will appear at the Glendale, Kentucky, site, while Talley’s will be affixed to the TA in Gaston, Indiana.
What This Means for Drivers
Recognition such as this can boost morale across the fleet, showing drivers that their hard work and safety record are valued by the industry’s service partners. For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, the award underscores the importance of community involvement as a component of professional reputation. It also serves as a reminder that trucking companies hiring are increasingly looking for drivers who balance road performance with local outreach.
Industry Reaction
Carriers across the country have echoed TA’s sentiment, noting that drivers who excel on the road often bring the same dedication to the neighborhoods they serve. Werner Enterprises and Carter Express, both long‑standing partners of TA, have already implemented mentorship programs for new OTR truck drivers to encourage the same level of community engagement seen in Porter and Talley’s careers. The broader industry, which faces ongoing FMCSA regulation updates, sees awards like this as a way to reinforce positive public perception and attract more truck driver jobs for aspiring CDL‑A holders.
Key Points
- Dan “Dusty” Porter (Werner Enterprises) and Don Talley (Carter Express) named TA Citizen Drivers.
- Each receives $2,500 to donate to charities: Porter splits between St. Christopher Fund and Truckers United for Charities; Talley gives fully to St. Christopher Fund.
- TA locations in Glendale, Kentucky, and Gaston, Indiana, will bear each driver’s name.
- Award highlights the trucking industry’s critical role during the COVID‑19 pandemic and its ongoing commitment to driver safety and community service.
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