LOUISVILLE, Ky. — TravelCenters of America officially named Steven Brand and Bruce Jones as the 2026 Citizen Driver award winners during the Mid-America Trucking Show. This annual program highlights professional operators who maintain elite safety standards while actively mentoring peers and contributing to the broader trucking community.
The Citizen Driver program, which launched in 2013, looks past simple mileage totals to reward those who influence the industry through safety advocacy and leadership. With 40 drivers honored over the last 13 years, the selection process relies on an independent panel to evaluate career achievements and community engagement. Both Brand and Jones were chosen for their long-term commitment to professional excellence and their influence on the next generation of CDL-A drivers.
Steven Brand brings 36 years of experience to the table, including nearly 5 million crash-free miles. Having spent three decades at FedEx Freight, Brand has become a staple in the Ohio Truck Driving Championships, where he coaches participants and promotes safety standards. Bruce Jones, a third-generation driver and Marine Corps veteran, brings 28 years of experience with over 4 million accident-free miles. Currently driving for Hoffman Transportation, Jones recently earned the title of 2024 Illinois Driver of the Year and remains an active member of his company’s driver advisory board.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average OTR truck driver, these awards serve as a reminder that career longevity is built on more than just staying between the lines. Drivers who focus on mentorship and industry involvement often find more opportunities for professional growth within top-tier fleets. Many trucking companies are hiring now and prioritize candidates who demonstrate the same leadership traits shown by Brand and Jones, such as participation in safety advisory groups.
Industry Reaction
The industry continues to emphasize the value of professional leadership as a tool for improving road safety and driver retention. By donating $5,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking in the names of this year’s winners, TravelCenters of America reinforces the connection between individual driver performance and collective social responsibility. This recognition highlights how a dedicated owner-operator or company driver can shape industry culture by fostering safer, more collaborative driving environments.
Key Points
- Steven Brand has recorded nearly 5 million crash-free miles over a 36-year career.
- Bruce Jones holds 4 million safe miles and serves on the Hoffman Transportation driver advisory board.
- TA will hold dedicated ceremonies in London and Wilmington later this year to honor the recipients.
- The Citizen Driver program has recognized 40 drivers since its inception to promote safety and mentorship.
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