🏆 These 5 Truckers Racked Up Millions of Safe Miles — and Now They’re Gunning for the Top Driver of the Year Award

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

📍 The Big Deal About These 5 Drivers

Ever wonder what it takes to be the best driver in the country? Not just a good one — we’re talkin’ top-tier, spotless record, decades on the road, and the kind of professionalism that makes dispatch and safety managers tear up like proud mamas.

Well, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) just dropped their five finalists for the 2025 National Driver of the Year Award, and it’s basically the Hall of Fame for truckers. These ain’t rookies. These are the seasoned vets who’ve made safety and consistency their legacy.

Let’s meet the legends.

📋 The Final Five – Who Made the Cut?

Here are the five drivers who could teach a masterclass in how to roll safe, smart, and steady:

Steve Brand – 36 years behind the wheel (29 of 'em with FedEx Freight) and 4.8 million accident-free miles. Oh, and he’s part of America’s Road Team and repping Truckers Against Trafficking. That’s what you call driving with purpose.

Don Carpenter – 45 years in the game, with over 4.5 million clean miles. He’s an Army vet and a Truck Driving Championship competitor. Discipline? Check. Skill? Double check.

Kevin Flick – 37 years, 22 of those with Buchheit Logistics. His record? A ridiculous 6.1 million accident-free miles and a trophy case full of state driving awards.

Williams Jones – This one’s jaw-dropping. 51 years on the road and over 7 million miles without a scratch. Walmart driver, certified trainer, and a mentor to the next generation.

Duane Staveness – 33 years hauling, 25 with FedEx Freight. Over 2.5 million safe miles and a solid track record in driving competitions. Not flashy, just quietly excellent.

That’s over 25 million accident-free miles combined. Let that marinate. These guys didn’t just survive trucking — they mastered it.

🔍 Why This Award Actually Matters

Now some folks might think, “Big whoop, it’s just a trophy.” But nah, this one hits different.

Real recognition – These drivers are the face of what trucking should look like. They get the spotlight — not some TikTok kid riding the shoulder at 75 mph.

Industry credibility – For carriers, having a finalist is like putting a Super Bowl ring on the safety wall. It attracts other solid drivers and tells the public, “We don’t play around with safety.”

Motivation for the rest of us – Seeing regular drivers get their shine reminds every trucker out there that it’s not just about chasing miles — it’s about how you rack them up.

🧠 Different Perspectives — The Good, the Skeptical, and the Real

From the driver’s side – These guys didn’t get here by luck. They sacrificed birthdays, missed holidays, and lived on black coffee and determination. It’s inspiring, sure — but it’s also a reminder that greatness takes grind.

From the carrier side – Having a finalist gives companies bragging rights. They’ll slap it on recruiting ads and safety reports. Can’t blame ‘em — it’s solid PR.

From the skeptical crew – “What about us drivers at smaller outfits, with no million-dollar safety tech or easy lanes?” Fair question. Recognition often misses those in rougher conditions. That gap still needs closing.

But bottom line? This award raises the standard, and that’s a win for everybody.

📆 When’s the Winner Picked?

The finalists were chosen from a group of state Driver of the Year winners. A panel of safety pros looked at their records, achievements, and video submissions to make the final call.

The big announcement will go down at the ATA’s Safety, Security & HR National Conference in Oklahoma City, April 1–3, 2026. That’s when one of these five will be crowned the Driver of the Year.

🔚 Final Gear Check – Lessons from the Legends

So what’s the takeaway if you’re not one of the five?

Safety ain’t just for inspections – It’s a lifestyle. These guys prove it.

How you carry yourself matters – From truck stops to terminals, your name rides before your truck.

Reputation opens doors – Maybe not trophies, but better loads, opportunities, and respect.

Not everyone’s chasing awards, and that’s fine. But if you're gonna put in the miles, why not do it with pride?

And if you’re already stacking miles and thinking about stacking dollars too…

💡 Call to Action – Turn Miles Into Money

You've got the time. You’ve got the experience. Why not turn that steering wheel hustle into something beyond trucking?

👉 Go to OffDutyMoney.com

Learn how to use your off-duty time to build online income, grow side hustles, and take control of your exit plan — before burnout makes the decision for you.