This recognition is a rare salute to the kind of consistency, patience, and professionalism that only long-haul veterans truly understand.

Honoring Drivers Who Hit the 20-Year Mark

Penske’s multi-tier Driver Recognition Program highlights safe-driving streaks at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. The Diamond level, with 20 years and zero preventable injuries or incidents, is the top of the program.

• 2024 Diamond Class
  • Tim Cote, Michigan
  • Susan Fabian, Georgia
  • Darrall Headrick, Texas
  • Mike Larmeu, Louisiana
• 2025 Diamond Class
  • Delio Garcia, Ontario, Canada
  • Will Lawrie, Arizona
  • Juan Sixtos, California
  • Tom Spence, Delaware
  • Keith Tyler, Michigan

Their names now join 85 all-time honorees on the Driver Wall of Fame at the Penske Logistics headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Penske Logistics President Jeff Jackson said it plainly.
“It is with tremendous honor and respect that we induct these Driver Wall of Fame classes. Our professional drivers are paramount to our company’s success. They serve as the industry’s gold standard for safety.”

What This Means for Drivers

With nearly 10,500 professional drivers across North America, Penske knows the job is not getting easier. Tight schedules, tight docks, and unpredictable traffic make staying incident-free for even one year an accomplishment. Reaching 20 years requires discipline and focus.

For the drivers being honored, this is not just a plaque. It is proof that the way they move freight sets the tone for the entire fleet.

Penske’s Larger Mission

Penske Logistics operates across dedicated transportation, freight management, distribution center management, lead logistics, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a suite of technology-driven tools. The Wall of Fame reinforces the company’s message that safety and professionalism are foundational to its operations.

If you are a driver looking for long-term stability or a fleet committed to safety, you can explore opportunities here.

Source: Truckers News

The post Penske Drivers Hit 20 Years of Safe Miles and Earn a Spot on the Wall of Fame appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The program, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, highlights tank haulers whose work reflects the highest standards in safety and professionalism. These finalists come from fleets across the country, each with their own story and years of earned expertise.

The 2025–2026 Finalists

NTTC named the following drivers as this year’s top contenders:

• Bruce Jones – G&D Trucking, Inc. / Hoffman Transportation, LLC
• Jarrod Alsobrooks – SWTO, LLC
• Joseph Hafford – Kenan Advantage Group
• Michael Key – Kenan Advantage Group
• Jorge Hernandez – Certified Express, Inc.
• Anthony Rocha – Foodliner
• Scott Tempus – Quest Liner
• Andrew Givens – ADM Trucking

One of these drivers will earn the title of Grand Champion when NTTC holds its Annual Conference in Baltimore from April 20 to 22, 2026.

What the Grand Champion Does

The driver selected as Grand Champion will take on a role that goes beyond day-to-day driving. NTTC relies on this individual to help share the industry’s message of safety and education across the country. Drivers often speak at events, represent the tank sector in national discussions, and help raise awareness about the level of skill and responsibility tank operations require.

For drivers out on the road, this recognition serves as a reminder that the industry still values safe habits, consistent professionalism, and the effort it takes to run tank loads the right way.

More information about the Driver of the Year Champion program can be found at tanktruck.org/doy.

Source: Truckers News

The post Tank Truck Drivers Recognized as NTTC Announces Eight Finalists for 2025–2026 Driver of the Year Champion appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Turkey and Vegetable Stew

This recipe works well when you need something hearty without long cooking times.

Ingredients
Pre-cooked turkey pieces
Frozen mixed vegetables
Small container of turkey gravy
Water or broth
Salt and pepper

Steps
Place the turkey and vegetables into a microwave-safe bowl or into a small crockpot. Add the gravy and a small splash of water or broth. Heat until the vegetables are soft and the mixture is hot. Season to your preference. The gravy thickens the stew, so the meal stays filling and warm.

Sweet Potato and Ham Bowl

This meal uses holiday ingredients that store well and reheat quickly.

Ingredients
Pre-cooked ham cubes
Microwavable sweet potato
Maple syrup
Shredded cheese

Steps
Heat the sweet potato until soft. Stir in the ham. Add a small drizzle of maple syrup. Microwave again until the ham is hot. Sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt. The combination creates a simple holiday-style meal without extra equipment.

Stuffing and Turkey Layered Bowl

This option feels close to a traditional plate but takes only a few minutes.

Ingredients
Prepared stuffing
Pre-cooked turkey slices
Cranberry sauce

Steps
Scoop the stuffing into a bowl. Place the turkey on top. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Heat the bowl until warm. The ingredients hold up well in a truck and need only reheating to create a holiday-flavored dish.

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Holiday sides can be simple and quick in small spaces.

Ingredients
Microwavable green beans
Butter
Garlic powder
Pepper

Steps
Heat the green beans until hot. Stir in a small amount of butter and a light shake of garlic powder. Add pepper to taste. This side works with any main dish and requires very little preparation.

Cranberry and Nut Salad

This cold option balances heavier meals and keeps well in a small refrigerator.

Ingredients
Mixed greens
Dried cranberries
Nuts
Light dressing

Steps
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Add dressing when ready to eat. The salad provides a simple way to include a holiday ingredient without cooking.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast

Holiday flavors can fit into a morning meal when time is limited.

Ingredients
Instant oatmeal
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Dried fruit

Steps
Prepare the oatmeal with hot water. Add cinnamon, a small amount of nutmeg, and dried fruit. This creates a warm breakfast that fits the holiday season and takes only minutes to make.

French Toast Style Mug Breakfast

This recipe works when you want something warm but do not have a skillet.

Ingredients
Cubed bread
Egg
Milk
Cinnamon

Steps
Combine the bread, egg, milk, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave until the mixture sets. The result offers a holiday breakfast flavor with almost no cleanup.

How Drivers Can Plan Ahead

Keeping small portions of cooked proteins, microwavable vegetables, instant grains, and a few seasonings allows fast assembly during breaks. These ingredients store well and reheat quickly, which keeps preparation simple while still allowing meals with holiday-style warmth.

The post Easy Holiday Comfort Meals You Can Make in Your Truck appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Trucking is more than an industry, it is a family,” said TCF Chairman Greg Owen, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “Truckers look out for one another, and when one of our family members falls on hard times, we extend our full support.”

For a lot of drivers, that sense of family is real. When you are out on the interstate week after week, knowing someone has your back matters.

St. Christopher’s executive director, Courtney Niemann, shared how much this kind of support means for drivers who are struggling. “The trucking industry is built on community, and the Trucking Cares Foundation continues to show what it means to care for our own,” she said. “Their generosity allows us to offer peace of mind to drivers and families facing medical crises.”

How St. Christopher Helps Drivers

Many drivers have known someone who was forced off the road because of a health issue. When that happens, bills do not slow down. That is where the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund steps in.

The fund provides short-term financial aid to Class A over-the-road drivers when they are unable to work. Over the past 15 years, St. Christopher has helped more than 4,100 drivers and covered over $5.3 million in essential household expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, vehicle loans, and insurance.

The organization also offers free health and wellness programs designed to help drivers stay on the road longer. These include support for diabetes prevention, tobacco cessation, chronic disease management, cancer screenings, and vaccines.

Why This Donation Matters

For any driver who has been sidelined and worried about keeping up with household expenses, support like this is more than a headline. It is really helpful. The $15,000 donation from TCF means more drivers will have a safety net during medical hardships.

Anything that helps truckers move forward financially, physically, or mentally is a win for the entire industry.

Source: Truckers News

The post Trucking Cares Foundation Steps Up With $15,000 Donation to Support Drivers Facing Hard Times appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“We are honored to team up with Wreaths Across America,” said Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF. “This partnership gives our community in the trucking industry a meaningful way to participate in a time-honored tradition of remembrance and gratitude for our veterans.”

Through this partnership, SCF is helping highlight WAA’s mission of Remembering the Fallen, Honoring Those Who Serve, and Teaching the Next Generation the Value of Freedom. Drivers, carriers, trucking industry partners, family, and friends are encouraged to visit the SCF landing page on the WAA site. From there, supporters can select “Sponsor Wreaths,” choose a location, and complete a sponsorship to place a wreath at a veteran’s gravesite.

Shared Values Between Truckers and the Military

The trucking industry has a deep connection with the military. Many professional drivers are veterans themselves, continuing to serve the nation by keeping the economy moving. Both communities embrace values such as commitment, resilience, and sacrifice, making this partnership a natural way to honor these ideals.

“By supporting Wreaths Across America, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and our partners are helping ensure that every veteran’s grave is recognized with a wreath, symbolizing the gratitude of a nation that will never forget their service,” said Norita Taylor, SCF board president and director of public relations at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

How Truckers Can Get Involved

“The St. Christopher Fund encourages every individual and organization across the trucking and logistics sector to participate,” SCF said. “Whether sponsoring a wreath, volunteering on-site at the ceremony, or spreading the word among colleagues and loved ones, your involvement helps amplify the message of remembrance.”

Beyond honoring veterans, SCF supports the trucking community through nationwide short-term relief programs for Class A OTR drivers affected by illness or injury in the past year. The nonprofit also provides free preventive health and wellness initiatives, including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers, all aimed at keeping drivers on the road safely.

For those interested in donating or sponsoring the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, via email at diane@truckersfund.org.

Source: The Trucker

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Apex, an Atlas Van Lines agent, teamed up with Move for Hunger to get 1,000 meal kits delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville. The nonprofit coordinated the collection of 20 pallets of shelf-stable food, and Apex hauled the load at no cost to the food bank.

For many Tennesseans, hunger isn’t an abstract problem. More than a million people in the state don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and a large portion of them are children. Apex drivers and warehouse crews didn’t sit on the sidelines. They backed Move For Hunger financially and provided the truck, the time, and the manpower to make sure those meals reached people who actually need them.

Move For Hunger specializes in turning unused or donated food into something useful by working with movers and transportation companies nationwide. Instead of letting good food go to waste, they rely on the trucking industry to get it where it needs to go. That model continues to grow as more carriers and moving companies pitch in.

According to Move For Hunger, the meal kits delivered in this run came from community drives and corporate partners. Once distributed by Second Harvest, they’ll supply thousands of families across Tennessee with reliable, healthy meals.

The nonprofit’s founder, Adam Lowy, praised the effort and highlighted what partnerships like this can accomplish. “Every delivery like this brings us one step closer to a hunger-free future,” said Adam Lowy, founder of Move For Hunger. “We’re grateful to Apex Moving + Storage for their unwavering commitment to our shared goal. By mobilizing their trucks and teams, we’re turning potential waste into lifelines for neighbors in Nashville and beyond. Since 2009, our network has delivered over 55 million meals – including more than one million meals in Tennessee – and initiatives like this keep that momentum going strong.”

For drivers, this kind of work is a reminder of how much impact a truck can make beyond the highway. A single load can feed thousands. And when companies put their rigs to use for something like this, it shows the real power of the transportation industry: when drivers move, communities move forward, too.

Source: Truckers News

The post Apex Moving & Storage Helps Move 1,000 Meal Kits to Nashville Families appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Sponsored by DMC Insurance, the award highlights a single professional driver whose career reflects consistent safety, responsibility, and long-term leadership behind the wheel. ATA explained that the finalists come from a group of state-level Drivers of the Year submitted by their affiliated state trucking associations. “Each candidate’s qualifications and achievements are examined by a group of professional industry judges who narrow down the nominees to a group of finalists,” ATA said.

For drivers out on the road, these finalists represent the kind of steady professionalism and clean records that everyone in the cab can appreciate.

The 2025 Finalists

Steve Brand
With 36 years on the road and 29 of them at FedEx Freight, Brand has stacked up more than 4.8 million accident-free miles. He’s active with America’s Road Team, the FedEx Freight Road Team, and serves as an Ambassador for Truckers Against Trafficking. He was also named the 2024 Ohio Driver of the Year.

Don Carpenter
Carpenter’s career spans 45 years, including the past 11 with Old Dominion Freight Line. He has logged more than 4.5 million accident-free miles. An Army veteran and frequent Truck Driving Championships competitor, he earned the title of 2024 Oklahoma Driver of the Year.

Kevin Flick
Flick has 37 years of experience, 22 of them with Buchheit Logistics. He has collected over 6.1 million accident-free miles. His list of accomplishments includes 11 years in the Missouri Trucking Association’s Chairman’s Safe Driver Club, seven Driver of the Month awards, and being named the 2024 Missouri Driver of the Year.

Williams Jones
Jones brings 51 years of driving experience and 29 years with Walmart Transportation. He has accumulated more than seven million accident-free miles. He was the 2006 Walmart Driver of the Year and continues to train and mentor new drivers. He was also named the 2025 Kansas Driver of the Year.

Duane Staveness
With 33 years in trucking and 25 with FedEx Freight, Staveness has achieved more than 2.55 million accident-free miles. He serves on the Wisconsin Road Team, is a longtime member of the Master Presidents Club for safe driving, and won the 2018 NTDC 5-Axle National Championship. He is the 2025 Wisconsin Driver of the Year.

What Happens Next

The Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee reviews each finalist’s video submission before selecting the winner. The official announcement will be made during ATA’s Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition in Oklahoma City from April 1 through April 3, 2026.

Source: The Trucker

The post ATA Names Five Standout Finalists for the 2025 National Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Cheatham, an operations manager and driver for Alex D Delivery out of Salt Lake City, runs regular routes between Utah and Los Angeles. On one of those runs, he saw firsthand the destruction left behind by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Entire neighborhoods were wiped out, and families were stranded with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Instead of heading home with an empty trailer, Cheatham decided to fill it with donations.

A Driver Steps Up

On January 7, just two days after the Palisades fire broke out, Cheatham posted a message on Facebook.

“Hey guys! I run an empty semi to Los Angeles 2 to 3 times a week, and we want to help the people there who have been displaced, etc. Are there any businesses that would like to donate food or water, and we can transport them all? We’d love to help out. We have plenty of space, so please spread the word for all those who might want to help.”

By the time he got home to Utah, donations were already rolling in. Volunteers and small businesses stepped up, loading his trailer with bottled water, food, diapers, pet supplies, and other essentials. The response grew so quickly that Cheatham soon needed multiple trips to move everything.

“I want to thank everyone who has volunteered, donated, prayed, or given words of encouragement to us,” he wrote later. “None of this would be possible without you, wonderful people. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. We’re truly making a difference to the people of L.A.”

Utah Truckers and Businesses Join the Effort

Around 30 businesses joined Cheatham’s mission. His wife, Mackenzy, and his father, Karl, helped coordinate donations while his employer, Alex D Delivery, provided key support.

“While Landon spearheaded the project, Alex D Delivery provided the tractor-trailer along with covering the majority of the financial costs,” said company owner Alex Dettenmaier. “We did receive some financial donations to help pay for fuel. We were grateful for that and grateful for our community stepping up with donations for the fire victims. Landon organized a few donation drives, and we were honored to hold one of those at our warehouse, along with warehousing donations waiting to go out.”

The Impact on the Ground

Cheatham partnered with Lifting Hands International, a nonprofit that ships aid to people in crisis.

“Someone connected us with Landon, who generously volunteered to drive the aid to California for free. We were thrilled; his help made it possible for us to send far more relief than we otherwise could have. Without him, we likely would have been able to send only one or two truckloads,” said Traci Parson, Utah operations director at Lifting Hands.

With Cheatham’s help, that number jumped to seven truckloads carrying a total of 83,300 donated items valued at nearly one million dollars.

“Because of his efforts, we were able to send shipments of aid every week,” Parson added. “As the needs in California changed frequently, we received updates and were able to quickly send the most needed items each week. His kindness and determination turned what could have been a small response into a large-scale relief effort that brought comfort and hope to thousands of families.”

From the Cab to the Community

When Cheatham arrived in Los Angeles, he worked with Michelle Manos, executive director of the Community Solidarity Project.

“Even after his long drives, he was always in a great mood, ready to hop in and help, ready with a joke,” Manos said. “And he really did all of this for the right reason, because people needed help and he saw a pathway to help those people.”

Their teamwork continued for months as Cheatham kept hauling in donated goods on a weekly and sometimes biweekly schedule.

“What Landon did helped move L.A. forward as we began to grapple with the severity of the damage,” Manos said. “He created an opportunity so that people who didn’t know what to do or how to help suddenly had a way to help. It gave our organization a way to respond, and it gave the community members ways to volunteer with purpose. It ultimately created a need to better organize the abundance he was bringing, which led to us opening our free store called the Really Really Free 99, which is still in operation today.”

A Driver’s Determination

For Cheatham, the chance to give back came through the same career that gave him a second start.

After a serious arm injury left him unable to keep working in an autobody shop, he joined Alex D Delivery in 2018. He started out driving box trucks and earned his CDL three years later.

“I had to find something to pay the bills,” he said. “My buddy got hired as a driver mechanic, and I started at the company with a box truck.”

Today, he serves as operations manager but still gets behind the wheel when needed.

“I hope I made a positive impact,” Cheatham said. “I was surprised by the generosity of the people in Utah. Everyone was asking what they could do. No one cared about price or gave a thought to what they would gain.”

His boss, Dettenmaier, could not agree more. “We are proud we were able to serve the community of Los Angeles and proud of the big heart our Landon Cheatham has,” he said.

Parson added, “Landon’s example shows that when you see a need in your community and feel passionate about helping, your actions, no matter how small they may seem, can ripple outward and change lives. He is truly a hero trucker and a remarkable role model. He used his skills and resources to serve others extraordinarily, inspiring countless people to step up and help, too.”

Manos summed it up best. “When disaster strikes or injustice occurs, everyone is needed. Never think your skills aren’t a fit. Never think you’re too far or too disconnected. We’re all connected. Truckers move the world, and we’re all in this together. When you can, help someone.”

Image Source: Landon Cheatham, Transport Topics

Other Source: Transport Topics

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Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has worked year-round under its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, a message that resonates deeply throughout the trucking community. What started back in 1992 as a small act of gratitude at Arlington National Cemetery has grown into a national movement that now reaches over 5,400 locations across the U.S. and abroad.

National Wreaths Across America Day will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025. More than 4 million volunteers are expected to take part in ceremonies that honor fallen veterans through wreath-laying events in all 50 states, at sea, and overseas. Truck drivers are the ones who make these ceremonies possible, hauling over 700 truckloads of live balsam wreaths every season.

“This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. More than 4 million volunteers and supporters will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach through wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad.”

For many fleets, joining the Honor Fleet isn’t just a way to give back; it’s a way to connect their work with something meaningful. Trucking companies that take part gain nationwide recognition through media coverage, community partnerships, and volunteer involvement.

Beyond the good it does, participation also helps boost driver pride and retention. Carriers who’ve partnered in the past often note how the experience brings teams closer together. Taking part in the wreath deliveries or local ceremonies gives drivers a chance to represent their company while honoring those who served.

As Wreaths Across America puts it, the effort only works because truck drivers show up with that dependable “can-do” spirit the industry is known for. Fleets that join the Honor Fleet not only support a national mission but also stand shoulder to shoulder with others who share the same respect for service and sacrifice.

For 2025, Wreaths Across America is inviting more carriers to get involved and help cover remaining routes across the country. Those interested can find open lanes and details about how to sign up by visiting learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/2025-open-lanes-available.

Image Source: Wreaths Across America

Other Source: The Trucker

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This analysis merges average pay with affordability metrics, showing where life as a driver truly pays off.

Tennessee: High Retention and No Income Tax

Tennessee drivers earn an average of $51,143 per year. The pay may appear modest next to states offering $60,000 or more, but Tennessee’s lack of a state income tax and housing costs roughly 15 percent below the national average increase take-home earnings significantly.​

Major freight routes such as I-40 and I-24 connect Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga with major hubs throughout the Southeast. Drivers can save on fuel due to short-haul regional options and benefit from steady freight volume.

Iowa: Consistent Freight and Low Expenses

In Iowa, average annual driver pay sits around $52,926. The state’s agriculture and manufacturing base keeps freight steady year-round with less seasonal volatility. Housing prices in cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids are nearly 20 percent lower than the U.S. average, and fuel costs remain among the lowest in the Midwest.​

Consider routes along I-80 that cross Iowa, offering consistent mileage and reduced idle time. Many carriers reward local familiarity with higher mileage bonuses for regional drivers.

Ohio: Freight Density Equals Stable Earnings

With average pay near $53,570 annually, Ohio drivers gain more from living in an affordable state than they might in high-cost freight belts. Centrally located between the Midwest and East Coast, Ohio gives drivers lower empty‑mile percentages and easier backhauls.​

Cities like Columbus and Toledo are strong warehouse corridors, providing both short-haul and OTR opportunities with strong fuel and logistics infrastructure.

Georgia: Expanding Port Industry with Affordable Living

Georgia drivers make roughly $47,579 per year, yet their dollar stretches further because household costs average 13 percent below the national median. The Port of Savannah fuels consistent regional shipping volume and last-mile delivery routes, giving both company drivers and owner‑operators a healthy mix of options.​

Drivers who prefer a balance between home time and income can be based around Atlanta or Savannah, where freight diversity supports dedicated routes without long OTR absences.

Adjusted Earning Power Comparison

**Cost of Living Index source: MoneyGeek Cost of Living Calculator and PayScale Cost of Living Index — the U.S. average baseline is set to 100 for comparison.

What This Means for Drivers

The best state for a truck driver isn’t just where the check is largest, but where the expenses are lowest and freight is steady. Drivers in states like Tennessee and Iowa often save thousands more per year after housing, taxes, and fuel are considered than those earning higher nominal wages elsewhere.

For those looking to stretch their earnings, focus on:

• States with no income tax or low housing costs.
• Areas with steady freight corridors to reduce unpaid miles.
• Carrier lanes offering home‑weekly schedules, which cut personal travel and food expenses.

Start Maximizing Your Take-Home Pay

Finding routes that combine stable freight and cost-friendly living can transform a driving career from paycheck‑to‑paycheck to long-term financial security.

Explore open positions tailored to your region and compare pay averages directly at TruckDriversUSA, where every listing helps drivers find the most value for their miles.

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