“These 93 inductees represent the very best of our industry’s 135,000 professional foodservice distribution drivers,” said Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “These exceptional individuals are the backbone of America’s food supply chain, ensuring that restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities have the essential goods they need to keep our communities fed.”

One of the Largest Hall of Fame Classes

This year’s Hall of Fame group is among the largest since the program was first introduced. The official recognition will take place during the IFDA Solutions Conference on September 29, 2025.

To be selected, each driver had to meet strict standards:

• At least 25 consecutive years driving for an IFDA member company
• 25 years with no chargeable accidents
• A record of no moving violations within the past five years

According to IFDA, “The 93 honorees join an elite group of professional drivers who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to safety and service throughout their careers. The foodservice distribution industry relies on skilled professional drivers who navigate complex routes and handle specialized equipment while maintaining the highest safety standards. These drivers deliver critical supplies to restaurants and foodservice operations nationwide, keeping America’s food system running smoothly.”

About the Program

The IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame, now in its eighth year, was established to recognize the vital role of professional drivers in the foodservice distribution industry. The recognition serves as both an honor for long-standing careers and an example for younger drivers building their paths in the industry.

The program continues to underscore the importance of professionalism, safety, and reliability in ensuring the food supply chain operates without interruption.

2025 IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame Inductees

The following drivers are being inducted this year, along with their years of safe driving service:

• Leroy Abell — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 32)
• Scott Baumgartner — Kohl Wholesale (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• David Bentley — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 29)
• Johnny Bradford — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Stephen Cardy — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Andrew Chackan — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 33)
• Michael Davis — Vistar (Safe Driving Years: 31)
• Thomas Dunning — Dot Transportation Inc. (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Robert Ernst — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Bill Flores — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 34)
• Charles Goodman — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Ryan Hasenbusch — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Lindsey Hebert — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Brian Hucks — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• David Jacobs — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 33)
• Barry Jenkins — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Scott Kent — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Mark Lenz — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 35)
• Steve Loreng — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Mace McKinnon — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Christopher Morrison — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Stephen Pettersen — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 33)
• Robert Rader — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Mike Ruhland — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 31)
• William Sears — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 32)
• Roger Shumpert — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 47)
• William Snyder — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Timothy Staton — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 29)
• Joel Vigil — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• William White — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Mark Adkins — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Donald Belzile — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Michael Blanton — Vistar (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Mark Buster — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Paul Carpenter — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Nathan Clow — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 32)
• Pat Dowd — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Richard Dyson — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• James Evans — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Bradley Franklin — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Adam Hansen — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Christopher Hathaway — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 39)
• Daniel Hedrick — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 36)
• Thomas Hussey — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 36)
• Donald Jacobs — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Gregory Jinks — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Randel Kolar — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 31)
• DiMarco Lester — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 37)
• Ron Martin McLane — Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Tim Michael — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Taqi Nader — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Armando Plascencia — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 35)
• Steven Portzline — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Jeff Roach — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Daniel Salyers — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Rogelio Serrato — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Craig Skoug — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Mark Sorrill — Dot Transportation Inc. (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Jeff Steinwart — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 35)
• Mark Waldbaum — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Robert Willis — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 37)
• Kenneth Balach — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 35)
• Keith Benard — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Martin Bourassa — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Bradley Campbell — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Lonnie Cays — Vistar (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• John Correll — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Dennis Duff — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 38)
• Christopher Eck — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Ron Evasic — Dot Transportation Inc. (Safe Driving Years: 29)
• Timothy Good — Gordon Food Service (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Russell Hartman — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Jefferson Haywood — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 31)
• Anthony Howard — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 29)
• Richard Ingram — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 34)
• Joseph James — Vistar (Safe Driving Years: 29)
• David Jones — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Kevin Langley — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 30)
• Chris Line — Henry’s Foods (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Matthew McKay — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Nicholas Michels — Performance Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 33)
• John Pappas — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 27)
• Steve Porter — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 28)
• Gary Puckett — McLane Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Joseph Roberts — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 41)
• Charles Schwab — Core-Mark (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Mark Shults — Vistar (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Steven Smith — Dot Transportation Inc. (Safe Driving Years: 26)
• Ronald Sparrow — Saval Foodservice (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• William Tillet — Sysco Foods (Safe Driving Years: 33)
• Dave Ward — Henry’s Foods (Safe Driving Years: 25)
• Drew Wilson — US Foods (Safe Driving Years: 25)

Honoring a Lifetime of Service

For professional drivers, recognition like the Hall of Fame is more than an award — it’s proof that decades of dedication to safety and dependability matter.

Mark Allen summed it up best: these honorees are truly “the backbone of America’s food supply chain.”

Source: The Trucker

The post IFDA Names 93 Drivers to 2025 Truck Driver Hall of Fame appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year’s honorees, James “Jim” Jones, Roland Esquibel, and Mark Jones, have been inducted into Ryder’s prestigious “Driver Hall of Fame.” Together, these highly-skilled professionals share a staggering 105 years of combined experience and have collectively driven close to 6 million miles with an impeccable safety record.

“Our drivers move more than freight. They move our company and our customers’ businesses forward,” says Ryder Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez. “Jim, Roland, and Mark represent the very best of Ryder and our customers, from their skill behind the wheel to their character and commitment to their communities. They are true ambassadors of our values and our brand.”

Meet the 2025 Driver of the Year Honorees

James ‘Jim’ Jones | Supply Chain Solutions

Based in Mason, Michigan, Jim Jones is a standout driver in Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions division. With 38 years of professional driving experience, including the past eight with Ryder, Jim has safely logged over 2 million miles. Beyond his stellar driving record, Jim is a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Mason Fire Department. Known for his calm demeanor and team-first attitude, he exemplifies the values of responsibility and reliability that define Ryder.

(Source: Ryder) Jim Jones

Roland Esquibel | Dedicated Transportation Solutions

Hailing from Devine, Texas, Roland Esquibel is a driving force in Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions segment. Over a 35-year career, including the last four with Ryder, Roland has covered more than 2.3 million miles. A U.S. military veteran and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roland channels his leadership skills into every delivery. Outside of work, he contributes to his community through his local church, carrying forward his lifetime mission of service and mentorship.

(Source: Ryder) Roland Esquibel

Mark Jones | Fleet Management Solutions

Operating out of Sacramento, California, Mark Jones is the deserving winner of Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions “Customer Driver of the Year” award. Over a 32-year career, with more than 1.5 million logged miles, Mark has displayed an unwavering commitment to safety and reliability. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, earning three Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Mark also mentors new drivers, ensuring future generations of professionals continue to excel.

(Source: Ryder) Mark Jones

Ryder’s Driver of the Year Program

Ryder’s Driver of the Year program is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence on the road. Highlighting unparalleled performance, the program celebrates top-tier drivers from Ryder’s workforce of 13,400 professionals, as well as drivers from their Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) customer base. Each honoree undergoes a rigorous selection process led by Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran drivers. For over half a century, this award has been one of Ryder’s most prestigious acknowledgments of driver excellence.

Through this annual recognition, Ryder not only honors its exceptional drivers but also highlights their critical role in driving the company, its customers, and the broader community forward.

Image Source: Ryder
Source: Truckers News

The post Ryder Celebrates Excellence with 53rd Annual Driver of the Year Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Highlighting Zima’s exceptional achievements, MTA President John Hausladen said, “This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry. Driving safely is no easy task, especially considering his daily driving conditions like congestion, driver distractions, and the added challenges of Minnesota winters. Having over 4 million safe driving miles is an outstanding accomplishment. We’re proud to award Roger for this achievement.”

Exemplifying Excellence

Ken Foltz, representing Foltz Trucking, further emphasized Zima’s commitment to excellence. “Roger is a prime example of an employee that lives and breathes the core values and principles of Foltz Trucking,” Foltz shared. “Roger does it right every trip, every day, every week, and every year.”

About Foltz Trucking

Founded in 1958 with just one truck, Foltz Trucking remains a family-owned and operated business, specializing in hopper freight. The company hauls a variety of bulk materials, including agricultural products and pet food ingredients—all while staying committed to safety and quality service.

The Road to Driver of the Year Recognition

Each year, the MTA celebrates exceptional drivers through its Driver of the Month program. Drivers who meet stringent requirements, such as an impeccable driving record, significant industry contributions, demonstrated commitment to highway safety, and community involvement, are nominated by their companies. One of these distinguished individuals is then selected as Driver of the Year by a panel of esteemed judges.

The 2024 judging panel included Charles St. Martin, Division Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Laura Roads from MnDOT; and Captain Robert Zak of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Congratulations to Roger Zima for his remarkable achievements and for setting the standard in trucking excellence!

Source: The Trucker

Image: MTA

The post Minnesota Trucking Association Honors 2024 Driver of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year, NFI inducted 14 hardworking drivers into the Haul of Fame—recognizing professionals with over 2 million miles or 20 years of driving without avoidable accidents. Both Peter and Mike were honored to join this select circle of highly accomplished and safety-oriented team members.

“It’s an honor,” shared Peter, reflecting on how much the trucking industry has changed since he started. “You retired and you left, and nobody knew you were gone… At NFI, they know I’ve been here this long, and they recognize what I’ve done. They’re watching, and they understand the sacrifices—this isn’t just a job. This is a lifestyle.”

Peter emphasized how much the recognition meant to him and his family.

“They’ve seen the sacrifice. They’ve lived the sacrifice,” he added. “But I really feel it. I really feel like I’m a part of this family.”

Mike echoed similar sentiments, describing the award as a career highlight.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “When I first saw the Haul of Fame a few years ago, I knew right then I was going to do everything I could to one day see my name up there.”

Mike went on to illustrate the magnitude of the achievement.

“To put things into perspective, it’s 477,710 miles to the moon and back. I’ve done that trip over four times safely,” he said. “Ask your friends how many accidents they’ve been in just driving a car. To hit this milestone safely is nearly inconceivable.”

For both drivers, the Haul of Fame recognition isn’t just a plaque on a wall; it’s a testament to extraordinary dedication and unrelenting focus on safety.

More Than Just a Job—A Workplace That Cares

For Peter and Mike, NFI has always been more than just a job. The atmosphere cultivated at NFI stands out in the trucking industry.

“I wanted to work for a company that cared about their drivers,” Mike shared. “I saw so many NFI trucks on the road and started asking their drivers at truck stops how they liked working for NFI. Every one of them told me how great the company was and how well they treated their drivers.”

His experience after joining only reinforced that reputation.

“NFI treats their drivers with respect, something that many trucking companies fail at,” Mike said. “They’re always investing in new tractors and doing a great job with scheduling so I can maximize time with my family.”

Peter added his thoughts about the uniquely open culture created by the Brown family and management.

“The open-door policy here at NFI means everyone can talk to anybody,” Peter said. “Nobody is above walking up and shaking someone’s hand at two o’clock in the morning.”

Employees feel genuinely supported, he noted, whether it’s through collaborative problem-solving or leadership asking simple but meaningful questions like, “How can I help?”

Celebration of Safe and Dedicated Driving

Since its inception in 2019, the NFI Haul of Fame has celebrated exceptional achievements in safety and reliability. To date, 61 drivers have earned a spot in this distinguished group. This year alone, NFI honored 15 additional drivers who achieved 1 million miles of accident-free driving, collectively contributing more than 14 million safe miles.

These celebrations were held in Chicago, Mauston, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania—serving as joyous milestones not only for the drivers but for the entire NFI community.

NFI President of Transportation, Bob Knowles, highlighted the importance of these accomplishments.

“Many of these drivers have driven for the same account throughout their careers, playing a key role in the success of our long-standing customer relationships,” he said.

Source: The Trucker

Image: (NFI) Peter L. (left) and Mike N. (right)

The post Blue Bloods Recognized in NFI’s Haul of Fame for Legendary Achievements appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Remarkable Display of Skill

“This year, 190 professional truck drivers and 79 warehouse associates showcased their skills, with 71% making their competition debut,” stated Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “Their precision, knowledge, and expertise in navigating the challenges were truly impressive. It’s a privilege to honor the top talent in the foodservice distribution industry for their excellence and dedication to safety. Congratulations to all!”

Participants competed in five distinct categories, with awards given for first through third places in each. The warehouse challenges included double-pallet jack and reach truck categories, while trucking categories spanned straight truck, 3-axle, and 5-axle divisions.

Championing Safety and Excellence

These 190 truck drivers collectively represent over 2,346 accident-free years, 2,257 years with their current employers, and an impressive 3,390 years of experience within the trucking industry. Victories bring not only bragging rights but also medals, cash prizes, and for those clinching first place, a prestigious championship jacket. Winners were celebrated at a banquet on October 26.

Highlights of the 2024 Results

• Double Pallet Jack

• First Place – Jon Moore, Dot Foods, Inc.

• Second Place – Lafayette Maxie, McLane Company

• Third Place – Andrew Newby, US Foods

• Reach Truck

• First Place – Dylon Maes, Shamrock Foods

• Second Place – Cameron King, Shamrock Foods

• Third Place – Eron De La Cueva, Performance Food Group

• 2-Axle

• First Place – James Falconburg, Nicholas & Company, Inc.

• Second Place – Steve Ross, Performance Food Group

• Third Place – Daniel Trevino, McLane Company

• 3-Axle

• First Place – Jason Swordling, Ben E. Keith Co.

• Second Place – Lino Garcia, Performance Food Group

• Third Place – Michael Fergison, Cheney Brothers

• 5-Axle

• First Place – Michael Sinclair, Performance Food Group

• Second Place – Charles Spence, McLane Company

• Third Place – Sam Duron, McLane Company

Recognizing Rising Stars

The prestigious “Rookie of the Year” title was awarded to top-scoring newcomers. Dylon Maes, a Reach Truck driver from Shamrock Foods, earned the 2024 Warehouse Rookie of the Year award. In the driving category, Michael Sinclair, a 5-axle driver from Performance Food Group, was honored as the Driving Rookie of the Year.

Perfect Pre-Trip Performances

Competitors also vied for individual accolades for achieving perfect scores in the pre-trip safety inspections. The honorees included:

• Luis Barker, Shamrock Foods, 3-Axle Truck.

• Pablo Escobar, Ben E. Keith Company, Double Pallet Jack.

• Jay-R Garcia, Sysco, Double Pallet Jack.

• Steven Rouse, Performance Food Group, 5-Axle Truck.

• Jeremy Smith, Shamrock Foods, Double Pallet Jack.

Top Team Achievements

In addition to individual victories, team honors were awarded. Shamrock Foods secured the 2024 Warehouse Team Award, while McLane Company triumphed with the 2024 Driving Team Award.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 IFDA National Championship, scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, from October 23 – 25 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Source: The Trucker

The post Winners Announced for the 2024 IFDA National Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.