NASTC President David Owen kicked off the Thursday, October 23, program by recognizing the 2025 “America’s Best Drivers” team, which consists of twenty outstanding professional truck drivers nominated by NASTC member companies. Together, these drivers represent an incredible 585 years of combined over-the-road experience and an astonishing 51,442,500 accident-free miles.

Owen also presented this year’s Best Broker award to S-2 (Solutions Source), a long-standing member of NASTC’s Best Brokers group. “No NASTC member has ever lost a dime working with one of our Best Brokers,” Owen said, reflecting on the program’s strong reputation since its creation in 1991.

Honoring the New NASTC Transportation Ambassadors

In a new initiative for 2025, NASTC introduced three Transportation Ambassadors, individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to represent trucking in a positive light. The inaugural honorees included Tony Justice, Ingrid Brown, and Lindsay Lawler, all known for using their platforms to champion professional drivers and tell the real story of life behind the wheel.

“We have a real problem in trucking. We’re politically incorrect,” Owen said during the ceremony. “The only people who appreciate us are the people inside this industry, and one of the challenges we have is trying to create a realistic view of big trucks. The people we’re recognizing tonight are people who’ve really helped do that, giving of themselves 100 different ways to help us show what you guys are all about.”

While longtime advocate and driver Ingrid Brown was unable to attend due to health reasons, Owen paid tribute to her years of leadership and public advocacy for truckers. “I’ve known her for probably 25 years,” he said. “She’s been a voice for truck drivers and a bridge to the public, showing what trucking really means.”

Music, Radio, and Trucking Come Together

Both Lindsay Lawler and Tony Justice attended the Nashville event in person. “This award brings together my professional lives, which are music, radio, and trucking,” Lawler said. “I agree wholeheartedly with you, Dave, that I think we do a really great job telling each other how great trucking is, but we need to get the outside world to see it, too.”

Justice, who spent years on the road before turning to music, echoed that sentiment. “My heroes have always been truck drivers,” he said. “My dad was one. I don’t remember a time in my life when both [music and trucking] weren’t a part of my life.” He thanked the small fleet owners and pro drivers in attendance, adding, “You guys are the ones that don’t wait around for people to pat you on the back. This country can’t survive without you.”

America’s Best Drivers: The 2025 Honorees

Each of the 20 drivers honored this year represents the very best in safety, professionalism, and long-term commitment to trucking. Their accident-free mileage numbers speak volumes about their dedication:

• Travis Lauer, Alpha Drivers Transportation – 16 years, 1.4M miles
• Aaron Hayes, Black Diamond Transport – 24 years, 3.08M miles
• Brian Pregler, Capela Transport – 16 years, 1.7M miles
• Jack Rensing, Circle R Xpress – 49 years, 4M miles
• Roger Zima, Foltz Trucking – 42 years, 5M miles
• Baldo Reyes, Four Star Greenhouse Sales & Trans – 25 years, 2.21M miles
• Richard Johnson, Gold Standard Transportation – 54 years, 1.6M miles
• Mike Adcock, Hahn & Phillips Grease Company – 47 years, 4.8M miles
• Violet Holmes, Kisatchie Midnight Express – 38 years, 400K miles
• Jerry Ballo, Long Haul Trucking – 18 years, 2.2M miles
• William Edgin, Millwood Trucking – 25 years, 3M miles
• Christopher Lanning, Naeve Inc. – 20 years, 2M miles
• Charles Yahnke, Ohio Eastern Express – 25 years, 3.5M miles
• Justin Baldwin, Pleasant Valley Transport – 17 years, 1.5M miles
• Ken Schulz, QLF Transportation – 30 years, 3.2M miles
• Billy Ross, Southern Illinois Motor Xpress – 22 years, 2M miles
• Doug Hartman, Spoerl Trucking – 41 years, 2M miles
• Calvin Dean, TAC Transport – 25 years, 3.75M miles
• Jonathan Rejman, Venice Enterprise – 26 years, 1M miles
• Dan Stilp, Waletich Transportation – 29 years, 3.1M miles

Each of these drivers represents what’s best about small trucking — independence, resilience, and a shared commitment to keeping America’s freight moving safely and efficiently.

NASTC also confirmed that its 2026 Annual Conference will return to Nashville next year, running October 29–31.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Overdrive

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The Solo Drivers

For many truckers, driving solo is the only way to go. The freedom, control, and ability to set their own pace make it the clear choice.

Jeff Miller summed it up bluntly after a brief stint with a co-driver: “Let’s just say it’s something that I would definitely try my best to never have to do again! I do not like having someone else with me at all.”

Jon Miles echoed that sentiment: “Solo. That’s one reason I became a trucker. I enjoy my alone time.”

For some, trust is a major issue when considering a co-driver. Jesse Neuman said, “Solo…could never sleep with someone else driving.” Similarly, Doug Schnabl agreed: “I couldn’t go to sleep with someone else driving. Solo for me.”

Michael Mercier, who retired after 35 years behind the wheel, was grateful to have driven solo throughout his career: “Thank gawd. Although I met many good drivers on the road that I’ve stayed in touch with over the years.”

Other drivers, like Jack Brescia, enjoy a different kind of company: “With my dog, that’s it.”

The Team Drivers

For some truckers, the team life has been a rewarding experience, particularly when they share the cab with a trusted partner.

Pamela Young has been team driving with her husband for 32 years and wouldn’t have it any other way: “Co-driver, my husband. Wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Similarly, Mark Ferryman appreciates the efficiency of running team with his wife: “We can go coast to coast in a day and a half.”

Doug Skubal highlighted the main advantage of team driving: “You can virtually run nonstop as a team versus a slower pace for a solo driver.”

The “It Depends” Drivers

Some truckers have done both and believe the experience heavily depends on who the co-driver is.

Paula Hanson put it simply: “I’ve done both. Depends who your co-driver is.”

Tom Bonura agreed, noting that it can be great with the right partner but difficult with the wrong one: “Great with the right partner. Tough with the wrong one. Made good money with the best partner and hazmat.”

Misty Hammonds-McDaniel shared her flexibility: “I’ve done both during my 25-year career, so I can deal with it either way. It doesn’t bother me. If I could go back to driving, it wouldn’t matter if it was solo or team—as long as I could pick my co-driver. And my wife would be my first and only choice.”

The Bottom Line

Solo and team driving each come with their own set of pros and cons. Solo drivers enjoy independence and full control, while team drivers can benefit from efficiency and companionship. But as many truckers pointed out, the key factor is who you’re sharing the cab with. The right partner can make team driving a great experience, while the wrong one can turn it into a challenge.

So, if you’re considering teaming up, choose wisely—because life on the road is too long to spend it with the wrong co-driver!

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