Delaware trucker David Sweetman recently won the Road Warrior contest held by Pilot Flying J.
Sweetman, based out of Wilmington, received $15,000 in recognition of his efforts to go above and beyond truck driver duties. The Road Warrior program recognizes hard-working truckers for their dedication, commitment, and sacrifice to keep America’s supply chains rolling.
The Army veteran logged more than 5 million miles during his 50-year career as a truck driver. He works with Bennett Truck Transport to haul equipment for concerts and staged events. Over the years, Sweetman has also penned more than a few articles for trucking industry publications.
When concerts and public gatherings were sidelined during the pandemic, he transported generators to support hospitals. Sweetman also answered the call to truck-in generators for FEMA following natural disasters.
“It is an honor to be able to give back to professional drivers and hear their incredible stories through our annual Road Warrior contest,” Jason Nordin, Chief Operator for Pilot Flying J, reportedly said. “We appreciate all the professional drivers out there who, like our winners, represent the heart, determination, and resiliency of trucking.”
When not supporting live music, ailing hospital patients, and victims of hurricanes, Sweetman helps educate young people. One of the original Trucker Buddy volunteers, he spends time in classrooms across America encouraging reading and writing. Sweetman also provides mentorship, while speaking to the need for the next generation of truck drivers.
“One of the great things about the project is that it gives us, the people traveling the country, a chance to share not only what we do, but it teaches school children, who’ve maybe never left their hometown, where produce in the supermarket comes from, it comes from trucks,” Sweetman reportedly said.
The Road Warrior program also honored Jeffrey Thomas and presented him with $10,000. He is an owner-operator, Marine veteran, and driver trainer with more than 35 years of experience. Greg Hepner received $5,000, having logged 3 million accident-free miles while hauling freight across 38 states and 17 countries, including war zones. Army veteran Ron Rigdon received $5,000, operating a race car hauler for Parella Motorsports Holdings. He founded a Santa’s Toy Run organization that takes toy donations and raises money for children.
TCA Accepting Fleet Safety Awards
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is accepting 2022 Fleet Safety Award nominations through Oct. 20. The program is open to TCA members and includes six mileage categories.
“The winners are selected based on their accident ratios in any given year. Division winners are subject to an audit for ratio accuracy and invited to compete for one of two grand prizes. Carriers with annual mileage of 25 million or fewer miles vie for one, while companies with more than 25 million miles compete for the other. The grand prize winners are announced each year at TCA’s Annual Convention,” according to the TCA.
For more information, visit the TCA Fleet Safety Awards platform.
Sources: prnewswire.com, truckload.org
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