MIAMI--March 26, 2012: For the 39th consecutive year, Ryder System, Inc. , a leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, recognized the tradition of driver excellence by presenting its annual "Driver of the Year" awards to three professionals who, combined, have 117 years and more than 10 million miles of safe, professional driving experience.
One of the Company's most prestigious recognition programs, the "Driver of the Year" award honors drivers who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance, customer service and citizenship throughout their careers. Honorees are selected after a rigorous review process by a committee that includes Ryder customers, executives, safety experts, and professional drivers. The top awards this year were presented to two drivers employed by Ryder and a driver employed by one of Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions customers. Each recipient received a five-day Caribbean cruise, cash award, specially designed ring and watch, and will be inducted into the Ryder "Driver Hall of Fame."
James Estepp has been selected as Ryder's Supply Chain Solutions Driver of the Year. Mr. Estepp drives for Ryder's General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales account based in Roanoke, Texas. In addition to remaining injury free, he has driven 2.5 million preventable collision- and violation-free miles during his 22 years with Ryder and a total of 3 million preventable collision- and violation-free miles over the course of his impressive 36-year professional driving career. Mr. Estepp has also been recently selected as the Truck Rental and Leasing Association's 2012 Driver of the Year, a tremendous industry honor.
James Hendrix has been selected as Ryder's Dedicated Contract Carriage Driver of the Year. Mr. Hendrix drives for Ryder's AT&T account based out of Suwanee, Georgia. He has been with Ryder for 16 years, and during his 42-year professional driving career he has driven over 2 million miles without a preventable collision, violation, or injury. Mr. Hendrix's talent and commitment to safety is evident through his multiple "Driver of the Month" awards and a first place trophy received after successfully competing in a Professional Driving Championship.
Terry Elliot has been named Driver of the Year for Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions business segment. Mr. Elliot drives for Ryder customer, Allens, Inc., out of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He has been employed by Allens, Inc. for 33 years and has driven 5.6 million collision- and violation-free miles over his 39-year professional driving career. In addition to receiving a number of previous safety accolades from Ryder, Mr. Elliot has served as a mentor and trainer to younger drivers. He was also in the U.S. Navy and proudly served our country in the Vietnam War.
The three drivers were honored at a recent awards ceremony held at Ryder's headquarters in Miami. Ryder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Swienton, accompanied by key Ryder executives and the drivers' local managers, personally congratulated the honorees.
Greg Swienton commented, "Our Driver of the Year winners exemplify an unwavering commitment to working and driving safely, and delivering outstanding service. These drivers have a tremendous responsibility to deliver for customers while ensuring the safety of their coworkers and the communities where they operate. Achieving millions of safe miles over the course of such established, long careers is a testament to our winners' dedication to getting the right results, the right way, at work and on the road."
