USA Truck recognizes safe drivers

Van Buren-based USA Truck inducted 13 new members into the President’s Million Mile Club and honored six existing members reaching new safe driving milestone levels during a luncheon May 4 at the Fort Smith (AR) Convention Center.

The President’s Million Mile Club is reserved for USA Truck driver team members who have logged 1 million or more collision-free miles. Membership currently totals 105 — 82 Bronze Level (1 million), 21 Silver Level (2 million), 1 Gold Level (3 million) and 1 Platinum Level.

The new inductees are: Edward Mundy, Paul Thacker, Ivan Carpenter, Johnny Triplette, Dwayne Lytle, Glen Hays, Robert Fowler, James Rader, Larry Moore, Mark Booze, Jason Teafatiller, Jared Singletary and Kendrick Washington.

Djuan Williams was recognized for moving up to the Silver Level and five driver team members earned notice for reaching the half-million milestone: Robert Decker, James Macy, Ishmall Livingston, Michael Simms and James Causey. Williams and Mundy earned addition recognition from the American Trucking Association for driving 1 million “perfect” (collision-free) miles.

USA Truck President and CEO John Simone delivered the keynote address and Joe Palmer, Director of Fleet Operations, served as master of ceremonies for the luncheon and awards program. A host of existing Million Mile Club members also were on hand, continuing a tradition of supporting and welcoming new inductees.

Simone cited examples to put the accomplishment into perspective, such as equating 1 million miles to 333 trips across the United States.

“Safety is one of our Core Values at USA Truck, and you are the safest drivers in our company,” he said. “How many people can say they’ve driven a half-million or more miles without a preventable collision? When you think about all the miles you run and all the challenges you face day in and day out as professional truck drivers, your outstanding safety records are even more impressive.”