2025 Professional Drivers of the Year
Gerald Rhoden
Stevens Transport
Gerald Rhoden of Stevens Transport is a true trailblazer in the trucking industry, achieving an incredible 4.7 million collision-free miles over 26 years, along with numerous awards like Trainer of the Year and Driver of the Month. Throughout nearly 24 years as a mentor, Gerald has influenced over 200 drivers, imparting lessons of professionalism, work ethic, and confidence to the next generation. His guidance is so valued that many drivers return seeking his advice, and even his nephew followed in his footsteps, joining Stevens Transport. Beyond his trucking career, Gerald stays deeply connected to his Jamaican heritage. One of his proudest achievements is financing the construction and painting of a primary school in his hometown, as he believes that education can unlock doors for future generations. Raised in Jamaica, Gerald developed a strong work ethic from a young age, operating farming equipment by the age of 10. After immigrating to the United States, he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture while earning his degree in aircraft engineering with honors. Thankfully for the truckload industry, Gerald chose a different path, building a successful career in trucking where he has truly excelled as a professional driver.
Perry Carter
Cargo Transporters, Inc.
Cargo Transporter’s professional driver Perry Carter is known for his humility, kindness, and steadfast commitment to excellence. With decades of experience and 2.8 million accident-free miles driven, Perry consistently upholds the highest safety standards. He currently serves as a 2024-2025 ATA Road Team Captain, and he was recently named Cargo Transporter’s Driver of the Month in November 2024. An Air Force veteran, Perry has made it a personal mission to support military causes, participating in events like Wreaths Across America and supporting homeless veterans. Selected for Cargo Transporter’s Ride of Pride trucks in 2018 and 2023, Perry uses this honor to further his commitment to organizations like Purple Heart Homes and American Warriors of Liberty, where he works to support veterans and their families. Beyond his professional achievements, Perry also demonstrates remarkable devotion to his family. He has rearranged his work schedule to be there for his wife, Carolyn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and cares for his disabled brother who lives with them. Through his service, advocacy, and compassion, Perry Carter continues to inspire others, leading with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to making a difference in both his industry and his community.
Scott Lindsey
Cheema Freightlines
Scott Lindsey, a professional driver for Cheema Freightlines, has spent over 15 years training fellow drivers, sharing his expertise in safe driving, onboard technology, company policies, and standard procedures. With more than a total 35 years of experience behind the wheel and having served as a Senior Airman in the Air Force, Scott’s background and guidance has proven invaluable. His safety record is exemplary, having driven over 4.7 million miles without incident. In 2023, Scott faced the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. Despite this immense personal hardship, he has remained a resilient role model in both his professional and personal life. As a father of three, he has continued to support and mentor others and give to cancer research in memory of his wife. Scott is also deeply involved in his community, volunteering at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and working with various children’s charities. Scott’s unwavering commitment to safety, mentorship, and community service makes him a source of inspiration on and off the road. His strength in the face of adversity and his devotion to helping others are a testament to his character and dedication to making a difference.
Toby Wallis
Freymiller
Freymiller driver Toby Wallis is known for his warm and approachable personality. Always with a smile, he strikes up conversations wherever he goes, creating a positive atmosphere both on the road and at company meetings and events. His willingness to help others and his friendly demeanor make him a well-liked figure in the trucking community. With over 20 years of experience, Toby has built an exceptional safety record. He was named Company Driver of the Year in 2017 and 2019, and he’s been recognized as Driver of the Month multiple times. In 2024, Toby reached an impressive milestone of 1 million miles of safe driving. Toby has also devoted over 15 years as a driver trainer, mentoring numerous trainees and helping them become successful drivers. Toby is a widowed father of three and an Army veteran who served as a Medivac Crew Chief. His commitment to his family and his community has not wavered. He is a trained and sponsored Suicide Prevention attendant, volunteering his time to assist those in crisis. His selfless dedication to helping others highlights his outstanding commitment to both his profession and his community, making him a true role model in all aspects of his life.
Walter Jackson
Landstar
Walter Jackson, a Landstar fleet owner and operator, has dedicated 29 years to professional driving, with 20 of those years spent at Landstar. A third-generation truck driver, Walter's commitment to safety and operational excellence has earned him numerous awards, including six Gold Stars of Quality.
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However, his journey hasn't been without challenges. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home in Louisiana, leaving him with nothing. Despite this setback, Walter rebuilt his life from the ground up and is a very successful owner operator where he currently owns 14 trucks and continues to drive.
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In addition to his work as a fleet owner, Walter is deeply committed to giving back, particularly in disaster-stricken areas. He frequently partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide crucial relief in the aftermath of natural disasters. After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, Walter played a key role in delivering supplies to the island, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable and compassionate driver. This dedication demonstrates his belief in the importance of showing up when help is needed most. Walter Jackson’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and service to others, both on and off the road.
2024 Professional Drivers of the Year
Rosalinda Tejada
Knight Transportation
Rosalinda Tejada’s interactions on the nation’s highways exemplify the image of a consummate professional driver. Her demeanor, courtesy, and dedication to safety at Knight Transportation stand out as she sets the standard for others to follow.
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Rosalinda was selected as the first member of the Fleet of Miracles for the Children’s Miracle Network and her commitment extends far beyond her role at Knight Transportation — it encompasses her devotion to training the future truck drivers, her impactful contributions to the community and her steadfast support of her family.
She has faced numerous challenges, including an abusive relationship and several family emergencies. Nonetheless, she got her CDL, pursued a career in trucking, thrived as a professional truck driver and overcame financial hurdles.
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“Trucking opened up my horizon,” Rosalinda says. “A lot of my students see me as a mother, or big sister, I’m glad that I’m able to be that voice for them.”
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Her journey to finding independence, supporting her family, and volunteering at a women’s shelter showcases her resilience, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact. Rosalinda has turned adversity into blessings and continues to pay it forward.
Howard Robinson
NFI
Everyone at NFI Industries knows Howard Robinson has never met a stranger and he is laser focused on customer service. Whenever there’s a call from the Mill at International Paper or if there is word that the paper supply is running low, Howard jumps into action and ensures the customer’s needs are fulfilled without fail.
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Colleagues say this 81-year-old is a joy to work with. He is always ready to share insightful advice, expressing that if he can conquer his own challenges, anyone can accomplish whatever they set their hearts and minds to. Howard is a 2023 Million Mile Award-winner and remains remarkably modest about his achievements, despite the abundant affection he has received during his 29-year tenure with NFI.
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In his earlier years, Howard served in the Army and at one point, he grappled with addiction to drugs, alcohol, and gambling. However, his life took a turn when he crossed paths with Judy, his future wife, who was deeply immersed in her church community. He made a wholehearted commitment to Christ and to Judy and has remained steadfastly devoted to both.
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Together, Howard and Judy started a prison ministry to serve the state prison and county jail. This noble endeavor has spanned two decades, reflecting their unwavering commitment to this cause.
Tim Chelette
Big G Express
Professional driver Tim Chalette is passionate about sharing safety with others and handles the significant demands of his job with confidence and ease. The team at Big G Express agree and say he’s among the finest they have ever seen.
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Tim has earned 1.9 million safe miles and over his 22-year driving career, the last 18 of which were with Big G Express. He is a humble professional with a servant’s heart, always willing to help. Because of his diligent work ethic, Tim has been recognized as the Tennessee Trucking Association’s 2018 Tennessee Driver of the Year, Big G Express Driver of the Year and Pilot Truck Stops’ Driver of the Year.
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“Each and every time I sit behind the wheel of that semi-truck, I feel like it’s my job not just to make sure I get home safely to my family, but it’s my job to make sure you get home to your family,” he says. “If we could all consider that mindset to put safety first, maybe we can get that fatality rate down to zero.”
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And he’s inspirational: Chalette lost 130 pounds this past year to better his personal health and actively advocates healthy habits by sharing his story and the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.
James White
P&S Logistics
James White, a professional driver with P&S Transportation, has made a tremendous impact on his fellow drivers and the trucking industry for 27 years. James encourages other drivers in a recruiting capacity and has brought many qualified drivers on board, enriching the driving fleet.
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He models professionalism and is kind and soft spoken in every interaction. His demeanor and work ethic has led to numerous awards including P&S Transportation 2 Million Mile Safe Driver Club, P&S Transportation 2022 Independent Contractor of the Year, P&S Transportation Legends Club and P&S Transportation Driver of the Month.
James grew up in poverty and has worked hard to be a successful professional driver and he understands that those in need always benefit from the power of aid, assistance and giving back to the community. When he hears of someone in need, he freely offers help. James and his wife, Ruby, hold yearly community cookouts at their home and James has also been a deacon at his church for 26 years. He is also a dedicated driver for church events, serves on the church financial committee and funds a college education for a student at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, TX.
Clark Reed
Nussbaum
Clark Reed is a nine-year professional truck driver with Nussbaum Transportation who is an outspoken evangelist for safety, efficiency, and patience. Clark regularly engages fellow drivers and the public at events like the Iowa-80 Truck Stop Jamboree or Mid-America Trucking Show to discuss topics like road safety, fuel economy and
efficiency-boosting technologies.
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Clark is the only driver in the history of Nussbaum with a perfect record of Platinum on the monthly Driver Scorecard and he also completed the company’s Certified RED
professional driving certification which requires even more additional safe miles driven.
He has appeared in numerous industry publications, podcasts and events, and participated in a Fireside Chat with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in 2021. Clark is a Team Run Smart Pro with Freightliner and contributed 25 informational videos last year. He is also very active on social media advocating for drivers, roadway safety and all things trucking.
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In 2015, Clark suffered a massive blood clot in his leg which he believes was caused by a lack of exercise. He adjusted his lifestyle on the road to include more physical activity and he continues today to share his story and encourage other drivers to stop, take breaks, and be active.
2023 Professional Drivers of the Year
Richard Boehrer
Knight Refrigerated
Born deaf, at 10 years old, Richard Boehrer fell in love with the thought of being a professional driver. In 1987, against all odds and with everyone saying he couldn't do it, Boehrer obtained his CDL to pursue his dream. “They say deaf people can’t be a truck driver,” said Roehrer, “I want to show them that the deaf can do things — people think the deaf can’t, but the deaf can.”
Boehrer joined Knight Transportation over 10 years ago and has made a successful career driving, working for both their dry and refrigerated businesses.
“He uses his disability as an opportunity to prove people wrong — I think that’s what he loves to do,” says Chris Schell, Boehrer’s terminal manager. “Richard is one of our safest drivers and recently just eclipsed the million mile mark.”
Boehrer wears hearing aids while driving and works through a translator. He is excellent with communicating in all aspects of his job, often receiving positive feedback from customers for his professionalism and engaging personality. When he reports to his terminal manager, they communicate face-to-face by texting each other, often holding 30-minute-plus conversations.
To demystify deaf truck drivers, Boehrer will make an appearance on a company podcast, "Beyond The Rig", to discuss his upbringing and working in the trucking industry. As an advocate for deaf drivers, he also was an administrator with the Deaf Truckers United organization for five years, and is still an active member. “We can meet challenges in the things that we do with our jobs and be successful,” he said.
Daniel Clark
Classic Carriers
Daniel Clark is a leader in the trucking industry, holding the title of Trainer of the Year for many years with Classic Carriers in Versailles, OH. When Classic opened a driver training program five years ago, Clark was the first to sign up and bring his friend through this training program. “Ever since the program has opened, Daniel has trained both male and female drivers, taking them under his wing to nurture successful owner-operators,” says Classic Carriers’ Director of Safety, Robert Flores.
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Clark thrives in his profession because he understands the importance of what he does. “The best part is just being able to pull freight around the country every day,” Clark says. “You put food on people’s tables.”
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Clark coaches new truckers in the industry, but he also serves as a volunteer outside of work — coaching soccer and baseball for his sons’ sports leagues. He enjoys working with children, even speaking every year at a local middle school career day. “I take a bobtail up there and talk to the kids in the class,” Clark says. “Afterward the kids go outside and are able to see the truck up close — young future truckers.”
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Clark’s acts of service don’t stop there. He is a Youth Pastor at New Birth Christian Ministries in Columbus, OH and finds time to do community service at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Mr. Clark’s hard work, dedication, and selfless service have greatly impacted multiple people and their lives are richer because of his continuous efforts,” says Flores.
Emily Plummer
Prime, Inc.
Emily Plummer is a leader in the trucking industry, with over 23 years and 3,250,000 miles of experience. When she applied to become a trucker in 1999, only one company responded — Prime, Inc out of Springfield, MO — so Plummer spent her entire career there. “I secretly made a promise to the owner that since he opened that door and gave me an opportunity, that I was gonna make it that he would never regret hiring me,” says Plummer. “That’s a motto I’ve stuck with for 23 years — to do the best that I can.”
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No doubt Prime has been thrilled with Plummer’s success over the years; last year she was selected to be part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s first Women in Trucking Advisory Board. Also, last year Plummer was selected as Prime, Inc’s Highway Diamond of the Year, and she recently completed her two-year term on the Prime Driver Advisory Board. “We believe Emily is one of the best professional drivers the industry has to offer,” says Mitchell Coiner, Prime’s marketing manager. “Emily always provides on-time, high-quality customer service, and above all else has a huge heart.”
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That huge heart includes providing meals for 70 football players and coaches for every game for her Arkansas hometown high school, where many families are economically strapped. “We (she and her husband, Gary) don’t mind doing it,” Plummer says. “If it helps just one kid — if one kid can come back in five or ten years and do the same thing we’re doing, it’s paid off.”
Rose Rojo
John Christner Trucking (JCT)
At her core, Rose Rojo leads by serving — whether by mentoring new truck drivers, helping needy children in Honduras on annual trips, or reaching out to youth in her own community. “I love helping people,” Rojo says. “It’s my goal to help those less fortunate than myself.”
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Since 2016, Rojo has driven over 1.5 million miles for John Christner Trucking (JCT) in Sapulpa, OK. She enjoys truck driving because it takes her to different areas of the country. The Amarillo, TX, resident has earned respect from colleagues for her integrity, her level of excellence and for consistently giving back. “Rose has gone above the call of duty here at JCT — she is a great driver mentor here,” says JCT’s Laura Watkins. “She is always safe and courteous to all employees and customers, going the extra mile to make them happy.”
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Colleagues say Rojo really loves driving a truck, but her true passion is mentoring and helping abused, neglected children and helping foster parents understand and cope with children who have been in an abusive home. A survivor of childhood abuse herself, Rojo reaches out to struggling children to offer hope and encouragement. “I’m super proud of what I’ve overcome,” says the mother of two and grandmother of two. Annually she visits Honduras to serve underprivileged children and also supports one little boy there, providing resources for his school and clothing.
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“We take so much for granted,” she says. “I want to help those kids out.” Whether at work or in her down time, Watkins notes about Rojo, “She always gives her best!”
Tom Sholar
Maverick Transportation, Inc.
For more than 25 years, Maverick driver Thomas Sholar has been a testament to the notion that if you get a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. He’s dedicated 14 years to instructing future generations of truck drivers within the fleet.
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“I love teaching,” Sholar says. “I love showing people how to do things easier and right.”
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Along the way, he was named Driver of the Month in 2016, as well as a Trainer Finalist in 2019, for his outstanding job performance. While serving on the Drivers Advisory Council and being an advocate for road trainers, Sholar has been both influential and essential to shaping Maverick’s training program and helping to better the drivers’ overall experience within the fleet. “Tom is a true driving professional,” says Callie Heathscott, Maverick’s advertising manager.
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In early 2017, Sholar was diagnosed with melanoma, had surgery, and underwent intense radiation. He returned to driving after recovering, and in 2019, was awarded his 2 Million Mile Safe Driving Award – an incredible accomplishment to have driven safely and (preventable) accident-free.
In 2022, Sholar underwent more surgery but after recovering, he returned to his duties at Maverick. “All I could think of was being able to come back to work,” he says.
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Sholar continues to do the job that he loves with a safety focus, incredible customer service, and a lighthearted sense of humor.
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“I love doing this — I like the freedom, I like seeing things,” he says. “I just love doing it.”