Trucks can be replaced. Trailers can be replaced. Top drivers cannot. These are the drivers that customers look forward to seeing, Driver Managers rely on, and the Safety Department proudly recognizes. Each year, we honor a select group of these outstanding professionals by naming them Drivers of the Year.
How the Selection Process Works
Each January, we begin the challenging task of identifying our safest drivers, a list that is never short at S&H. From there, representatives across the company come together to evaluate candidates based on the many ways they contribute to our success.
Key considerations include:
- Customer relationships and service excellence
- Dependability and willingness to support operations wherever needed
- Commitment to safety and driver development
- Leadership through training, mentoring, and Advisory Council participation
The discussions are always spirited, with different departments advocating for drivers who have distinguished themselves in unique ways. After careful consideration and lively discussion, the final selections are made.
This year, we proudly recognize:
- Jockey of the Year: Mike
- Long Haul Driver of the Year: Barry
- Short Haul Driver of the Year: Chris
- Owner Operator of the Year: Randy, the first recipient of this new award category
- Safest Driver of the Year: Luis R for the Second Year in a Row
The winners were announced at our joint Safety and Advisory Council Meeting.
Meet the 2025 Drivers of the Year
Jockey of the Year: Mike
How do you survive impossibly hectic moments as a jockey? “Do not rush. Keep your cool. Pull the brake and take ten. Do these things and you will be able to plan your work and calmly work your plan.”
Long Haul Driver of the Year: Barry
Truly the face of S&H to many customers, Barry says, “It would be easy to just pull in, get unloaded and leave a customer location. In the long run, time spent asking about family, vacations or health makes the process more enjoyable. Lumpers, warehouse workers, other drivers, and jockeys: they are my coworkers too!”
Short Haul Driver of the Year: Chris
Chris has held many positions in the trucking industry and has been recognized by the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, Accountability program for One Million Accident-Free Miles.
Owner Operator of the Year: Randy
“My dad drove, so did my brother and brother-in-law. I’ve wanted to own my own truck from the time I was a kid,” says Owner Operator of the Year Randy, who has driven more than 3.5 million miles.
Safest Driver of the Year for the Second Year in a Row: Luis R.
Luis R. has been named Samsara’s Safest Driver of the Year for the second consecutive year, earning an almost perfect Samsara score both years. Luis drives out of the Reading, PA area.
We are thrilled that he is now a Driver Trainer, sharing his safe-driving tips and techniques with drivers who are new to the industry and new to our company.
Congratulations, Luis, and thank you!
Congratulations to each of these exceptional drivers on this well-deserved recognition.
