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Retail News
WalMart trucker named SMC's national driver of year
September 28, 2011
The announcement came last weekend at the Safety and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition in Albuquerque, N.M.
Oliver has driven over 3.5 million miles of safe driving with zero preventable accidents in his 27 years behind the wheel.
He competed for the national title, considered the highest honor of a professional truck driver can receive, against professionals nominated from the 50 state trucking associations.
"Rickey Oliver embodies the professional truck driver who delivers America's goods safely and efficiently every day," ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. "His passion for educating the public about safe driving and his commitment to his community are remarkable. We are proud to have Rickey represent the industry as National Driver of the Year."
Oliver was a charter member of the WalMart Road Team and was elected to America's Road Team in 1997. He is a seven time State Champion at a State Truck Driving Championship and has received numerous awards from his employers as well as from the Indiana Motor Truck Association and the Mississippi Trucking Association.
Oliver has dedicated his life to causes that support safety, the trucking industry and children in need, contest officials said.
He has been an active Trucker Buddy, Career Day presenter and currently volunteers at schools, helping - through the WalMart Foundation - to provide a better learning environment for children.
Oliver is active in the Honor Roll Driver Education Program, which implements a safe driving education program available to new drivers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. He serves as a safety ambassador for his company, helping to maintain safety standards and good working relationships between the shipper and receiver. He initiated a partnership with Operation Lifesaver to integrate rail-grade safety education into the program. Rickey also organizes annually the local Christmas toy drive for Children's Hospital and Earth Day events.
"Rickey is an incredible resource for the trucking industry," Mississippi Trucking Association President David Roberts said. "We are glad to have him representing professional truck drivers here in Mississippi and around the nation. I congratulate Rickey for receiving this award and thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of the trucking industry."
Sponsored by Custard Insurance Adjusters, ATA's National Driver of the Year award pays tribute to one exception driver annually for his or her significant and career-long professional achievements, his or her stellar safety record, and exemplary community outreach. The qualifications and accomplishments of each candidate are first reviewed by an esteemed group of industry safety professional judges and a group of finalists are then judged by an impartial panel of Commercial Vehicle Safety Association and law enforcement representatives. Oliver was nominated as the Mississippi Driver of the Year.
ATA's Safety Management Council is a national organization of transportation professionals involved in safety and human resources management for motor carriers and interested organizations. It aims to advance highway and workplace safety through programs, research, education, training, communication and peer interaction.