ATA names its safest drivers, managers and fleets at annual awards banquet

ABC Transportation veteran truck driver Moses Thomas of Birmingham, Ala. was tapped the Alabama Truck Driver of the Year at the Alabama Trucking Association’s Annual Fleet Safety Awards held March 26 in Birmingham, Ala.

Thomas has logged an impressive 3.7 million miles in a career spanning five decades. In that time, he’s only had one non-preventable accident which was more than 30 years ago. But since then, ABC officials say, that Thomas has been a model driver and employee, exemplifying the core values of a true, professional driver, not only in safe miles but also in character.

According to his supervisors, he is highly respected by his peers, customers and company managers, and is always willing to help others whether it’s serving as a driver mentor to younger drivers or working with management to find safer ways for drivers to do their job. They add that he conducts himself with the utmost professionalism on the highways, at job sites and in the office.

Outside of work, Thomas is dedicated and committed to serving his family and community, striving to pass on his family values and sense of civic pride — something he learned while serving in the Army during the mid-1970s. A great example of that commitment is his work with his children and grandchildren buying and delivering food to local shelters. He is also dedicated to his church and serves as a deacon at Mt. Olive Church in Glendale, Ala.

He also works with the Wiregrass Works program speaking to approximately 4,500 8th graders throughout nine counties sharing the duties and possibilities of a professional driver.

He lives with his wife Christella in Birmingham and has two adult children, Rachelle and Maurece, and several grandchildren.

ATA’s safety contests are judged by an independent panel of fleet safety experts from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit.

This year’s event sponsors included Carrier Transicold South; McGriff Tire Co.; Nextran Truck Center; Southland International Trucks; and Vertical Alliance.

Photos and other winners from the ceremony are listed below.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Jeff Loggins
Safety Professional of the Year – Blair Logistics, LLC

E.J. Waters
Maintenance Professional of the Year – Evergreen Forrest Products

Rebecca Pitts
Fleet Manager of the Year – Metals USA

FLEET WINNERS

Greenbush Logistics, Inc.
General Commodities Local 1 to 3 Million Miles

J&M Tank
Tank Truck Division

American Proteins, Inc.
Private Carrier over 5 Million Miles

Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc.
General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles

Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc.
General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles
General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles
General Commodities Combined 3 to 5 Million Miles

Changing Spaces Moving, Inc.
Household Goods

Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc.
General Commodities Combined under 1 Million Miles

FedEx Freight, Inc.
General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles

Georgia Tank Lines, LLC
Hazardous Materials

Golden Flake Snack Foods, Inc.
Private Carrier under 1 Million Miles
President’s Award (Alabama’s Safest Overall Fleet)

J&D Burgess, Inc.
General Commodities Linehaul under 1 Million Miles

Massey Hauling Company, Inc.
Miscellaneous Category 1 to 3 Million Miles

P & S Transportation, Inc.
General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles
General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles

Scott Bridge Co.
Heavy Haulers Category

SNL Distribution Services Corp.
Miscellaneous Category 5 to 10 Million Miles

Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc.
General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles
General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles

Watkins Trucking Co., Inc.
General Commodities Combined 1 to 3 Million Miles

ATA WORKERS’ COMP FUND MEMBER AWARDS

Centennial Southern Express
Small Fleet

Robbie D. Wood
Medium Fleet

Dolphin Line
Large Fleet

Mike’s Truck & Trailer Service
Allied

Perdido Trucking Service, LLC
Safety Excellence Award