It was a huge week for safety in Alabama, but this night belonged to the men and women who make the Alabama trucking industry’s safety efforts something worth celebrating.
On Wednesday, March 11, the Alabama Trucking Association’s safety and maintenance community gathered at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa for the SMMC Fleet Safety Awards, celebrating the drivers, managers, technicians, and companies who represent the best of trucking in the state.
The annual event honors member fleets, their drivers, employees and managers for data-driven results and excellence in fleet safety and accident reduction. The timing was notable, coming less than 36 hours after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the landmark Highway Safety and Fairness Act (SB242) – legislation, championed by the Association along with state and federal officials, that will remove “bad actors” from the trucking industry and strengthen protections on our roads.
“Those represented here tonight are the professionals who show up every day committed to training, operating safely and efficiently, and maintaining their equipment to the highest standards,” ATA Senior Director for Safety Intelligence and Regulatory Affairs Clinton Seymour told the more than 125 attendees.
ATA President & CEO Mark Colson added that these awards honor the “best of the best” in Alabama Trucking. “This is such a special event for our community, especially during a week when the State Legislature passed the Highway Safety Act, which Gov. Ivey signed into law yesterday,” he said. “It’s fitting that one day we are passing key legislation to remove the bad actors from our industry, and the next we are celebrating the very best and safest people and companies within it.”
Driver of the Year
The evening’s big winner was Professional Driver of the Year, sponsored by Southland Transportation Group, Charlie Salter, whose more than 35 years of accident-free driving and dedicated service to public safety are a credit to this Association and the industry.
Mr. Salter, a former FedEx Freight driver and now an independent contractor with LB3 Inc., was tapped for his incredible 3.6 million miles of accident-free driving, coupled with his commitment to sharing the industry’s many career opportunities and safety message for high school kids through his work as an Alabama Road Team Captain. Over the years, he has won numerous awards, including a two-time Grand Champion of the Alabama Truck Driving Championship and a Driver of the Year Runner-Up in 2024.
“It’s an honor to stand before this group tonight to accept this award,” he said. “But, as you all know, trucking is a team effort. There are so many folks who make my job easier, and many of them are here tonight. I appreciate everything you’ve all done for me, especially the Alabama Trucking Association, the great folks at LB3, and, of course, my wife Amy. I couldn’t do what I do without your support.”
Driver of the Year Runner-Up was Danny Clark of R.E. Garrison. With 44 years as a professional driver and over 3 million safe miles, his career has been nothing short of exemplary. A decorated veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he attributes his discipline and safety-first mindset to his military service. He also serves on the R.E. Garrison Driver Council as a mentor and trainer, taking great pride in the success of the drivers he has trained. A lifelong member of New Salem Baptist Church, he prioritizes his faith and family.
Safety Professional
Safety Professional of the Year, sponsored by Cummins, Inc., Adam Casey of Buddy Moore Trucking, has over 12 years of experience in fleet safety management. Mr. Casey was recognized for his dedication to continuous learning and team development. He holds numerous certifications and serves as a safety instructor for his company. Under his leadership, Buddy Moore Trucking has achieved a 36% reduction in its DOT recordable accident frequency rate. Mr. Casey also contributes to the industry through service on several Alabama Trucking committees, and is active in his community with Scouting America and his church.
Tracy Rushing, the Executive Director of Safety for RE Garrison, was the Safety Professional of the Year Runner-Up. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Mrs. Rushing is recognized for her extensive qualifications, commitment to driver safety, and proactive, data-driven approach to leadership. Her numerous accomplishments include serving on multiple trucking association committees and receiving the 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking award. Peers and colleagues praise her leadership, high standards, and deep care for her team, noting her integrity and unwavering dedication to promoting highway safety.
Fleet Manager
Alabama Fleet Manager of the Year, sponsored by Truckworx, Jerad Sowell, is a terminal manager for Greenbush Logistics, with two decades of experience in the transportation industry. Mr. Sowell oversees 50 drivers and as many trucks pulling a mix of 150 trailers. His leadership is noted for driving efficiency and safety across operations, maintenance and sales. Described as having a strong analytical mind and an innovative approach to management, Mr. Sowell is praised for his ability to align teams toward total operational excellence.
The Fleet Manager Runner Up was Reilly Armstrong, a dispatch manager at Watkins Trucking. Ms. Armstrong has worked for the family business since high school, holding various roles before spending the last 15 years in dispatch and fleet management. As a member of the company’s executive leadership team, she oversees all company drivers and a team of seven dispatchers. She is recognized for her exceptional judgment, her ability to balance driver needs with customer expectations, and her strong understanding of safety and compliance. Described by her supervisors as having a “servant’s heart,” she is praised for treating her colleagues like family and fostering a respectful, collaborative environment.
Maintenance Professional
Matthew Kelly, Director of Maintenance at Greenbush Logistics, was tapped the Alabama Trucking Association’s 2025 Maintenance Professional of the Year, sponsored by Best One/McGriff Tire Co. Mr. Kelly has worked in the trucking industry for over 17 years and currently oversees a fleet of more than 4,000 pieces of equipment and a large maintenance team across 17 locations. He has earned an extensive list of certifications and several accolades, including the GLI Pen Award and being selected for the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow class. He is also very involved with the Alabama Trucking Association, where he helps shape the curriculum and training programs for diesel mechanics. This is his second time winning this award.
Maintenance Professional Runner Up was Karen Fuller, Executive Director of Maintenance at R.E. Garrison Trucking. Mrs. Fuller has been in the trucking industry for more than 12 years and is currently responsible for a fleet of nearly 2500 pieces of equipment and nearly 100 employees. Her leadership has led to a 15% reduction in maintenance costs and a 10% increase in operational efficiency at RE Garrison. She is very involved with many industry groups, including the Alabama Trucking Maintenance Task Force, SMMC, and the Women in Trucking Association. She was recently named among Alabama Trucking’s Next In Line Leaders by Alabama Trucker magazine. Her colleagues praise her caring and supportive personality and management style, which has boosted company morale.
Fleet Safety Honors
Over 50 fleets were celebrated for their significant reductions in safety incidents and innovative fleet safety systems and programs. For members of Alabama Trucking, ensuring fleet safety is fundamental to both profitability and success.
The top company award, the President’s Award, sponsored by Palomar Insurance Corp., was presented to LB3, Inc. of Wedowee, Ala., for having logged the most miles travelled within Alabama without an accident. Company founder Brian Lindley accepted the award for the company, which also placed first in two categories: Fleet Safety categories, General Commodities Line Haul, Under 1 million Miles, and General Commodities Combined Under 1 Million Miles.
To view a full list of Fleet Safety Contest winners by category, click here.
View and download photos of the event, click here.
