Latest news with #DriveroftheYear
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Shabalala bus driver recognised for exceptional driving skills
Buscor's annual Driver of the Year competition recognised the hard work and exceptional driving skills of its employees. The event was hosted on June 28. During the ceremony, Joseph Manzini (56), who has been driving buses for nine years, was recognised as the overall winner – the Top One Driver of the Year. Manzini said the award was unexpected, even though he knew he had strong driving skills and that his passengers feel safe on his bus. 'I am so happy that my hard work is recognised. This will push me even harder to continue being the best at what I do – which is driving,' said Manzini. He transports people with different personalities every day and must remain calm at all times, as image and professionalism are important. ALSO READ: Khutsalani dominates at Promaths Awards 'I treat my passengers with respect so that they, in turn, show respect without back-chatting. In them I've found a family, because I've gotten to know most of them.'Before joining Buscor, Manzini worked as a truck driver for 15 years. 'That gave me the skills I need for driving a bus,' he said. ALSO READ: Buffelspruit woman facilitates change, one stitch at a time He believes anyone can win the competition if they are committed. 'My advice to other drivers is to work hard so they can also be recognised. It's not that they aren't good drivers – but hard work takes determination.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Barberton bus driver wins Female Driver of the Year award
A 41-year-old bus driver has been awarded as Best Female Driver of the Year by Buscor. Nokuthula Nkosi received the award for her commitment to providing safe and reliable transport services to her passengers at the recent annual Driver of the Year competition. The event was held at the Matsebula Terminus in Mbombela on June 28. The ceremony brought together 38 drivers, comprising 16 women and 22 men, who competed in the different categories. 'My approach to driving is focused on safety first. I conduct regular vehicle checks; stay focused on the road and apply defensive driving techniques to ensure our passengers arrive at their destinations safely and on time,' she said. She drove a bus for the first time in 2018, while she was a student driver at Buscor, adding that she has learnt the importance of patience, adaptability and clear communication. ALSO READ: Buffelspruit woman facilitates change, one stitch at a time 'One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing passengers happy when they reach their destination,' she added. Nkosi drives scheduled routes from Barberton to Mbombela, Matsulu to Mbombela and Matsulu to Barberton. 'It's moments like these that remind me of the Buscor slogan, which says 'Passenger safety is our passion.' I take pride in knowing that my work makes a positive impact on people's lives,' she said. Nkosi emphasised that challenges faced by female drivers are navigated with professionalism and a positive attitude. 'My advice to other drivers would be to stay focused, be patient and always put safety first. Don't be afraid to ask experienced drivers questions, and remember that this job requires mental and emotional strength.' Nkosi said she appreciates her passengers for the continued support and encouragement that they show her when they arrive at their destinations and disembark. ALSO READ: Laying the foundation for women in construction 'This award is not just for me; it is for the entire Buscor team and the community who truss us. What makes my day is when passengers thank me for providing useful information about their journey and smile when they reach their destination on time. It is moments like these that make all the hard work worth it,' Nkosi said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Business Wire
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Ryder Announces its Drivers of the Year: Honoring the Heroes Behind the Wheel
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) announces the winners of its 53 rd annual 'Driver of the Year' award, celebrating three professional truck drivers who exemplify the highest standards of safety, service, and leadership across its supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management businesses. This year's honorees—James 'Jim' Jones, Roland Esquibel, and Mark Jones—earn induction into the Ryder 'Driver Hall of Fame' not just for their stellar driving records, but for their lasting impact on the company, their teams, and their communities. Together, these three road warriors bring 105 years of combined experience and have logged nearly 6 million miles. 'Our drivers move more than freight. They move our company and our customers' businesses forward,' says Ryder Chairman and CEO Robert Sanchez. 'Jim, Roland, and Mark represent the very best of Ryder and our customers, from their skill behind the wheel to their character and commitment to their communities. They are true ambassadors of our values and our brand.' James 'Jim' Jones | Supply Chain Solutions Based in Mason, Mich., Jim Jones is a standout performer in Ryder's Supply Chain Solutions business, bringing 38 years of professional driving experience; including the past eight years with Ryder. Over the course of his career, he has driven more than 2 million miles, all while maintaining a stellar safety record and a steady hand under pressure. When he's not on the road, Jim serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Mason Fire Department, demonstrating his deep-rooted commitment to service. Known for his calm demeanor and team-first attitude, Jim embodies the values of responsibility and reliability that define Ryder's professional driver community. Roland Esquibel | Dedicated Transportation Solutions Hailing from Devine, Texas, Roland Esquibel brings unmatched dedication and professionalism to Ryder's Dedicated Transportation Solutions segment. With 35 years of professional driving experience—including the past four years with Ryder—Roland has logged more than 2.3 million miles over his career. A respected U.S. military veteran and proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roland channels his service and leadership skills into every delivery. Beyond work, he actively supports his community through his local church, continuing his lifelong mission of service and mentorship. Mark Jones | Fleet Management Solutions Operating out of Sacramento, Calif., Mark Jones is the recipient of Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions' (FMS) 'Customer Driver of the Year' award, which recognizes drivers who go above and beyond to keep roads safe while operating Ryder vehicles. With 32 years of safe driving performance and more than 1.5 million miles driven, Mark also mentors new drivers and plays a key role in ensuring reliable, on-time deliveries for Ryder's FMS customers. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, he earned three Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, bringing the same discipline and excellence from his military career to the road every day. About the Award Ryder's Driver of the Year program stands as a cornerstone of the company's commitment to excellence behind the wheel. Each year, a select group of top performers from Ryder's 13,400-strong professional driver workforce, as well as from our FMS customer base, earn this elite recognition. Candidates are carefully vetted through a comprehensive selection process led by Ryder executives, safety specialists, and veteran drivers, making it one of the company's longest running and most prestigious awards programs. To learn about professional driver positions available at Ryder, visit Ryder Jobs and Careers | Work at Ryder. About Ryder System, Inc. Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R) is a fully integrated port-to-door logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, contract packaging and manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, cross-border solutions, full-service fleet leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world's most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services to businesses across more than 20 industries throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 250,000 commercial vehicles, services fleets at approximately 760 maintenance locations, and operates nearly 300 warehouses encompassing more than 100 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices; technology-driven innovations; environmental management; safety, health and security programs; and recruitment and hiring initiatives. Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. ryder-ar
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Casella Drivers Honored by National Waste and Recycling Association
RUTLAND, Vt., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, is pleased to announce that three drivers were recently honored by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) as part of its annual Drivers and Operators of the Year program. Representing an elite group of waste and recycling collection drivers, from a total of 141,000 refuse trucks operating daily, the following three Casella drivers' commitment to excellence and safety set them apart from the rest. Regional Commercial Driver of the Year: Frank Corl, Cheshire, MA Regional Commercial Honorable Mention: Juan Caraballo, Potsdam, NY Regional Roll Off Honorable Mention: Daniel Hale, Salem, NH The Driver of the Year awards, sponsored by Environmental Solutions Group, honor drivers who operate safely, responsibly, and with distinction, enhancing both the image and safety culture of the waste industry. Categories include residential, commercial, and roll-off drivers at the local (500 truck fleet), regional (500-2,500 truck fleet), and national (2,500+ truck fleet) levels. 'We're proud of our entire team for the essential work that they do each day, and any chance to recognize those who go above and beyond is appreciated,' said John W. Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella. 'To have these three drivers recognized in this manner speaks to their commitment to our customers and communities to operate at such a high level over an extended period. Having representation in three states and multiple lines of business gives us all a great sense of pride that our commitment to Casella's Core Values is felt throughout our operating footprint.' Independent judges selected the winners based on letters of recommendation and the difficulty of the route based on factors such as number of pickups and miles driven weekly. All three drivers were recognized for their distinguished service at a celebratory awards gala on Monday, May 5, at WasteExpo in Las Vegas, Corl A pillar of dedication and dependability, Frank Corl has spent over 30 years delivering exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction. His commitment goes beyond simply completing his route; he actively ensures customer needs are met and provides a positive experience for those he serves. Whether responding swiftly to additional stops or supporting fellow drivers, Frank embodies professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering work ethic. His deep industry knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to safety make him a role model for others. 'Frank's dedication goes far beyond his job description. He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure customers are satisfied and everyone is properly taken care of,' said Cheshire, MA Division Manager Stephen Haeder. 'His outstanding work ethic and commitment to excellence from his very first day on the job have always set him apart.'Juan Caraballo Juan Caraballo is a highly respected and trusted team member, consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication to customer service, safety, and operational efficiency. With over 20 years of experience, Caraballo has become a leader within his division, embodying the Casella Core Values in his daily work. Described as a "go-to guy," Caraballo consistently completes tasks with a focus on safety and efficiency, proactively offering suggestions to improve processes and enhance service. His commitment to customers is paramount; he considers them friends and consistently goes the extra mile to meet their needs. An exceptional safety record complements Caraballo's strong work ethic. 'What sets Juan apart from others is his extraordinary daily commitment to safety and service, on and off the clock,' said Potsdam, NY Division Manager Doug Fry. 'I hear nothing but praise from Juan's customers when I am out doing site visits, fellow coworkers in the breakroom, and multiple levels of local leadership.'Daniel Hale With over 25 years of professional driving experience, Dan Hale exemplifies dedication, reliability, and operational excellence as a roll-off driver. Known for his punctuality and impeccable attendance record, Hale has consistently been on time and has never called off work, earning the admiration and respect of his colleagues and supervisors alike. As a seasoned driver, Hale has trained dozens of employees, making a significant contribution to the efficiency and success of his team. His meticulous approach to pre-trip and post-trip inspections ensures the safety and reliability of his vehicle, making him one of the safest drivers in the fleet. 'Dan is a pleasure to work with. His professionalism, expertise, and experience contribute to our daily success as a team,' said Salem, NH Dispatcher Glenn Doherty. 'He approaches every assignment with a thoroughness that makes the whole division run smoothly.' ABOUT CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For further information, investors may visit the Company's website at Investors: Brian J. Butler, CFAVice President of Investor Relations(802) 772-2264 Media: Jeff WeldVice President of Communications(802) 772-2234http:// Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A CT driver was known for his safety record. Now he's won a national award for it.
A Connecticut man is no stranger to safety awards. But for John Griffin, a driver for All Waste, Inc., who had company safety awards under his belt, there was something higher to reach for. So he did. Now, the Hartford-based driver was named the 2025 Driver of the Year by the National Waste & Recycling Association. He recently received his award at a NWRA awards gala ceremony in Las Vegas. Griffin received the national award for 'exceptional safety, service, and professionalism among more than 140,000 drivers nationwide.' Griffin, 51, is a Hartford native and now resides in Wethersfield with his wife, Victoria, and their two sons Nolan, 14, and Declan, 9. Griffin, a Prince Tech grad, has been a commercial driver for 30 years. He drives 500 to 1,600 miles a week over 60 hours with five 12-hour days, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. 'I liked the idea of being out on my own listening to tunes all day, so I got my CDL, and I fell into the life of a commercial driver,' Griffin said, in a phone interview. Griffin said after some mistakes early in his career, he emphasized safety and not being in a hurry. 'That's when mistakes happen,' Griffin said. 'Over the years, I've won a ton of internal company safety awards, but we decided to take a shot nationwide.' 'My manager called me into his office in March with the owner and the GM and I thought to myself that was going to be really good or really bad,' he added. 'But everyone started clapping for me because I had won the driver of the year. It was pretty awesome.' Griffin gave a two-minute speech in Las Vegas in front of a crowd of 900. 'For what I do every day and to be recognized — it was nothing short of awesome,' Griffin said. According to the NWRA, the Driver of the Year awards 'honor divers who operate safely, responsibly and with distinction enhancing both the image and safety culture of the waste industry.' 'Driver safety and retention remain among the most critical indicators of success in our industry,' said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA. 'This year's honorees demonstrate an exceptional record of professionalism and performance. Congratulations to all of our winners and honorable mention recipients.' A panel of judges selected the winners through a scoring process based on letters or recommendation, route, equipment difficulty and safety records. In all, there were 42 drivers recognized in Las Vegas last week. 'These individuals perform under some of the most demanding conditions while providing essential services across the country every single day,' said Don Ross, chairman of the NWRA Board of Trustees, in a statement. 'We are excited to recognize their contributions during our new annual awards gala, a celebration of safety and service.'
