A Kentucky man who has logged more than 4 million safe miles in his 42-year career is a major trucking organization’s driver of the year.
On Wednesday Nov. 4, the American Trucking Associations named James Hylan Grise of Walmart Transportation in Hopkinsville, Ky. its National Driver of the Year Award.
James Hylan Grise of Walmart Transportation in Hopkinsville, Ky. ATA’s National Driver of the Year Award.“Hylan has had an exceptional career as a professional truck driver with zero accidents during his 42 year career. That’s truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “The trucking industry relies on drivers like (him) to drive each day with a safety-first mindset and his commitment to safety and professionalism deserves praise.”
Grise has participated in the Kentucky Driving Championships 11 times, winning the sleeper division and qualifying for the National Truck Driving Championships in 2005, 2011 and 2012. In 2014, Grise assisted Kentucky’s champions prepare and practice for the National Truck Driving Championships.
Walmart recently sponsored several courses Grise used to further his skills as a truck driver including courses on distracted driving, defensive driving, injury prevention and recognizing drug and alcohol abuse. Grise also participates in the Walmart Heart Program that lift the spirits of children or adults with chronic medical conditions or special needs.
“It’s important for Americans to know about professional truck drivers, like James Hylan, who make the daily decision to deliver important goods to communities in the safest and most efficient way possible,” said Jamie Fiepke, President and CEO of the Kentucky Motor Transport Association.
The award was presented at ATA’s Safety, Security and Human Resources National Conference in Little Rock, Ark.
