Ryder System, Inc. announced Monday the winners of its Driver of the Year awards, which honor the top driver in each of its three business units. With more than a century of combined experience and nearly 10 million safe miles driven between them, the top drivers are:
- Kevin Vaughn based out of Lenexa, Kansas
- James “Mike” Williams based out of Corbin, Kentucky
- Kennard “Deano” Davis based out of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Ryder Chairman & CEO Robert Sanchez (center) presents James “Mike” Williams (left), and Kevin Vaughn (right), with Ryder’s 46th Annual Driver of the Year Award.Vaughn is the winner for Ryder Dedicated Transportation Solutions for which drivers are responsible for operating specialized equipment, overseeing unique product handling, running complex routes, and meeting rigorous customer service level requirements. In his 33-year career, including 24 years at Ryder, Vaughn has logged 2.4 million preventable collision-free miles. He also is a Ryder Certified Driver Trainer.
Kennard “Deano” Davis (right) receives his award from Ryder Chairman & CEO Robert SanchezWilliams is the winner for Ryder Supply Chain Solutions for which drivers are responsible for delivering customer products in an efficient and timely manner, to help ensure a fully optimized supply chain. Williams supports one of Ryder’s key customers – a globally recognized automotive manufacturer. Since starting his professional driving career in 1979, at the age of 18, Williams has logged 3.8 million collision-free miles, including three million with Ryder.
Davis is the winner for Ryder Fleet Management Solutions. He drives for Ryder customer Cobb-Vantress, Inc., for which he’s logged more than 3.5 million miles without incident in his 28-year career.
“We’re honored to recognize Kevin, Mike, and Deano for their unwavering commitment to safety and excellence,” said Robert Sanchez, Ryder chairman and chief executive officer. “This award is an opportunity to celebrate both a vocation that is vitally important to our nation’s economy and those drivers who have risen to be the best in their profession. Drivers are a critical part of our business and they are integral to our success.”
