WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America L.L.C. has named Herschel Evans of Bremen, Ga., and Jerry Seaman of Huron, S.D., as winners of its 2020 Citizen Driver Award.
The award is given to professional drivers who demonstrate traits that bring respect to the truck driving profession, including good citizenship, safety, health and wellness, community involvement and leadership. A total of 35 drivers have received the award since its inception in 2013.
The announcement was made live on the Dave Nemo Radio Show on Sirius XM146-Road Dog Trucking Radio.
As part of the honor, each driver may select a TA, Petro Stopping Center or TA Express location to be dedicated in their name, with their story displayed for travelers that visit can see.
TA also will make a $2,500 donation to the charity of each winner's choice.
Barry Richards, president of TA, said the goal of the program is to "spotlight on some of the most extraordinary drivers today and illustrate the fine examples of professionalism embedded in the truck driving profession. These drivers dedicate their lives to their career and we're pleased to honor them and highlight their lifelong commitment and sacrifices."
Mr. Evans has had a 32-year driving career, logging 3.1 million miles, accident-free. He currently drives for Holland Inc., where he trains new hires.
He received the 2018 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Driver Excellence Award, and in 2013, he was selected as an American Trucking Association's American's Road Team Captain.
Mr. Evans was given the Mark Russell Trucking Image Award in 2017 for representing the industry through his role as an America's Road Team Captain.For the past 33 years, he has been involved with Atlanta Ride for Kids,a nationwide motorcycle charity ride that benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Mr. Evans has selected the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Safety Drive for a Cure as his charity to receive the $2,500 donation.The Petro in Atlanta will be dedicated in his name.
Mr. Seaman has been driving for 48 years, logging 5 million miles, all accident-free. He is employed by NTA Trucking Ltd.
In 2010, Mr. Seaman was selected as the NASTC Driver of the Year and as a member of its 2010 America's Safe Driver Team. A year later, he began competing in the South Dakota Truck Driving championships, where won the 5-axle van class and was named rookie of the year, the Larry Thury award winner and grand champion.
Mr. Healy also competed in the ATA's National Truck Driving Championships. He has been involved with the South Dakota Convoy for Special Olympics since its inception in 2002.
Mr. Healy selected the St. Christopher Trucker's Relief Fund as his charity, while the TA Express in Vermillion, S.D., will be dedicated in his honor.
More than 75 nominations were received, from fleet owners and executives, professional drivers, family members, trucking organizations and trucking industry suppliers. A six-member committee served as judges.