E.J. Pope & Son Photo
Sam Stevens, Driver of the Year for Ryder Fleet Management Services, has driven four million collision-free miles over his 45-year professional driving career.
The honor includes induction into the Ryder “Driver Hall of Fame” and presented with a cash prize and a specially designed ring and watch.
Stevens drives for the E.J. Pope & Son, Inc., dba Pope Transport Co. account based in Mount Olive, N.C. He has been employed by E.J. Pope & Son for 25 years.
Stevens has driven four million collision-free miles over his 45-year professional driving career. The accomplishment is incredible considering Stevens hauls petroleum to locations that have extensive loading requirements.
Stevens is a driver trainer for E.J. Pope & Son and one of their most accomplished drivers. He is a volunteer firefighter, teaches Sunday school, sings in his church’s choir, and participates in various other community activities.
Stevens is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Ryder’s Driver of the Year Award, one of the company’s longest running and most prestigious recognition programs, honors drivers who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance, customer service, and citizenship throughout their careers.
A committee that includes Ryder customers, executives, safety experts, and professional drivers selects honorees after a rigorous review process.
Two other honorees were Ryder drivers for Supply Chain Solutions, and another for Dedicated Transportation Solutions.