SAN DIEGO -- The American Trucking Associations named Carl Schultz as its 2014 National Truck Driver of the Year. Schultz works for Davis Express, and was the Florida Trucking Association’s 2013 Driver of the Year. He has over 42 years of experience as a professional driver.

The award is one of the highest honors a professional truck driver can receive, according to the ATA. This year’s winner was announced at the ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego.

“Being named the ATA National Truck Driver of the Year means that you are recognized by the people at the top of your industry for doing something exceptional,” said Schultz. “I’m so thankful and honored that the ATA has regarded me to be someone worthy of this award – It’s just amazing.”

Schultz has accumulated over 4 million miles of safe driving and has been recognized many times during his career for his hard work and commitment to safety.

“Carl Schultz exemplifies everything Davis Express stands for and who we ask our drivers to be,” said Kayla Thomas of Davis Express. “He consistently puts safety first and is always focused on teamwork, customer service and helping other drivers be safe and successful in their careers.”

Drivers are nominated by ATA affiliated state trucking associations. The ATA looks at the driving record, training, awards and driving championships of each nominee to determine a winner. Nominees must be employed as a driver when they are nominated to be eligible.