Gary Nuckolls has more than 2 million accident-free miles and a lot to show from his 29 years on the road as a commercial truck driver. He's got a ton of certificates, letters of commendation and trophies in his Montgomery, Ala. home.

But what makes Nuckolls most proud are the countless high school students who have entered the "No Zone" driver education program he launched in his Alabama hometown.
Created in 1994, "No Zone" is a national public safety program directed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to educate the driving public about how to safely share the road with trucks and buses.
Because of Nuckolls’ achievements both on and off the highway, the Truck Renting and Leasing Assn. (TRALA) has honored him as its 2003 Driver of the Year, a program sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Nuckolls was recognized at TRALA’s 25th annual meeting in Palm Springs.
"In addition to being an outstanding driver and dedicated Penske Logistics associate, Gary contributes a great deal of his time to improving our industry and the community by supporting highway safety programs and taking a lead role in helping new drivers acquire safe driving skills," said Vincent Hartnett, president of Penske Logistics.
"Penske congratulates Gary for being named TRALA Driver of the Year. We are extremely proud to have him on our team."
Nuckolls started out in the industry, hauling mobile homes. He spent 10 years with the Winn-Dixie grocery fleet and 11 years with the MBM Distribution fleet before coming to Penske Logistics at the end of 1998. Currently, Nuckolls delivers for Big Lots stores in the Montgomery area.
"I want to be a good example to drivers and to the community," Nuckolls said. "I enjoy talking to the next generation of drivers on the road, and I would encourage other drivers to take the time to start a program in their community."
NATSO said a dozen other drivers will receive certificates of merit for their outstanding service. These trucking professionals include:
-- Jeff Arnold of Penske Logistics in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., nominated by Penske Truck Leasing.
-- Michael Dombrowiak of AIM Dedicated Logistics in Girard, Ohio, nominated by AIM NationaLease.
-- Larry Dommer of Can-Am Express in Fargo, N.D., nominated by RLN NationaLease.
-- Mark Filson of Perlman-Roque in Greenfield, Ind., nominated by PRIMMS NationaLease.
-- James C. Freeman of Penske Logistics in Bridgeton, Mo., nominated by Penske Logistics.
-- Merill W. Hughes of RG Transport Inc. in Elwood, Ind., nominated by Stoops NationaLease.
-- Kenny H. Hufford of Success Logistics in Kansas City, Kan., nominated by NationaLease of Kansas City.
-- Robert Kay of Veteran Food Sales Co. in Rochester, N.Y., nominated by DeCarolis Truck Rental Inc.
-- William Henry Martin of Cargo Transporters Inc. in Claremont, N.C., nominated by CT Group.
-- Agostinho P. Pinto of Lily Transportation Corporation in Bronx, N.Y., nominated by Lily Transportation Corporation.
-- Kreigh A. Spahr of Penske Logistics in Dayton, Ohio, nominated by Penske Truck Leasing.
-- Noe Torres of West Coast Turf in Bermuda Dunes, Calif., nominated by Scully NationaLease.
"Each year, it grows more difficult for TRALA to choose just one Driver of the Year with the number of men and women who are giving their best on the roads day after day," said TRALA President and CEO Peter Vroom. "We salute Mr. Nuckolls for his dedication and wish him many more years of safe driving."