Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ryder System Names Drivers of the Year

Ryder System Inc., a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, has presented Driver of the Year awards to three of its professionals.

by Staff
May 8, 2003
2 min to read


Ryder System Inc., a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, has presented Driver of the Year awards to three of its professionals.

Combined, the three have amassed more than 12 million preventable collision-and-violation-free miles, and have more than 100 years of professional driving experience.
One of the company's most prestigious recognition programs, the Driver of the Year award honors those drivers who have demonstrated exemplary safety performance, customer service and citizenship throughout their careers. The top awards this year were presented to two drivers employed by Ryder and a customer-employed driver for one of Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions accounts. Each recipient will receive a five-day-four-night cruise to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico. They will also receive a trophy, and will be inducted into the Ryder "Driver Hall of Fame."
David Baba was named Ryder's Fleet Management Solutions Driver of the Year 2002. Baba has worked with Ryder as a member of the Sweetheart Cup Co. Inc. facility located in Hartford, Conn., since 1979. During his tenure with this Fleet Management Solutions customer, Baba achieved more than 2.5 million collision-and-violation-free miles. This award marks the eighth time Baba has been recognized for exemplary driver safety since he began driving professionally in 1973.
John Finley was named Driver of the Year 2002 for Ryder's Supply Chain Solutions business segment. Based in Olive Branch, Miss., he has served Ryder's Mazda Olive Branch since 1998 in its automotive parts supply division. He has been a Ryder employee for more than a decade and during his tenure, Finley has driven more than a million miles without a preventable collision or traffic violation. He has logged more than 4.5 million miles throughout his professional career, which began in 1954.
William Ingram was named Driver of the Year 2002 for Ryder's Dedicated Contract Carriage business segment. Ingram is based in Dallas, Texas and for nearly three years has served Ryder's Atrium account. He has exceeded 4.5 million collision-and-violation-free miles since he began driving professionally in 1968. This award marks the third time Ingram has been recognized by Ryder for exemplary driver safety since he joined Ryder
in 2000.
The three drivers, accompanied by family members, were honored at a recent luncheon banquet held in their honor near Ryder's headquarters in Miami, Fla. Ryder Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Gregory T. Swienton, accompanied by several key Ryder executives and the drivers' local managers, were on hand to personally congratulate the honorees.
For more information about Ryder System Inc., visit www.ryder.com.

More Drivers

Thumbnail for podcast episode
Safety & ComplianceMay 28, 2026

Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech

Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.

Read More →
Nussbaum driver pay.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing

Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.

Read More →
Lance Evans, Director of Safety at K&B Transportation.
Safety & ComplianceMay 13, 2026

Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation

Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Maverick Transportation Freightliner Cascadia.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 12, 2026

Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises

New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.

Read More →
Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →