Con-way Freight’s May is 2008 ATA National Driver of the Year

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David May, a West Seneca, N.Y.-based relay and city driver for Con-way Freight, has been named the American Trucking Associations 2008 National Truck Driver of the Year. The announcement came this weekend at the ATA Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council’s Fall Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

May has driven more than 1.4 million accident-free miles in his 27 years on the road. He competed for the national title, considered the highest honor a professional truck driver can receive, against professionals nominated from the 50 state trucking associations.

“David May embodies the professional who delivers America’s goods safely and efficiently every day,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “In addition, he goes above and beyond, working to educate the public about the necessity of the trucking industry and the importance of safety. We are proud to have David represent us on the road.”

Among May’s many accomplishments, he was selected as an America’s Road Team Captain in 2005, where he was asked to share his impressive driving experience with the public and his colleagues to improve highway safety. As an extension of this role, he has talked to groups as diverse as schoolchildren and legislators. In 2007, May was requested to serve as the driver representative on the CDL Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C., to help shape the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s policy for commercial driver requirements. He was invited to the 2007 National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit to share his firsthand knowledge as a professional truck driver with state representatives. Additionally, May spends a few days each month talking to the motoring public on how to stay safe around tractor-trailers and what they can do to be better drivers on our nation’s highways.

“David is an incredible resource for the trucking industry,” says New York State Motor Truck Association Executive Director Kendra Adams. “We are glad to have him representing professional drivers here in New York and around the nation. I congratulate David for receiving this award and thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of the trucking industry.”

May also will be recognized at the annual ATA Management Conference and Exhibition Oct. 4-7 in New Orleans.

“All of us at Con-way Freight were delighted to hear the news of David May’s recognition,” says John G. Labrie, president of Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Con-way Freight. “In the 11 years he has driven for the company, he has proven to be the consummate professional in every way. His dedication not only to the highest of safety standards but also to educating citizens and public officials on issues related to the safety of America’s highways is unparalleled. I have always been proud of our team of talented professional truck drivers at Con-way Freight, and I have never been more proud than at this moment. I congratulate the very deserving David May and commend ATA on its ideal choice for this great honor.”