Penske Logistics Driver John Merritts Named TRALA Driver of Year

Alexandria, VA - March 26, 2007 - John Merritts of Columbus, Ohio has logged over two million accident-free miles driving tractor trailers over the past 30 years.  For that lifetime performance of safe driving, Merritts was selected as the Truck Renting and Leasing Association’s (TRALA) 2007 Driver of the Year.  This award program is sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Merritts, an employee of Penske Logistics, was recognized at TRALA’s 2007 annual meeting on March 23 in Palm Springs, California.  In addition to an all-expense paid trip to the event for himself and his wife, Karen, Merritts received a trophy and a cash prize.

“This is a distinct honor that our industry bestows each year upon only one driver possessing the highest excellence in driving and safety standards, as demonstrated throughout their careers,” said Peter J. Vroom, president and CEO of TRALA. “John Merritts was chosen 2007 Driver of the Year because of his outstanding driving record and his years of volunteer service to the local community.”

“This is the greatest honor I have ever received,” Merritts said. “I enjoy working for Penske because they believe in safe driving like I do. It’s satisfying to know how much our industry values safety.”

Driving trucks has been at the center of John Merritts professional life.  In addition to driving rigs himself, John puts his driving skills to good use as a trainer and orientation leader for new drivers.  He is a dispatcher for weekend shifts and is the Safety Committee Chairman. He has served for seven years as the Truck Rodeo Chairman for the Columbus operation. He also actively participates in the local Toys for Tots campaign and has been president of the local bowling league for the past 15 years.

Penske Logistics nominated Merritts for the TRALA award.  “I would like to congratulate John Merritts for this monumental achievement,” said Vince Hartnett, president, Penske Logistics.  “He has logged over two million accident-free miles through nearly 30 years of skilled and safe driving.  John Merritts represents Penske Logistics, and himself, in the most dignified and professional manner at all times.” 

This year, 17 drivers received certificates of merit for their outstanding service. These drivers with outstanding service are:

• Laverne Mee, of AIM Dedicated Logistics of Girard, Ohio, nominated by AIM NationaLease
• Edward Gozdziak, of TMSI Transport of Cheektowala, New York, nominated by DeCarolis Truck Rental
• Junior Cotterman, of Alcoa of Sidney, Ohio, nominated by Kirk NationaLease
• Chad Van Hoose, of KBT of Sidney, Ohio, nominated by Kirk NationaLease
• Randy Henley, of CN Brown Company of South Paris, Maine, nominated by Kris-Way Truck Leasing
• Larry Holmquist, of Webber Energy Fuel of Bangor, Maine, nominated by Kris-Way Truck Leasing
• Gregory Lorentz, of Dunkin Donuts of Bellingham, Massachusetts, nominated by Kris-Way Truck Leasing
• Kenneth Conrad, of RSD Transportation of White River Junction, Vermont, nominated by RSD Transportation
• Gary McLendon, of Penske Logistics of Dallas, Texas, nominated by Penske Logistics
• Michael Baity, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• Robert Baity, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• William Brawley, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• Russell Edwards, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• Steve Faw, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• James Willard, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease
• Johnny Campbell, of Salem Carriers of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease and
• Robert Hannah, of Salem Carriers of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, nominated by Salem NationaLease.

TRALA, based in Alexandria, VA, is a voluntary, non-profit national trade association, organized in 1978 to provide a unified and focused voice for the truck renting and leasing industry. TRALA's membership includes more than 500 leasing and rental firms and 100 suppliers that make up nearly the entire truck renting and leasing industry. The renting and leasing industry is responsible for approximately 35 percent of all new Class 3 through 8 commercial truck registrations.

Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to major industrial and consumer companies throughout the world. Penske Logistics delivers value through design, planning and execution in transportation, warehousing, international forwarding and carrrier management. Visting www.PenskeLogistics.com to learn more about the company and its services.

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