ALEXANDRIA, VA – Gary Cockrell of Flowery Branch, Ga., has logged more than 3 million accident-free miles driving tractor trailers over the past 32 years. For that lifetime performance of safe driving, Cockrell was selected as the Truck Renting and Leasing Association’s (TRALA) 2008 Driver of the Year. This award program is sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Cockrell, an employee of Ryder System, Inc., will be recognized at TRALA’s 2008 annual meeting on Apr. 4 in Phoenix. In addition to an all-expense paid trip to the event for himself and his wife, Rebecca, Cockrell will receive a trophy and cash prize.

Cockrell was previously named Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions Driver of the Year 2006, Team Driver of the Year 2006, and Team Driver of the Month for August 2006. In addition, Cockrell puts his driving skills to good use as a trainer of new drivers. Cockrell also actively volunteers for Agape Ranch, a summer day camp in Cleveland, Ga., for autistic individuals.

This year, 14 drivers received certificates of merit for their outstanding service, including:

• Gerald Azzalina, of Penske Logistics of Hayward, Calif., nominated by Penske Logistics.

• Wallace Bowers, of Penske Logistics of Hayward, Calif., nominated by Penske Logistics.

• Kenneth Conrad, of RSD Transportation Inc. of White River Junction, Vt., nominated by RSD Transportation Inc.

• Fred Duncan, of Namasco Corporation, of Indianapolis, nominated by Palmer Leasing Group.

• Darcy Grimesey, of Becton-Dickinson of Madison, Wis., nominated by McCoy NationaLease.

• Mike McGovern, of Larson Transportation, LLC of Janesville, Wisc., nominated by McCoy NationaLease.

• David Moore, of Lawrence Transportation Company of Rochester, Minn., nominated by Lawrence Leasing Company.

• Lloyd Moreau, of Ryder U.S. Supply Chain Solutions of Roanoke, Texas, nominated by Ryder System, Inc.

• Larry Pitts, of JHE Production Group of Harrisburg, N.C., nominated by Southeastern NationaLease.

• Jesse Simerley, of Rehrig Pacific of Lawrenceville, Ga., nominated by Ryder System, Inc.

• Tracy Springrose, of TSX of Rochester, N.Y., nominated by DeCarolis Truck Rental Inc.

• Ronald Temple, of Single Source Transportation of Green Bay, Wis., nominated by McCoy NationaLease.

• Brynford Williams, of Penske Logistics of San Jose, Calif., nominated by Penske Truck Leasing.

• Gary Wilson, of Hills Pet Nutrition of Mechanicsville, Va., nominated by Idealease of Richmond.