ARLINGTON, VA - The North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) presented Sam Faucette of Old Dominion Freight Line with its Safety Director of the Year Award July 24 during the NCTA Annual Safety Conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Faucette joined Old Dominion in 2002 and now works as the director of safety compliance, training and recruiting. His wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter and mother were all surprise guests at the banquet when he received the award.

Old Dominion President and CEO David Congdon said, "On behalf of senior management of Old Dominion, we are extremely proud of Sam's recent recognition as NCTA Safety Director of the Year. He is not only an outstanding member of our team, but is a safety professional that represents our industry in the highest regard. He is certainly deserving of this honor and achievement."

Rick Cates, the NCTA Director of Safety and Security, has known and worked with Faucette since he began his career as a mechanic at Burlington Industries 30 years ago. "Sam is an advocate for safety in the Old Dominion family," Cates said. "He always goes the extra mile."

Old Dominion Vice President of Safety and Personnel Brian Stoddard agrees. "Sam's work ethic is one of total dedication," he said. "He's a great coworker and leader, as well as a dedicated family man. He's respected by drivers and management, and everyone in between."

In addition to his work at Old Dominion, Faucette also promoted industry safety while serving on the NCTA Safety Management Council, where he recently completed his term as Chairman. He previously served as secretary, treasurer and vice chairman.

ATA congratulates Faucette and his commitment to safety. According to Department of Transportation statistics, the trucking industry is the safest it has ever been and ATA believes committed individuals like Faucette contribute to the industry's consistently improving safety record. To learn more about ATA's safety initiative, visit ATA's Web site,

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