ALEXANDRIA, VA – John Merritts of Columbus, Ohio, has logged over 2 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 Mar. 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 year, 15 drivers received certificates of merit for their outstanding service. These drivers with outstanding service are:

1. Laverne Mee, of AIM Dedicated Logistics of Girard, Ohio.
   

2. Edward Gozdziak, of TMSI Transport of Cheektowala, N.Y.
   

3. Junior Cotterman, of Alcoa of Sidney, Ohio.
   

4. Chad Van Hoose, of KBT of Sidney, Ohio.
   

5. Randy Henley, of CN Brown Company of South Paris, Me.
   

6. Larry Holmquist, of Webber Energy Fuel of Bangor, Me.
   

7. Gregory Lorentz, of Dunkin Donuts of Bellingham, Mass.
   

8. Kenneth Conrad, of RSD Transportation of White River Junction, Vt.
   

9. Gary McLendon, of Penske Logistics of Dallas, Tex.
   

10. Michael Baity, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

11. Robert Baity, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

12. William Brawley, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

13. Russell Edwards, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

14. Steve Faw, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

15. James Willard, of Unifi, Inc., of Madison, N.C.
    

16. Johnny Campbell, of Salem Carriers of Winston Salem, N.C.
    

17. Robert Hannah, of Salem Carriers of Winston Salem, N.C.