Beech Tree News Network

Arlington, Va. – On Wednesday, November 4, American Trucking Associations presented James Hylan Grise of Walmart Transportation in Hopkinsville, Kentucky with the National Driver of the Year Award. The award was presented at the ATA Safety, Security and Human Resources National Conference taking place in Little Rock, Ark.

“Hylan has had an exceptional career as a professional truck driver with zero accidents during his 42 year career. That’s truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “The trucking industry relies on drivers like James Hylan to drive each day with a safety-first mindset and his commitment to safety and professionalism deserves praise.”
“It’s important for Americans to know about professional truck drivers, like James Hylan, who make the daily decision to deliver important goods to communities in the safest and most efficient way possible,” said Jamie Fiepke, President and CEO of Kentucky Motor Transport Association.
James Hylan Grise began his career as a professional truck driver more than 42 years ago. Since then he has accumulated more than 4.25 million accident-free miles.

Grise has participated in the Kentucky Driving Championships 11 times, winning the sleeper division and qualifying for the National Truck Driving Championships in 2005, 2011 and 2012. In 2014, Grise assisted Kentucky’s champions prepare and practice for the National Truck Driving Championships.
Walmart recently sponsored several courses Grise used to further his skills as a professional truck driver including courses on distracted driving, defensive driving, injury prevention and recognizing drug and alcohol abuse. Grise also participates in the Walmart Heart Program that lift the spirits of children or adults with chronic medical conditions or special needs.
In 1994, Grise received the RoadStar Award from Landstar Transportation. Along with his career achievements, Grise also dedicates time on Sundays to Union Missionary Baptist Church in Morgantown, Ky. where he serves as the assistant Sunday school teacher.
American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight