Moving & Storage Industry Honors Top Drivers

March 8, 2019

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) proudly announces the winners of the 2018 Super Van Operator Awards honoring the nation’s top moving and storage company truck and van drivers. These annual awards recognize drivers and owner-operators who are the best of the best in providing safe, reliable and customer-oriented household goods truck transportation.

Judging criteria include: miles driven; preventable or non-preventable accidents; lifetime driving record; time out of service for any “hours of service” or equipment violations; financial responsibility; community involvement; customer service; driving awards; and outside interests and activities.

The 2018 winners are: Lifetime Achievement: Gary Eaves of Drakesville, Iowa, began his career in 1972 and drives for Dircks Moving & Logistics, a Mayflower Agent. He has driven 3.2 million miles in a commercial motor vehicle in his lifetime while not recording a single accident or moving violation. Eaves has won numerous industry awards, including most recently as a Mayflower Van Operator of the Month in 2018. He actively supports numerous local charities, including the Bloomfield Public Library, the Drakesville Fire Station, the Toys for Tots campaign, his local church and numerous youth sports activities. Household Goods:Johnny Abbott of Danville, Va., began his career in 1978 and drives for Hilldrup, a United Van Lines Agent. He has driven more than 2.8 million miles in a commercial motor vehicle in his lifetime while not recording a single accident or moving violation. Abbott has won numerous industry awards, including for safe driving and excellence, as well as the United Van Lines Operator of the Year 2018. He has earned high marks from customers for his professionalism and service. Rookie of the Year:Martin White Hat of Rapid City, S.D., began his career in 2013 with North Western Warehouse Co., an Allied Agent. He has already driven more than 250,000 miles in a commercial motor vehicle while not recording a single accident. White Hat has been honored by the South Dakota Truckers Association as well as Allied Van Lines for their 5-Year Safe Driver Award. He has earned excellent scores from customers for his level of service, and he has volunteered his time to pick up donated furniture for delivery to the local Youth and Family Services location.

“The American Moving & Storage Association congratulates these drivers for their excellent records of service to their customers,” said Scott Michael, AMSA president and CEO. “Each of these professional drivers has also shown a strong commitment to the highest level of safety for their customers and themselves. They inspire all of us within the industry and in their local communities for the support they give to those in need.”

More information about the AMSA Awards at Moving.org.

The American Moving & Storage Association, home of the ProMover certification program, is the national trade association representing the nation’s moving and storage companies, which provide household goods moving services, specialized transportation for sensitive freight such as computers and trade show exhibits, and warehouse storage services. The association has approximately 3,500 members, including domestic and international companies and industry suppliers, and supports programs and activities that promote consumer protection, professional development, safety, and operational efficiency. Find out more at ProMover.org and Moving.org.