April – Neal LeClaire, Duplainville Transport
Sussex, WI
Neal is an absolute professional when representing Duplainville Transport/Quad Inc. or Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association. Neal is our NATMI certified Driver Trainer and takes all new hires under his wing. He has helped set up a new training program in Duplainville Transport and spent many Fridays after he gets back from his weekly run to Washington DC to make routing suggestions, plant maps and general knowledge about our customers and Quad Inc. to ensure any new hires that come in are set up for success. There has never been a time where he has not stepped up to help someone in need. Even taking the time to help another driver on his time off, only someone who genuinely cares that much would do that. Neal has 2.8 million accident-free miles as a driver. He has been driving for 30 years.
May – Gregory Swift, Schneider
Green Bay, WI
Gregory is a member of Schneider’s “Haul of Fame” – any driver that has either 3 million or more safe miles for 20+ years consecutive safe driving miles is inducted. He is a two time Dedicated Driver of the Year award winner for Georgia Pacific. Gregory embodies the definition of a professional driver. He has been a Training Engineer for Schneider, a mentor and also just someone who likes teaching others. He is often seen coaching newer drivers and sharing his skills. He provides coaching on topics like pre-trips, backing, tablets, best practices at GP facilities, trip planning, etc. He has by all accounts a perfect driving record with zero preventable accidents over 30 years, but also no recorded HOS violation, false log, or critical event. He is a part of the WMCA President Safe Driver Club and served on the Driver Experience Team.
June – Mark Ida, Brakebush Transportation
Westfield, WI
Mark began his career with Brakebush in 1993 delivering the chicken back when it was floor loaded by hand. He enjoys going to and sometimes participating in truck shows. He is a collector of pieces of trucking history such as magazines from the 1960s, model trucks and is a bit of an industry historian. He has vintage model vehicles in show cases at his home along with other articles of trucking interest. When not behind the wheel of his KW T680 you might find him at a show in the swap meet section scouring for trucking treasures. He appreciates the history of the industry and has many stories to share. Mark is very meticulous with his paperwork, his truck, how he goes about getting the job done safely and on time. Mark knows he is the face of Brakebush and is a role model representative of Brakebush and his profession. Brakebush drivers receive a monthly safety scorecard and Mark always receives his full safety rating. Mark applies his alertness and safety practices to his driving. He has been driving for 35 years with over 2.6 million miles.
From the 12 Drivers of the Month, one will be selected as the 2023 Driver of the Year. All 12 Drivers of the Month will be honored at the Annual Safety Awards Banquet which will be held on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI.