Penske Logistics' John Merritts Named TRALA 2007 Driver of the Year
READING, Pa., March 23, 2007 - Penske Logistics truck driver John Merritts has been named the Truck Renting and Leasing Association 2007 Driver of the Year.
The Columbus, Ohio resident, who is based in Columbus, Ohio, will be formally presented with this national honor at the TRALA Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif. on March 23. In addition, Merritts will be given a cash prize. Also making the trip will be his wife, Karen Merritts, a Penske Logistics administrative assistant at the same location.
"This is a distinct honor that our industry bestows upon only one driver each year possessing the highest excellence in driving and safety standards, as demonstrated throughout their careers," said Peter J. Vroom, TRALA President and CEO.
"This is a great honor, and I am humbled and a bit surprised," Merritts stated. "I enjoy working for Penske, because they believe in safe driving like I do."
Merritts, 57, joined Penske in 1993, and has been a truck driver for 29 years. A U.S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran, Merritts learned to drive a tractor while serving four tours of duty in Asia.
An avid bowler, he is involved with the Toys for Tots campaign annually, and chairs the Penske statewide truck rodeo group.
Merritts is a Smith System trainer, and firmly believes in the system's fundamentals of observing space, visibility and time. He conducts orientations for new drivers, and chairs the facility's safety committee.
Merritts enjoys hitting the open road. "I love adventure and being outside," he said. "I enjoy working in the trucking industry, and being around other people across the country."
"We are very honored to have John Merritts selected as TRALA's 2007 Driver of the Year," stated Brian Hard, President, Penske Truck Leasing. "I would like to congratulate John for receiving this prestigious award. John has epitomized driving and safety excellence throughout his distinguished career."
"I would like to congratulate John Merritts for this monumental achievement," said Vince Hartnett, President, Penske Logistics. "He has logged over two million accident-free miles through nearly 30 years of skilled and safe driving. John Merritts represents Penske Logistics, and himself, in the most dignified and professional manner at all times."
Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to major industrial and consumer companies throughout the world. Penske Logistics delivers value through design, planning and execution in transportation, warehousing, international forwarding and carrier management. Visit www.PenskeLogistics.com to learn more about the company and its services.