Five truckers have been named the 2026 Professional Drivers of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association.
The winners, who were announced during the Annual Closing Banquet of TCA’s annual convention in Orlando Tuesday, are:
- Tommy Cash, CAST Specialty Transportation
- Nick Barboza, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
- Marcia Luchenbill, Knight Transportation
- Richard Fertig, Smith Transport
- Jesus Acevedo-Soto, Swift Transportation
The five were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the trucking industry, their commitments to safety, and their exceptional leadership both on and off the road. Each driver received $20,000.
The annual award is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.
“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. “Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”
José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”
TCA introduced the winners:
Marcia Luchenbill
“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.
With nearly 650,000 career miles, and over 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years, Luchenbill is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and safety-minded drivers in her fleet. She consistently qualifies for Knight’s safety bonus and demonstrates disciplined decision-making, particularly on demanding routes with dense traffic.
Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. An Army veteran who deployed to Iraq, she continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys. In addition, in 2 ½ years as a trainer, she mentored 22 female drivers, helping them build confidence, safe habits and resilience.
Nick Barboza’s
“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it and you can see it on their face, I love that.”
As a two-time Driver of the Month and Professional Trainer of the Year, his influence reaches far beyond his own cab and into the culture of safety across the fleet. Off the road, he and his wife of 27 years have fostered more than 30 children, adopting four, and quietly served their community through acts of generosity and faith.
Tommy Cash
Cash’s career behind the wheel spans more than four decades. Since starting in 1983, he has logged an estimated 3.675 million miles, hauling everything from fuel and milk to flatbed and refrigerated freight. Over 43 years, his commitment to safety has remained unmatched, a standard he holds himself to with pride.
Beyond his driving record, Cash has made a lasting impact through mentorship. He trains, mentors, and road-tests new drivers, setting expectations so rigorous they have helped shape CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices. Widely respected by his peers, he is considered the fleet’s go-to driver—a trusted leader whose calm professionalism and depth of experience contribute to safer highways nationwide.
“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”
Richard Fertig
“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”
A 23-year Army veteran, the Keyser, West Virginia resident has built a career defined by safety, reliability, and quiet leadership. He approaches every trip with the same mindset — preparation, prayer, patience, and respect for the road — and is known among coworkers as the driver others look to for guidance.
“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said.
For the great-grandfather, trucking has never been just a paycheck. It’s a responsibility — to the motoring public, to his company, and to a profession he holds in high regard. Even after decades on the road, he remains a student of the job.
“Every day out here I learn something different,” he said.
Jesus Acevedo Soto
“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”
Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28, an extraordinary milestone that earned him a custom avocado-themed truck. He is also a multi-time Diamond Driver, a distinction achieved by maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months.
Beyond the road, Soto gives back through Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, regular blood donations, and youth coaching. He has built a career rooted in service, safety, and leadership, and the Tolleson, AZ resident says trucking has always been his calling.
“There are no two days alike in this industry,” Soto said. “I love it — it’s truly a passion.”
Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.
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