Ryder Honors Top Drivers with 54th Annual Awards, Spotlighting Safety and Leadership

Event summary

  • Ryder System, Inc. named three drivers as its 2026 Driver of the Year award winners, recognizing decades of combined experience and millions of safe miles.
  • Tammy Land, Robert Deroy, and Terry Frey were inducted into the Ryder Driver Hall of Fame for their excellence in safety, customer service, and leadership.
  • Land has logged over 2.2 million miles in her career, Deroy has nearly 2.2 million miles, and Frey has nearly 2.5 million miles.
  • The awards span Ryder’s supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management businesses.

The big picture

Ryder’s annual Driver of the Year awards highlight the critical role of professional drivers in maintaining operational excellence and safety standards. As the logistics industry faces ongoing challenges with driver shortages and regulatory pressures, recognizing and retaining top talent becomes increasingly strategic. With a fleet of approximately 240,000 commercial vehicles, Ryder’s focus on leadership and safety culture is key to sustaining its competitive edge in the outsourced logistics market.

What we're watching

Retention Dynamics
How Ryder’s recognition programs will affect driver retention amid industry-wide shortages.
Safety Culture
Whether the emphasis on safety leadership can reduce accident rates and lower operational costs.
Community Impact
The pace at which Ryder’s drivers’ community involvement enhances brand reputation and customer loyalty.