Minnesota Trucking Association Names Jack Pate 2017 Minnesota Driver Of The Year

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Jan 25, 2018, 10:30 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) named Browerville, MN resident, John "Jack" Pate, Jr., professional truck driver for Daggett Truck Line in Frazee, MN, the 2017 Minnesota Driver of the Year at its Driver of the Year Banquet.

Jack has been driving a truck for 19 years with Daggett Truck Line, his first and only truck driving job. He has driven more than 2.8 million safe miles, and has been chosen Daggett's Highway Man of the Month four times.

"This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry. Driving safe is no easy task, especially when you take into consideration his daily driving conditions like congestion, driver distractions and Minnesota winters. Having more than 2.8 million safe driving miles is an accomplishment that few truck drivers are able to reach and we're proud to award Jack for this outstanding achievement," says John Hausladen, MTA president.

"From his flawless on-time performance to his personal pride and care for his tractor and dedication to customer service, Jack is the example for all striving for true truck driving professionalism," said Scott Boyer, Director of Safety at Daggett Truck Line. "We're proud to have 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' as one of our most senior drivers."

As for why Jack enjoys trucking, "I love the freedom and flexibility I have, and I love to the travel." He enjoys spending time with his family, and enjoys the great outdoors with his dog, along with friends and family.

Throughout 2017, exceptional drivers are nominated by their companies and one driver is chosen each month to be the Driver of the Month. The drivers who are chosen meet a high standard of requirements including an outstanding driving and work record; contribution to industry and highway safety; and involvement in the community. In January, MTA hosts the Driver of the Year Banquet and one of the twelve nominees is selected as Driver of the Year by a panel of judges including Matthew Marin, Division Administrator for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Deb Ledvina, Assistant Office Director of Commercial Vehicle Operations, MN Dept of Transportation and Captain Jon Olsen, Minnesota State Patrol.

The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) is a non-profit trade association representing 650 member-trucking companies and allied firms from across the state. Its mission is to serve as the voice for a safe and successful Minnesota trucking industry. It does so by developing innovative and research-based policies that promote highway safety, educating policymakers and the public about the essential role that trucking plays in the economy, and promoting responsible policies that advance the trucking industry's environmental goals.

SOURCE Minnesota Trucking Association