Smith Named 2002 Minnesota Driver of the Year

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 29 -- The Minnesota Trucking Association Safety Council named Herb Smith, a professional truck driver for United Parcel Service (UPS), as the 2002 Driver of the Year at the Distinguished Driver Awards Banquet last evening.

Smith was selected from among twelve finalists by a team of judges comprised of the state director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and representatives from the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The judging for the organization's top driving award was based upon Smith's safe driving record, job performance and community service.

Herb began driving on the family farm and honed his skills driving a tractor-trailer loaded with various munitions in Vietnam. ``I was challenged by the horrors of war and survived each battle with an increased appreciation for the freedoms we have as United States citizens,'' said Herb.

Smith joined the UPS team in 1969 after a decorated discharge. During his time with UPS he has logged more than 3-million miles (over 87,000 hours) without a single preventable accident.

``I thank God for giving me the skill to drive,'' said Herb. ``I work for God first and the company next. With that perspective the day always goes well.''

Herb and his wife, Joyce, reside in Maple Lake, Minn. For more information, contact the Minnesota Trucking Association at 651-646-7351.