C.R. England Names 2013 Drivers and Trainer of the Year

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- C.R. England, a Salt Lake City-based global transportation provider, has recognized seven drivers for professional driving excellence.  Six drivers were selected as C.R. England Drivers of the Year and one as C.R. England Trainer of the Year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140226/SF71623)

"We are pleased to acknowledge these drivers as examples of excellence in our industry," said Brandon Harrison, Chief Operating Officer.  "We honor them as outstanding transportation professionals who reflect the best among our more than 6,500 drivers nationwide. Each is a true professional working daily to safely deliver their loads on time to our customers." 

2013 Drivers of the Year were recognized in a companywide meeting in Salt Lake City on February 20, 2014 and were selected based on the following criteria: 

• Minimum of one year seniority with C.R. England
• Minimum of one year no chargeable accidents
• No major log violations, not above Level 1, for one year
• No CSA violations for one year
• Miles (solo/team)
• Miles per Gallon performance

Richard Sweeney has worked on different Over the Road fleets during his 17 years with C.R. England.  He is currently assigned to the ES Dedicated fleet in Atlanta, GA.   He exemplifies a positive attitude and ensures each load is delivered correctly with safety as his primary objective.  He has driven over 1,090 days accident-free and never misses reviewing corporate safety videos.   Richard has developed a superb working relationship with customers and exhibits outstanding professionalism. Sweeney makes his home in Doraville, GA.

Chuck Stubbs is the consummate professional, driving in the Northern California Intermodal I5 fleet.  He is always on time and is often early for appointments.  He is willing to pick up or deliver any load, no matter the time, day or location.  He is also willing to help out with "extra" tasks that may not always be required.  Stubbs is from Elkgrove, CA.

Kenneth Peri drives in Fleet EU in the Dedicated division.  He is well liked because he has a very outgoing personality. Not only does he face every opportunity with a positive attitude but he always ensures that he keeps safety his main priority. He is passionate about the role he plays in the company's success and maintains regular contact with his driver manager. Peri is from Desoto, TX.

Gerry Blake has been with C.R. England for over three years and is one of the most reliable drivers in the Fleet R6 Regional division.  He's always safe and on time. As a Phase 1 Trainer, he consistently receives high marks from his students.  Almost all of his students have commented on what a great Trainer he is, and how much he has helped each of them with advancing their careers.  Blake is a resident of Mesa, AZ.

Robyn Patterson is one of two Independent Contractors honored by C.R. England, driving in Fleet B4 in the National division.   Robyn is known for her positive and professional attitude. She loves running her own company as an Independent Contractor.  Patterson is from Dutton, MT.

Virgil Akridge is an Independent Contractor who drives in Fleet D5 in the National division and is known for his caring attitude. His students always have positive things to say about him and he has never had a student fail upgrade.  Akridge is from El Paso, TX.

C.R. England also honored their top trainer, Curtis Smith, on February 20.  The C.R. England 2013 Trainer of the Year was selected based on the following criteria:

• Must have been a Trainer for a minimum of one year
• Must pass safety review
• No negative TAFs (training action forms) in trainer history notes for past year

Curtis Smith earned the title of Trainer of the Year because of his daily professionalism.  Smith drives in Fleet C4 in the National division.  He truly epitomizes the word Trainer; he is a hands-on teacher, career mentor and true leader through his actions not just words.  For the last year and a half he has brought a passion and desire to help others succeed that few are ever able to achieve.  His thorough teaching style and the long-standing relationships he has created with his apprentices are clear examples of why Smith is an outstanding trainer.   Smith makes his home in Ogden, UT.

About C.R. England
Founded in 1920, C.R. England, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah and is one of North America's largest transportation companies and the world's largest temperature-controlled carrier. C.R. England services include National, Mexico and Regional Truckload service in addition to Dedicated and Intermodal services. Visit www.crengland.com.

SOURCE C.R. England, Inc.