Safety doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through disciplined systems, professional drivers, and strong leadership. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association’s awards programs exist to recognize exactly that — the individuals and fleets who raise the bar for our industry every single day.

Under the Awards & Recognition section of the PMTA website, three cornerstone programs highlight excellence across Pennsylvania’s trucking community.

Fleet Safety Awards

The PMTA Fleet Safety Awards recognize motor carriers that demonstrate measurable safety performance and operational discipline.

These awards evaluate accident frequency, miles traveled, and overall safety performance across fleet size categories. The goal isn’t simply low crash numbers-it’s sustained safety culture, consistent management practices, and documented accountability.

Carriers that earn Fleet Safety Awards don’t just operate safely-they build systems that make safety repeatable.

Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026

Fleet Safety Award recipients will be recognized at the PMTA Annual Membership Conference, where their performance and commitment to safety excellence will be formally honored in front of industry peers.

Driver of the Month & Driver of the Year

Behind every safe fleet is a professional driver making thousands of correct decisions every day.

PMTA’s Driver of the Month program recognizes drivers from member companies who demonstrate:

Safe driving performance

Professionalism

Leadership and community involvement

Commitment to compliance and responsibility

The 12 Drivers of the Month for the past year have now been selected, and their names have been submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police, who will review the candidates and select the PMTA Driver of the Year.

The Driver of the Year Banquet will be held March 26 at the Penn Harris Hotel, where we will celebrate all twelve monthly honorees and recognize the 2026 Driver of the Year.

Registration is now open on the PMTA event calendar.

This partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police reinforces the credibility and integrity of the selection process. Programs like this do more than honor individuals-they remind our entire workforce what right looks like.

The J. Harold Summers Leadership Award

Named in honor of former PMTA Chairman and Lancaster Chapter President Harold Summers, this award recognizes a leader whose dedication to the industry reflects long-term commitment, service, and influence.

The Summers Leadership Award honors individuals who:

Demonstrate sustained leadership within PMTA

Promote safety and professionalism

Invest in the growth of the industry

Serve their communities and peers

Submission Deadline: March 1

The J. Harold Summers Leadership Award will also be presented at the PMTA Annual Membership Conference, recognizing those whose leadership strengthens our industry and advances safety culture statewide.

Why Recognition Matters

Recognition programs reinforce standards.

They tell drivers that professionalism matters.
They tell fleets that documentation and discipline matter.
They tell leaders that service and commitment matter.

If we want safer highways in Pennsylvania, we must continue elevating those who model excellence.

Submit your nominations for the Fleet Safety Awards and the J. Harold Summers Leadership Award before March 1-and join us March 26 at the Penn Harris Hotel to celebrate Pennsylvania’s professional drivers.

Make it Safe. Make it Personal. Make it Home.