Greenbelt, Maryland (Nov. 17, 2020) – Commercial drivers have been working hard this year at great personal risk throughout the biggest widespread health crisis we’ve experienced in more than100 years. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is looking to recognize an exceptional professional commercial motor vehicle driver through the International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA). This annual award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the performance of their duties as a commercial motor vehicle driver. 

“While we always appreciate commercial drivers’ hard work and commitment to safety, this year, we’re especially excited to accept nominations for IDEA,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “This year, it is particularly important to acknowledge the professional drivers who continued to work during such challenging times and IDEA is the perfect way for a motor carrier to say ‘thank you’ and ‘I appreciate you’ to their drivers.”

IDEA is open to the entire commercial motor vehicle industry. This includes motorcoach and large truck drivers. Individuals do not have to be a member of or affiliated with CVSA to submit a nomination.

Nominees must have:

• At least 25 cumulative years of crash-free driving in a commercial motor vehicle with a clean driving record for the past three years
• No felony convictions
• No safety-related driving suspensions in the past three years
• No driver violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations

The IDEA winner will receive $2,500 and a trophy. Assuming the 2021 CVSA Workshop continues in-person, airfare to Louisville, Kentucky, and hotel accommodations at the Louisville Marriott Downtown will be provided for the winner and one guest. The IDEA winner will be presented with their award during the general session of the CVSA Workshop on April 19, 2021.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, Dec. 11.

Click here for more information and to obtain the IDEA nomination form.

Announcement of the IDEA winner will be shared nationally through a press release, as well as on the CVSA website and through social media. A feature article on the award winner will run in CVSA’s quarterly magazine, “Guardian.”

Check out past years’ IDEA winners.

PrePass Safety Alliance, sponsor of 2021 IDEA, aims to make highways safer and more efficient through innovative data-driven solutions. Its services help increase safety, reduce delays and costs, and enhance the economic and environmental benefits that the freight sector contributes to the nation.