🚛 PMTA 2025 Drivers of the Month
27.6 Million Safe Miles of Professional Excellence
The twelve professional drivers selected as PMTA Safety management Council's 2025 Drivers of the Month represent the very best of Pennsylvania’s trucking industry.
Collectively, these drivers have logged an extraordinary:
27,600,000 Safe Miles
To put that into perspective:
🌍 That’s more than 1,100 trips around the Earth’s equator
🌙 Or approximately 115 trips to the moon
Those miles reflect disciplined decision-making, technical skill, defensive driving habits, and a lifelong commitment to safety.
Each month, one professional driver from a PMTA member company was recognized for exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and integrity. These twelve individuals now stand as finalists for PMTA’s 2025 Driver of the Year.
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing individual social media spotlights featuring additional details about each finalist’s career accomplishments, safety record, and leadership within the industry.
🎉 Join us as we honor these exceptional professionals and announce the 2025 Driver of the Year at our Driver of the Year Banquet on March 26, 2026, at the Penn Harris Hotel, Camp Hill, PA.
Registration is now open — we invite members, industry partners, families, and supporters to attend this special evening recognizing the drivers who set the standard for safety and professionalism across Pennsylvania.
👉 Secure your seat today by registering through the PMTA event calendar.
Below, we proudly recognize each of them.
January
Jeff Slimick — Ward Transport & Logistics
Jeff has been behind the wheel since he was 15 years old, helping his father drive truck. Over his professional career, he has logged more than 3 million safe miles and earned a 20-Year Safe Driving Award with Ward Trucking in 2025.
Jeff’s lifelong passion for trucking, combined with his commitment to safety and willingness to help others, makes him a true professional and industry leader.
February
Gorman Folcomer — FedEx Freight
Gorman has achieved 33 years of safe driving without a preventable accident.
His career milestones include:
Master Presidents Safety Team — 10 consecutive years accident- and injury-free
Presidents Safety Team — 25 years safe without a preventable accident
His sustained excellence defines long-term professionalism.
March
Kyle Thorson — Ward Transport & Logistics
With 20 years of accident-free driving, Kyle exemplifies responsibility and dedication. Known as a role model among peers, he mentors fellow drivers and demonstrates leadership through consistency and safe decision-making.
April
Douglas Heishman — The GIANT Company
Doug has been with The GIANT Company since 1997 and maintains a 98% safety score.
He consistently places among the top performers in company competitions and earned 2nd place in the 2023 PA Truck Driving Championships (Class 4 Division).
His integrity and professionalism make him a respected industry representative.
May
Jamie Wallace — FedEx Freight
With over 26 years of service, Jamie has earned:
President’s Safety Team — 10 consecutive years without accident or injury
Master President’s Safety Team — 25 years accident- and injury-free
Driving over 3,000 miles per week for most of his career, Jamie’s impact extends beyond miles — he strengthens safety culture through mentorship and positivity.
June
Richard “Rich” Thomas — FedEx Freight
Rich has served in linehaul operations for 25 years, earning:
President’s Safety Team — 10 consecutive years accident- and injury-free
Master President’s Safety Team — 25 years without an accident
Respected among peers, Rich exemplifies professionalism and courtesy on and off the road.
July
Thomas “Tom” Barrett — Lester R. Summers, Inc.
Tom has accumulated:
5.5 million total career miles
2.5 million miles at Summers
22 years incident-free with the company
He has safely transported oversized loads exceeding 300,000 pounds and serves as a mentor, trainer, and safety leader within the organization.
August
Jason Seedor — Wegmans
Jason has driven over 1.1 million miles without an at-fault or reportable accident.
Known for his positive attitude and willingness to step in wherever needed, Jason also actively participates in community service events and mentoring efforts. His leadership extends from the road into his community and family life.
September
Ralph Barclay — Ward Transport & Logistics
Ralph began his trucking career in 1991 and has logged over 1.5 million miles with Ward Trucking.
A recipient of the 15-Year Safe Driving Award, he now serves as a line haul trainer, investing in the next generation of professional drivers.
October
Colt Seltzer — UPS
With 19 years of experience and over 1.1 million safe miles, Colt has earned 18 Years of Safe Driving honors.
He also captured Best Pre-Trip awards at the PMTA Truck Driving Championships in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating mastery of inspection fundamentals.
November
Jody Mohler — Lester R. Summers, Inc.
Jody has accumulated:
3.5 million career miles
2.3 million miles with Summers
All without incident.
As part of an elite specialized hauling team, he has transported oversized and high-value freight, including loads for NASA, requiring exceptional precision and trust.
December
Samuel Marlatt Jr. — Klapec Trucking Company (KTC)
A 30-year professional driver, with 21 years at KTC, Sam has never had a DOT-reportable crash.
Described as an Expert, Veteran, and Master, he consistently delivers with accuracy and professionalism, embodying the highest standards of safety and reliability.
A Year of Excellence
These twelve drivers represent:
Decades of cumulative experience
Tens of millions of safe miles
Leadership within their companies
Commitment to their communities
Unwavering dedication to public safety
They don’t just move freight.
They protect families.
They strengthen communities.
They elevate the trucking profession.
We congratulate each of our 2025 Drivers of the Month as they now stand as finalists for PMTA Driver of the Year.
Make it Safe. Make it Personal. Make it Home.