Top tier
TravelCenters of America has selected Dan “Dusty” Porter and Don Talley as the latest to join a distinguished group as Citizen Drivers for 2021.
The drivers, both OOIDA members, told Land Line Now they were thankful, and, understandably, a little shocked.
“I was very surprised to have won,” Talley said. “Last year I was close, and it was an honor to even make it that far.”
Talley, who’s received a Master Truck Driver Award from the Indiana Motor Truck Association, Driver of the Month for IMTA, and Carter Express and Carter’s 1 Million Mile Safe Driver Award, began his driving career in the Army.
“We went to a trucking brigade that was moving ammunition and were looking for any vehicles we could find to help,” Talley said. “When they sent over Kenworths and Peterbilts, I got to hop in a flatbed and started driving that way. I ended up having to teach others how to drive and strap down the freight.”
Talley recently formed the Road Dog Crew to promote charitable efforts and selected St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund to receive a $2,500 donation. The Petro in Gaston, Ind., also will be dedicated in his name as part of his winnings.
Porter, also donating to St. Christopher Fund as well as Truckers United for Charities, has accumulated nearly 4 million crash-free miles during his 52-year trucking career.
“This was my fifth round, with the caliber of drivers getting better every year, just to be in the top 10 spoke volumes, to be in that elite group,” Porter told Land Line Now. “It’s still sinking in, especially after being on the radio show. I’ve always been a behind-the-scenes person. I take my profession and the trucking industry seriously. I can do any job I put my mind to.”
Dusty, as he’s commonly known, has served on the Werner Driver Advisory Committee and volunteered for the Special Olympics Truck Convoy and Trucking for a Cure.
A dedication ceremony will be held at the Petro in Glendale, Ky., for Porter.
This year, 85 drivers were nominated before that list was narrowed to 10 finalists.
The announcement, typically held at the Mid-America Trucking Show, was made by Barry Richards, president of TravelCenters of America, this year on Sirius XM.
“Each year, our Citizen Driver Program honors those who go above and beyond in their service to customers and the community,” Richards said. “Last year, Americans were reminded of the essential role professional drivers’ play in their everyday lives, as the industry quickly rose to meet unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to continue to share these drivers’ stories and demonstrate why they deserve respect and recognition year-round.”
The 2021 panel of judges included:
- Eric Harley, on-air host of Red Eye Radio/Cumulus Media
- Donna Kennedy, executive director of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
- Dave Nemo, on-air host of Road Dog Media/Dave Nemo Entertainment
- Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations
- Todd Spencer, president and CEO of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
- Ellen Voie, president and CEO of Women In Trucking
TravelCenters of America has named 35 individuals as Citizen Drivers and dedicated 31 TA or Petro travel centers since the program began in 2013. LL
Land Line Now Senior Correspondent Scott Thompson contributed to this report.