LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maverick Transportation recently named its 2019 drivers of the year. Liz Imel received the award for the Over-the-Road (OTR) division and Brian Cady for the Dedicated division. The award is given annually to the drivers who consistently exhibit a high level of customer service and commitment to safety as well as a willingness to act as spokesperson for all Maverick driving professionals.
“Liz and Brian are awesome drivers and very deserving of this recognition,” John Culp, president at Maverick. “They lead by example and are excellent ambassadors of The Maverick Way.”
As Maverick’s Drivers of the Year, Imel and Cady will be spokespersons for the company’s drivers, representing them on the road as well as in meetings with the office-leadership team.
Imel said she is honored by the recognition. “Being named OTR Driver of the Year is awesome,” she said. “I worked, so hard and to be recognized by my peers was so humbling. It fills my heart with pride, and I know I am doing a good job. I am so proud.”
According to Imel, Maverick’s support has been key to her success. “Maverick treats me with respect. The people are incredible. They are all like family,” she said. “Everyone in the office is awesome. I love the open-door policy. I like face-to-face, and Maverick provides many opportunities to meet that way.”
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Imel encourages others to follow in her footsteps. “If you are a female and looking into driving, DO IT! It’s the best job you’ll ever have. I have the best office view and get to see something different every day,” she said. “Once you learn it and get more confident, it’s not like a job anymore. It is fun!”
Cady, who has been a Maverick driver for 16 years, said dedicated driving has been a successful career for him. “I make great money, and Maverick treats us all so well,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to be named Dedicated Driver of the Year. It is a true honor. I try to do the best I can and work hard every day. I really appreciate this honor and what you all do for us.”
Cady encourages anyone interested in improving — or starting — their driving career to consider Maverick. “Maverick invests so much in us (drivers). My advice to anyone who wants to become a black hat one day is to be on time, serve our customers and keep at it,” he said. “Be consistent.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
