4.1 million mile trucker wins CVSA’s Worldwide Driver Excellence Award
A trucker who has a formidable file on the street and in addition in his private life is the recipient of one among trucking’s main security awards.
The Business Automobile Security Alliance lately introduced AutoZone skilled driver Henry “Wayne” Hayes has been named this 12 months’s Worldwide Driver Excellence Award winner. Hayes has pushed 4.1 million secure miles throughout his 38-year skilled profession.
Henry “Wayne” HayesCVSA
“It’s such an honor to obtain CVSA’s Worldwide Driver Excellence Award,” stated Hayes. “I understand there are various deserving drivers on the market with nice profession information – drivers who show their excellence in security each day trip on the street. I used to be honored to be a nominee and really overwhelmed to be the recipient of this 12 months’s award.”
Hayes added, “This implies a lot to me and my household. What an honor it’s, and I’m really grateful and humbled for this chance.”
Hayes started his profession 38 years in the past when he went to work for Turner Dairy Firm hauling milk and ice cream. That is the place he obtained the driving deal with, “Milkman.” Ten years later, in 1994, Hayes joined AutoZone, the place he has been ever since, reaching greater than 3 million safe-driving miles hauling auto components to shops.
“On behalf of the Alliance, I’d prefer to congratulate Wayne for his excellent and spectacular security file,” stated CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh of the Texas Division of Public Security. “This award, CVSA’s solely driver-excellence award, is our method of acknowledging the essential function drivers play in holding our roadways secure. CVSA bestows its prestigious Worldwide Driver Excellence Award to 1 distinctive industrial motorcar driver every year. Wayne not solely met, however far exceeded the award’s troublesome and unique standards.”
CVSA’s Worldwide Driver Excellence Award isn’t the one award Hayes has obtained throughout his skilled driving profession. In 2021, Hayes was nominated and inducted into the Driver Corridor of Fame, AutoZone’s first-ever driver to be honored by the Nationwide Personal Truck Council. In 2020, he was the inaugural AutoZone truck driver to log greater than 3 million secure miles, and in 2021, Hayes obtained AutoZone’s Driver of the 12 months Award. He has additionally obtained quite a few Additional Miler Awards for going above and past routine duties, and he has an ideal attendance file for the 29 years he has been with AutoZone.
“Security is essential to me,” stated Hayes. “I attempt to at all times preserve security on the prime of each motion I take as a driver. I drive anticipating the surprising. I at all times anticipate what the motoring public will do once I go alongside them or meet them in a car parking zone. It’s not simple, however you must look out for your self and people round you.”
When requested what he enjoys most about his occupation, Hayes stated he enjoys touring and assembly new folks.
“I like interactions with new and fellow AutoZoners that I meet and work inside our shops,” he stated. “I additionally just like the close-knit, family-oriented relationships with my co-drivers which have been constructed all through the years.”
“Wayne is a defensive driver, and he retains his head on a swivel,” stated AutoZone Distribution Heart Transportation Operations Supervisor, Buyer Satisfaction, Stephania Williams, who nominated Hayes for the IDEA. “He drives anticipating what the opposite drivers would possibly do and says that when he sees all of the kiddos when he’s driving on the highways, it makes him cease and take into consideration security first.”
“Wayne involves work each day with a fantastic perspective and his thoughts set on security,” added Williams.
The sensation is mutual between AutoZone and Hayes.
“My AutoZone crew has helped me alongside the way in which to maintain security on the forefront,” stated Hayes. “AutoZone has supplied secure tools to drive; instruments, equivalent to web site surveys and retailer instructions; security matters and reminders for drivers; and secure co-drivers. All of this helps me put security first once I’m out on the street.”
With practically 40 years {of professional} driving expertise, Hayes has many beneficial security suggestions for his fellow drivers. “At all times do a great inspection earlier than you allow,” stated Hayes. “Be ready, know your route and what to besides, and be careful for your self and others.”
Like {many professional} industrial drivers, Hayes’ profitable profession wouldn’t have been doable with out the help of his family members at dwelling.
“I want to thank and acknowledge my spouse, Tammy,” stated Hayes. “She has been my largest supporter. If you’re a driver, you’re going to spend time away from dwelling, which is the unlucky a part of this profession. Tammy has at all times saved our dwelling life working whereas I used to be out on the street. That isn’t a straightforward job. There are many duties – elevating youngsters, working the household enterprise, holding the house. However she has held it collectively all these years, and I’m very lucky to have her and a loving household supporting me.”
Along with his spectacular trucking profession, Wayne and his spouse, Tammy, personal and function a produce market, and it’s a household affair. His daughter, Ginger, works on the retailer and his son, John Henry, is a driver for the corporate. As well as, the Hayes household donates meals to their area people meals financial institution and Wayne volunteers at his church the place he takes care of the church cemetery.
Throughout his break day, Hayes enjoys spending high quality time along with his household and different family members, fishing along with his grandkids, and serving to at his family-owned and operated produce market.
“That’s what I stay up for once I come dwelling – household,” stated Hayes.
Hayes will attend the CVSA Annual Convention and Exhibition in Grapevine, Texas, in September to obtain $5,000 and a crystal trophy on the awards luncheon.
The 2023 Worldwide Driver Excellence Award was sponsored by PrePass Security Alliance. PrePass Security Alliance brings collectively state and motor provider trade decision-makers to advance security and effectivity on our highways. PrePass Security Alliance’s mission is to make highways safer and extra environment friendly by means of progressive data-driven options.
Nominations for the 2024 award will open in spring 2024.
