BLOOMINGTON, California - December 17, 2004 - Eddie Tafolla, a pickup and delivery driver for Roadway Express, was named "Southern Region Driver of the Year" in 2004 by the California Trucking Association.
"We are all proud of Eddie's unique milestone. He joins an elite group of professional drivers, who are engaged in keeping the highways safe while serving our customers," said Bob Stull, president of Roadway Express. "He serves as a fine example and is a positive influence throughout the industry."
The criteria for the driver of the year recognition include: a long and consistent safety record, contributions to highway safety, outstanding acts of courtesy on the highway, and heroic deeds on the highway. Also taken into consideration are civil and fraternal group activities, company safety and training projects, truck driving championship participation and other driving skills, and safety awards.
Tafolla, 57, joined Roadway Express in 1978 and has been with the transportation services provider for 26 years of his 33-year career as a professional driver. He has been domiciled in California at Ontario, Palm Springs, San Bernardino and currently, Bloomington. He is a member of Local 63 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
"We congratulate Eddie for his fine achievement. His consistent positive attitude encourages all those around him to be the best they can be. He is a credit to himself, his family, his company and all the members of the trucking community," stated Bob Tillet, Bloomington terminal manager.
During his career, Tafolla has been recognized for his safety commitment, while driving over one million miles without a preventable accident. He has served on several safety councils, sharing the knowledge that he has gained over the years and providing leadership to all drivers in the industry.
Tafolla and his wife of 33 years, Taide, reside in Sun City, CA. He enjoys reading and traveling. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as an airborne ranger in Vietnam.
