David Areias was recently named Ruan Transportation Management Systems’ 2010 Driver of the Year after being selected from a pool of more than 3,700 professional drivers. Areias, who operates out of Ruan’s Turlock, California, terminal, and lives in Los Banos, California, has been with Ruan since 2006 and has logged more than 2 million miles during his 40 years as a professional truck driver. Areias said he was surprised and honored to be nominated for the recognition because Ruan has many exceptional drivers. “You learn something new every day,” Areias said about being a professional truck driver. “Safety is my No. 1 concern. I want to go home to family every night.”

Ruan, a contract carriage and logistics company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, began the search for its Driver of the Year when 106 drivers from Ruan’s 233 terminals were named region finalists based on length of service, safety and driving records, and exceptional customer service.

Regional vice presidents then narrowed the field further to 11 region winners, who travelled to Des Moines with a guest July 12 for an awards ceremony and other festivities. Of the 11 region winners, Areias was selected by Ruan’s executive committee.

Each regional winner was awarded a trophy at the ceremony. Areias, who does farm pick up in Ruan’s dairy and bulk food division, was honored with a trophy, $5,000 and the 2010 Driver of the Year title. PD

—From Ruan news release