We are excited to announce the winners of our annual Road Warrior Contest, which recognizes professional truck drivers who go the extra mile. Read below to learn more about each winner’s dedication to the trucking industry, commitment to safety and passion for helping others.
This year’s winners are…
Eric Curlett of Crossville, Tennessee is the $10,000 grand prize Road Warrior winner!
Eric is a husband, father, Marine Veteran and has been a glass hauler at Maverick Transportation for six years.
Eduardo Andrade of Yonkers, New York, was awarded $5,000 as our second-place winner.
Eduardo is a father, grandfather, Army Veteran and Master Driver for Baylor Trucking who has logged more than 2.5 million safe miles.
David Rosenquist of Monon, Indiana, has been named the third-place Road Warrior winner.
David received a $2,500 prize in recognition of his 40 years as a professional driver with 5 million accident-free miles.
Each year, we choose the Road Warrior winners based on story submission, including contributions to the trucking industry, safe driving history, miles driven and community involvement. This year, we received thousands of nominations with incredible stories about hardworking haulers from across the country.
“We are honored to host our annual Road Warrior contest and give back to the professional drivers who have such a significant impact on our economy and who work so hard to serve our communities,” said Shameek Konar, CEO for Pilot Flying J. “This recognition is one way we say, ‘thank you’ to the professional drivers we get to serve each day. Congratulations to Eric, Eduardo and David for being our top Road Warriors this year – we appreciate your dedication, commitment to safety and passion for helping others.”
This year’s grand prize winner, Eric, has an outstanding driving record and has been named Driver of the Month and Driver of the Year for Maverick. While he is always willing to go out of his way to help fellow professional drivers, he also gives back to his community, including participating in a yearly convoy that raises money for the Arkansas Special Olympics.
“After 20 years of faithful service in the Marine Corps, I knew the trucking industry had plenty of opportunities in any direction and found that open-deck trailers were the best fit for me,” said Eric. “To those that are looking to get into the industry, I recommend they research everything and don’t hesitate to call companies and other drivers to get the information needed to make the decision that is right for you.”
Eric was nominated by a fellow professional driver and friend, who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. To announce his grand prize win, Pilot Flying J partnered with Maverick Transportation and Eric’s family to surprise him with the news in a congratulatory video. You can watch his reaction below!
“I’m honored that a peer and friend in this industry nominated me for this recognition,” said Eric. “I didn’t expect to win, and it definitely took me by surprise. I look forward to taking my family to a warm-weather place to spend a week together.”
When asked what brought him to the trucking industry, Eric said, “I retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of faithful service. I knew the trucking industry had plenty of opportunities in any direction, and the open-deck trailer arena was the best fit for me that aligned with my work ethic.”
And his advice for others looking to jump into the industry? “Research everything about the industry. Don’t hesitate to call companies and drivers to get the information needed to make good decisions.”
Our second-place winner, Eduardo, delivered essential medical supplies across the country throughout the pandemic. This is just one of many examples we received of Eduardo’s passion for serving others. “He is the kind of man that will give you his last dollar or stop on the side of the road in the rain to rescue anyone or anything,” said Cari Baylor, President of Eduardo’s employer, Baylor Trucking.
“For me, it was very important to move the medical supplies because I want to be of service to America, to help those in need and those battling illnesses. I try to do my best to care for others,” Eduardo said. “My hometown of New York was one of the first cities to have a major outbreak with Covid 19. I am honored to be part of the efforts to heal others. I also spent time coaching other professional drivers on how to navigate deliveries into the city and the surrounding areas. I am proud our industry was on the front line, 24/7, along with our National Guard. As an Army Veteran, we stand and deliver for this country.”
As a Master Driver with more than 2.5 million safe miles, we asked Eduardo for his advice for other drivers looking to grow their careers or improve their safety records?
He said: “My advice to other drivers is: be proud, be professional, be patriotic and be passionate about what you do. Care each mile and realize what you deliver matters to others, whether it is a birthday gift, part of a Thanksgiving meal or insulation to keep a family warm. Each day I know I can make a difference, and someone needs what I am delivering.”
Most importantly, Eduardo reminds other professional drivers that being a Road Warrior means serving others.
“Being a Road Warrior means using the experience I received in the military to help other people. When I go home and take time off the road, I help people in my neighborhood. My heart is happy when I am helping others. Being a Road Warrior is being of service to our nation, our families, our fellow drivers and our customers. I want people to know that I Thank God for the life he has given me and the opportunities he has given me. I try to share those gifts with others. Los mejores días de mi vida han sido manejar y con mucho cuidado y respeto a toda la familia Baylor y la industria camionera & la oportunidad que me han dado y nunca los defraudaré,Dios los bendiga siempre.”
We are so proud of Eric, Eduardo, David and all the Road Warriors out there serving our country. Thank you for all you do!
