Chattanooga, TN [March 5, 2026] — Covenant Logistics proudly announces that professional driver Nick Barboza has been named one of just five national winners of the Truckload Carriers Association Professional Driver of the Year award, one of the highest honors in the truckload industry.
Presented annually by the Truckload Carriers Association, the Professional Driver of the Year award recognizes professional drivers who demonstrate exceptional safety performance, leadership, integrity, and commitment to the industry. Barboza was selected from a nationwide pool of elite drivers representing carriers across North America.
Barboza’s journey is defined by resilience and work ethic. He grew up in Mexico and began working at just nine years old on his family’s farm, where he developed the discipline and responsibility that would shape his future. Those early lessons carried into a professional driving career built on consistency and excellence.
Now in his 28th year with Covenant Logistics, Barboza is among the company’s most respected veteran drivers. He is a distinguished member of Covenant’s 120 Club, having achieved an extraordinary 3 million consecutive accident-free miles. This milestone is reached by only a small percentage of professional drivers nationwide.
Three million safe miles represents decades of focus, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to protecting the motoring public and customers’ freight. His record reflects not only technical excellence behind the wheel, but also a deep respect for the responsibility entrusted to professional drivers every day.
Barboza’s commitment to service extends beyond the road. He and his wife are dedicated foster parents who have opened their home to more than 30 children over the past several years. Their investment in supporting and caring for vulnerable children reflects the same character, compassion, and responsibility that define his professional career.
“Nick embodies the very best of our industry and our company,” said Misti Olszewski, Vice President, Enterprise Safety. “To be named one of only five national Drivers of the Year while achieving three million consecutive accident-free miles is extraordinary. What makes Nick truly special is his heart for service, both on the road and at home. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Covenant.”
The award was presented during the Truckload Carriers Association 2026 Annual Convention, held February 28 through March 3, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in the Orlando, Florida area, where trucking leaders from across North America gathered to recognize excellence in safety, leadership, and performance.
About Covenant
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers a portfolio of transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the United States. Primary services include asset- based expedited and dedicated truckload capacity, as well as asset-light warehousing, transportation management, and freight brokerage capability. In addition, Transport Enterprise Leasing is an affiliated company providing revenue equipment sales and leasing services to the trucking industry. Covenant's Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, “CVLG."
