ORLANDO, Florida—The National Private Truck Council has inducted four top private fleet truck drivers into its Driver Hall of Fame each year since 1987. On Monday, during the NPTC annual conference, James “JD” Chasteen, Shaw Industries Group, Dalton, Georgia; Scott “Scottie” Edwards, Primo Brands Corp., Portland, Maine; Kenny White, AutoZone, Zanesville, Ohio; and Donald Young, Marathon Petroleum Co., Columbus, Ohio, were honored as the “best of the best” truck drivers in the industry.
Each driver possesses an elite record of millions of miles of safe driving practices, a reputation of earned respect and admiration among fellow drivers, supervisors, and customers for exemplary professional standards, and personal qualities of honor, integrity, willingness to help others, and kindness. Here are snapshots of each driver.
James “JD” Chasteen
“Being accepted in the Driver Hall of Fame is a huge honor. I am very humbled to be selected for such an awesome award. I strive to exceed expectations in all aspects of my job over the years and am always willing to help others in need, especially new drivers and plant employees. Courtesy on the road is paramount, and I am always respectful and considerate toward other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone I meet. I believe in the power of positive interactions and aim to leave a lasting impression of kindness and professionalism. I take pride in representing my company with integrity and respect.”
Chasteen began his truck driver career in 1969 and has driven 5.8 million miles in 54 years, three million of those miles with Shaw Industries Group over 29 years. He puts in eight to 12-hour days, 40-50 hours per week, and drives locally around Dalton (Georgia), northern Georgia, and Tennessee. He has zero accidents over more than five decades, a three-year record of no moving violations, and a career-long practice of using the Smith System of defensive driving daily.
Chasteen was awarded the National Safety Council’s Best Safe Driver of the Year in 2022 for the Atlantic Region and has been recognized by Shaw each year for his safe driving experience. He loves taking his dog around the neighborhood for walks and talking with several neighbors who are friends. He loves metal-detecting for Civil War items, loves attending his church, and cherishes time spent with grandkids when they were younger.
Scott “Scottie” Edwards
“I strive to maintain a positive attitude and always offer help to others. With almost 32-years seniority, I am frequently approached by fellow drivers seeking advice and guidance on preventing unsafe practices and fostering a safe work environment. I take pride in representing both my company and the trucking profession in the best possible way. One of my personal points of pride is keeping my truck immaculate—often polishing the wheels daily during three seasons of the year. My family and I are passionate about fitness and wellness. I start each day with 30 minutes of coffee and treadmill time, and my wife and I take our dog on hikes three days a week.”
Edwards has been driving nearly his entire trucking industry career with his current company—31.5 years and 3.1 million miles. He began working with heavy-duty trucks and equipment in the logging industry with a family business run by his father before starting out as a yard truck driver with his current employer at age 21.
Edwards operates a six-axle tractor-trailer with a GCVW of 93,000 lb. and typically works 10-12 hours per day, five to six days a week, covering 390 to 460 miles at various cities in Maine and Massachusetts. He has had no moving violations in his 32-year career and has been honored several times as driver of the month.
Edwards has delivered more than 3,600 wreaths to Arlington Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America organization and was awarded a President’s Award from his company. He serves as a volunteer fireman, assisting in numerous emergencies.
See also: 2025 FleetOwner 500: Private
Kenny White
“When I was 14, I learned to drive with my father, who was a truck driver as well. I entered the service and operated a large wrecker in Korea for 13 months, then hauled tanks and large guns in Colorado for 2.5 years to complete my military service. My typical schedule is up to 14 hours a day and 35 hours weekly. Every morning, I have a donut from our local bakery, and I am very big on having a plan and working it. When possible, I do a complete inspection the night before I leave and complete another inspection in the morning. I plan my routes and directions the day before and do my best to get a good night’s sleep. I strive to be safe every day because I want to come back to my family and do not want to hurt anyone. I thank God for watching over me each day and keeping me safe.”
White has been a driver for 61 years (27 years with his current company) and driven 3.5 million total miles for his entire career, which involved no injuries or collisions. He has a three-year no-moving violations history and has earned multiple safe driving awards for millions of miles of safe driving.
White is married to his wife, Susan and has two children, seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is an enthusiast of vintage and muscle cars. White is a former trustee and a current member of his church, where he has taken care of the landscaping for 25 years. He is a current member of the Zanesville Eagles F.O.E. 302. White is also president of the local Donut Shop retirees’ daily gathering.
Donald “Todd” Young
“Sleep and proper rest have served me well over the years and have been a huge contributor to safety on the job. My family understands the importance of rest, so they make every effort to ensure that my sleep isn’t interrupted. The truck is a huge billboard going down the road. I don’t want to embarrass myself and make the 6 p.m. news. I make sure that I’m practicing defensive safe space and visibility behaviors. I believe in showing up on time, doing my job right the first time, and going home. I am a huge believer in the Smith system as it has made me a better driver and trainer.”
Young has 44 total years as a driver (38 years with his current company) and over 3 million miles with Marathon. He began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps driving straight trucks and tractor-trailers, then later worked as a school bus driver before joining Marathon.
Young’s typical workweek is four shifts per week, 12 hours per shift. In addition to Young’s three years of no moving violations, he also has a career-long record of no preventable accidents, and he has previously been named a National Driver All-Star by NPTC. He has extensive training in defensive driving, first aid, CPR/AED, fire extinguisher training, industrial workplace ergonomics, hazard communication, and DOT hazmat security awareness. Young is also a certified Smith Driving System trainer.
Young volunteers for the American Red Cross, delivering blood and products throughout Ohio, and often volunteers for relief efforts during natural disasters. His favorite hobbies are hunting, camping, and spending lots of time with family.
Congratulations to JD, Scottie, Kenny, and Todd as 2025 NPTC Driver Hall of Fame winners!
