Manteca, CA - Mountain Valley Express, a leading less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, recently announced it's 2008 Driver of the Year winners.

Driving is job that requires many hours of concentration, dedication and stamina, while remaining within all parameters of safety – driving, vehicle and road safety.

Mountain Valley Express drivers are often our main face-to-face contact with customers, and they are asked to project a positive image and attitude. Drivers must see that their vehicle is roadworthy and safe at all times, they must also ensure that the load is safe, legal, protected, delivered on time, and in good condition.

To qualify for this prestigious award the driver must have received safety recognition in the previous year and have remained free from preventable accidents and work place injury for the year the award represents and have no preventable incidents for the year the award represents. Also, they must have no citations appearing on DMV pull notice, no company corrective action including no tardiness or unexcused absences from work and no leave of absence taken from work. Finally the driver must have no written customer complaint for the year of award.

Mountain Valley Express is Proud to Announce it's 2008 Drivers of the Year!

Manteca Driver of the Year
Mark Aguilar has been with Mountain Valley Express for almost 5 years. In that time Mark has received 4 consecutive Safety Awards. Mark is currently one of our driver trainers and smith system trainer; he also sits on our safety review committee. Mark has participated in several of the Northern California Truck Driving Championships and placed 1st in the 3 axle division in 2008. Mark is supported by his lovely wife Ashley and their two children Nathaniel and Gabrielle. Mark enjoys camping and fishing in his spare time.

Visalia Driver of the Year
David Glenn has been with Mountain Valley Express for 11 years and has just received his 6th consecutive safety award in 2008. David runs the Bakersfield route on a regular basis. In his spare time David enjoys spending time with his wife Marianne and daughter McKenna. David also enjoys watching video clips on his IPod. David is a very dependable and dedicated to being a safe and efficient driver.

Paramount Driver of the Year
Ernie Hericks has been with Mountain Valley Express for 15 years, this is Ernie's 3rd Driver of the Year Award! Ernie has been in the transportation industry for 50 years including driving for greyhound bus lines. Ernie has participated in much truck driving championships himself but is always there to support his fellow co-workers. Ernie has three daughters, Charlotte and twins Gina and Tina; he also has a grandson Quentin.

Chino Driver of the Year
Bryan McDougle has been with Mountain Valley Express for 7 years. Bryan recently received his 3rd year safety award in 2008. Bryan has participated in several truck driving championships. In his spare time Bryan has been taking helicopter lessons. Bryan has an interest in becoming a California Highway Patrolman in the future. Bryan is a team player and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Reno Driver of the Year
Hector Perez has been with Mountain Valley Express for 2 ½ years and just received his 2nd year safety award in 2008. Hector and his wife Teresa have three children; Alejandro, Jonnathan and Nathaniel. In his spare time Hector enjoys playing and coaching soccer. Hector is so dedicated to leading an active lifestyle that during his lunch hour he does his daily exercise routine.

Nummi Driver of the Year
Javier Pena has been with Mountain Valley Express for 4 ½ years. Javier has competed in several truck driving championships and has volunteered his and his sons' time to helping at this event. Javier and his wife Maria have two children, Javier and Jenna. In his spare time Javier enjoys hunting, shooting and spending time with his family. Javier is known for always finding ways to be creative and customize items he uses on a daily basis.