Driver Appreciation Month: Honoring Pilot’s People Behind the Wheel
Pilot’s fleet of 2,500 drivers is critical to helping keep North America moving. With safety always top-of-mind, our drivers cover over 140 million miles and deliver over 10 billion gallons of fuel a year.
Among our team of talented drivers, there are countless examples of excellence—and in honor of Driver Appreciation Month, we are spotlighting six of them to shine a light on their accomplishments and share their advice from the road.
Whether they’re mentoring new team members, helping out a fellow driver or finding ways to improve efficiency, these drivers show what it means to model Pilot’s virtues of being driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming. Their work goes far beyond transporting fuel, demonstrating the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety that it takes to succeed in this essential role.
Leading with Service and Support
For Dillan Patterson and Jeremy Ruby, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is helping others succeed. Their leadership goes beyond their own day-to-day responsibilities to help strengthen their teams.
A lead driver based out of Augusta, Georgia, Dillan joined Pilot in 2022. Inspired by both his grandfather and uncle, he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL) after college and found that a career in truck driving was a great fit.
Dillan is known for his efficiency and helpfulness. His manager, James Prater, says that Dillan consistently makes time to support fellow drivers and welcome new team members, so it’s no surprise that Dillan’s favorite part of the job is helping others.
Dillan takes pride in helping make sure fellow pro drivers have the tools and resources they need to work safely and effectively. And his advice to expect the unexpected reflects his safety-first mindset: “Always assume other vehicles are going to do the wrong thing. It’s better to be prepared to give up the right of way to avoid an accident than it is to be right.”
Based in Sikeston, Missouri, Jeremy joined Pilot in 2013 and became a lead driver in 2020. Inspired by his grandfather, who introduced him to trucking at a young age, Jeremy has built a career centered on teamwork and support.
Jeremy genuinely cares about his fellow drivers, says his manager, Kyle Calkins. He takes the time to listen to their concerns, advocate on their behalf and work toward solutions. Jeremy is also recognized for his commitment to safety, helping drivers feel confident when operating equipment and ensuring his team’s trucks are well-maintained and ready for the road.
Jeremy’s advice to fellow pro drivers illustrates his passion for being welcoming and prioritizing safety: “Take pride in the job, watch out for one another and remember that the most important delivery you make every day is yourself back home safely.”
Taking Pride in the Profession
For Destinee Jarvis and Zack Berry, professional driving is more than a job. It’s a way to contribute something meaningful while taking pride in the profession and in a job well done.
Destinee Jarvis, based in Lubbock, Texas, has driven for Pilot for three years. She loves the blend of independence, variety and sense of accomplishment that comes with every day behind the wheel. She says, “No two days are the same, and I love knowing I got the job done right.”
Her manager, Mike Williams, highlights Destinee’s reliability, noting that she is eager to help the team and maintains over 100% efficiency.
Destinee feels connected to a larger purpose. Coming from a trucking family and continuing that legacy alongside her husband, she is proud to represent women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She says, “I hope more women see that there’s a place for them in trucking. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding and full of opportunity. Every mile reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Zack Berry, based in El Cajon, California, joined Pilot in 2022 because he wanted a career that mattered. He enjoys the hands-on nature of the work and values the relationships he builds with customers.
Zack’s senior manager, Marc Montano, praises Zack’s professionalism and commitment to excellence. Zack consistently earns top performance metrics and continually looks for ways to improve efficiency.
Zack’s advice to new pro drivers is a powerful reminder to all of us. “Remember you are a vital part of a huge supply chain,” he says. We move this country, and we should take pride in that.”
Showing People They Matter at Every Turn
Mike Allen and Stephanie Cano prove that meaningful contributions happen through everyday actions that make others feel seen, supported and respected.
Mike Allen, based in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, purchased his first truck at age 29 to see the country and experience the freedom of the open road. What started as an over-the-road career led him to Pilot’s fleet in 2014.
Mike’s manager, Rick Wood, says that Mike is a dependable leader who consistently supports training efforts, helps move equipment and serves as a calm, steady voice for his team. Wood says, “Mike’s character is what’s really inspiring.”
Mike appreciates Pilot’s benefits, well-maintained equipment and ability to be home every night. Pilot is a great company to work for” Mike says, “and I’m grateful to have had this opportunity.”
Stephanie Cano, based in Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrates Pilot’s purpose of showing people they matter at every turn through her interactions with others. She looks for opportunities to improve training processes, solve problems and support team members when challenges arise.
Stephanie’s manager, Shaddy Bowling, notes that she prioritizes safety and operational excellence. He says she communicates openly and honestly, treats others with professionalism and helps create a culture where others feel valued and respected.
Stephanie says, “My favorite part of the job is training our future fuel haulers while creating connections with our customers and team members.” Her example reminds us that showing people they matter is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact.
These stories remind us that great drivers are defined by far more than the miles they travel. They are mentors, problem solvers, safety advocates and ambassadors for Pilot’s culture. As we celebrate Driver Appreciation Month, we thank these team members and all professional drivers who work tirelessly to keep North American moving.
If you’re a professional driver and would like to learn about the benefits of joining Pilot’s fleet, please check out our careers page!