DMC Insurance is proud to name Efigenio “Nick” Barboza of Covenant Logistics as the 2026 DMC Driver of the Year. This annual award recognizes and celebrates the top-tier drivers among DMC’s customers. Nominees are evaluated on their overall driving record, leadership contributions within their organization, and service to their community and the trucking industry. Only one Driver of the Year is chosen from the many deserving applications submitted.

Nick was chosen as the winning driver by a committee that has deep expertise in transportation, safety, and related fields. The award, along with a cash prize and gift package, will be formally presented to Nick during a special appreciation event hosted by DMC at his home terminal this summer. Representatives from DMC Insurance, as well as Nick’s friends, family, colleagues, and company leadership, will gather to recognize him and celebrate his achievements.

“Nick reflects the very best of the transportation industry: hard work, loyalty, faith, generosity, and a genuine desire to lift others up. His story is not only remarkable, but also an example for all to follow.”

– Lathen Whited, VP of Enterprise Retention at Covenant Logistics

While all the 2026 candidates were impressive, Nick stood out for his long history of safe driving, his extraordinary dedication to training new drivers, and his commitment to serving others. He has been with Covenant for 28 years and has accumulated over 3.5 million miles. He has earned multiple safety and training honors throughout his career, including Covenant’s elite 120-Club recognition for achieving 3 million consecutive accident-free miles—the equivalent of driving 120 times around the Earth. Nick has also received Covenant’s Professional Trainer of the Month honors, 2025 Professional Trainer of the Year award, TCA’s 2025 Professional Driver of the Year, and has competed in multiple driving championships.

As a professional trainer and mentor, Nick has trained more than 650 new students, helping each one begin a rewarding career in trucking. His dedication to safety, leadership, and professional development reflects the very best of the transportation industry.

We were extremely impressed with the caliber of drivers that were nominated by our insureds. Each and every one deserves recognition for their hard work, safe driving, and commitment to the trucking industry. Thank you to all nominators who took the time to submit a candidate and share their stories.