As part of its Driver Ambassador Program, Providence, Rhode Island-based UNFI has recognized four of its employees as 2023 “Elite Drivers of the Year,” presenting each with $10,000.
In addition, each of their respective distribution centers received a premium, UNFI-branded Navistar LT625 tractor to use for deliveries during the next year.
The drivers and their centers include: Jacob Eberle of Centralia, Washington; Henry Gervais of Chesterfield, New Hampshire; Bruce Highness of Fargo, North Dakota; and Michael J. Potratz of Aurora, Colorado.
Over the course of the year, UNFI drivers travel nearly 147 million miles, delivering about 300,000 products to more than 30,000 locations across North America.
The program celebrates drivers who achieve specific metrics for service, safety and performance. Each quarter, UNFI drivers earn the Distinguished Driver Award if they meet attendance goals and do not have any preventable accidents or injuries, as well as hours of service or CSA violations. Those who achieve that level four quarters in a row become Elite Drivers.
In the company’s latest fiscal year, 40 percent of UNFI’s driver workforce – 1,099 drivers – had attained Elite Driver status.
“Our drivers are the critical link to our customers. They embody the professionalism, perseverance, and passion of UNFI, and their efforts help make our supply chain better and our customers stronger,” said Mark Bushway, chief supply chain officer.
“As a team, our drivers make more than 1.5 million stops per year delivering food and essential products to customers and communities across North America. Kevin, Michael, Bruce and Jacob represent the best of UNFI and we are very proud they are on our team.”
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