John Merritts from Penske Logistics was named the Truck Renting and Leasing Assn.’s (TRALA) 2007 driver of the year at its recent annual conference in Palm Springs, CA.

Merritts, 57, joined Penske in 1993 and has been a truck driver for 29 years. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Morris learned to drive a tractor-trailer during four tours in Vietnam. H is involved with the Toys for Tots campaign annually and chairs the Penske statewide truck rodeo group.

In addition to hauling freight, Merritts also conducts orientations for new drivers and chairs the safety committee at the Columbus, OH, terminal where he’s based.