PROVIDENCE, RI - Let’s hear it for the drivers! United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) drivers, in particular. UNFI recently named four of its associates Elite Drivers of the Year as part of its Driver Ambassador Program. Each driver was awarded $10,000 and the distribution centers where they reside received a premium, UNFI-branded Navistar LT625 tractor they may use for deliveries during the next year.

“Our drivers epitomize the passion, commitment, and perseverance it takes to help make our customers stronger, our supply chain better, and our food solutions more inspired,” said Mark Bushway, Chief Supply Chain Officer. “This group delivers almost 43 million pounds of food each day and Jody, Andrew, James, and Serghei represent the best of UNFI. Their dedication to our customers, their profession, and UNFI are an inspiration, and we are very proud they are on our team.”

The UNFI Driver Ambassador Program celebrates drivers who achieve specific metrics for service, safety, and performance, a press release stated. During 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 Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) violations. Drivers who achieve this level of excellence four quarters in a row become Elite Drivers. In the latest fiscal year, 40 percent of UNFI’s driver workforce, 1,040 drivers, attained Elite Driver status.

The following four Elite Drivers were selected as Elite Drivers of the Year:

• Jody Lee Turski from UNFI’s Dayville, Connecticut, distribution center
• Andrew Verhaeghe from UNFI’s Racine, Wisconsin, distribution center
• James Tucker from UNFI’s Billings, Montana, distribution center
• Serghei Trus from UNFI’s Aurora, Colorado, distribution center

Hats off to these hard-working drivers who continue to distribute fresh food across the country.

United Natural Foods, Inc.