CVSA IDEA Winner of the Year: Darryl Tolle’s Powerful 41 Year Story

Tolle Wins CVSA 2024 International Driver Excellence Award

Darryl Tolle, a long-time driver with Ryder System Inc., has been honored with the 2024 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA) by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). This award is given to drivers who have shown outstanding dedication to safety and service over a long period. Tolle, who has driven 3.6 million miles without a crash in his 41-year career, is a perfect example of this commitment.

A Safe and Steady Career

For 35 years, Darryl Tolle has driven for Ryder, logging 2.8 million safe miles during that time. His focus on safety and careful driving habits have earned him this prestigious award. When Tolle learned he was the 2024 IDEA recipient, he was thrilled and humbled. “I was ecstatic. I had goosebumps,” he said. He later went on to say, “I was at a loss for words.”

CVSA Recognizes Service Beyond Driving

In addition to his work as a driver, Tolle served in the Kentucky Army National Guard for 22 years while working at Ryder. He retired as a sergeant first class, with a record full of acts of bravery and service. His contributions include helping with disaster relief, building schools, and even serving in combat zones.

Some of Tolle’s notable efforts include:

• Helping remodel schools in Barbados and the Dominican Republic
• Building medical clinics and restrooms in Ecuador
• Driving relief trucks after Hurricane Katrina
• Rescuing people during the 1997 flood in Cynthiana, Kentucky
• Supporting firefighters during Kentucky’s 2002 wildfire season

His colleagues in the military praised his dedication and hard work. Retired Brigadier General Steven T. King, who served with Tolle, said, “His work ethic and dedication made him stand above others.”

A Caring Family Man

Tolle’s commitment to service doesn’t end with his job or his military career. He has also been a devoted caregiver to his family. When his in-laws’ health declined, Tolle and his wife, Connie, took on the responsibility of caring for them. Tolle’s son, Kenneth, shared that his father taught him important lessons about being a good parent and taking care of family.

Tolle is also active in his community. He works with the United Veterans Group, helping local food banks, schools, and cemeteries.

Recognized and Respected

Tolle’s dedication to his job has not gone unnoticed. In addition to winning the International Driver Excellence Award, he was also named Ryder’s Driver of the Year earlier this year. He enjoys his work and loves traveling across the country and building relationships with his coworkers, suppliers, and customers.

Tolle has some simple but important advice for other drivers: stay focused and don’t rush. “When you go to work, be focused on work,” he said. “Get to work early so you’re not rushing. That’s one of the biggest mistakes people make.”

Life Outside of Work

When he’s not driving, Tolle enjoys a wide range of hobbies, such as scuba diving, camping, hunting, and spending time with his grandsons. He loves to take them on adventures, like hunting trips or snorkeling with sharks.

In September, Tolle will be honored at the CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Big Sky, Montana, where he will receive a $5,000 prize and a crystal trophy.

Looking Ahead

Darryl Tolle’s recognition as the 2024 International Driver Excellence Award recipient shows his deep commitment to safety, service, and family. His career is a shining example for all commercial motor vehicle drivers and reminds us of the importance of dedication and care in everything we do.