2025 NASTC DOY Winner, Jerry Ballo
“Drive it like you love it.” Is a phrase that resonates with many professional drivers and in the 18-year driving career of our teammate, Jerry Ballo, rings with accuracy. With a career that started at the age of 44 years old, Jerry has dedicated the past 18 years of his life to being the best professional driver that he can be. Simply put in Jerry’s words, “I just love to drive, and I always have.” Even more impressive than his love to drive is the focus he demonstrates to do so safely. With over 2.2 million miles in his career and not a single accident of any sort, Jerry is someone that we can all feel safe sharing the roads with ourselves and families. Long Haul Trucking is proud to announce that our teammate, Jerry, was awarded this year’s NASTC Driver of the Year!
In 2002 Jerry lost his job as a worker at the Ford Factory in Edison, NJ, due to the plant closing, and transferred to Norfolk VA. Not long thereafter, Jerry decided it was time to make a change for himself. “I was ready to be done being a factory worker. I always loved to drive, and my father was a truck driver, I could feel it calling to me in my blood.” With a wife and two teenage kids at home, Jerry’s family talked about the career change and decided that it was time for him to go do it. Although 44 years old may sound like a later time in life to make such a permanent career shift, the trucking industry has forever been fortunate that Jerry decided to do it.
Since getting his CDL in 2007 and starting his work as an over-the-road driver, Jerry has been nothing short of professional not only in his driving statistics, but in his attitude, work ethic and the positive impact he has on our trucking community. In 2017 Jerry decided to make another leap of faith, leaving the company that he originally began his career with and did his CDL schooling with, to come to Long Haul Trucking. Over the past 8 plus years our team has been fortunate to not only get to know Jerry but share his impressive skills and consummate professionalism with shippers and receivers around the United States. As a company driver at Long Haul Trucking, Jerry is also an employee owner, which is a mindset that he carries with him in each interaction he has as a professional in helping portray a positive light on our industry for all who get to interact with him.
Aside from having a great attitude, set of skills behind the wheel and safety record, what we deem very important is that Jerry is man who at 44 years old decided to make a career change that has made a great impact on our industry. Celebrating the pride of being a professional driver is something we ought to be doing on a regular basis if our goals are to drive more quality individuals into the industry. Jerry’s story is unique from the standpoint of when in life he started his career, which may give other quality individuals who have considered driving, but aren’t even sure where to start, the energy that they need to take the leap. Jerry has spent the better part of the past two decades working as a truck driver on America’s roads, operating safely, acting with courtesy, and delivering the goods that our country needs to march on at a stable pace. We feel beyond fortunate to have him as a member of our team and are proud to celebrate him as the NASTC Driver of the year for 2025!