Best driver competition is part of national postal logistics symposium
NORMAN, OK — 9/8/26 – Next week, the U.S. Postal Service will hold its annual logistics symposium in Norman, OK, in conjunction with the 2026 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Postal Service tractor-trailer operators, motor vehicle operators, and more than 300 logistics managers from across the country will gather Sept. 14 – 16 at the USPS National Center for Employee Development in Norman. Topics of discussion include safe driving strategies and driver technology, as well as participation in driver training sessions designed to promote a safe working environment.
During the event, 54 drivers — including mail carriers — will be recognized for 1 million miles of safe driving practices. On Sept. 15, the Postal Service Roadeo — a professional driving competition for large trucks — will be held to find the best tractor-trailer and motor vehicle drivers in the organization.
“I look forward to the symposium every year,” said Robert Cintron, USPS logistics vice president. “Postal Service logistics managers and our drivers are some of the best in the shipping industry. The symposium gives them a chance to get together to discuss new innovations in safety and logistics, hear from others in the industry, and acknowledge the outstanding drivers we have in the organization.”
“Roadeo” Competition
Unlike mail carriers who drive vans, next-generation delivery vehicles and the smaller Long Life Vehicles to deliver mail to homes and businesses, operators of the larger trucks and tractor trailers transport the mail between processing and sorting facilities and Post Office locations throughout the country. These drivers must not only drive on major highways, but also the more congested city streets and parking lots where navigating difficulties such as parked cars and tight turns can be tricky.
The Postal Service has one of the largest private fleets in the nation. With more than 11,000 drivers, the competition is no easy feat. The drivers of the large trucks and tractor-trailers compete locally for a chance to represent their region at the competition. Out of a total of 11,588 motor vehicle and tractor-trailer operators, the eight best drivers are selected to participate in the roadeo. The drivers compete on a closed course with obstacles designed to test their ability to perform tight maneuvers. The winners of the roadeo are recognized as the best drivers in the country.
Training Center of Excellence
This week the Postal Service will also showcase the center of excellence (COE) for driver training in Norman. The center is scheduled to open later this year.
Driver trainees have in-class instruction and once classes are complete, participating drivers will be assigned an on-the-job instructor (OJI) who will accompany them for two weeks of hands-on training. The OJI is a veteran postal employee who trains new hires and helps them transition from classroom learning to on-the-job duties.
After driver trainees complete both the classroom and OJI training, they will be assigned driving routes and begin their postal driving career.
“Postal drivers are responsible for transporting the nation’s mail safely and reliably,” said Pete Routsolias, USPS chief logistics officer, “By having the COE available, the Postal Service will make it easier for interested drivers to receive more than standard driver training but also prepare them for a career with the Postal Service.”
Safety Recognition
Another highlight during this year’s symposium is the recognition of 54 postal drivers who have earned the National Safety Council Million Mile Award.
The award recognizes drivers with 1 million miles of driving or 30 accumulated years driven without a preventable incident on their record. To put it in perspective, 1 million miles equals more than four round trip journeys to the moon and back. It is the trademark of the expert driver and is recognized as the nation’s highest award for safe driving.
The drivers recognized for this achievement are part of a prestigious group of more than 30,000 past and present USPS drivers.
# # #