INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — DMC Insurance Inc. is naming Efigenio “Nick” Barboza of Covenant Logistics the 2026 DMC Driver of the Year.
“Nick was selected as the winning driver by our judges, who bring deep expertise in transportation, safety and related fields,” DMC said.
The award and accompanying prize package will be presented to Barboza during an appreciation event to be hosted by DMC at his home terminal this summer.
Efigenio “Nick” Barboza
“While all of the 2026 candidates were impressive, Nick stood out for his exceptional safety record, dedication to mentoring the next generation of drivers and commitment to serving others both on and off the road,” DMC said.
Barboza has been employed by Covenant Logistics for 28 years and has accumulated over 3.5 million miles. He has earned multiple safety and training honors throughout his career, including Covenant’s elite 120-Club recognition for achieving 3 million consecutive accident-free miles—the equivalent of driving 120 times around the Earth. Barboza has also received Covenant’s Professional Trainer of the Month honors, 2025 Professional Trainer of the Year award and 2025 TCA Professional Driver of the Year. He has competed in multiple driving championships.
Training the Next Generation of Truckers
“As a professional trainer and mentor, Nick has trained more than 650 new students, helping them begin rewarding careers in the trucking industry,” DMC said. “His leadership, patience and willingness to invest in others have made him a respected role model within Covenant and throughout the industry.”
That commitment to mentoring others is shaped in part by his own experience starting out. Committed to creating a better life for his family, he began pursuing a career as a professional truck driver in 1998. Covenant recognized his potential early on, invested in his development and gave him the opportunity to build a long and meaningful career.
Barboza has remained with the company for 28 years, continuing to value their principles, respect and family-oriented culture that helped shape his path.
Family and Faith
Together, Nick and his wife, Nancy, have built a strong and loving family centered on faith, service and compassion. Over the years, they have opened their home to more than 30 children through foster care, including four children they later welcomed in their family through permanent guardianship.
They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. When he is home, Barboza enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and prepping food to be donated to families in need.
“His service-first mindset, loyalty, generosity and dedication to uplifting others make him a powerful example of the qualities this award is designed to recognize,” DMC said.
An Example to Follow
“Nick reflects the very best of the transportation industry: hard work, loyalty, faith, generosity and a genuine desire to lift others up,” said Lathen Whited, vice president of enterprise retention at Covenant. “His story is not only remarkable, but also an example for all to follow.”
DMC Driver of the Year Award
The DMC Driver of the Year Award is awarded annually to identify and celebrate the best-in-class drivers of DMC Insurance’s customers. All DMC customers are given the opportunity to nominate up to three drivers for this recognition. The judging committee scores nominees based on their driving record, leadership within their organization and service to their community and the trucking industry. Only one Driver of the Year is chosen from the many deserving applications submitted.
For more information about the DMC Insurance Driver of the Year Award, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
