For over thirty-five years the Utah Safety Council has recognized individuals for dedication to service and the example that is set for all professional drivers by honoring a Professional Driver of the Year. There were several great applicants and the awards committee decided to create two categories for this award, differentiated by type of vehicle used, radius of route, and number of miles driven. The Utah Safety Council recognizes a driver who exemplifies the type of career driver who has high standards of conduct and ability. Major factors considered when selecting a winner include loyalty and a positive attitude, respect for employers’ property, letters of commendation, good citizenship, good driving record, and community service. Based on these factors, Jan Quarnberg, Barney Trucking, was awarded this award under the Long-Haul category and was honored Wednesday, October 26 at the North Sevier Community Center.
Jan Quarnberg, Annabella, has been employed with Barney Trucking for 41 years and has driven 6 million miles with no crashes. He started his career with UDOT for five years before joining Barney Trucking in 1980. Jan hauls coal and drives tractor and double trailers from mines in Sevier, Emery, and Carbon Counties, driving through Salt Lake and Utah counties as well. He has mentored countless drivers over the years and his impact will be felt for years to come.
He was also recently recognized as the Driver of the Year, nationwide, through the Lytx program, which is the camera system used by the company.
“Barneys has been good to me,” said Quarnberg. “I started by hauling coal to Levan, then for 13 years I ran a route to Vegas every day and was the first to haul to Apex in 1988. It’s been a good living, a good job, and I can’t complain.”
He and his wife Kathy have three children, Lacie Barton, Shay Jolley, and Jamilyn Curtis, and he is also a farmer and recently qualified to team rope in Vegas.
