May 2, 2006 is a day Robert C. “Santa Claus” Wrenn will never forget. As the music began to play over the PA system and the jumbo screens lit up, Wrenn took to the stage at the Nashville Conference and Convention Center to be inducted into the National Private Truck Council/Bridgestone Firestone Driver Hall of Fame, as just the 77 th driver in America to receive the prestigious honor.

Wrenn was joined on stage for the induction ceremony by his wife Myrteen, National Private Truck Council President and CEO Gary Petty, and the President of Bridgestone / Firestone of North America. Robert received a standing ovation from the more than 1,000 attendees made up of transportation professionals, NASCAR drivers, and fellow professional drivers.

“Robert’s accomplishments over the years as a professional driver are a direct reflection of his good moral character and outstanding commitment to safety,” said Norman Fisher, Smithfield’s VP of Fleet Safety. “Robert has demonstrated that when you dedicate yourself to a quality work ethic, there’s nothing you cannot achieve.”

Each year the National Private Truck Council and Bridgestone/Firestone of North America present the National Driver Hall of Fame Award to four of the nation’s top professional private fleet drivers to recognize those that have dedicated their lives to the profession of “Keeping America Moving” and doing so safely. Minimum requirements for the award are 20 years, 2 million miles or 50,000 hours of driving without a preventable accident. The ceremony was part of the National Private Truck Council’s annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition held April 30 – May 2 in Nashville, Tenn. The three-day conference consisted of multiple training classes and events given by transportation industry experts from across North America and Canada.

Wrenn began his career with Gwaltney Transportation back on Dec. 2, 1957. Nearly five decades later, he continues to work for the Smithfield family, driving his company truck and shuttling loads to local warehouses and cold storage facilities. For over 49 years this true driving professional has demonstrated that safety is the first priority when it comes to operating a commercial vehicle on local roads and interstate systems. Having logged over six million miles to date as a company driver without ever having a preventable crash, Wrenn has traveled the entire eastern seaboard delivering Smithfield products.

“Smithfield as a whole and the Gwaltney fleet are honored and proud to have someone like Robert represent our company,” said Fisher. “This gentleman is most deserving of this Hall of Fame award.”

In addition to Wrenn’s Hall of Fame award, he was also named the Smithfield Transportation 2005 Regional Driver of the Year and won the 2005 Virginia Trucking Association’s Professional Driver of the Year Award.

“Being alert and paying attention to those around you” are the words of advice Wrenn has to offer when asked how he has driven for the same employer for so long without being involved in a preventable accident. “Taking your time and not rushing will get you further in a day than trying to force your way down the road,” he added.

When asked how he feels about receiving one of the highest driver honors in the trucking industry, he humbly replied, “It’s nice, real nice.”