Trucker who hauls nuclear waste achieved over 3.5 million safe miles

A professional truck driver with millions of accident-free miles was recently honored for his safety and professionalism.

Truck driver Tommy Cash was recently named as one of the five Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Professional Drivers of the Year for 2026 at the group’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida. Each of the winning drivers received a $20,000 cash prize.

Cash has worked as a professional truck driver for 43 years and has achieved more than 3.5 million safe miles.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Office of Environmental Management, over half of the miles Cash has under his belt come from his work as a waste shipment driver for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Cash is employed by WIPP transportation contractor CAST Specialty Transportation.

The transuranic waste that Cash hauls is made up of “debris, residues, soil, and other items contaminated with radioactive elements — largely plutonium — that have atomic numbers greater than uranium,” the DOE said.

“WIPP drivers transport transuranic waste shipments from DOE generator sites to the WIPP underground waste repository near Carlsbad, New Mexico. They must meet extensive driving and background requirements before being considered for employment and complete almost 200 hours of training prior to transporting their first shipment. The training includes use of package securement devices, radiation detection equipment and emergency management procedures,” the agency said.

“Driving for the federal government, especially with WIPP, has been more than a job; it’s been a profound responsibility and an honor. CAST’s safe transportation record is a testament to the meticulous care and respect this work demands,” Cash said.

“With an unparalleled record of safety and commitment to excellence, [CAST truck drivers] have driven more than 17 million loaded miles across the United States,” said Mark Bollinger, manager of the DOE Office of Environmental Management Carlsbad Field Office. “This success has enabled DOE to continue to meet its critical environmental cleanup mission.”

“The entire staff at CAST Specialty Transportation extends heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Cash’s dedication to safety on the roadways and his remarkable career,” said Rich DeFeyter, CAST president. “Congratulations for being honored with such a prestigious award.”