March 10 - Specialised freight transporter Bennett Motor Express (BME) has announced the winners of its 2010 Drivers of the Year.

The annual awards honour the company's owner/operators who earn the highest safety and performance ratings throughout the year.

General Freight Driver of the Year: James Kinnett, from Broxton, joined Bennett Motor Express in 2007, and was previously honoured with the April 2010 General Freight Division Driver of the Month award.

Heavy Haul Driver of the Year: Elbert "Mike" Stamps of Raeford became a Bennett Motor Express owner/operator in 2004, and was previously honoured with the July 2010 Heavy Haul Division Driver of the Month award.

"We've been a successful business for 37 years, and its contractors like James and Mike, who have made this possible," said David Lowry, BME president.

The two winners were selected from among BME's nearly 600 owner/operators, based on their safe driving history, customer service record, and total number of years driving. Each winner will receive several prizes including a plaque, custom jackets and apparel.