National Tank Truck Carriers Inc (NTTC) announced September 18 that its Safety Committee will develop a new tank truck driver recognition program for board consideration at its next membership meeting. The announcement coincides with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week when America takes time to honor the 3.1 million professional truck drivers that deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day.
The program will present the Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Award at its annual meeting in April 2013. The award will go to one exemplary tank truck company driver or independent contractor who serves the industry with the most reliable and safe transportation of liquid and dry bulk commodities. The day-to-day role of a professional tank truck driver is one of the most challenging and demanding in all of trucking and the NTTC Board of Directors wants to recognize the best of the best through a new recognition program.
NTTC Chairman Hans Schaupp says: “I am thrilled that NTTC is establishing a first-rate program to honor our tank truck drivers particularly during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Our industry plays a critical role in the North American economy and we simply could not achieve our admirable service and safety records without the dedication and commitment of our professional driver corps. This new program offers our membership an excellent forum to show our gratitude to the professional men and women in our tractors whose commitment to excellence contributes to the safety and well-being of our fellow co-workers, our customers, and the general public at large.”
NTTC Vice-Chairman Dean Kaplan proposed the new program to the membership based on his company’s valuable experience with similar programs on the state and national levels. “This kind of program for tank truck drivers is long overdue given the demands of our unique industry,” he says. “A first-class recognition program strongly complements our safety mission and allows us to honor the true assets of our respective businesses--our professional drivers.”