Rob Sandlin, president of Florida Rock and Tank Lines, this week celebrated 40 years with the Jacksonville, Florida-based tank truck carrier.
Sandlin joined Florida Rock in 1984 as a management trainee in the pricing department after graduating from the University of Tennessee. He spent 10 years in sales and operations, moved to Jacksonville as a senior vice president in 1993, took over as president in 2003, and added CEO to his title in 2017.
He joined United Petroleum Transports (UPT) as Florida Rock president last year after UPT agreed to acquire the formerly publicly traded company for $65.9 million.
It’s been my pleasure to know my friend and colleague Rob Sandlin for over 20 years,” Greg Price, UPT executive chairman, said in a news release. “I have admired the success of Florida Rock and Tank Lines under his leadership.
“I’m very happy to celebrate his years of accomplishments and to work with him as we build a top-class transportation and logistics organization.”
Sandlin’s “strong, knowledgeable” leadership pushed Florida Rock to “new heights,” the carrier said. He has also helped to elevate the tank truck sector and the entire trucking industry, serving as National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2021-22 chairman and the Florida Trucking Association’s 2018 chairman.
As FTA chairman, Sandlin advocated for trucking through the legislative, regulatory, and judicial branches of state and federal government; and he continued his advocacy work with NTTC, working behind the scenes to help the industry bounce back from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, he advocated for lawsuit abuse reform, spearheaded the push for registered driver apprenticeship programs, and created more opportunities for transitioning military personnel to join the private trucking industry.
“Rob Sandlin’s leadership continues to make a lasting impression on the tank truck industry,” said Ryan Streblow, NTTC president and CEO. “Not only by his accomplishments but more so by his character. I admire his approach to adversity: professional, direct, thorough, and with zero hesitation.
“I’ve learned a lot from Rob over the years. He’s a great tank truck operator, gentleman, and a friend.”
Sandlin’s leadership and contributions to the trucking industry reflect his passion, and his dedication never wavers. He continues to lead Florida Rock, helping navigate the company through its recent acquisition by UPT. Combined, the sister companies boast more than 1,000 drivers and 30 terminals across the Southern U.S.