Tank truck carriers cleaned up at the Texas Trucking Association’s Annual Conference in San Antonio, with Groendyke Transport, Grammer Logistics, and Chalk Mountain Services of Texas all claiming awards in the TXTA Truck Safety Contest.
Groendyke was the big winner, collecting the grand champion prize and placing first in the intercity 5-10 million and local 5-10 million categories for its safety efforts in 2023. The Enid, Oklahoma-based carrier reported zero DOT accidents in both categories and earned its second grand championship since 2019.
“A massive congratulations to all our Texas employees and everyone else who contributed to our Texas miles in 2023,” the company said in a Facebook post. “Your relentless integrity has been noticed in a big way.”
“The individuals and organizations honored at TXTA’s annual safety and maintenance luncheon exemplify excellence in the trucking industry,” John D. Esparza, TXTA president and CEO, said in a news release. “Their dedication to ensuring the safe operation of trucks daily is crucial to maintaining an efficient supply chain.
“We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to both the industry and safety standards.”
This year’s award recipients are as follows:
TXTA Driver of the Year
- Eddie Camacho, HEB
Texas State Truck Driving Championship
- State grand champion: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
- Flatbed: Ruben Cortez, HEB
- Step van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
- Sleeper berth: Juan Carrillo, FedEx Ground
- Straight truck: Clint Anderson, FedEx Express
- Tank truck: Randolph Gamez, HEB
- Twin trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
- Five-axle van: Andres Garcia, FedEx Freight
- Four-axle van: Mario Gonzales, Jr., HEB
- Three-axle van: Olamide Olayiwola, FedEx Freight
Distinguished Safety Award
- Alan Riddick, TNT Crane & Rigging
TXTA Truck Safety Contest
- Grand champion: Groendyke Transport
- First place in the intercity under 2.5 million category: W.M. Dewey & Son
- First place in the intercity 2.5-5 million category: Grammer Logistics
- First place in the intercity 5-10 million category: Groendyke Transport
- First place in the intercity over 20 million category: Walmart Transportation
- First place in the local under 1 million category: W.M. Dewey & Son
- First place in the local 5-10 million category: Groendyke Transport
- First place in the local over 10 million category: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas
2024 Technician of the Year Top 5
- First place: Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- Second place: Willie Bean II, Love’s Travel Stops
- Third place: Rudy Laguna, HEB
- Fourth place: Chris Gerrald, Top Guys Diesel
- Fifth place: Brandon McNeill, Old Dominion Freight Lines