National Tank Truck Carriers recently selected the eight finalists for the prestigious 2024-25 Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year award. The annual competition recognizes the industry’s top drivers who exemplify exceptional safety, professionalism, and commitment to service.
This year’s finalists include:
- Bruce Jones, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation
- Darrin Guillory, Custom Commodities Transport
- Ed Heard, Highway Transport
- Heath Leitzke, Groendyke Transport
- Jwill Kozier, SWTO
- Mark Schroyer, Grammer Logistics
- Michael Key, Kenan Advantage Group
- Travis King, ADM Trucking
“NTTC applauds these finalists for their extraordinary contributions to the industry and their ongoing commitment to excellence,” NTTC said in a news release. “Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate their achievements leading up to the Grand Champion announcement.”
These finalists were chosen from an impressive pool of applicants across the country, the association added. Each finalist has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety on the road, exceptional professionalism, and a dedication to advancing the tank truck industry.
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Heard was a finalist for the 2023-24 title that went to Usher Transport’s Dave Powell, the first Usher driver to hoist the Usher trophy, which is named after long-time Usher Transport owner and president William A. Usher.
Highway Transport, G&D/Hoffman, and Groendyke all boast previous Driver of the Year winners. Highway Transport’s Thomas Frain claimed the 2021-22 title; G&D/Hoffman is the only tank truck carrier with two winners, Ron Baird in 2020-21 and Kenneth Tolliver in 2022-23; and Groendyke’ James Starr claimed the first trophy in 2013-14.
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The full list of previous winners includes:
- 2013-14: James Starr, Groendyke Transport
- 2014-15: Bobby Weller, Hahn Transportation
- 2015-16: Darryl Nowell, Eagle Transport
- 2016-17: Todd Stine, Carbon Express
- 2017-18: Paul Emerson, Foodliner
- 2018-19: Barbara Herman, K-Limited Carrier
- 2019-20: Program suspended due to pandemic
- 2020-21: Ron Baird, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation
- 2021-22: Thomas Frain, Highway Transport
- 2022-23: Kenneth Tolliver, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation
- 2023-24: Dave Powell, Usher Transport
The 2024-25 competition will culminate at NTTC’s 2025 Annual Conference, which is scheduled for April 21-24, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, where the newest Grand Champion will be revealed.
