A tank truck industry era is coming to an end.
Rob Sandlin, Florida Rock & Tank Lines president of past National Tank Truck Carriers chairman, plans to retire May 2, bringing a close to a 41-year career that includes overseeing Florida Rock’s acquisition by United Petroleum Transports.
“The success we’ve experienced over the course of my career at Patriot and Florida Rock & Tank Lines has been very rewarding and something I am immensely proud of,” Sandlin said in a news release. “I will miss the daily challenge of building an organization and helping people reach their career goals. I will also miss the interaction and relationships built over the years with our team and customers.
“But the company is in good hands with Greg Price, Matt Herndon, and their team. I wish them great success.”
Sandlin, who joined Florida Rock in 1984, served as 2021-22 NTTC chairman. He’s also a past chairman of the Florida Trucking Association and Junior Achievement of North Florida, where he’s been a board member for over 25 years. He rose to Florida Rock president in 2003, added the title of CEO of Patriot Transportation Holding—the former parent of Florida Rock—in 2020, and guided the company through its delisting from the Nasdaq stock exchange after UPT purchased it for $66.2 million in December 2023.
See also: In-depth interview with Florida Rock president
“It has been an honor to work with Rob,” said Herndon, UPT president and CEO. “I’ve admired his professionalism and leadership during the company’s transition. He has helped build a tremendous company at Florida Rock and Tank Lines, and his advocacy for the trucking industry has made a lasting impact.
“I want to congratulate Rob on his retirement and wish him many years of happiness with his family and friends.”
Upon Sandlin’s retirement, Jeff Paulsen, Florida Rock’s current chief operating officer, will assume the dual roles of president and COO of the Jacksonville, Florida-based tank truck carrier.
“I have been very fortunate to have worked with Rob for the last 40 years,” said Jim Anderson, Florida Rock vice president of safety and risk management, and long-time friend. “His knowledge and leadership have been instrumental in the success of Florida Rock & Tank Lines. Rob’s contributions go beyond Florida Rock. His active involvement with National Tank Truck Carriers and the Florida Trucking Association has benefited the membership and the trucking industry as a whole.
“The quality I admire the most about Rob is his steadfast commitment to operating safely, which is a priority of Florida Rock’s culture. For that, I am truly thankful.”
The combined Florida Rock and UPT operation now is among the top 10 tank truck carriers by revenue, and leaders insists Florida Rock’s future remains bright—thanks to Sandlin’s invaluable guidance.
Look for more on Sandlin’s legacy and the integration of UPT and Florida Rock operations in the upcoming print issue of Bulk Transporter.
“It’s been my pleasure to call Rob Sandlin my friend for over 20 years,” said Greg Price, UPT executive chairman. “I’ve admired the Florida Rock organization for many years. He has been a great leader not only for his company but for the entire trucking industry. I wish him and his family all the best and a happy retirement—but don’t go too far away.”
