TXTA Recognizes Industry Leaders at the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION—August 1, 2022
TXTA Contact: Kimberly Leggett
kimberly@texastrucking.com

AUSTIN—Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) recognized leaders in safety and professionalism at the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon held July 28 at TXTA’s Annual Conference at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, TX.
 
“The drivers and technicians recognized for their accomplishments are the best of the best,” said TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza. “These men and women have worked tirelessly to promote safety within the industry and to ensure trucks are operating safely day after day. They are an essential piece of the supply chain and we owe them a great bit of gratitude for their commitment to the industry and safety.”
 
This year’s award recipients are as follows:
 
TXTA Driver of the Year
Thes Freeney, Brookshire Grocery Company
Sponsored by Roberts, Cunningham, & Stripling, LLP
 
The TXTA Driver of the Year Award is selected from the best truck drivers operating in the state of Texas. After being nominated by their companies, drivers are rated in categories such as number of miles traveled without a chargeable accident, consistency, politeness on the road and tenure. The TXTA Driver of the Year represents TXTA in the American Trucking Associations’ competition for the National Driver of the Year title.
 
Texas State Truck Driving Championship
The Truck Driving Championships are a project of the TXTA Safety Management Council (SMC), the local Safety Councils and TXTA Fleet Maintenance Council (FMC) that seek to promote safety and professionalism among commercial drivers. Three regional championships and one statewide championship are held in the spring with drivers qualifying for national competition. Drivers are tested on their ability to maneuver and control their vehicles under a number of difficult test situations.

Grand Champion and Straight Truck
Dennis Mace, FedEx Freight

Step Van Class
Luis Tarin, FedEx Ground

3 Axle Van
David Urrea IV, HEB

4 Axle Van
Eduardo Camacho, HEB

5 Axle Van
Mario Gonzales, Jr., HEB

Tanker
Randy Gamez, Jr., HEB

Flatbed
Noe Gomez, HEB

Twins
Ronald Ramon, HEB

Truckload/Sleeper
Robert Gonzalez, FedEx Freight

Distinguished Safety Award
Van Trimble, Brookshire Grocery Company
Sponsored by Bair Hilty, P.C. and Transafe, Inc.

This award honors an individual that exemplifies dedication to motor fleet safety and demonstrates interest, enthusiasm and leadership in achieving the goals of protecting lives and property in the motor traffic environment.

TXTA Truck Safety Contest Grand Champion
Sponsored by Great West Casualty

Grand Champion
Chalk Mountain Services of Texas

First Place in the Intercity under 2.5 million
Jetco DFW

First Place in the intercity 2.5-5 million
CVS Transportation

First Place in the Intercity 5-10 million
Double Diamond Transport, Inc.

First Place in the Intercity 10-20 million
Groendyke Transport

First Place in the Intercity over 20 million
Walmart Transportation

First Place in the Local Under 1 million
McRay Crane & Rigging, Inc.

First Place in the Local 1 to 5 million
Excargo Services, Inc.

First Place in the Local 5 to 10 million
GulfMark Energy, Inc.

First Place in the Local Over 10 million
Chalk Mountain Services of Texas

The Truck Safety Contest Award recognizes fleets of TXTA member companies which developed dignified professional driving performance in the trucking industry. These state winners, judged by the company's lowest overall accident frequency experience rates, are presented trophies and plaques in recognition of their achievement.

2022 Technician of the Year Top 5
Sponsored by Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies

First Place
Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion

Second Place
Michael Kerfoot, Dickinson Fleet Services

Third Place
Bart Prescher, Walmart

Fourth Place
Christopher Gerrald, Travel Centers of America

Fifth Place
Beau Hanly, Southwest International

The Technician of the Year Contest was initiated in 1982 by TXTA and the Fleet Maintenance Council to recognize the contributions of outstanding mechanics of the heavy vehicle fleet maintenance industry. This contest evaluates the mechanic's knowledge of their trade and ability to utilize that knowledge on basic mechanical problems.

Texas Trucking Association is a trade organization dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of its members by advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education, training, and information, and promoting a safe, dependable, and cost-effective motor transportation system to better serve the people of Texas. To learn more, visit www.texastrucking.com.
 

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