Recognizing outstanding professional truck drivers often involves tallying their awards and achievements. Tim Chelette from Big G Express exemplifies this, being one of the five individuals celebrated as a 2024 Professional Driver of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). During the TCA’s 2024 annual convention, held at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, these drivers received their honors. In addition to a $20,000 prize, they were met with a standing ovation from the attendees. During the TCA’s 2024 annual convention, held at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, these drivers received their honors. In addition to a $20,000 prize, they were met with a standing ovation from the attendees.
Boasting 22 years on the road, with 18 of those at Big G Express, Chelette has accumulated numerous accolades. His impressive list of recognitions includes awards from Big G Express, the Tennessee Trucking Association, Pilot Flying J Travel Centers, and DMC Insurance. Additionally, he served as a Captain for the American Trucking Association’s America’s Road Team in 2019-2020.
Chelette’s path in the trucking industry didn’t start behind the wheel, as he shared with Truckload Authority.
“I used to work in a distribution center, over the inventory department and unloading department, and drivers kept telling me how much they really love driving,” he explained.
Reflecting on his unexpected career shift, Chelette remarked, “I never thought that I would ever become a trucker,” adding his affection for the job. “I tell people all the time that when I get tired of being ‘on vacation,’ I’ll quit my job.”
Chelette pursued driving by enrolling in a CDL school in Lebanon, Tennessee, where the depth of knowledge required surprised him.
“I never had so much stuff crammed into my mind in that many days,” he exclaimed. “It was unbelievable!”
From the moment he walked up to the truck, the prospect of a trucking career became tangible.
“It was a great experience, from the minute I walked up to that truck in the school,” he reminisced. “I’m thinking, ‘My goodness, you see these things on the highway!’”
Despite seeing countless trucks on the roads, Chelette had never considered the intricacies of freight transportation, noting that the public often lacks understanding about the trucking industry.
“That’s the beauty of getting to be part of trucking associations — we get to educate the American people about following distance, stopping distance, how to pass a semi-truck,” he said. “They just don’t know about it.”
Having covered nearly 2 million miles, Chelette has explored every state except Hawaii, whether through his role as a truck driver or while vacationing.
“I just came back from Alaska, so now I got 49 states,” he proudly mentioned.
While Chelette appreciates the recognition from various trucking awards, his true passion lies beyond accolades.
“People see the passion and the love that I have for trucking. I really love it,” he stated. “I love mentoring other drivers.”
Recalling his past enthusiasm for motorcycles, Chelette noted, “I’ve ridden motorcycles all my life” but acknowledged those days have ended. “I just gave up motorcycles, and I’m getting back to my roots again.”
His love for motorcycles also fueled his philanthropic endeavors, organizing charity rides to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
“I did it for six years, and the last year I did it, I had 187 motorcycles. It was growing about 50 motorcycles every year. It was getting to the point where we would have had to split it into two rides,” he shared. “Since the goal was that 100% of the money raised would go to St. Jude’s, we didn’t want to take anything out of that.”
With the rides expanding, Chelette shifted focus to his personal interests.
“I grew up doing a lot of hunting and fishing. I wanted to get back into fishing again, so I’ve been doing that a lot,” he said. “I have a two-car garage on my house, but I built me a nice two-car garage in my backyard — and I just bought me a brand-new boat that goes in that garage.”
Additionally, Chelette embarked on a personal health journey, shedding 130 pounds through dietary changes, leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Throughout the interviews about his achievements, Chelette’s message remains consistent.
“When I get behind the wheel, I feel like it’s my job not just to make sure I get home safely to my family; it’s my job to make sure you get home to your family,” he emphasized.
For Chelette, promoting safe driving and mentoring others may hold more significance than any award.
Tim Chelette continues to be committed to ensuring everyone arrives home safely.
Source: The Trucker
Image: TCA
