The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) recognized professional drivers, safety leaders, technicians and motor carriers for their commitment to highway safety during its annual Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon, held July 30 as part of the association’s 2026 Annual Conference in San Antonio.
The awards celebrate individuals and companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance in commercial vehicle safety, maintenance and professionalism while highlighting the role that drivers, technicians and fleet safety programs play in reducing crashes and improving highway safety.
“The individuals and organizations recognized at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon represent the very best of the trucking industry,” TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza said in a statement. “Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence helps strengthen our industry and protect everyone who shares the road. We are honored to recognize these outstanding leaders for the example they set every day.”
Driver of the Year Honors Professional Excellence
Kevin Mann Sr. of Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport was named the 2026 TXTA Driver of the Year, an award sponsored by Tenstreet.
The association selects its Driver of the Year from nominees submitted by member companies. Drivers are evaluated using several factors, including accident-free driving history, professionalism, consistency, and years of service. As the state recipient, Mann will represent Texas in the American Trucking Associations’ National Driver of the Year competition.
Safety Leadership Awards Recognize Industry Contributions
Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to safety management and the trucking industry.
Jay Ferguson of McRay Crane & Rigging received the Distinguished Safety Award, sponsored by Bair Hilty P.C. and Transafe Inc., recognizing leadership in promoting fleet safety and protecting lives and property.
The C.H. Cheshire Award, sponsored by Commercial Fleet Data Systems, was presented to Sgt. Tim Davis of the Texas Department of Public Safety for his support of the TXTA Safety Management Council and his efforts to promote safer highways throughout Texas.
Bethany Hobbs of Lee Trans received the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Service, honoring her dedication to the Safety Management Council, the trucking industry and the motoring public.
Robert Pontious of Pressure Systems International earned the Fleet Maintenance Council Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding service and leadership within the commercial vehicle maintenance profession.
Texas Crowns Its Top Truck Driving Champions
The association also announced winners of the 2026 Texas State Truck Driving Championships, where professional drivers compete in written examinations, pre-trip inspections and driving skills competitions.
Matthew “Logan” Montandon of FedEx earned the title of State Grand Champion after also winning the Straight Truck division.
Division champions included:
- Flatbed: Juan Martinez, H-E-B
- Step Van: Joshua Tamayo, FedEx
- Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart
- Tank Truck: Aryn Pittaway, FedEx
- Twin Trailers: Ronald “Ronnie” Ramon, H-E-B
- Five-Axle Van: Andres Garcia, FedEx Freight
- Four-Axle Van: Edward “Eddie” Camacho, H-E-B
- Three-Axle Van: David McNeeley, Old Dominion Freight Line
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers Recognized
The annual Texas Challenge competition also honored outstanding commercial vehicle enforcement personnel.
Corporal Kaleb Rains of the Texas Department of Public Safety was named DPS Grand Champion, while Justin Scott of the Houston Police Department earned MCSAP Grand Champion honors.
Technician Competition Highlights Maintenance Excellence
TXTA also recognized the state’s top heavy-duty commercial vehicle technicians through its Technician of the Year Contest, which has showcased maintenance professionals since 1982.
Competitors complete hands-on testing and technical evaluations designed to measure diagnostic ability, repair knowledge and problem-solving skills.
The 2026 top finishers were:
- Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight
- Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
- Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
- Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
Truck Safety Contest Recognizes Fleet Performance
Chalk Mountain Services of Texas earned Grand Champion honors in the 2026 TXTA Truck Safety Contest, sponsored by Great West.
The annual competition recognizes member carriers with the lowest overall accident frequency rates while promoting strong safety cultures and proactive fleet safety programs.
Category winners included:
- Intercity Under 2.5 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
- Intercity 5-10 Million Miles: ABF Freight
- Intercity Over 20 Million Miles: Old Dominion Freight Line
- Local Under 1 Million Miles: W.M. Dewey & Son Inc.
- Local 1-5 Million Miles: SWTO LLC (7-Eleven)
- Local 5-10 Million Miles: Gulfmark Energy Inc.
- Local Over 10 Million Miles: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas LLC
The Texas Trucking Association said the contest recognizes fleets that achieve the lowest accident frequency rates while demonstrating a long-term commitment to safe operations through training, maintenance, and professional driving practices.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Tyler Schmitt
