National Carriers Inc. (NCI), based in Irving, Texas, is shining the spotlight on four exceptional drivers who have been named the first finalists for the 2025 Driver of the Year. These finalists exemplify outstanding customer service, a commitment to safety, and a positive attitude, setting an industry gold standard.

Monthly Honors Lead to Prestigious Recognition

“Each month, National Carriers selects an outstanding driver to recognize for their continued contributions to our company’s success,” said Ed Kentner, NCI spokesman. “When making each selection, we consider service, safety, attitude, and appearance. These driving professionals transcend the requirements for superior performance and are the elite of the “Elite” fleet.”

The 2025 monthly honorees, now finalists for Driver of the Year, are Bradley Rickman, Ty Gurr, Ronald Hotchkiss, and Ken Bohn. Each has received a $1,000 recognition bonus and a shot at the coveted Driver of the Year award, which includes a $10,000 prize.

Meet the Finalists

Bradley Rickman

Named January 2025 Driver of the Month, Bradley Rickman has been an NCI “Elite” fleet driver since 2017. Based in northwest Oklahoma, Rickman specializes in transporting cattle hides from National Beef Packing Company’s facilities in Kansas to Missouri. With over one million accident-free miles under his belt, Rickman is a pillar of safety and professionalism.

Ty Gurr

Ty Gurr, a Florida resident from Ocala, earned the February Driver of the Month title. Joining NCI in 2021 as a company driver for refrigerated freight, Gurr operates across the lower 48 states. His dedication to safety and exceptional customer service has quickly elevated his status within the “Elite” fleet.

Ronald Hotchkiss

March’s Driver of the Month, Ronald Hotchkiss, an owner-operator who has worked with NCI for 12 years. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Hotchkiss focuses on serving Midwest customers and is well-known for his professional demeanor and polished appearance.

Ken Bohn

Representing April 2025, Ken Bohn is a U.S. Army veteran who joined NCI in 2019. Operating within the 48-state refrigerated lease division, Bohn’s commitment to safety and customer service sets him apart. His willingness to go above and beyond has made him a standout member of the NCI team.

A Commitment to Excellence

NCI’s Driver of the Year program represents their ongoing dedication to recognizing and rewarding exemplary performance within the trucking industry. With these Driver of the Month honorees now vying for the annual title, the competition highlights the exceptional contributions made by NCI drivers across the country.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 Driver of the Year, as NCI continues to celebrate excellence within its “Elite” fleet while fostering a culture of safety, service, and professionalism.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: NCI

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Honoring Porfirio Martinez – October Driver of the Month

Porfirio Martinez began his driving career with NCI in June 2006 as an owner-operator. Originally from Garden City, Kansas, Martinez shared how deeply rooted his connection to trucking is.

“My wife Emma and I have lived in Garden City most of our lives. I worked on a hay farm before earning a Commercial Driver’s License,” Martinez said. “I have five brothers who all have driven for National Carriers. In 2006, I bought my own truck and joined them. I love what I do; I like working with cattle. The most enjoyable thing about my job is the people I work with because we all get along.”

Martinez’s dedication goes beyond his daily responsibilities and doesn’t go unnoticed. Gillermo Torres, a livestock dispatcher at NCI, praised Martinez’s reliability and strong communication skills.

“Co-workers report he has always been someone that is easy to talk to,” Torres explained. “Every time he is asked to help, he never complains and always goes above and beyond for National Carriers. Whether an accident, road construction, traffic jam, or a minimal thing like excessive wind preventing safe travel, Porfirio will communicate through emails or call directly to update us on any situation that will conflict with loading or unloading on time. This allows our staff to update the feed yards or National Beef to let them know he will be running late.”

Recognizing Jason White – November Driver of the Month

Returning to NCI in January 2023, Jason White’s career path reflects an interesting blend of military discipline and trucking passion. After retiring from a 22-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps, White decided to pursue a career in driving.

“Before exiting the armed forces, I was offered the opportunity to earn a CDL license through the military,” White said. “As a youngster, I rode with my cousin, who drove a truck. After that experience, I thought I would enjoy the lifestyle. He is now in management at National Carriers and invited me to join the company once I was qualified. All NCI expects a driver to do is what all drivers are expected to do. In return, they provide current model trucks, keeping repair and breakdowns at a minimum.”

White’s return to the company continues to demonstrate his reliability and skill, making him a standout among his peers.

Rewards and Next Steps

Martinez and White’s well-deserved recognition comes with a $1,000 bonus for each of them. Additionally, both drivers are now finalists for NCI’s prestigious Driver of the Year Award, which includes a grand prize of $10,000.

Source: The Trucker & NCI 

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