The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) recently recognized 20 exemplary drivers as “America’s Best Drivers,” boasting a staggering 52,509,908 accident-free miles with over 600 years of combined experience. The truckers, nominated by NASTC member fleets for their exceptional driving records, took center stage at the association’s highly anticipated annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving direct commendations on November 8.

David Owen, President of NASTC, underscored the essential role that small carriers play in the trucking industry. He highlighted their unique ability to attract and retain the best and safest drivers—those who have achieved million-mile milestones. “NASTC’s membership represents a group that is a force in the industry,” he stated during a breakout session. Owen also emphasized the importance of recognizing these drivers’ value through appropriate compensation, advocating a six-figure salary for “a good OTR driver with a million miles behind him.”

NASTC 2024 Driver of the Year Team

Below are the remarkable members of the NASTC 2024 Driver of the Year Team, known for their exemplary accident-free miles:

• Jesse Lehman (Barry Bashore, Inc.): 39 years’ experience, over 3 million miles in 35 years.

• Keith Stearns (Borchers Brothers Trucking, LLC): 35 years’ experience, 3 million miles covered in 6 years.

• David Weeks (Capital Transport): 38 years’ experience, an impressive 4.3 million miles in 6 years.

• Doyle Archer (Coomes, Inc.): With 60 years of expertise, he has driven 1.3 million miles over 20 years.

• Jeff Bischel (D&D Transport Solutions, LLC): 19 years’ experience with 1.8 million miles in 2 years.

• Mark Landon (Dick Lavy Trucking): 40 years’ experience and 5 million miles in 20 years.

• Randy Wheeler (Dudley Sparkman, Inc.): 21 years’ experience and 2.5 million miles over 12 years.

• Lori Zegelnieks (Edward Axline Trucking, Inc.): 24 years driving with 2.5 million miles in 7 years.

• Gary Craft (Gold Standard Transportation): 50 years’ experience, covering 3 million miles in 2.5 years.

• Ralph Clark (Groen Enterprises, Inc.): 16 years of experience and 1.2 million miles in 10 years.

• Ernie Plett (Hiway Express, LLC): 24 years under his belt and 2.2 million miles over 19 years.

• Corey Havel (International Express Trucking, Inc.): 25 years’ experience, with 3 million miles in 5 years.

• Jeremy Edgeworth (JT Motorsports, Inc.): 12 years’ experience achieving 1.3 million miles in 10 years.

• Alfonso Ruiz (KGT Transport, Inc.): 30 years on the road, covering 1.2 million miles in 8 years.

• Larry Bischoff (Larry Bischoff Trucking): 51 years’ experience as an owner-operator, with 3.3 million miles in 38 years.

• Leo Reynolds (Maple Lane Transport): 17 years in the industry, driving 1.1 million miles in 3 years.

• Tom Billups (Morris Trucking Corp.): 33 years with 3.5 million miles.

• LeRoy Boully (QLF Transportation, Inc.): 44 years’ experience with 3 million miles in 10 years.

• Ron Marcum (Red Baron Transportation): 35 years’ experience, achieving 3 million miles in 2 years.

• Dale Wiederholt (Strawboss Trucking, Inc.): 40 years of expertise and 3.2 million miles over 29 years.

Source: Overdrive

The post Celebrating Excellence in Trucking with the NASTC 2024 Driver of the Year Team appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year, the finalists vying for Overdrive’s prestigious Small Fleet Champ awards are Hell Bent Xpress from South Dakota, C.W. Express based in Indiana, Paul Rissler Transportation from Missouri, and Brian Brewer Trucking located in DeGraff, Ohio.

Just like the challenges faced when evaluating semi-finalists in 2023, this year’s competition presented razor-thin margins among contenders. Each showcased remarkable trucking excellence, resilience, growth, and profitability despite the past year’s tough conditions. However, only two finalists will compete in each division (3-10 trucks and 11-30 trucks).

Congratulations to all four fleets making their way to Nashville, Tennessee, next month for the National Association of Small Trucking Companies’ annual conference, where the champions in each category will receive their title belt.

Celebrating Excellence in Small Fleets

Get to know this year’s finalists and learn from their inspiring stories. Congratulations are also in order for all our semi-finalists this year, who exemplify the many-hat-wearing nature of the profession. From specialized tanker operators to refrigerated produce haulers, these fleets show a masterful grasp of the industry’s complexities. Whether the owners still drive or not, their expertise shines through. Explore their stories through this link and consider entering the championship next year!

Division Finalists (3-10 Trucks)

Hell Bent Xpress, Aberdeen, South Dakota

Source: Overdrive

Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent Xpress, has seen his business grow from a single truck in 2020 to eight by 2023, now totaling 11. Known for his efficiency, Hagen faces current market challenges by focusing on direct customer relationships. “We have focused on maintaining our relationship with customers and direct shippers, where we have more control over freight rates,” he shared. Discover more about Hell Bent Xpress in Jason Cannon’s detailed profile linked here.

Paul Rissler Transportation, California, Missouri

Source: Overdrive

Operating from Missouri, Paul and Michelle Rissler lead a fleet of six trucks, primarily serving Dutchland Refrigerated Transport. By maintaining their own ELD-exempt gliders and running a debt-free operation, the Risslers have optimized their profits and operations. This feature dives deeper into their successful practices.

Division Finalists (11-30 Trucks)

Brian Brewer Trucking, DeGraff, Ohio

Source: Overdrive

Brian Brewer Trucking, currently at 15 trucks, serves various local clients around Dayton and Columbus, Ohio. Brewer’s roots in auto racing have influenced his trucking business, which has more than doubled in size since early 2023. “It’s almost like banker’s hours in a way,” Brewer describes his drivers’ schedules. Learn how he expanded his fleet rapidly in a recent feature linked here.

C.W. Express, Sellersburg, Indiana

Source: Overdrive

C.W. Express, under Steve Wilson’s leadership, operates 17 trucks largely due to a strong collaboration with Avenger Logistics. Wilson’s expertise in diagnostics and team-building skills have been pivotal to his success, even in times of personal adversity. Overdrive’s feature highlights his remarkable resilience and business growth story.

Source: Overdrive

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