The announcement was made in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate drivers who represent the highest standards of the profession. Klingson was selected from a pool of monthly honorees who stood out throughout the year for their driving records, industry involvement, and commitment to safety.

A career built on safety and reliability

Klingson’s selection reflects more than longevity. Over 40 years behind the wheel, he has accumulated more than 6 million safe driving miles, a milestone few drivers ever reach. Minnesota Trucking Association leaders said that level of performance is especially notable given the daily challenges drivers face, including congestion, distracted motorists, and harsh winter driving conditions.

“This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry,” said John Hausladen, MTA president. “Driving safely is no easy task—especially with daily challenges like congestion, driver distractions, and Minnesota winters. Gary’s achievement of more than 6 million safe driving miles over 40 years is truly outstanding, and we’re proud to recognize him for this accomplishment.”

How the Driver of the Year is selected

The Minnesota Driver of the Year honor follows a yearlong process. Throughout 2025, trucking companies across the state nominated exceptional drivers to be considered for Driver of the Month. Those drivers were evaluated based on strict criteria, including driving and work history, contributions to highway safety, industry involvement, and community engagement.

From the twelve monthly honorees, one driver was selected as Driver of the Year by a judging panel that included representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Recognition from Koch Trucking leadership

Koch Trucking leaders said Klingson’s recognition reflects the standards the company expects from its professional drivers.

“For four decades, Gary has shown up to work, day after day, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing things right,” said Rick Lueck, senior director of flatbed and oversized, Koch. “Gary truly represents the best of the best, recently accomplishing 6 million safe driving miles, a remarkable milestone that reflects his unwavering dedication to safety throughout his career.”

Why the recognition matters

Industry stakeholders say awards like Minnesota Driver of the Year highlight the role experienced drivers play in keeping freight moving safely. As fleets face ongoing challenges related to safety, retention, and public perception, honoring drivers who consistently perform at a high level reinforces the importance of professionalism behind the wheel.

For fellow drivers, Klingson’s recognition serves as a reminder that steady performance, attention to safety, and long-term commitment are still valued and celebrated within the industry.

Source: The Trucker

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The company noted that these drivers have demonstrated “industry-leading safety records, exceptional skills and consistency throughout their careers.”

Drivers recognized for their achievements include:

Three Million Miles of Safe Driving

• Daniel Ronca
• Todd Miller

Two Million Miles of Safe Driving

• Richard Burkhart
• Richard Hunt
• Dennis Desrosiers
• John Basile
• William Jones
• Richard Wright
• Paul Waite Jr.

One Million Miles of Safe Driving

• David Adams
• Samuel Kinyanjui
• Gerardo Lopez III
• Walter Baumert
• Keith Carknard
• Charles Krumm
• Juan Ramos
• Robert Kaduck
• Joshua Cartier
• James Mooney
• John Davis
• Michael Oktavec
• Anthony Bowen
• Francis Hess
• John Arnold
• Michael Boyer
• William Ort
• Brian Eslinger

Source: A. Duie Pyle
Source: Truckers News

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Honoring Outstanding Drivers

According to an ATA press statement, the National Driver of the Year Award highlights individuals who embody the pinnacle of professionalism and a steadfast commitment to maintaining road safety.

Finalists are carefully chosen from state-level Drivers of the Year, nominated by ATA’s affiliated state trucking associations. A panel of safety experts meticulously reviews each candidate’s career achievements to identify the top contenders.

Here are the five extraordinary finalists for 2024:

Jay Williams – TCW Inc.

Jay Williams has been a professional truck driver for over two decades, logging more than three million miles without an accident while driving for TCW Inc. His impressive safety record earned him the TCW 20-Year Safe Driving Award in 2023, followed by the prestigious title of Tennessee Driver of the Year for 2024.

Rollie Fugate – Wal-Mart

With an incredible trucking career spanning 47.5 years and 24.5 of those with Wal-Mart, Rollie Fugate has achieved an astonishing six million accident-free miles. He was named Nevada Driver of the Year in 2023 in recognition of his remarkable devotion to the industry.

Michael Bortz – Sorensen Transport

Michael Bortz’s four-decade career includes 21 years with Sorensen Transport, where he has driven 4.85 million accident-free miles. He was recently honored as the Montana Driver of the Year for 2024, further solidifying his legacy of safety.

Danny Tankersly – WEL Companies

For 36 years, including 14 with WEL Companies, Danny Tankersly has driven an impressive 4.6 million miles without a single accident. His accolades include WEL Companies’ Driver of the Year title an incredible 11 times, a 13-Year Safe Driving Award, and being named the WMCA 2023 Driver of the Year.

Thomas Miller – Prime Inc.

Thomas Miller’s 25 years with Prime Inc. have been marked by 3.5 million accident-free miles at the company and 3.8 million over his entire career. Among his numerous honors, he has twice been recognized as Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year (2016 and 2023), received the MOTA Professional Excellence Award in 2019, and served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain.

Recognizing Excellence on the Road

The Safety Management Council Awards & Recognition Committee will judge the video submissions and select a winner. The winner will be announced during the Safety, Security, and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition, taking place April 23-25 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Source: The Trucker

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