At the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) Annual Conference held July 31 in Austin, safety and professionalism took center stage during the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon. The event recognized outstanding achievements by drivers, technicians, and carrier fleets committed to raising industry standards.
John D. Esparza, TXTA’s President and CEO, praised the honorees:
“The individuals and organizations honored at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon showcase the highest standards in our industry. From safe driving and maintenance to fleet operations and enforcement, these award recipients demonstrate the integrity, skill, and dedication that keep our industry moving safely and efficiently. We are proud to celebrate their contributions.”
Driver of the Year: Roy Gilleland
Selected from Texas’s top professional drivers, Roy Gilleland of Old Dominion Freight Line earned the prestigious TXTA Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Tenstreet. Drivers are nominated by employers and evaluated on accident-free miles, professionalism, consistency, and years of service. Gilleland will represent Texas in the American Trucking Associations’ National Driver of the Year competition.
Safety Leadership Recognized: David Serach
The Distinguished Safety Award, sponsored by Bair Hilty, P.C. and Transafe, Inc., was presented to David Serach from Chalk Mountain Services of Texas. This award honors those demonstrating exceptional leadership and results in promoting motor fleet safety and protecting lives on the road.
Texas State Truck Driving Championship Winners
The TXTA Safety Management Council, alongside Local Safety Councils and the Fleet Maintenance Council, hosted the Texas State Truck Driving Championships, testing drivers’ skills navigating commercial vehicles under challenging conditions. Winners from regional events competed for top honors and a chance to advance to the national level.
- State Grand Champion: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
- Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
- Step Van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
- Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart Transportation
- Straight Truck: Jason Salazar, HEB
- Tank Truck: David Sanchez, HEB
- Twin Trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
- 5-Axle Van: Christopher Pieper, HEB
- 4-Axle Van: Ruben Cortez, HEB
- 3-Axle Van: David Urrea IV, HEB
Technician Excellence: Top 5 Awardees
Sponsored by Eaton, Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies, and Yokohama Tire, the 2025 Technician of the Year contest celebrates highly skilled mechanics who ensure fleet safety and reliability. Competitors are judged on technical expertise and hands-on problem-solving.
- 1st Place: Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- 2nd Place: Chris Gerrald, First Mile LLC
- 3rd Place: Brandon McNeill, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- 4th Place: Mohammad Algaghbeir, Travel Centers of America
- 5th Place: Christopher Cooper, Travel Centers of America
Champion Fleets in Truck Safety Contest
The Truck Safety Contest, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, honors member fleets with the lowest accident rates—recognizing their commitment to safe policies and professional driving cultures.
- Grand Champion: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas
Category Winners Include:
- Intercity Under 2.5 Million: BWI Companies, Inc.
- Intercity 5–10 Million: Dupre Logistics LLC
- Intercity Over 20 Million: Old Dominion Freight Line
- Local Under 1 Million: McRay Crane & Rigging, Inc.
- Local 1–5 Million: Palletized Trucking
- Local 5–10 Million: Gulfmark Energy, Inc.
- Local Over 10 Million: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, LLC
The TXTA continues to spotlight the dedication of drivers, technicians, and fleets who prioritize safety and professionalism, setting benchmarks for the Texas trucking community.
Source: Truckers News
