TCA announces 2018 Driver of the Year finalists

The Truckload Carriers Association announced the finalists for the 2018 Driver of the Year contests last week, recognizing both company drivers and owner operators who do a standout job and reflect well on the transportation industry as a whole.

The finalists were selected based on their safe driving records, their efforts to enhance the public image of the trucking industry and their overall contributions to their individual communities. The grand prize winner will be chosen based on the same criteria.

“The annual Driver of the Year Contests identify and honor the best men and women traveling the roads today,” TCA’s website reads. “They drive safely, give to their communities, protect the environment and enhance the image of trucking — in other words, they make us all proud to be a part of this great industry.”

The company driver and owner operator who are named the best of the best will walk away $25,000 richer, while the two runners-up in each category will be awarded $2,500 each.

2018 Company Driver of the Year Contest finalists:

• Don Lewis of Republic, Missouri, who drives for Wilson Logistics of Springfield, Missouri;

• David McGowan of Marinette, Wisconsin, who drives for WEL Companies, Inc., of De Pere, Wisconsin; and

• Ester Nemeth of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who drives for Bison Transport also of Winnipeg, Manitoba

2018 Owner Operator of the Year Contest finalists:

• Danny Jewell of Nebraska City, Nebraska, who is leased to Warren Transport, Inc. of Waterloo, Iowa;

• Kevin Kocmich of Litchfield, Minnesota, who is leased to Diamond Transportation System, Inc. of Racine, Wisconsin; and

• Robert Roth of Coldwater, Ontario, who is leased to Erb International of New Hamburg, Ontario

“Each one of our finalists is exceptional,” TCA Chairman and Searcy Specialized President Dan Doran said. “Regardless of who may take home the grand prize award in March, each driver has made significant contributions to the industry and should be applauded for their efforts as they’re setting the finest example possible.”

Last year’s grand prize winners were Stephen Richardson of Decatur, Alabama, who drives for Big G Express, Inc. of Shelbyville, Tennessee and  Philip Keith of Long Beach, Mississippi, who is leased to WEL Companies, Inc. of Del Pere, Wisconsin.

Both men were experienced drivers at the time of their wins. Richardson boasted 27 years as a professional truck driver, and Keith clocked in at 34 years. Both winners have also received several other awards and accolades over the years.

This year’s grand prize winner will be announced at TCA’s 81st Annual Convention in Las Vegas on March 12.

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