Eight Champion finalists selected for NTTC’s Driver of the Year award

Jan. 11, 2017

National Tank Truck Carriers has named eight professional tank truck drivers as Champion Finalists in its selection process to become the recipient of the prestigious Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Award. NTTC member Baldwin & Lyons Inc, and its subsidiary Protective Insurance Company, is the official sponsor of the Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year program.

"The professionalism of the entire group made the judging process extremely difficult this year,” said NTTC Chairman Brian Wood. “All of our applicants exemplify remarkable safety records, passion, and dedication to the tank truck industry, and they represent a great cross section of the industry given the group’s geographic balance and experience in key tank truck service segments including fuel, chemicals, food, cryogenics, and dry bulk."

NTTC President Daniel R Furth, said: “Congratulations to all of our champion finalists this year. We had a tremendous group of applicants with extremely impressive service records, so these champions should know that they represent the best of the best in the tank truck business. Our sincere thanks are due to all of our applicants, our esteemed contest judges, and our loyal sponsor Baldwin & Lyons. Without these three key partners, we would not able to appropriately recognize the true professionals who demonstrate the care and commitment of our proud industry.”

The 2016-17 Champion Finalists:

Todd Stine, Carbon Express Inc, Wharton NJ

Rayvon Truitt, Eagle Transport Corporation, Rocky Mount NC

Dennis Lathrom, Foodliner Inc, Dubuque IA

Brian Jennings, Grammer Industries Inc, Columbus IN

Robert Black, K-Limited Carrier Ltd, Toledo OH

Stephen Sorenson, Quality Carriers Inc,    Tampa FL

Kelly Lien, Solar Transport, W Des Moines IA

Daniel Byars, United Petroleum Transports, Oklahoma City OK

The Champions will now move forward to the final round of the selection process, which will be held January 24 in Arlington VA. A panel of industry officials will judge the contestants on their knowledge of the tank truck industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages, and overall safe driving record.

The 2016-2017 Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Grand Champion will be announced in Chicago IL at NTTC’s 69th Annual Conference & Exhibits on May 1.

During the Grand Champion’s one-year term, the Usher Trophy winner will serve as the NTTC spokesperson for the industry and will attend NTTC events throughout the year. The Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Award furthers NTTC’s mission to champion safety and success in the tank truck community through advocacy and education.