Pam Randol, professional driver at Highway Transport, was among eight finalists in the National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2023 Professional Driver of the Year program, which recognizes tank truck drivers with incredible driving records, a demonstrated commitment to safety, and history of serving the community. During NTTC’s Annual Conference, the eight finalists were presented, and on May 22, Kenneth Tolliver was named Grand Champion. He’ll serve as the face of the industry, representing NTTC at safety-focused events throughout the year and sharing NTTC’s mission of safety and education with the public. We chatted with Pam after she returned from the conference and award ceremony held in Boston.
EVERETT, Massachusetts—“I just got home from Boston, and it was nonstop activity the entire time,” Randol said. “During the award ceremony rehearsal, it kicked in—this is really happening! But I wasn’t nervous, just excited. They did a great job of telling us what to expect and helping us not stress about the ceremony.
Award day
“The morning of the ceremony, we got up early and prepared to go on stage. They played the national anthem and posted colors, then played a video about the award and finalists while we’re lining up. I couldn’t stop smiling.”
Ryan Streblow, president and CEO of NTTC, introduced each of the finalists, noting that Randol, “takes great pride in her company, conducts herself as a face of the company, is encouraging, and serves as an advocate and coach for fellow drivers.”
The speakers then announced the Grand Champion, Kenneth Tolliver of G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation. “I pegged it from the day I met Kenneth that he would win,” Randol said. “He has an air of professionalism, is articulate and passionate about training. He also has the most awesome wife who supports him. Kenneth said that I need to keep being an advocate for women. He is so deserving of this honor.”
“Pam has represented our company so well through this extended process of being in the Professional Driver of the Year program,” said Marshall Franklin, CEO and CFO of Highway Transport. “I can see the areas in which she has grown and it’s so special to see the way she encourages others. She truly wants to engage in activities that improve our entire industry. Our company is so very proud of her and sends a big congratulations on her accomplishments.”
The day after the ceremony, Randol received quite surprising news from Rick Lusby, vice president of safety. “Highway Transport is giving me a new truck and they’re going to wrap it with graphics of the United States flag and an emblem noting being an NTTC Professional Driver of the Year finalist.”
The overall experience
Randol was impressed by the entire process from the moment she arrived. “They rolled out the red carpet for us, and it was interesting to use the technology that ran everything in our hotel rooms and see everyone all dressed up,” she said.
In all the excitement of the award ceremony, she also made time to attend conference panels and do some sightseeing. “I especially enjoyed the workforce business meeting I attended. It was important and informative, covering the difficulty of recruiting drivers and solutions such as offering it as a vocational skill in high schools, involvement in club conferences such as Future Farmers of America (FFA), and marketing to different groups such as veterans and housewives.
A lasting impact
When asked about how the entire award process has impacted her, she quickly says, “I didn’t realize how much I had to offer. I was nominated to represent my company. I’ve learned so much about the tools we have to train, educate, market and recruit people to our industry, especially women. I can be a conduit to help others enter the industry. In fact, I’ve already been invited to participate in activities such as a webinar along with our HR director about women in trucking.
“Another important insight is to see that I’m not alone. I am part of an entire family with values and character who do what I do. We all have struggles, but we’re keeping America moving while valuing the importance of safety. I’m usually in a bubble and stepping outside has broadened my perspective.
“I also have an opportunity to let other drivers know that there are people who are working for us, such as those at NTTC. They’re advocating to make things better for the trucking industry as a whole. And, that the leaders of Highway Transport are real people who care about what they’re doing and about us.
“I’m an introvert, so the social parts have been taxing, but overall, so rewarding. I challenged myself to try something new and I would do it again. I encourage others to step outside their comfort zones as well.”
