Pain into purpose: G&D/Hoffman driver earns Usher trophy—again

BALTIMORE, Maryland—It’s not unusual to see an American flag on Bruce Jones’ shirt sleeve. He’s a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and his employer, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation, is a long-time supporter of Folds of Honor, which assists fallen soldiers’ families.

You can always find Jones’ heart pinned firmly to his other sleeve.

Consequently, the devoted husband, father, and driver was no match for the emotions that crashed over him, and threatened to steal his voice, after hearing his name heralded as National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2025-26 Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year on Tuesday during the 2026 NTTC Annual Conference. “I’m truly honored and humbled,” said Jones, who boasts 3.8 million accident-free miles in 28 years piloting a truck. “Recognition like this means something special because it represents commitment to professionalism, excellence, and most importantly, safety.

“Safety is the backbone of everything we do. Every mile we drive, every load we haul, every decision we make, carries responsibility; not just for ourselves, but for our families, our companies, and everyone sharing the road with us, so being recognized for that commitment is something I will always cherish.

“I’m proud to be part of this industry—where safety isn’t a goal, it’s a way of life.”

Jones emerged as the Grand Champion in his second consecutive year as one of eight finalists after convincing a panel of judges in January in Arlington, Virginia, he was the right person to serve as the tank truck industry’s ambassador for the next year. Jones, who has over 1 million accident-free miles in eight years as a chemical and dry bulk specialist with G&D/Hoffman, also won the Illinois Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year award in 2024; and was one of two recipients of the TravelCenters of America’s 2026 Citizen Driver awards in April.

“He’s such a deserving recipient,” Kevin Hoffman, G&D/Hoffman president, told Bulk Transporter. “He’s a great person, and he has an important story to tell. He’s a veteran, he has overcome personal tragedy, and taken all those things into the hours it takes to be a professional tank truck driver.

“I’m just so proud of him.”

Jones is now the third G&D/Hoffman driver to hoist the William A. Usher Sr. trophy, following Ron Baird in 2020-21 and Kenneth Tolliver in 2022-23. No other company has more than one NTTC Driver of the Year in the award’s 13-year history. “All three of them are great people, but every great person has a special trait, and for Bruce it’s his sincerity when you meet him, and his passion for helping others. When you can take people into combat and bring them out alive—and always set such a high standard in your life—that is truly exceptional.”

G&D/Hoffman is exceptional, too. In addition to three Usher winners, the Channahon, Illinois-based bulk hauler claimed NTTC’s North American safety championship for a third time in seven years in 2024.

“It’s unbelievable—but we’re just getting started,” COO Jerry Curl grinned.

Jones passion started with his father, who also drove a truck. But Jones spent 10 years with the Marines as a drill instructor and military combat trainer before finding his second calling and following in his father’s footsteps. He’s now a driver trainer, member of G&D/Hoffman’s driver advisory board, and avid “Trucker Buddy.” And he still finds time to stay active in veterans’ organizations and his local community—though he and wife Tammy have seven children and 10 grandchildren.

“When you picture the ultimate professional, Bruce Jones isn’t just a good example, he’s the example,” said Ryan Streblow, NTTC president and CEO.

“His work requires attention, focus, and a deep respect for safety, and Bruce delivers on that every single day. And long before he was hauling tankers, Bruce was serving his country. … And if there’s one thing we know about Marines, it’s that they will bring discipline, toughness, and a commitment to excellence into everything they do. Bruce is no exception.

“Those values didn’t stay in the military.”

Jones donned his new championship jacket with help from Grammer Logistics’ Mark Schroyer, the 2024-25 Driver of the Year, then thanked NTTC staff, G&D/Hoffman leaders, and his wife from the podium. “She’s been my rock through everything—all the long hours, early mornings, late nights, and time away from home,” Jones said through tears. “She’s always there with strength, encouragement, and unwavering support.”

The newly crowned Grand Champion also had the support of Usher Transport’s Dave Powell, the 2023-24 winner, and Illinois Sen. Sue Rezin, who both wrote letters of recommendation. Rezin said Jones’ influence extends “far beyond the road” and praised his ability to transform pain into purpose. “Five years ago, he tragically lost his son to suicide,” Rezin shared. “Since then, Bruce has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for suicide prevention, ensuring no other family has to endure the pain he experienced.”

NTTC’s Usher trophy annually goes to the driver who best demonstrates knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages, and overall safe driving record. This year’s panel of judges included Rebecca Brewster, American Transportation Research Institute president and COO; Dan Horvath, American Trucking Associations senior vice president of regulatory affairs and safety policy; America’s Road Team Captains Ben Atkinson and Lloyd Howell, and Jason McDaniel, Bulk Transporter editor.

This year’s Champion Finalists included Jarrod Alsobrooks (SWTO) Andrew Givens (ADM Trucking), Joseph Hafford (Kenan Advantage Group), Jorge Hernandez (Certified Express), Michael Key (Kenan Advantage Group), Anthony Rocha (Foodliner) and Scott Tempus (Quest Liner).

Previous winners of the NTTC Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, include:

• 2013-14: James Starr, Groendyke Transport
• 2014-15: Bobby Weller, Hahn Transportation
• 2015-16: Darryl Nowell, Eagle Transport
• 2016-17: Todd Stine, Carbon Express
• 2017-18: Paul Emerson, Foodliner
• 2018-19: Barbara Herman, K-Limited Carrier
• 2019-20: Program suspended due to pandemic
• 2020-21: Ron Baird, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation
• 2021-22: Thomas Frain, Highway Transport
• 2022-23: Kenneth Tolliver, G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation
• 2023-24: Dave Powell, Usher Transport
• 2024-25: Mark Schroyer, Grammer Logistics

“Bruce Jones has been a grand champion every day of his career,” Streblow summarized, channeling the words of Curl in his remarks. “The legacy of the tank truck industry is built by men like Bruce. And that word legacy really says it all, because Bruce Jones isn’t just part of this industry.

“He’s helping define it through his safety record, leadership, service and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.”