When stormy weather threatened to wash out G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation’s 17th annual employee appreciation event, company leaders didn’t flinch. Instead, they executed a flawless pivot—securing a last-minute visit from Chicago Blackhawks legend Eddie Olczyk and a rousing national anthem performance by Jim Cornelison to keep the celebratory mood high for the more than 1,200 attendees in Coal City, Illinois.

The weather-defying weekend served as a real-world reflection of the carrier’s overarching “hold the line” theme.

Beyond the quick logistical thinking that saved the festivities, G&D/Hoffman utilized the annual gathering to recognize the elite personnel driving its industry-low turnover rate. The dry bulk specialist distributed thousands of dollars in bonus checks for loyal service and celebrated an extraordinary hardware haul, highlighted by its three National Tank Truck Carriers North American safety championship trophies and the recognition of its three NTTC Grand Champion drivers.

Dive deeper into the celebration by exploring Bulk Transporter’s complete collection of images, capturing the people and company culture that made this year’s event a resounding success.

Highlights from this exclusive media gallery include:

• The hardware haul: A look at G&D/Hoffman’s impressive collection of national safety awards on full display, including the coveted Usher trophy and three Heil trophies.
• Special guests: On-stage moments with surprise visitors Olczyk and Cornelison, alongside presentations detailing the company’s unmatched, zero-cost employee healthcare benefits.
• Elite talent: Dedicated service recognitions, bonus check presentations, and appearances by all three of the fleet’s NTTC Professional Tank Truck Drivers of the Year.