Safety first: TXTA celebrates trucking excellence

The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) recently honored safety, professionalism, and performance during the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon at the TXTA Annual Conference in Austin.

Tank truck companies Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, Dupré Logistics, and GulfMark Energy once again shined, with Fort Worth-based Chalk Mountain claiming the grand championship in the TXTA Truck Safety Contest for the third time in four years. Groendyke Transport won it last year.

Chalk Mountain also placed first in the Local Over 10 million category July 31, and David Serach, director of safety at Chalk Mountain, earned the Distinguished Safety Award. Dupré placed first in the Intercity 5–10 million category and GulfMark won in the Local 5–10 million category.

See also: Tank truckers star in 2024 TXTA safety awards

“The individuals and organizations honored at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon showcase the highest standards in our industry,” John D. Esparza, TXTA president and CEO, said in a news release. “From safe driving and maintenance to fleet operations and enforcement, these award recipients demonstrate the integrity, skill, and dedication that keep our industry moving safely and efficiently.

“We are proud to celebrate their contributions.”

TXTA Driver of the Year

• Roy Gilleland, Old Dominion Freight Line

The TXTA Driver of the Year is selected from among the best professional truck drivers in Texas. After being nominated by their employers, drivers are evaluated based on criteria including accident-free miles, professionalism, consistency, and service tenure. The winner represents TXTA in the American Trucking Associations’ National Driver of the Year competition.

Distinguished Safety Award

• David Serach, Chalk Mountain Services of Texas

This prestigious award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and results in promoting motor fleet safety and protecting lives and property in the motor traffic environment.

Texas State Truck Driving Championship

The Truck Driving Championships, hosted by TXTA’s Safety Management Council, Local Safety Councils, and Fleet Maintenance Council, test drivers’ ability to safely maneuver and control commercial vehicles through challenging conditions. Winners from regional and state competitions advance to national competition.

Truck Driving Championship winners

• State Grand Champion: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
• Step van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
• Sleeper berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart Transportation
• Straight truck: Jason Salazar, HEB
• Tank truck: David Sanchez, HEB
• Twin trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
• Five-axle van: Christopher Pieper, HEB
• Four-axle van: Ruben Cortez, HEB
• Three-axle van: David Urrea IV, HEB

Texas Challenge 2025 Texas champions

• Overall DPS Grand Champion: Dustin Henderson, DPS officer, San Angelo
• Overall MCSAP Grand Champion: Deputy Maurice Bucklin, Harris County sheriff’s office

2025 Technician of the Year Top 5

• First place: Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Second place: Chris Gerrald, First Mile
• Third place: Brandon McNeill, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Fourth place: Mohammad Algaghbeir, Travel Centers of America
• Fifth place: Christopher Cooper, Travel Centers of America

The TXTA Technician of the Year Contest, founded in 1982, honors skilled heavy vehicle mechanics. Competitors are tested on technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities in a hands-on format, highlighting the critical role technicians play in the safety and reliability of commercial fleets.

TXTA Truck Safety Contest

• Grand Champion: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas

Category winners:

• First place in the Intercity under 2.5 million category: BWI Companies
• First place in the Intercity 5–10 million category: Dupré Logistics
• First place in the Intercity over 20 million category: Old Dominion Freight Line
• First place in the Local Under 1 million category: McRay Crane & Rigging
• First place in the Local 1–5 million category: Palletized Trucking
• First place in the Local 5–10 million category: GulfMark Energy
• First place in the Local Over 10 million category: Chalk Mountain Services of Texas

The Truck Safety Contest recognizes TXTA member fleets with the lowest overall accident frequency rates, celebrating commitment to safety through proactive policies and a culture of professionalism on the road.