Caledonia Haulers recently claimed the Minnesota Trucking Association’s Tank/Bulk Carrier safety award for fleets logging over 3 million miles in Minnesota. The association presented the honor during the Fleet Safety Awards luncheon at its 94th Annual Conference in Brainerd, Minnesota.
The annual event recognizes carriers, safety professionals, and drivers who set the standard for highway safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across the state.
“We’re incredibly proud of our drivers’ commitment to safety and their attentiveness on the road—not only for themselves, but for everyone they share it with,” the company stated in a LinkedIn post.
This safety milestone is another chapter in the rich history of the Caledonia, Minnesota-based liquid food-grade carrier. Founded in 1958 when six men—including Joe Gavin, father of current owner, president, and CEO Dennis Gavin—each invested $200 to purchase a bulk milk tank trailer, the carrier has grown into a major industry player. Today, Caledonia annually logs more than 25 million miles across 48 states and Canada while transporting essentials like corn sweetener, vegetable oils, and dairy products. The carrier’s strict adherence to rigorous safety metrics and equipment maintenance paved the way for this year’s MTA recognition.
“It takes a lot of good, talented people to make this thing go,” Dennis said in the 2022 Bulk Transporter cover story. “It’s not just me. It’s everyone, from our shop to our operations, recruiting, and safety.”
Other award winners at the 94th Annual Conference included:
- Fleet Safety Grand Champion: Brenny Transportation and Brenny Specialized
- Safety Professional of the Year: Lisa Gonnerman, TA Dedicated/SFI Companies
- Maintenance Professional of the Year: Allan Nebel, TA Dedicated
- Truckload Carrier Safety Winner (Over 10 million Minnesota Miles): Halvor Lines
The awards luncheon featured a keynote address from FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs, who highlighted the critical role top-tier fleets play in maintaining commercial vehicle safety and protecting motorists on the road.
“Congratulations to Brenny Transportation and Brenny Specialized on being awarded 2026 Fleet Safety Grand Champion at our 94th Annual Conference,” the association said in a Facebook post. “Your dedication to building a strong safety culture truly sets the standard for our industry.
“Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”
