Eight finalists selected for NTTC’s Usher Award

Jan. 6, 2014

National Tank Truck Carriers on January 5 named eight professional tank truck drivers as finalists in the selection process to become the recipient of the prestigious Usher Award recognizing the tank truck industry’s professional driver of the year. From that group, one will be selected as the NTTC Driver of the Year at the association’s annual conference in April.

Finalists include the following professional drivers: Allen Blair, Miller Transporters, Petal MS; Robert Coverson, Dupré Logistics LLC, Missouri City TX; Ronald Evans, Liquid Cargo Inc, Crown Point IN; Ronald Hawkins, K-Ltd Carrier, Perrysburg OH; Benjamin Robbins Jr, Quality Distribution, Salem NJ; James Starr, Groendyke Transport, Wichita KS; Robert Stevens, McKenzie Tank Lines, Panama City FL; and Robert Weller, Hahn Transportation, Monrovia MD.

"The strength of the entire group made the judging process very, very difficult,” said NTTC Chairman Jim Shaeffer. “Each and every applicant should be proud of their performance and commitment to safety. I encourage all NTTC members to participate next year in our annual Driver of the Year Award."

NTTC President Daniel R Furth added: “Congratulations are due to our finalists, as well as all of our applicants in this first year of our program. With over 20,898,124 collective accident free miles, our finalists truly represent the best of the best in the most challenging of all trucking segments.”

The award is named for William A Usher Sr of Louisville KY-based Usher Transport Inc for his extensive career in and service to the tank truck industry. NTTC member Baldwin & Lyons Inc is the official sponsor of the Award.

Finalists will now move forward to the final round of the selection process, which will be held January 30, 2014 in Arlington VA. A panel of industry officials will judge the contestants on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages, and overall safe driving record.

The 2013-2014 Usher Award recipient will be announced in Las Vegas NV at NTTC’s 66th Annual Conference & Exhibits on April 28, 2014. During the champion’s one-year term, the Usher Award winner will serve as the NTTC spokesman for the industry and will attend many NTTC events. The Usher Award furthers the NTTC’s mission to champion safety and success in both the tank truck community and the people we serve.