The Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) honored safety, professionalism, and performance during the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon at TXTA Annual Conference July 31 in Austin.
“The individuals and organizations honored at TXTA's Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon showcase the highest standards in our industry,” said TXTA President and CEO, John D. Esparza. “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
Sponsored by Tenstreet
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
Sponsored by Bair Hilty, P.C. and Transafe, Inc.
David Serach, Chalk Mountain Services of Texas
This 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
5-Axle Van – Christopher Pieper, HEB
4-Axle Van – Ruben Cortez, HEB
3-Axle Van – David Urrea IV, HEB
Texas Challenge 2025 Texas Champions
Dustin Henderson, DPS Officer, San Angelo – Overall DPS Grand Champion
Deputy Maurice Bucklin, Harris County Sheriff’s Office – Overall MCSAP Grand Champion
2025 Technician of the Year Top 5
Sponsored by Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies and Yokohama Tire
1st Place – Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion Freight Lines
2nd Place – Chris Gerrald, First Mile LLC
3rd Place – Brandon McNeill, Old Dominion Freight Lines
4th Place – Mohammad Algaghbeir, Travel Centers of America
5th 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
Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company
Grand Champion – Chalk Mountain Services of Texas
Category Winners:
First Place in the Intercity under 2.5 million category – BWI Companies, Inc.
First Place in the Intercity 5–10 million category – Dupre Logistics LLC
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, Inc.
First Place in the Local 1–5 million category – Palletized Trucking
First Place in the Local 5–10 million category – Gulfmark Energy, Inc.
First Place in the Local Over 10 million category – Chalk Mountain Services of Texas, LLC
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.
