Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) recognized excellence in safety, professionalism, and performance at the Safety and Maintenance Awards Luncheon held July 30 during the association's 2026 Annual Conference at the San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio.
“The individuals and organizations recognized at TXTA’s Annual Safety and Maintenance Luncheon represent the very best of the trucking industry,” said TXTA President and CEO John D. Esparza. “Their commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence helps strengthen our industry and protect everyone who shares the road. We are honored to recognize these outstanding leaders for the example they set every day.”
Th e award winners included:
TXTA Driver of the Year
Sponsored by Tenstreet
Kevin Mann, Sr., Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport
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.
Jay Ferguson, McRay Crane & Rigging
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.
C. H. Cheshire Award
Sponsored by Commercial Fleet Data Systems
Sgt. Tim Davis, Texas Department of Public Safety
The C.H. Cheshire Award is presented to an individual in law enforcement, current or retired, and recognizes their support and contributions made to the TXTA Safety Management Council (SMC) in promoting safer highways in Texas.
Distinguished Award for Excellence in Service
Bethany Hobbs, Lee Trans
The Excellence in Service Award is presented to an individual who best exemplifies the willing dedication to be of service to the Safety Management Council (SMC), the industry, their company and the motoring public.
Fleet Maintenance Council Leadership Award
Robert Pontious, Pressure Systems International
This award was established by the TXTA Fleet Maintenance Council (FMC) Executive Committee to honor an individual who best exemplifies the willing dedication to be of service to the motor transportation industry, the TXTA FMC, his or her company and the motoring public. The recipient is one who has demonstrated the qualities of interest, enthusiasm and leadership in achieving these multiple goals.
The Texas State Truck Driving Championship winners included:
State Grand Champion – Matthew "Logan" Montandon, FedEx
Flatbed – Juan Martinez, H-E-B
Step Van – Joshua Tamayo, FedEx
Sleeper Berth – Robert Svoboda, Walmart
Straight Truck – Matthew "Logan" Montandon, FedEx
Tank Truck – Aryn Pittaway, FedEx
Twin Trailers – Ronald "Ronnie" Ramon, H-E-B
5-Axle Van – Andres Garcia, FedEx Freight
4-Axle Van – Edward "Eddie" Camacho, H-E-B
3-Axle Van – David McNeeley, Old Dominion Freight Line
Texas Challenge 2026 Texas Champions
DPS Grand Champion - Corporal Kaleb Rains, Texas Department of Public Safety
MCSAP Grand Champion – Justin Scott, Houston Police Department
2026 Technician of the Year Top 5
Sponsored by Yokohama Tire Corp., Cummins - Meritor and Pressure Systems International
1st Place: Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight
2nd Place: Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
3rd Place: Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
4th Place: Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Lines
5th Place: Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment
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
Grand Champion – Chalk Mountain Services of Texas
Category Winners:
First Place in the Intercity Under 2.5 Million – W.M. Dewey & Son, Inc.
First Place in the Intercity 5–10 Million – ABF Freight
First Place in the Intercity Over 20 Million – Old Dominion Freight Line
First Place in the Local Under 1 Million – W.M. Dewey & Son, Inc.
First Place in the Local 1–5 Million – SWTO, LLC (7-Eleven)
First Place in the Local 5–10 Million – Gulfmark Energy, Inc.
First Place in the Local Over 10 Million – 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.
