Doug Andrus Distributing LLC’s Robert Howell and Prime Inc.’s Glen Horack Awarded in 2021 Driver of the Year Contests

LAS VEGAS, Nevada:

On Tuesday evening, during the Annual Closing Banquet at the Truckload Carriers Association’s Truckload 2022: Las Vegas, TCA and its partners, Overdrive and Truckers News, along with its long-time sponsors, Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops, announced the winners of the 2021 Driver of the Year Contests.

The 2021 Company Driver of the Year award was presented to Robert Howell, of Shelley, Idaho, who drives for Doug Andrus Distributing LLC based in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The 2021 Owner Operator of the Year was presented to Glen Horack of Elkland, Missouri, who is leased to Prime Inc. based in Springfield, Missouri.

Both drivers received a $25,000 cash prize for their achievements.

The annual contests, sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Indiana, recognize the top company drivers and owner operators in the U.S. and Canada who provide reliable and safe truck transportation in moving the nation’s goods.

Prior to the announcement, Love’s Travel Stops Vice President of Sales Jon Archard said of the company driver finalists, “To make it to this stage here tonight, each of the finalists had to possess an impeccable safety record, a relentless work ethic, and unbending commitment to their profession.” He added “However, they’re here for more than what they do, but equally for who they are as people, on the road, in their local communities and within their families.”

Like many drivers in the past, Howell got his start on the family farm. For Howell, that meant delivering potatoes from the field to a processor in an old Chevrolet 10-wheeler with a spud bed. He was 14 years old. Howell, who turns 60 this year, still enjoys what he does after 38 years and more than 5 million accident-free miles.

“Robbie has literally become the ‘poster child’ of the company and we frequently use him in our company advertising,” said Doug Andrus Distributing LLC’s CEO Clay Murdoch. “He is the most dedicated and consistent driver we have ever had. He has the truck driver life figured out.”

Cummins Inc. Executive Director of Field Sales, José Samperio, said of the owner operator finalists, “The three owner operators you’re about to meet are shining examples of what it means to be great trucking citizens.” He added that “applying for this contest is slightly more rigorous than the Company Driver contest as the finalists must submit financial plans and business statements to show their savviness as business owners, in addition to driving safely.”

Four-time Owner-Operator of the Year finalist Glen Horack and his wife, Karla, have been team-driving now for 13 years. Glen has driven trucks since 1983, and since he became an owner-operator in the early 1990s has been leased to Prime, Inc., for almost all of that time.

“Glen has managed to have 100% on-time service during his entire time with us,” said Prime Inc. President Robert Low. “Having drivers like Glen is what makes this company so successful. I am honored to have someone like him working with our company and am proud to consider him as part of our Prime Family.”

Each of the runners-up in both categories received checks for $2,500:

• Denny Cravener with Givens Transportation based in Chesapeake, Virginia;
• Robert Cole with Ryder Systems, Inc. based in Miami, Florida;
• Gene Houchin with Midwest Express LLC based in Grand Island, Nebraska; and
• Allen and Sandy Smith leased to National Carriers, Inc. based in Irving, Texas.

To learn more about the contests or to nominate a deserving driver for the 2022 competition this Fall, visit www.truckload.org/DOY.

View photos and updates from Truckload 2022: Las Vegas by following the hashtag #2022TCA on social media networks or access our event album here.