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TCA Honors 2006 Company Equipment Drivers of the Year

03/22/2007

Las Vegas, Nevada:

In the 18th Annual “Company Equipment Driver of the Year” contest sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, Detroit Diesel, and Truckers News, five TCA-member company drivers were honored as the nation’s best. The awards, presented March 13th during TCA’s Annual Convention at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, were based on the drivers’ excellent safety records, unblemished work history, and involvement in the community and industry.

The top five winners and their prizes are:

Grand Prize Winner, Steve Udelhoven

Steve Udelhoven began his 17-year truck-driving career with Art Pape Transfer at the age of 25. A former Marine and dedicated father, Steve places his three children as his #1 priority in his life. His discipline and attention to detail have served him well in his profession, in which he can boast an unblemished, accident-free driving record. A hard worker, Steve lives on an 80-acre farm in Mt. Hope, Wisconsin, where he spends weekends with his children.

As the Grand Prize Winner, Mr. Udelhoven will receive the following prizes:

All-expense paid trip for two to the Grand Ole Opry donated by Detroit Diesel Corporation
CoPilot Truck Laptop donated by ALK Technologies, Inc.
$2,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Truckers News – Randall-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$1,500 reward card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
$1,000 cash donated by Ahern & Associates
$1,000 Frequent Fueler MoneyCard donated by Flying J
$1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
$1,000 cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc.
$1,000 cash donated by Peterbilt Motors Company
$750 cash donated by Roadranger – Eaton & Dana Corporation
$500 for award catalog donated by C. A. Short Company
$500 gift card donated by Pilot Corporation
$500 gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$500 cash donated by TMW Systems, Inc.
$200 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$200 cash donated by DNV Certification
$100 cash card & duffle bag donated by Petro Stopping Centers
DA 34100 Purest Air Dryer donated by Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems
62120 Dieselmatic NVT Kit with Cylinder donated by KBI/Kold Ban International
30 TripPak Overnite Envelopes donated by TripPak Services, Inc.

Second Place Winner, Eugene Hubbard

Eugene Hubbard has acquired an impeccable safety record in his 25-year career, having driven 3.6 million miles with no accidents or violations. He is committed to his profession, customers, and community, evidenced by his 30-year service to volunteer fire companies and his active participation in fundraising for his Boy Scout Troop and the Share a Dream organization. Eugene learned the “ins and outs” of the trucking industry from his parents, who owned a small trucking company until they retired in 1977. It is this experience that instilled in him the importance of establishing excellent relationships with shippers and receivers, treating everyone with respect, and maintaining a record of on-time deliveries and pickups. Eugene lives in Ripley, New York.

Mr. Hubard will receive the following prizes:

All-expense paid trip for two to the Grand Ole Opry donated by Detroit Diesel Corporation
$1,000 Frequent Fueler MoneyCard donated by Flying J
$1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
$1,000 reward card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
$1,000 cash donated by Peterbilt Motors Company
$1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Truckers News – Randall-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$700 cash donated by Roadranger – Eaton & Dana Corporation
$350 gift card donated by Pilot Corporation
$350 gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$250 cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc.
$200 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$200 cash donated by DNV Certification

Third Place Winner, Bruce Pfeffer

Bruce Pfeffer has spent 20 of his 28 years in the industry with Smithway Motor Xpress, receiving the company’s 1 Million and 2 Million Mile awards for safe driving. As a driver trainer with an outstanding reputation for on-time deliveries, Bruce has inspired many new drivers to go on to a tenured, conscientious, and safe driving career. His strong work ethic began on his family farm in Iowa and continued as he worked his way through school with determination and a professional attitude. Among his many traits, Bruce has a passion for service, leads by example, believes in team work, and always puts safety first by being mindful of others’ driving habits as well as his own. Bruce lives in Wesley, Iowa.

Mr. Pfeffer will receive the following prizes:

All-expense paid trip for two to the Grand Ole Opry donated by Detroit Diesel Corporation $1,000 Frequent Fueler MoneyCard donated by Flying J $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc. $1,000 cash donated by Peterbilt Motors Company $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Truckers News – Randall-Reilly Trucking Media Group $500 reward card donated by Love’s Travel Stops $500 cash donated by Roadranger – Eaton & Dana Corporation $350 gift card donated by Pilot Corporation $350 gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America $250 cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc. $200 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc. $200 cash donated by DNV Certification

Fourth Place Winner, Jean-Charles Huard

Jean-Charles Huard has a passion for trucking, evident in the care and maintenance he provides for his truck and in the amount of time he spends on the road. He credits his long-term success to his wife, who raised their three children while he was traveling. Today his eldest son is following in his footsteps—a third-generation trucker. Selected as Transport Robert’s 2006 Driver of the Year, Jean-Charles has exemplified the qualities of an accomplished professional with his record of zero chargeable accidents, customer service, personal attitude, and no driving violations. Jean-Charles lives in Hopetown, Quebec, with his wife Nicole.

Mr. Huard will receive the following prizes:

$1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc. $1,000 cash donated by Peterbilt Motors Company $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Truckers News – Randall-Reilly Trucking Media Group $350 gift card donated by Pilot Corporation $350 gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America $275 cash donated by Roadranger – Eaton & Dana Corporation $250 cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc. $200 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc. $200 cash donated by DNV Certification

Fifth Place Winner, Denis Sansoucy

Denis Sansoucy, a resident of Beloeil, Quebec, proudly shares his knowledge and safe-driving expertise with newly hired drivers as a driver trainer for Transport Robert. In his 36 years of driving more than 3 million miles without accidents or service violations, Denis has always been above average in his concern for safety and customers’ demands and commitments. He is highly respected by his colleagues and is considered a natural leader who always seeks corrective solutions to problems.

Mr. Sansoucy will receive the following prizes:

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TCA Honors 2006 Company Equipment Drivers of the Year