NPTC Presents Fleet Leadership Awards

Cincinnati, OH – The National Private Truck Council (NPTC) presented its F.L.E.E.T. Leadership Awards, co-sponsored by Heavy Duty Trucking/Newport Communications, at the group’s Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition held April 27-29, 2008 in Cincinnati, OH.

Since 1990, the NPTC F.L.E.E.T. Awards (For Leadership, Enterprise, and Excellence in Trucking) are given annually to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the National Private Truck Council, their profession, and the private trucking community.

The Private Fleet Executive of the Year, NPTC's highest individual award, went to Haig R. Dikijian, CTP, Safety Program Director for Verizon Logistics. Dikijian has been in the transportation industry with the same company for more than 43 years – formerly New York Telephone, Nynex, Bell Atlantic, and GTE – now Verizon Logistics where he oversees its safety program. Haig has served on the NPTC Board of Directors, NPTC Membership Committee and is currently an active member of the NPTC Safety Committee. Haig achieved his CTP certification with the first graduating class in 1993 and continues to maintain his CDL ‘A’ License (with all endorsements) as well.

The Fleet Safety Professional of the Year Award was awarded to John N. Thompson, Hazardous Materials Specialist for Matheson Tri-Gas. Including his current position, Thompson has worked in the industry more than 43 years ago with Airco Industrial Gases which was later acquired by BOC Gases. During that time his jobs included Assistant Plant Shipper, Plant Shipper, Transport Liaison Manger, Manager Distribution, Manager Distribution Cylinders and Hazardous Material Specialist.

The Fleet Member of the Year Award went to John C. Hinton, Transportation Manager for Harris Teeter. Prior to his present position at Harris Teeter, Hinton was the Director of Transportation for a major automotive supplier for 27 years and has been in private-carrier management for more than 31 years. Hinton was involved with NPTC since its inception in the early 1990s and was active in its predecessor organization, the Private Truck Council of America.

This year’s Allied Member of the Year Award winner was Brian McLaughlin, Executive Vice President for PeopleNet. Since 2001, McLaughlin has been leading marketing, product development, communications and inside sales programs. He serves as the Chairman of the PeopleNet Product Advisory Council. McLaughlin has nearly 20 years experience in developing and marketing advanced technology solutions to various industries including Transportation and Financial Services. He serves as Vice Chairman of the American Trucking Association’s Task Force for Onboard Recorders, and is an active member of many other industry associations.

The NPTC Membership Development Award honored Greg Mathein, formerly Manager, Traffic & Transportation for Senco Products, Inc. Mathein has worked in private fleet management and transportation for more than 39 years. In his most recent capacity, Greg was responsible for Global Traffic and Transportation Management and Fleet Operations and had worked for Senco Products for 34 years. He served as Vice Chairman of National Private Truck Council and its Executive Committee for six years.

In addition, Daniel P. Smith of Smart & Final received the inaugural Daniel P. Smith Life Achievement Award, given to an individual who has made significant leadership contributions to the NPTC in helping advance the goals and objectives of the Council and whose personal traits of honor, integrity, tenacitiy, and devotion to duty in making these contributions serve as an exemplary model for future NPTC-member private fleet professionals.

Dan has served on the NPTC Board of Directors from 1986-1994, from 1996 to 2004 and again starting in 2007. During this time, he has served on all the committees, started the Legislative & Regulatory Advisory Committee and the California State Liaison Committee, served on various tasks force to include the reorganization that is in place today with our division and standing committees and was Chairman of the NPTC for three years. He currently is Chair of the PR/Marketing Committee for another two-year term.

About NPTC
Founded in 1939, the National Private Truck Council is the only national trade association exclusively representing the interests of the private truck industry and corporate/business private truck fleet management. NPTC is the premier marketplace of information, networking and skill building for private fleet professionals as it leads in shaping the future of corporate transportation.

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