NPTC Inducts Four into Driver Hall of Fame

Nashville, TN – Four truck drivers who have logged more than a combined 146 years and 13.4 million miles of safe driving were honored by the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) and inducted into the NPTC Driver Hall of Fame during the NPTC Annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition held May 3-5, 2009 in Nashville, TN.

The drivers are from NPTC member companies and have met the minimum qualifications of 20 years, two million miles or 50,000 hours of driving without a preventable accident. Many of the drivers have far exceeded these qualifications and are known for having made significant contributions to their industry and their communities. Since its inception, 92 drivers have been installed in the Driver Hall of Fame. This year's Hall of Fame inductees are:

Jose Amor
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
El Paso, TX

Amor has accumulated 3.3 million miles without an accident or citation – an impressive achievement for anybody, let alone somebody who, with the assistance of a co-worker, taught himself to drive. Although driving for “only” 36 years, Armor is proud to have worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service for his entire 44-year career.

Today, Amor averages 1,200-2,600 miles a week driving throughout the southwestern United States. He pulls doubles and 45-ft., 48-ft., and 53-ft. dry van and reefer trailers delivering various retail merchandise to retail stores and distribution centers.

The support and understanding of his family motivates him to accomplish his job in a professional manner. He stays in shape by exercising as much as possible, maintaining good eating habits, getting plenty of rest, and most importantly starting off the day with a positive attitude. “I always drive defensively and this attitude helps me to keep a clean and safe driving record,” he says. “It is important to always be respectful and courteous to our fellow drivers and to moving or stopped vehicles we encounter.”

Melvin F. Hobden
Lance, Inc.
Commerce, TX

In his 43 years behind the wheel, Hobden has accumulated 2.7 million miles without a preventable accident. Along with that accomplishment, he has never received a citation in a personal or commercial vehicle.

Hobden learned to drive with Lance’s training program, and currently drives about 50 hours a week and delivers, in his words “Americas wants and needs.” He has taken that knowledge and helped to train most of Lance’s driving team in Texas. His strong work ethic is based on commitment to performance, commitment to teamwork, and commitment to Lance. Hobden believes in working until the job is done, and done right. His cab is always clean and he constantly maintains a professional appearance. He takes pride in his profession, believing the way you present yourself and your vehicle says volumes about the type of driver you are. Not surprising given his attention to detail, his paperwork is immaculate.

When Hobden gets behind the wheel, he gets real serious about his driving, keeping his concentration on what he is doing, and keeping in his mind “drive as though your life depends on it.” Melvin shows courtesy and professionalism in the way he drives, sets good examples, and uses all his acquired skills to get his job done correctly and safely.

Oscar Hymons, Jr.
Gwaltney Transportation, Division of Smithfield
Portsmouth, VA

For his entire 30-year commercial driving career, Hymons has hauled processed meats for Gwaltney Transportation, logging more than 3.6 million miles without an accident. His runs take him up and down the East Coast, and he currently averages 2,000 miles a week. Prior to joining Gwaltney, Hymons served in the U.S. Marines, where he learned to drive behind the wheel of a 25-ton lowboy. He has been elected driver of the month from Smithfield, has safe driving awards for the past 30 years and placed in the 2009 Virginia Truck Driving Championship, allowing him to compete at the National truck Driving Championship.

In the safety arena, Hymons’ self-discipline, knowledge, and pride keeps safety foremost in his mind. He always checks weather and road conditions before departing on his trips and conducts vehicle checks every 2-1/2 hours. He conveys responsibility, accountability and courtesy to his peers on the job. He is able to stay focused because he has five adult children that help at home when he is on the road. Between driving and his active reserve service, he restores old cars and is active in his church and Habitat for Humanity.

Mark R. Kaiser
Batesville Casket Company
Batesville, IN

In his 37-year career with Batesville Casket Company, Kaiser has driven more than 3.8 million accident-free miles. Currently, he logs 2,500 miles and 55 hours a week throughout the south and Midwest delivering caskets and parts. Throughout his driving career, he has received every safety award possible at Batesville and has been named Driver of the Month for the Indiana Motor Truck Association on several occasions. Kaiser earned IMTA’s prestigious certificate “Master Truck Driver,” which is awarded to drivers of commercial motor vehicles who meet high standards for educational achievement, professional conduct and accident-free driving.

Kaiser credits his father for teaching him not only to drive but who instilled within him the values of safety, wellness, and professionalism. He has taken those same standards and passed them on to his peers. He leads by example and is quick to share his experience with younger drivers. Married with two children, Kaiser shares his time as a Trucker Buddy and as a volunteer at his church. In addition, he likes to restore classic cars.

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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