2017 Citizen Driver Honorees

Posted on April 5, 2017 by TravelCenters of America Inc.

Marty Ellis

Driving Career: 22 Years
Employer: A & A Express
Career Mileage: 3.27 Million

Marty has a huge heart, and is ready and willing to help anyone in need. His positive attitude and big smile have touched many people. He is the guy who gets out of his truck in the rain to help someone, or gives away his last dollar without thinking twice. He’s humble about his achievements, and quick to give credit and praise to others.

In 2002, he became involved in the South Dakota Convoy and Truck Show benefiting Special Olympics and has helped grow the event every year, bringing enormous benefits to kids with special needs. He is dedicated to the trucking industry and to advocating for truckers through various forums and listening sessions.

Evan “Buddy” Haston

Driving Career: 51 Years
Employer: National Carriers, Inc.
Career Mileage: 6 Million

Buddy is involved in his community, church, and workplace, and is the plumb line that others are measured against. He takes the constant changes of the profession in stride, whether it’s dealing with difficult customers, congested traffic, or the day-to-day struggles associated with physical and mental health. Through it all, he has established a standard of excellence and integrity, which has not gone unnoticed.

Buddy is always positive, with a smile on his face. He is quick to put the needs of others first, lending assistance physically, spiritually, or financially. All of these accomplishments, and many more, have been achieved with God, country, and family as his priorities.

Idella M. Hansen

Driving Career: 48 Years
Employer: IBI Secured Transport, Inc.
Career Mileage: 5 Million

Idella is a true professional in all aspects of her career; her strong work ethic shines and her employers have high praise for her. Her ability and dedication have earned her the respect of her fellow drivers. She has had to overcome many difficulties breaking into such a male-dominated industry, but she’s never wavered and is a strong proponent for women drivers, encouraging and mentoring them.

She also strongly believes in giving back, actively volunteering with numerous trucking organizations, her community, and at her local church. She won a citizenship award in her hometown of Camden, Arkansas for her work in the community to help with festivals and events, and her many acts of compassion and kindness.

Dick Pingel

Driving Career: 41 Years
Employer: D&G Transportation
Career Mileage: 4 Million

Dick is passionate about the trucking industry and cares deeply about the welfare of the driver community. He is determined to make a difference for both experienced drivers and those just starting out, and works tirelessly with several organizations to accomplish this. He is personable and easy-going and promotes a positive image wherever he goes.

He is a 16-year member of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, a non-profit trade association representing the interests of truck and motor coach owners within the state of Wisconsin. Dick was the first owner/operator to join, prompting them to create an owner/operator member category.

Jim Wilcox

Driving Career: 35 Years
Employer: Spiff Services & San Juan College
Career Mileage: 1.6 Million

To say Jim has dedicated himself to the trucking industry in an understatement. With his countless awards and accolades, it’s obvious that the industry is better because of him.

His recognition includes: Induction into the YRC Freight National Driver Hall of Fame in 2013. He was one of 12 drivers to be inducted at that point in the 90 year history of Yellow Roadway Corporation. The 2005 Yellow Transportation Professional Excellence Award. Jim was the first driver to receive this annual award. The 1988 Colorado State Truck Driving Championships Professional Excellence Award – this is given to the contestant that best exemplifies Colorado’s professional truck driver as evidenced by his driving record, skill, attitude and personality.

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