Driver of the Year
Honoring the Industry's Safest Professional Drivers
The Driver of the Year Banquet is April 4, 2025
The Ohio Trucking Association is proud to recognize our 2024 Driver of the Year finalists! These drivers have demonstrated their commitment to the industry by promoting a positive image, professionalism, and safety throughout their careers.
We are honored to acknowledge those who keep our roads safe every day:
- Steven Brand, FedEx Freight
- Michael Carreon, PGT Trucking, Inc.
- Daniel Clark, Classic Carriers, Inc.
- Timothy Doerfler, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Howard Friend, Pitt Ohio
- Michael Patton, Ward Transport & Logistics
- Robert Ritter, Continental Express, Inc.
- Steve Runyon, Walmart Transportation
- Rick Russell, Clopay Transportation Company
- Dennis Smith, Ports Petroleum Co., Inc.
- Gary Smith, Garner Trucking, Inc.
- Charles Tankred, J.W. Didado Electric LLC
We invite you to join us on April 4, 2025, at the Driver of the Year Banquet presented by Great West Casualty Company. This event, held at Creekside Event Center in Gahanna, Ohio, is your chance to congratulate these individuals and to watch us announce the 2024 Driver of the Year!
About the Driver of the Year Banquet on April 4, 2025
Event Date:
Friday, April 4
(Banquet registration deadline is Friday, March 21, 2025)
Schedule of Events:
5:30pm – Cocktail Reception
6:15pm – Dinner
7:15pm – Awards Ceremony
Event Location:
Creekside Event Center
101 Mill Street, Suite 300
Gahanna, OH 43230
Event Parking:
Free parking is available in the underground garage. Entrance for the garage is located at the light at Mill Street and Walnut Street. Once in the garage follow orange the signs to elevators 101A (you will make three rights). Park and take the elevator up to the third floor. Please note that this is a free public lot, with first come, first serve parking. There are no reserved spaces.
Thank You to our Presenting Sponsor
